Firstly, we should point out that this process only occurs with gloves made from natural latex, which is only available in top-of-the-range gloves. This means that other gloves will indeed remain white, but obviously they will not have the grip and comfort characteristics typical of top-of-the-range goalkeeper gloves.
So these top-of-the-range gloves turn yellow due to the presence of natural latex, which is what gives us that perfect grip for every shot or throw we make whilst wearing them.
Why does latex turn yellow?
As latex is a natural material, when exposed to damp or extreme temperatures, it undergoes a process known as oxidation-reduction, which is triggered by water or the sweat on our hands (which is why we also see this happening in extreme temperatures).
What happens in this case is that the water – whether produced by our own sweat or from external sources (always in excess, of course) – ‘steals’ electrons from the latex, and as a result we end up with that yellowish colour we see, or even a few tiny spots of that shade. And this will happen with all gloves, whether they are SP goalkeeper gloves or any other brand.
Is it bad for the glove?
The answer is no, it’s not a bad thing at all. As we mentioned earlier, the first thing this indicates is that we are dealing with a high-end glove, as the latex is natural rather than synthetic. Secondly, as it is a natural process, if we subsequently look after our glove properly, it will return to its usual white colour, whilst always taking into account wear and tear from use.
After many years of testing gloves and observing this process, we can assure you that the glove does not lose any of its technical properties – neither its grip nor its softness – nor does it become coarser as a result of this process, which is simply a chemical reaction – a normal occurrence – when natural materials are used.
Are my gloves in good condition then?
Exactly, your gloves are in perfect condition – just don’t forget to dry them, air them out and look after them properly, otherwise they’ll start to develop unpleasant odours and you’ll see those brilliant new gloves start to deteriorate. So now you know why that yellowish tinge appears on all top-of-the-range football gloves, whatever the brand.
