We all know that goalie gloves have a short shelf-life. Their average lifespan is 12-14 games, give or take, but this also depends on how players care for them. 

But how do you know for sure that you need a pair of goalie gloves, especially if they seem to have worn out prematurely? 

Here’s a look at some signs of wear-and-tear in goalie gloves. 

1. Glove Latex Starts Deteriorating

Latex is durable but delicate. One sign of goalie glove wear-and-tear is latex that starts to peel and look flakey, especially at the palms. 

Exposure to dirt from the ball and the pitch itself sands away latex, weakening its structure. Even sweat and bacteria eat away at latex, leading to further damage.  

Of course, damaged latex reduces grip, so you’ll want to replace your gloves once they reach that point. 

2.  The Padding Has Worn Out 

Thinning or compressed padding, especially around the glove’s backhand, is a tell-tale sign of wear-and-tear. Also, if you notice that the gloves aren’t cushioning your hands and fingers during a save anymore, then the pads have definitely worn out. At that point, it’s time to consider looking for a new pair of gloves. 

3. Velcro and Wrists Straps No Longer Stick 

Damaged velcro or wrist straps are a more overt sign of dying goalie gloves. If the velcro doesn’t stick anymore, there’s no sense holding onto your gloves. 

Also, if the wrist straps are torn or worn out, you won’t be able to secure the glove. You definitely don’t want your gloves going airborne during a match, so get a new pair if the straps and velcro no longer stick! 

4. Damaged Finger Protection 

Some of you (or your kids) wear goalie gloves with finger spines to prevent finger injuries. Normally, they’re stiff to keep the fingers stable. But if they’re damaged or bent, they’re no longer useful. In fact, using damaged finger spines can be risky, because they give the illusion of offering protection, when in fact, they no longer work. 

In this case, replacement is in order. 

With that said, if your gloves have removable finger spines that are damaged, there’s no need to replace the gloves. You just need to replace the spines themselves. 

Time for a Glove Substitution? 

Remember the general rule of thumb—goalie gloves last for 12-14 games before they wear out. So if you’re on the upper end of that range or beyond, then it’s probably time to buy a new pair. It’s also likely that if you look close enough, you’ll see some signs of wear and tear. 

On that note, if you’re buying goalie gloves too often, then you might want to do the following:

• Keep two pair of gloves and rotate between them so you use each pair less
• Make sure you’re washing, drying and storing them properly
• Purchase heavy-duty goalie gloves that are built for longevity

Keep these points in mind when handling goalie gloves, and you won’t have to struggle with them again.