Firstly, we should point out that this type of situation only occurs with top-of-the-range goalkeeper gloves – those with a palm made from 100 per cent natural latex. At first glance, one might think that other gloves would retain their white colour, at least on the palm. However, as their palms are not made entirely from natural latex, these gloves do not offer the same grip and comfort as high-end goalkeeper gloves with natural latex palms.
So, the real cause of this problem lies precisely in the high quality of the material used in top-of-the-range gloves. In this case, we are talking about the 100 per cent natural latex used on the palms. This material is primarily responsible for helping goalkeepers achieve a perfect grip on every save.
Why does latex turn yellow?
As a natural material, latex can undergo a process known as oxidation-reduction when it comes into contact with moisture or is exposed to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. This process usually occurs because our gloves absorb water from the outside, but also from the inside through the sweat on our hands.
In these circumstances, the moisture generated by sweat from our hands, or that which is trapped in the gloves due to external absorption, eventually causes a reaction in the latex and, as a result, that characteristic yellowish tinge begins to appear on our gloves.
Yellow latex gloves = do they mean less grip?
The answer is clearly no. A resounding and unequivocal no. As we have explained previously, when this happens, we are dealing with high-end gloves made with a 100 per cent natural latex palm. Furthermore, we can view this phenomenon as a matter of maintenance, since, if we look after our gloves properly and follow the correct care instructions, they will gradually regain their original colour. That said, we must always bear in mind the natural wear and tear they undergo through use.
We have been testing goalkeeper gloves for several years now, analysing how their palms work and how we can minimise wear and tear, and we must admit that the yellowing of high-end palms is one of the most common issues a goalkeeper faces. However, we have also found that the gloves do not lose any of their technical performance, whether in terms of grip, comfort or even their shape. It is simply a chemical reaction, something entirely normal when working with such a specialised product that uses natural materials.
Are my goalkeeper’s gloves actually any good?
Exactly. Your gloves are fine; they’re in perfect condition. The only thing you need to bear in mind is to look after them properly. Don’t forget to dry your gloves thoroughly, leave them out in the open air in a well-ventilated spot and, above all, never in direct sunlight. You’ll find that your gloves stay in perfect condition for much longer and, at the same time, you’ll delay the appearance of that ‘infamous’ yellowish tinge as much as possible.
