HOW TO INSERT YOUR FINGERSAVES
Quick guide to prepare and install your goalkeeper finger protection.
Should goalkeepers use “fingersaves” (finger spines)?
Fingersaves are a useful tool — especially for keepers recovering from finger injuries or for added mental confidence — but they don’t replace good technique, strength work, or smart decision-making. Whenever possible, use gloves with removable spines so you can evolve your usage over time.
That’s why ONEKEEPER has designed the Solid, Fusion, Retro, and Vector models with removable fingersaves and a set of 8 spines (instead of 10) — giving goalkeepers the perfect balance between protection and flexibility. With 8 well-placed spines, you get strong support where it’s needed most without sacrificing comfort or ball control, and because they’re removable, you decide when to play with or without them depending on your style and confidence.
Pro of Using Fingersaves | Cons of Using Fingersaves |
|---|---|
Injury protection: The core reason for fingersaves is to guard against hyperextension (fingers bending backward) or jamming during high-impact shots. The plastic spines stiffen under load and limit dangerous backward movement. | Reduced natural feel & flexibility: Because the spines restrict backward motion, they also mildly restrict how much you can flex forward or make a tight fist, which can affect the “feel” for the ball or finesse in catching. |
Confidence / psychological benefit: For keepers with prior finger injuries, or those who are more risk-averse, fingersaves offer extra assurance when punching or parrying in heavy traffic. | Dependence & weaker finger strength: Some argue that over-reliance on spines prevents fingers from building strength naturally, and that micro-stress is part of how bones/tendons adapt over time. |
Removable flexibility: Many modern gloves use removable spines, so the keeper can choose to use them or not depending on training vs match, or as fingers get stronger | Comfort / “bulk” issues: Some keepers find the spines uncomfortable, especially in tight-fit gloves or when making rapid movements. |
Not foolproof: Fingersaves reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of finger injury — a badly hit shot or unfortunate angle may still cause damage. |