Jack Butland Debuts Revolutionary Strapless Nike Goalkeeper Gloves

Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland has become the first player to wear Nike's all-new revolutionary Mercurial Touch Elite keeper gloves in an official match.

Jack Butland also was the first player to be spotted with a prototype of Nike's strapless gloves some months ago.

Jack Butland Debuts Nike Mercurial Touch Elite Goalkeeper Gloves

Close-up pictures of Jack Butland's keeper gloves.

The Nike Mercurial Touch Elite gloves are completely different to previous goalkeeper gloves. By reducing the bulk and stiffness of traditional mitts, the gloves are designed to unleash the ultimate potential of a goalkeeper's hands. The strap has been replaced by a flexible wrist cuff that extends from the joint to the lower forearm for mobility and comfort.

"The initial reaction is always, ‘Whoa!' because they just look so different and cool," says English keeper Jack Butland, who was part of the product-testing process. "But it's when you play in them that the performance benefits come through. I feel like I have a lot more control in these gloves and they can help take me to the next level."

If you want the all-new strapless Nike Mercurial Touch Elite keeper gloves you have to wait until their official launch in May 2018.

What do you think of the strapless Nike Mercurial Touch Elite keeper gloves? Have you spotted other goalkeepers wearing them? Let us know in the comments below.