Child's goalkeeper gloves Uhlsport

Uhlsport, the expertise from Balingen since 1948

Uhlsport was founded in 1948 in Balingen, in Baden-Württemberg, by Karl Uhl. The company started by producing leather studs, then outsoles for other football equipment manufacturers, before expanding its catalogue to include shin guards, bandages, and goalkeeping gloves. The latter has become its signature: the Fangmaschine line, abbreviated FM, literally means catching machine in German, and its ZNE versions reposition the grip lines to the finger catch zones. The junior FM ZNE models benefit from this design, available in sizes suited for smaller hands.

Other brands and Uhlsport for adults

To broaden the comparison, the Kids gloves page features all the junior gloves gathered together, with their cuts and foams. Other brands also have their kid's selection: adidas for its three-stripes gloves, Reusch for the Attrakt range, Rinat for its Mexican design, and T1TAN for its FP bar versions. For a teen who needs an adult size, the FM ZNE, Supersoft, and Absolutgrip gloves, in HN cut or with Flex Frame, can be found on the Uhlsport page.

Soft, Supersoft, Resist or Absolutgrip: which foam Uhlsport

Uhlsport categorizes its gloves by type of foam. The Soft series focuses on grip, and Supersoft is its stickiest version: a soft latex made for natural grass and low-abrasive surfaces, which wears out faster on synthetic. The Resist series, featuring Soft Resist+ and Super Resist+, is developed for artificial turf and hard surfaces, thanks to a foam that is more resistant to abrasion. The Absolutgrip, a patented composition of the brand, seeks the balance between grip and longevity, whether it's dry or wet: it's the versatile choice for a young goalkeeper switching between pitches.

HN cut and Flex Frame: the Uhlsport technique for junior sizes

The acronym HN, for Half Negative, denotes a semi-negative cut: the latex wraps around the index, little finger, and thumb to increase the contact surface, while keeping a more ventilated palm than a full negative cut. The Flex Frame versions add a finger stabilization system integrated into the glove, which limits hyperextension without hindering the hand's closure when catching. For a child starting to dive, it's a good compromise between safety and feel. In terms of size, Uhlsport measures the width of the hand at the widest point, excluding the thumb, and advises against choosing based on age.

Buying junior Uhlsport gloves throughout the year

With such a wide range, Uhlsport colours change often and previous ones become more affordable. Black Friday and the end-of-year holidays are great for a goalkeeper gift, to be spotted in the Kids Promos. Next come the winter sales, the French Days for kids in spring, the summer sales, and then the return to training, when old Supersoft and Absolutgrip models go on clearance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a best Uhlsport glove for children?

There is no absolute best glove, just the right one for their pitch: Supersoft for grass, Resist for synthetic, Absolutgrip for switching. Add the Flex Frame if your child dives a lot or has already twisted a finger.

Do Uhlsport gloves run large?

Uhlsport is known for cutting a bit wider than some competitors. Measure your child's hand and refer to the guide, not hesitating to choose the smaller size if the measurement falls exactly between two.

What does Starter mean on a Uhlsport glove?

The Starter models, like the FM ZNE Starter Soft or the Starter Resist+, are the entry-level offerings: simple construction and comfortable foam, for discovering the position. A good first glove for a child who doesn't yet know if they'll stay in goal.

How to dry Uhlsport gloves after a rainy match?

Rinse them in clear water, gently press them in a towel without twisting, then let them dry at room temperature, palms not touching. The heat from a radiator or hairdryer hardens the latex and causes it to crack.

Can an Absolutgrip also be used for training?

Yes, that's even its strong point: its latex is more wear-resistant than that of the Supersoft while still maintaining good grip. It's a sensible option for a child who only has one pair for both training and matches.