Why KEEPER BALM is the Best Solution

When it comes to maintaining your goalkeeper gloves, using the right product is essential to ensure the best grip and long-lasting durability. Some goalkeepers might turn to household items like Vaseline, thinking it can help make their gloves stickier or protect them. However, this approach can actually harm your gloves and impact your performance on the field.
The Problem with Using Vaseline on Goalkeeper Gloves
Vaseline is an occlusive oligomer, meaning it forms a barrier that seals off the latex in your gloves, preventing moisture from entering. While this might seem protective, it actually dries out the latex over time. Without moisture, the latex becomes stiff and brittle, leading to a loss of flexibility and an increased likelihood of cracking. This deterioration significantly reduces the gloves’ performance, especially in terms of grip and durability.
In contrast, KEEPER BALM is formulated as a humectant, containing natural polymers that actively draw moisture into the foam latex. Foam latex, a polymer made of many monomer units, thrives when moisture is present. By keeping the latex hydrated, KEEPER BALM preserves its natural pliability and grip, ensuring your gloves remain flexible and responsive throughout their lifespan.
The Evolution of Goalkeeping Technology
Goalkeeper gloves have come a long way since their introduction in the 1940s, but are still an imperfect solution. Early gloves offered minimal grip, and were made primarily for warmth than performance. The introduction of latex palms in the 1970s revolutionized the position again, giving goalkeepers more ball control, but they had a very limited shelf life. Fast forward to the 2000s, and Adidas introduced Fingersave technology, which added flexible spines to the gloves’ fingers to prevent hyperextension during high-impact saves. This innovation greatly reduced the risk of finger injuries due to hyperextension, but the wrist wraps coupled with the fingersaves actually resulted in more finger jamming.
In recent years, goalkeeper gloves continue seen advancements in materials and grip technology. Silicone printing on the interior of fingers and palms, adds extra grip zones that are both durable and tacky, preventing the hands from sliding in the gloves. The introduction of hybrid cuts—combining roll-finger, flat, and negative cuts—offers goalkeepers a more personalized fit for better control and feel, but still did noting to add longevity to the palm latex.
KEEPER BALM is just another advancement in goalkeeper glove technology.
Why KEEPER BALM is the Best for Goalkeeper Gloves
Rather than using Vaseline, a product not designed for goalie gloves, KEEPER BALM is specifically engineered to improve grip and extend the functional life of your gloves. Here’s why KEEPER BALM is the superior option:
- Restores Grip: KEEPER BALM is formulated to reactivate the natural tackiness of foam latex, giving you better control over the ball. KEEPER BALM helps restore goalkeeper glove grip to its best condition.
- Protects the Latex: Unlike Vaseline, KEEPER BALM doesn’t break down the materials of your gloves. It works with the latex, conditioning it and preventing it from drying out. Minerals from dirt and sweat fill the pores of the latex, sapping the natural moisture from the latex foam. KEEPER BALM contains humectants that pull in moisture from the air, ensuring that your gloves stay pliable, while natural waxes enhance the grip, saving you from buying gloves too often.
- Easy Application: KEEPER BALM is designed for convenience, featuring a twist-up applicator that ensures easy, mess-free application.
Vaseline on Goalkeeper Gloves
Using Vaseline on goalkeeper gloves is not only ineffective but harmful to the latex and grip, making it harder for goalkeepers to perform at their best. With innovations in glove technology and the creation of products like KEEPER BALM, there’s no need to rely on outdated or incorrect methods. KEEPER BALM is the best choice for maintaining grip, protecting your gloves, and ensuring you stay at the top of your game. Keep your goalkeeper gloves in peak condition—without the damage Vaseline can cause.