Goalkeeper Jerseys, Goalkeeper Gloves, Goalkeeper Pants, Goalkeeper Cleats?

All keepers have shopped for and compared goalkeeper gloves, plants, and jerseys. Now, what about goalkeeper cleats? Uhlsport created a new cleat specially designed for goalkeepers – the Uhlsport Torkralle.

Shutout Central participated in the cleat review along with goalkeeper, Dan Kennedy from Chivas USA for SoccerCleats101.  The cleats do make a difference in goalkeeper training.  When goalkeepers dive, they put a lot of their weight on their toes.  The extra blades provide better grip, but don’t make you feel “stuck” in the ground.  It’s surprising that more companies haven’t tried developing a specialized goalkeeper cleat.  I would assume companies like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok would have the technology because of their presence in other sports like football (American) and basketball.

The specifically designed keeper cleat also features a raised heel that forces goalkeepers to be on their toes. The raised heel will definitely help young goalkeepers keep their weight forward (which is a difficult habit to create), but they may depend on the raised heels and it could be difficult to switch cleats.  It’s similar to the arguments against goalkeeper gloves with spines (ie fingersaves).

Check out the full review here!