Goalkeeper gloves with Finger Save protection

How finger protection bars work

A Finger Save bar is a hinged support housed in the back of each finger, usually from the index to the little finger. It bends in the natural direction of the hand closing but stiffens as soon as a force pushes the finger in the opposite direction. It is this movement, hyperextension, that can cause a sprain when a powerful strike hits the fingertips.

This stiffness also provides stability during saves: the outstretched fingers better push the ball away when making a save with an open hand. On some models, the bars are removable and sometimes interchangeable, while on others they are sewn in permanently.

Other types of goalkeeper gloves

The Finger Save protection adds to a cut. To choose the right one, compare gloves with Flat Seams, the most forgiving, those with Negative Seams, close-fitting, Hybrid Seams, and Rollfinger models, with wrapped latex. The Types of Gloves page summarises the strengths of each construction.

Gloves with bars from adidas, Precision, and Stanno

At adidas, the protection is called Fingersave: the brand explains that its bars prevent fingers from bending backwards. The Predator Match Fingersave is equipped with it, available in both adult and child sizes, for goalkeepers who want a versatile pair for training as well as matches.

Precision caters to younger players with its Fusion X Flat Cut Finger Protect, a child's glove that combines a flat cut with finger protection. Stanno offers the Thunder, a glove with finger protection, with the junior version featuring a rigid yet soft reinforcement built into the glove.

Bars or not: for which goalkeepers

The bars are helpful for goalkeepers returning from a finger injury who want to regain confidence, as well as for youngsters whose joints struggle to absorb powerful strikes. They also reassure those who frequently block shots with their fists or open hands.

On the other hand, the hand closes somewhat less naturally and the glove feels stiffer at first. Some goalkeepers prefer to manage without them once their technique is established, hence the appeal of removable bars that allow for choice. Also consider the size: the bars take up some space in the fingers.

Protect your fingers without breaking the bank

Gloves with bars often cost more than their non-protected versions: aim for the key times. Black Friday and the end-of-year holidays trigger discounts, ahead of the winter sales. In spring, French Days feature their offers on Goalkeeper Gloves from French Days. The summer sales and the return of training fuel the Promotions page, and end-of-line items can be found in the Clearance section.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Finger Save glove prevent all finger injuries?

No. It limits finger bending backwards, a movement that causes many sprains, but it doesn't protect against crushing or lateral impacts. The thumb, often left free, is also exposed.

Should you take one size up with bars?

Not necessarily, but the bars take up a bit of space. If your measurement falls between two sizes, take the larger size, especially if you plan to keep the bars on all four fingers. Always try it on with a closed fist.

Can the bars be removed from a Finger Save glove?

It depends on the model. Some gloves offer removable bars, sometimes with varying stiffness, while others integrate them permanently, like the junior Thunder from Stanno. The product sheet always specifies this detail.

Is a glove with bars suitable for a young goalkeeper?

Yes, the child versions of the Predator Match Fingersave or the Precision Fusion X prove this. The bars reassure a young player who fears strikes, as long as the size is right so that the joints sit in the correct place.

How to care for a barred glove for goalkeepers?

Wash the palm by hand, in cold or lukewarm water with a mild soap, without using a machine. Let the glove air dry, out of direct sunlight, then store it palm open to avoid sticking the latex to itself.