Best Goalkeeper Gloves for Wet Weather: Top 10 Grip Champions
Rain changes everything between the posts. These are the gloves that won't let you down when the pitch turns into a swimming pool.
Top 10 Goalkeeper Gloves for Wet Weather Summary
- #1 Nike Phantom Elite: Wet Grip: 9.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: ACC | Price: €130
- #2 Reusch Attrakt Gold X: Wet Grip: 9/10 | Dry Grip: 9.5/10 | Tech: Gold X latex | Price: €120
- #3 Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ HN: Wet Grip: 9/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: Supergrip+ | Price: €140
- #4 adidas Predator Pro Hybrid: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: URG 2.0 | Price: €140
- #5 Nike Vapor Grip3: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: Contact+ / Grip3 | Price: €120
- #6 Uhlsport Fangmaschine CyberTec: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Supersoft | Price: €60
- #7 Reusch Venemous Infinity: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Infinity | Price: €100
- #8 Puma Future Ultimate NC: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Puma elite | Price: €150
- #9 adidas Predator Pro: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: URG 2.0 | Price: €130
- #10 adidas Copa Pro PC: Wet Grip: 7.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8/10 | Tech: Pro latex | Price: €80
When Grip Matters Most
Dry-weather grip means nothing when the heavens open, and if you've ever watched a seemingly routine save turn into a fumble because your palms couldn't hold the ball, you'll know exactly what we're talking about.
That sick feeling in your stomach as it trickles over the line, your teammates trying not to look annoyed, and you knowing full well it wasn't really your fault but also knowing that nobody wants to hear about latex compounds when they've just conceded.
The thing is, standard match latex simply wasn't designed for wet conditions. It loses its tackiness the moment water gets involved, and what felt like a confident catch in training suddenly becomes a desperate parry that could go anywhere.
What separates a good wet-weather glove from a fair-weather friend comes down to three things working together: the latex compound itself, surface texture, and how the palm channels water away from contact points. Some gloves treat moisture as an enemy to be repelled, while others use the water to activate their grip rather than fighting physics they were never going to win against.
We tested gloves through spray sessions, soaked ball catches, and full matches in the kind of rain that makes you question your life choices around minute seventy. The rankings below reflect which gloves held their grip when conditions turned grim.
What Makes a Glove Work When in Wet Weather?
Before we get into specific gloves, it's worth understanding what you're looking for when someone slaps an "all-weather" label on a pair of goalkeeper gloves, because not all wet weather technology is created equal.
Aqua Latex and Why It Matters
Aqua latex is a porous compound that's been specifically engineered to channel water away from the contact surface rather than letting it sit there in a film between your palm and the ball. Where standard contact latex basically gives up the moment things get properly wet, aqua compounds maintain their tackiness even when drenched. We've tested gloves that felt grippier after ten minutes in the rain than they did at the start, which sounds counterintuitive until you understand how the porous structure actually works with moisture rather than against it.
The trade-off, and there's always a trade-off, is that aqua latex typically offers slightly reduced grip in perfect dry conditions compared to pure match latex. If you're playing most of your football in the rain anyway, that's a deal worth making every single time.
Nike's ACC Technology
Nike took a different approach with ACC (All Conditions Control), and it's worth understanding because you'll see it on several gloves in this list. Rather than changing the latex compound entirely, ACC is a treatment they apply to the surface of the palm. Think of it like a coating that fundamentally changes how the latex interacts with water. What you're getting is friction that stays remarkably similar whether you're handling a dry ball in August or one that's absolutely sodden in November.
The clever bit is that because ACC works as a surface treatment rather than replacing the underlying compound, you're not giving up dry-weather performance to get wet-weather capability. Courtois uses ACC technology for Real Madrid and Belgium, which tells you something given how varied the weather is across La Liga away days and international duty in Brussels.
Key Attributes to Look For
Latex type matters most, and the names you want to see are Aqua, All-Weather, Supergrip+, and Contact+. All of these handle moisture significantly better than standard match latex.
Surface texture helps too, because those tiny patterns and ridges you see on some palms aren't decorative; they give water somewhere to go instead of forming a layer that kills your grip. Palm thickness plays a role as well, with 4mm or thicker providing better moisture absorption than the ultra-thin constructions some manufacturers favour for touch.
If you're frequently playing in rain or on pitches that stay wet, choosing gloves with Aqua latex or ACC technology over standard match latex will make an obvious difference the first time a shot arrives in the second half of a properly soggy evening.
The Top 10 Wet Weather Goalkeeper Gloves
#1: Nike Phantom Elite
Cut
Hybrid
Wet Weather Tech
ACC (All Conditions Control)
Wet Grip Rating
9.5/10
Dry Grip Rating
8.5/10
Worn By
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Why It Ranks #1
ACC technology was genuinely built for exactly this situation, and after putting the Phantom Elite through a ninety-minute rain simulation where we were actively trying to make it fail, the grip degradation was virtually non-existent. The textured latex surface does something properly clever with moisture, and the consistency you get between a dry ball and a soaking wet one is unlike anything else we tested. Courtois wore Nike through those Premier League winters at Chelsea and knows what proper English weather feels like. At €130 you're getting that ACC treatment alongside hybrid cut construction that balances palm precision with decent finger coverage, plus mesh gussets between the fingers that help when things get properly clammy inside the glove.
Best For
Keepers in consistently wet climates (UK, Scandinavia, Northern Europe)
Price
€130
#2: Reusch Attrakt Gold X Evolution Cut
Cut
Negative (Evolution)
Wet Weather Tech
Gold X latex with moisture management
Wet Grip Rating
9/10
Dry Grip Rating
9.5/10
Worn By
Alisson Becker (Liverpool, Brazil)
Why It Ranks #2
Gold X latex isn't marketed as a dedicated aqua compound, but the wet grip we got from these surprised us. Reusch has done something clever with the moisture management, and the Evolution cut's tight fit means water doesn't pool inside the glove where it causes problems.
Around €120 puts this in direct competition with the Nike Phantom Elite, but the approach is fundamentally different. Where Nike has gone down the surface treatment route, Reusch has engineered a latex compound that just happens to cope with moisture brilliantly whilst still being exceptional when things are dry. If you'd rather have one pair of gloves for everything rather than maintaining separate wet and dry options, the Gold X makes that possible without any obvious compromises.
Best For
Elite keepers wanting top performance across all conditions
Price
€120
#3: Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ HN
Cut
Half-Negative
Wet Weather Tech
Supergrip+ latex (all-weather compound)
Wet Grip Rating
9/10
Dry Grip Rating
9/10
Worn By
Mike Maignan (AC Milan, France)
Why It Ranks #3
Supergrip+ is Uhlsport's answer to variable weather, and what we liked about it was the lack of any obvious trade-off. The compound performs equally well in dry, wet, and humid conditions without forcing you to sacrifice grip in one to get it in another.
We found ourselves reaching for these during testing whenever evening matches looked like they might get rained on halfway through, because that versatility matters when you can't always predict what's coming. The half-negative construction means a snug fit on your index and middle fingers where precision matters most, with looser construction elsewhere so your hand doesn't feel squeezed.
Best For
Keepers facing variable weather who want one pair that handles whatever arrives
Price
€140
#4: adidas Predator Pro Hybrid
Cut
Hybrid
Wet Weather Tech
URG 2.0 latex with water-resistant backhand
Wet Grip Rating
8.5/10
Dry Grip Rating
9/10
Worn By
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany), Emi Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
Why It Ranks #4
URG 2.0 latex handles moisture well, and the hybrid construction gives you more latex coverage across your outer fingers, where you need that extra security during difficult catches in greasy conditions. Both Neuer and Martínez face proper winter football regularly, and both trust this platform when conditions deteriorate.
What stood out during testing was actually the water-resistant backhand, which kept our hands noticeably drier inside the glove even during heavy rain. Comfort over ninety minutes matters more than people acknowledge, and there's something demoralising about squelching around with sodden hands for an entire second half.
Best For
Versatility across conditions with adidas fit and finish
Price
€140
#5: Nike Vapor Grip3
Cut
Negative
Wet Weather Tech
Contact+ latex with Grip3 wrap
Wet Grip Rating
8.5/10
Dry Grip Rating
9/10
Worn By
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Why It Ranks #5
The Grip3 technology wraps latex around your finger sides, which increases contact area without abandoning the core negative fit that plenty of keepers prefer. More latex touching the ball makes a genuine difference when conditions demand secure handling, and Contact+ maintains reasonable wet performance even if it doesn't quite hit the heights of the Phantom Elite's ACC treatment.
Around €120 makes them slightly cheaper than the Phantom Elite, and if you prefer traditional negative cut over hybrid construction (some keepers find hybrids too bulky around the fingers), these might suit your hands better.
Best For
Keepers who prefer negative cut fit with wet-weather capability
Price
€120
#6: Uhlsport Fangmaschine CyberTec Supersoft
Cut
Half-Negative
Wet Weather Tech
Supersoft latex
Wet Grip Rating
8.5/10
Dry Grip Rating
8.5/10
Worn By
Various professional keepers
Why It Ranks #6
Supersoft latex takes a completely different approach to moisture than the tackier compounds higher up this list. Instead of trying to repel water, it actually soaks it up and uses it. The wetter the ball gets, the stickier the contact becomes, which sounds backwards until you've experienced it working. That softer, more cushioned feel also helps catches when the ball arrives with water streaming off it and you need to absorb the impact cleanly.
Under €60 makes this substantially cheaper than the premium options, and there's a genuine case for buying these as dedicated wet weather gloves without risking your expensive match pair.
Best For
Keepers who want cushioned catch feel in rain, or a dedicated wet weather training pair
Price
€60
#7: Reusch Venemous Infinity
Cut
Roll Finger Hybrid
Wet Weather Tech
Infinity latex
Wet Grip Rating
8/10
Dry Grip Rating
8.5/10
Worn By
Various professional keepers
Why It Ranks #7
Roll finger construction maximises the amount of latex that actually touches the ball, which becomes an advantage in wet weather where every bit of contact surface helps. Infinity latex prioritises durability alongside reliable grip, so these will survive session after session in difficult conditions without falling apart the way some premium match gloves do when you put them through consistent abuse.
We put these through extended testing specifically because keepers who train regularly in wet weather need gloves that won't disintegrate after a few soggy sessions. The Infinity compound held up impressively across multiple weeks of rain training.
Best For
Wet-weather training and matches where durability matters
Price
€100
#8: Puma Future Ultimate NC
Cut
Negative
Wet Weather Tech
Puma elite latex compound
Wet Grip Rating
8/10
Dry Grip Rating
8.5/10
Worn By
Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Why It Ranks #8
The Future Ultimate runs lighter than most competitors in this category, which prevents the waterlogging that makes heavier gloves feel sluggish and unresponsive after extended time in the rain.
We noticed the difference in how sharp our hands felt even after an hour in heavy conditions, and for sweeper-keepers who need to cover ground quickly, that responsiveness matters more than pure grip statistics.
Ederson wears Puma for Manchester City, and the Etihad sees proper Manchester weather, so there's your endorsement for durability in British conditions. This isn't a specialist wet weather glove, but if you're prioritising agility and feel over maximum wet grip, the weight advantage here is real.
Best For
Agile keepers in occasional wet conditions who prioritise responsiveness
Price
€150
#9: adidas Predator Pro
Cut
Negative
Wet Weather Tech
URG 2.0 latex
Wet Grip Rating
8/10
Dry Grip Rating
9/10
Worn By
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Why It Ranks #9
Same URG 2.0 latex as the Predator Pro Hybrid but in pure negative construction, which some keepers prefer for the closer fit around the fingers.
The grip holds up well in light rain and damp conditions, giving you premium dry performance with acceptable wet capability rather than something engineered specifically for monsoon season.
Think of this as a rotation option rather than a dedicated wet weather choice; if you primarily play in conditions that are dry most of the time with occasional rain, the Predator Pro handles both without requiring you to switch gloves mid-season.
Best For
Primarily dry conditions with occasional rain
Price
€130
#10: adidas Copa Pro PC
Cut
Negative
Wet Weather Tech
Professional latex compound
Wet Grip Rating
7.5/10
Dry Grip Rating
8/10
Worn By
Various keepers
Why It Ranks #10
The Copa Pro PC offers reasonable all-conditions performance at a price that won't make you wince if they get battered in training. Under €80 makes this the genuine budget option on our list, and the use case is clear: training in wet weather without risking the premium gloves you actually want to wear on match day.
The professional latex compound doesn't match URG 2.0 or Supergrip+ for outright grip quality, but it handles moisture well enough for sessions. The punch cushioning in the backhand suits keepers who command their area with fists rather than catches, which becomes more common when conditions make catching genuinely risky.
Best For
Wet weather training, budget-conscious keepers
Price
€80
Top 10 Summary
- #1 Nike Phantom Elite: Wet Grip: 9.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: ACC | Price: €130
- #2 Reusch Attrakt Gold X: Wet Grip: 9/10 | Dry Grip: 9.5/10 | Tech: Gold X latex | Price: €120
- #3 Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ HN: Wet Grip: 9/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: Supergrip+ | Price: €140
- #4 adidas Predator Pro Hybrid: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: URG 2.0 | Price: €140
- #5 Nike Vapor Grip3: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: Contact+ / Grip3 | Price: €120
- #6 Uhlsport Fangmaschine CyberTec: Wet Grip: 8.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Supersoft | Price: €60
- #7 Reusch Venemous Infinity: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Infinity | Price: €100
- #8 Puma Future Ultimate NC: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 8.5/10 | Tech: Puma elite | Price: €150
- #9 adidas Predator Pro: Wet Grip: 8/10 | Dry Grip: 9/10 | Tech: URG 2.0 | Price: €130
- #10 adidas Copa Pro PC: Wet Grip: 7.5/10 | Dry Grip: 8/10 | Tech: Pro latex | Price: €80
Looking After Wet Weather Gloves
Wet weather gloves need slightly different treatment to keep them performing, and getting the care routine right can be the difference between gloves lasting a season and gloves lasting a month.
After Matches in the Rain
Rinse your gloves with lukewarm water to remove mud and debris as soon as you can after the final whistle. Sounds counterintuitive to add more water to already soaked gloves, but you're washing away the grit that damages latex fibres, not making things worse. That mud sitting in the palm? It's abrasive, and if you leave it there while the gloves dry, you're basically sanding your grip away from the inside.
Drying Them Properly
Never put gloves on radiators, near heaters, in tumble dryers, or anywhere that direct heat can reach them. Heat makes latex brittle and ruins grip faster than almost anything else you could do. Air dry them naturally at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, with the palms facing up so air can circulate. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it's annoying when you've got training the next day. No, there isn't a shortcut that doesn't cost you grip quality.
Storage Between Sessions
Never leave damp gloves stuffed in your bag. The latex will degrade and develop a smell that becomes genuinely unpleasant within a few days, and once that happens you're never fully getting rid of it. Take them out as soon as you get home, let them breathe somewhere they can dry properly, and store them in a glove bag or somewhere clean and dry once they're no longer damp. Future you will appreciate this.
Before Matches
Dampen your palms before kickoff because wet weather gloves actually perform best when the latex is already activated. A quick spray with water or a dip in a bucket gets the compound working from the first save rather than waiting for the rain to kick in. Professional keepers do this routinely, and there's a reason they keep bottles of water behind the goal even when conditions are dry.
Keeping a Rotation Going
Consider maintaining a dedicated wet weather pair separate from your dry-condition match gloves. Rotating between pairs extends the life of both sets and means you've always got the right tool for whatever conditions turn up. Using premium match gloves in training, especially training in the rain, wears them out faster than most people realise.
Conclusion
Rain separates good gloves from great ones, and if you've been blaming yourself for catches that slipped away in wet conditions, there's a decent chance the real problem was your equipment rather than your technique.
The Nike Phantom Elite leads our rankings for dedicated wet weather performance because ACC technology genuinely does what it claims: your grip stays consistent whether conditions are perfect or absolutely grim. The Reusch Attrakt Gold X and Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ offer elite all-conditions versatility if you'd rather have one pair that handles everything.
Weather shouldn't be an excuse, and with the right gloves it doesn't have to be. Find the pair that keeps you trusting your hands when the pitch turns into a swamp and the ball arrives soaking wet, and let the strikers worry about the conditions instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goalkeeper gloves are best for rain?
For dedicated wet weather performance, the Nike Phantom Elite with ACC technology keeps your grip consistent whether conditions are dry, damp, or properly drenched. If you want all-conditions versatility rather than a wet weather specialist, the Reusch Attrakt Gold X or Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ handles variable weather without giving up dry grip to get it.
Do professional goalkeepers use different gloves for wet weather?
Some do and some don't. It depends on where they play and what conditions they face regularly.
Keepers who primarily work in dry climates often switch to dedicated wet weather gloves when rain arrives, while those playing in consistently wet conditions like the UK tend to choose all-conditions compounds like Gold X or Supergrip+ that perform across weather types.
Courtois, Alisson, and Neuer all use gloves with strong wet weather capability built in, which tells you that even at the highest level, managing grip in different conditions matters.
Should I wet my goalkeeper gloves before a match?
Yes, and this applies to most goalkeeper gloves rather than just wet weather specialists. Dampening your palms before kickoff activates the latex compound and gives you better grip from the first save instead of waiting for sweat or rain to do the job.
How do I stop my gloves slipping in the rain?
Three things make the biggest difference:
- Using gloves with Aqua latex, ACC technology, or all-conditions compounds like Supergrip+ rather than standard match latex.
- Dampen your palms before kickoff to activate the grip from the start.
- Wipe excess water and mud from the surface periodically during matches to keep the latex clear.
Can I use grip spray on wet weather gloves?
You can, though it's often unnecessary if you've bought gloves with proper wet weather technology built in. Products like gloveglu AQUAgrip are specifically designed for wet conditions and won't damage your latex the way some sprays can.
Should I bring a towel to matches when it's raining?
Absolutely, and watch any professional keeper during a rainy match to see how they use them. Keep a towel in the side netting and wipe excess water and mud from your palms between saves. It helps maintain grip throughout the game when conditions are actively working against you.