The wrong size is the number one cause of returns and disappointment in goalkeeper gloves. It's not an exaggeration: a glove that's too big makes you drop the ball; one that's too small pinches and distracts you throughout the match.
Yet choosing the right size isn't complicated — you only need two measurements and a chart like this one. Nothing more.
In this guide you'll find everything: how to measure your hand accurately, complete conversion charts for adults and children, and how to interpret fit across different brands.
How to Measure Your Hand: The Mast Method
You need 2 minutes and a simple ruler or tape measure.
Measurement 1: Hand length
This is the most important measurement. Follow these steps:
- Hold your hand open, fingers together, palm facing up
- Place the start of the tape at the base of the palm (wrist crease)
- Measure to the tip of the middle finger
- Record the measurement in centimetres
Measurement 2: Palm circumference
This is the control measurement. It determines the base glove size. Follow these steps:
- Open your hand, fingers extended and together, palm facing up
- Wrap the tape around the widest part — just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb
- The tape should pass over the knuckles and below the base of the fingers
- Don't tighten: the tape should adhere to the skin without compressing it
- Record the measurement in centimetres
Changing room tip: If you're between two measurements (e.g. 17.5 cm), always round up. Better 2–3 mm of extra space than a glove that pinches.
Goalkeeper Glove Size Chart — Adults
| Size | Palm circumference (cm) | Hand length (cm) | Hand type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 16.5 – 17.5 | 17.5 – 18.5 | Junior |
| 8 | 17.5 – 18.5 | 18.5 – 19.5 | Junior – Senior |
| 9 | 18.5 – 19.5 | 19.5 – 20.5 | Senior |
| 10 | 19.5 – 20.5 | 20.5 – 21.5 | Senior |
| 11 | 20.5 – 21.5 | 21.5 – 22.5 | Senior |
Notes on the chart
- Size 9 is the best seller in Italy. If you're an average-height man (170–180 cm), it's probably yours.
- Size 10 is common among keepers over 180 cm or with proportionally large hands.
- Sizes 7–8 are typical for teenagers 12–16, women, or adults with very small hands.
- Sizes 11–12 are for keepers over 190 cm or with exceptionally large hands.
Goalkeeper Glove Size Chart — Children
| Size | Palm circumference (cm) | Hand length (cm) | Approx. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 – 13 | 13 – 14 | 5 – 7 years |
| 5 | 13 – 14 | 14 – 15 | 7 – 9 years |
| 6 | 14 – 15.5 | 15 – 16.5 | 9 – 11 years |
| 7 | 15.5 – 17 | 16.5 – 18 | 11 – 13 years |
For children, don't rely on age: two children the same age can have very different hand sizes. Always measure the hand before ordering.
Fit: Tight Fit vs Regular Fit
The same size can fit differently depending on the glove's fit type. Mast, like many brands, indicates fit in the product description.
Regular Fit (Standard Fit)
- Leaves a small gap (2–4 mm) between fingertips and the end of the glove
- Fingers move freely inside the glove
- High comfort, zero distraction during long matches
- Ideal for: keepers who prioritise comfort, long matches, training sessions
Tight Fit (Snug Fit, "Second Skin")
- The glove adheres exactly to the hand, with no extra space
- Fingers must not touch the inner tip of the glove
- Maximum sensitivity and ball feel
- Ideal for: all keepers seeking maximum ball sensitivity and strong grip on the ball
How to choose between tight and regular
If your preferred model is only available in tight fit and you're between two sizes, take the larger one. A tight fit already reduces internal space — going down a size would make it unwearable.
Conversely, if it's regular fit and you're between sizes, you can take the smaller size for a more precise fit — regular fit has margin built in.
Conversion Between Different Brands
Every brand has its own size chart. A Reusch size 9 might equal a 9.5 Uhlsport or 8.5 The One Glove. Fit can also vary between models of the same brand depending on cut (flat, roll, negative). Here's an indicative conversion table based on customer feedback:
| Mast | Reusch | Uhlsport | Adidas | Nike | The One Glove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| 11 | 11 | 10.5 | 11 | 10.5 | 10.5 |
| 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11.5 | 11.5 |
Note: This chart is indicative. Fit can vary between models of the same brand depending on cut (flat, roll, negative). When in doubt, measure your hand and use our chart — it's the most reliable method.
How to Know if the Size is Right (On-Field Test)
You have the glove in hand. How do you know if it's the right size before using it in a match?
✅ Signs the size is correct
- Fingers don't reach the bottom exactly: there is 2–4 mm of space between fingertip and inner seam
- Palm adheres well, with no creases or wrinkles
- Closing your fist, the latex stretches without pulling on the fingers
- Wrist strap closes without effort and without leaving marks on the skin
- Moving your fingers, you feel the glove follow the movement without resistance
❌ Signs the size is wrong
- Fingers touch the bottom of the glove (too small) — fingertips will wear through quickly
- More than 5 mm of space at the tips (too large)
- Palm wrinkles when you close your hand — grip isn't uniform across the latex
- Wrist strap pulled to maximum to close — size is too big
- After 5 minutes of trying, fingers feel numb — too small
Why Size Matters So Much (Beyond Comfort)
A glove in the wrong size isn't just uncomfortable. It has concrete consequences on performance:
- Reduced grip: If the glove is too big, your hand moves inside and pressure on the latex isn't uniform. The ball slips through your fingers.
- Accelerated wear: A glove that's too small puts constant tension on seams and latex. It can break or tear sooner than expected.
- Compromised protection: If the glove moves, in a dive it can rotate or partially come off. Fingers stay exposed to impact.
- Mental distraction: A glove that doesn't fit is a constant worry. In a match, your head should be free to read the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
"One hand is slightly larger than the other. Which size do I take?"
Take the size of the larger hand. Better a glove slightly roomy on the small hand than tight on the large one. Half a size difference isn't noticeable during play.
"Should fingers touch the bottom of the glove?"
Never. Always leave 2–4 mm of space. Fingers touching the bottom are the main reason glove fingertips wear through and hole prematurely.
"Can I use the same size for different models of the same brand?"
Usually yes, but always check the indicated fit (tight vs regular). A negative cut will fit tighter than a flat cut in the same size. If you change cut type, you may need to adjust size.
"My child is 8: which size should I get?"
Don't look at age — measure the hand. At 8 they could be size 4, 5 or 6 depending on build. See the kids' chart above.
Goalkeeper Gloves for Kids: How to Choose Size and Model
Summary: The Perfect Size Checklist
Before you buy, make sure you've done these 3 steps:
- Measured palm length and circumference in centimetres
- Compared the measurement with the Mast size chart above
- Considered fit type (tight vs regular) and cut type
If you're still unsure between two sizes, message us on WhatsApp — we'll help you choose the right fit in 2 minutes.
Found your size? Browse the collection and pick your model →
Related guides
Keep reading on the Mast Gloves blog:
- How to choose goalkeeper gloves
- Goalkeeper glove sizing guide
- Kids goalkeeper gloves guide
- Glove care and maintenance
- Latex: wear and protection
Guide by the Mast Gloves team — designing goalkeeper gloves in Italy since 2011.