Is This Normal Glove Wear?

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A straight-talking guide to grip, latex, and why wear is part of the job.

If you're here because your gloves are wearing down quicker than you expected — this page is for you.

You're not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from keepers and parents:

“Why are the palms peeling?”

“Is this a defect?”

“They’ve only been used 3 times — is this normal?”

Let’s set the record straight.

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How to measure your child’s hand

If your gloves are showing signs of wear after just a few sessions, that doesn’t mean they’re faulty.

It means the latex is doing what it was designed to do: grip.

Latex is a soft, high-performance material. The stickier it is, the more fragile it becomes. That’s the trade-off.

Better grip = softer latex = faster wear.

That’s how it works. Always has.

If you’re using match-quality gloves (like ours), expect visible wear from the first few sessions — especially if you’re playing on turf, diving aggressively, or using poor recovery technique.

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How wear happens(and why it’s not a problem)

Latex wears down through friction — not time.

It’s the constant impact, catching, diving, pushing off the ground, and recovering that breaks it down.

What does normal wear look like?

  • Peeling on the palms
  • Flattening of the latex texture
  • Abrasions on the fingertips
  • Small nicks or surface tears where you push off
  • Faster wear on one glove (usually your dominant hand)

None of this means the grip is gone. In fact, our gloves perform until there’s almost nothing left on the palm. You’ll often see keepers using a heavily worn pair and still catching clean — because it’s about feel, not looks.

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Why you can have two identical pairs — and one wears faster

This is something we hear a lot:

“I’ve got two pairs of the same model. One’s fine. The other’s wearing fast. What gives?”

Here’s why:

  • You might train more in one than the other
  • You may dive harder on one surface (turf vs grass)
  • You’re using different recovery habits depending on fatigue
  • One hand takes more impact (your dominant side will wear faster)

Same glove. Different context. Different wear.

This is why we always recommend separating gloves by use:
One pair for matches. One for training. Even if they’re the same model — different usage = different lifespan.

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Technique matters.Especially for junior keepers.

No one likes to hear it, but it’s true:

A huge amount of wear — especially in youth gloves — comes down to poor technique.

If a keeper is dragging their palms when they stand up, diving hands-first onto turf, or landing flat on the latex — it’ll shred fast. That’s not a glove fault. That’s part of learning.

That’s why we use Giga latex on all our junior models — it’s more durable, less prone to tearing, and built to help younger keepers develop without destroying gloves every other session.

How long should gloves last?

There’s no fixed number. But here’s a rough guide:

Match gloves (4mm Pro Contact latex): ~8–12 matches with proper care

Training gloves or Giga latex: depends on frequency, surface, and habits

On turf or hard ground: expect faster wear, no matter the model

Some pros wear through gloves in 3 games. Others get 20+.

It’s not about time — it’s about how you use them.

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So when should I replace them?

When the latex is completely gone, or you’ve lost control and feel in the hand.

Cosmetic wear doesn’t mean performance loss.

Our gloves are designed to perform until they’re down to the fabric. If they still grip, they’re still good.

How to extend glove life (without killing grip)

Always rinse before first use to activate the latex
Dampen before play (dry latex wears faster)
Rinse after every session — cold water only
Dry flat, away from heat
Store them flat, not crushed in your bag
Never use match gloves for training
Don’t drag your hands when recovering

Want a deeper dive? Read our full guide on how to make your gloves last longer →

Final word

This isn’t a fault. It’s football.

Your gloves are a tool — and tools wear down when they’re used properly.

If you’re seeing wear after a few sessions, you’re not alone.

It means you’re diving. Catching. Moving like a real keeper. It means the latex is doing what it was built for.

Our gloves will grip until there’s nothing left.

We don’t build them to stay pretty. We build them to perform.

FAQs

Why are my gloves wearing out so quickly?

Because you’re using match-grade latex — which is softer and more sensitive. If you’re training regularly, diving hard, or playing on turf, this is completely normal.

Can I return gloves that have worn after a few uses?

No — wear and tear is expected with use, especially on soft latex. It’s not a product fault; it’s a result of usage, which varies per keeper.

Why is only one glove more worn than the other?

Most keepers have a dominant hand that does more catching, diving, or recovery work. One glove will always wear faster — totally normal.

My child’s gloves are worn after just a few weeks — is that expected?

Yes. Younger keepers often drag their hands or dive palms-down while learning. That’s why our junior gloves use Giga latex — more durable for this stage of development.

How do I know when to replace gloves?

When the grip is gone and you’ve lost control. Peeling latex doesn’t mean they’re finished. If they still perform, keep using them.

What’s the best way to stop gloves from wearing so fast?

Use them properly. Don’t wear match gloves for training. Rinse them after every session. Keep them slightly damp before playing. And clean up your technique.