What do hockey goalies wear under their leg pads?
Daniel Johnson
Updated on May 16, 2026
INNER KNEE PADS
What do goalies wear on their legs?
Goaltenders wear special leg pads to protect their legs and knees. Leg pads have evolved significantly over the years. The earliest leg pads were very similar to the cricket pads from which they were adopted.
Do you wear shin pads under goalie pads?
> DO NOT PUT PLAYER SHIN PADS ON UNDER GOALIE PADS.
There is lots of padding in the goalie pads themselves. This will make it too bulky and hard for the goalie to move comfortably.
What do hockey goalkeepers wear?
Goalkeepers wear padded gloves to aid in catching the ball, large shinpads, a padded sweater, and a helmet with a face mask.
What do goalies wear under their shorts?
compression tights. Knee pads without compression pants under them are often uncomfortable. pinching you. Most goalies prefer short-sleeved shirts; long sleeves bunch up and sleeveless shirts still allow your chest protector to pinch under your arms.
18 related questions foundDo Pro goalies wear knee pads?
100% of goalies currently playing in the NHL wear some form of knee protection. Knee guards not only protect against pucks shot towards this vulnerable area of the body, they also help to alleviate the wear and tear on a goalies knees when entering the butterfly position.
Do goalkeepers wear padding?
Padded Jersey
The majority of professional goalkeepers wear a long-sleeved padded jersey to offer protection to their arms, elbows, and sometimes shoulders. If it's brightly coloured, it also makes it easier for your team mates to see when you're coming (e.g. to claim a high ball).
Why do hockey goalies wear pads?
Goalie Leg Pads
Leg pads are designed to protect the goalie and provide net coverage to aid in stopping pucks.
Do hockey goalies wear socks?
Many pro goalies wear a forward's jock and a goaltender's jock over that. The best way to keep the hockey socks in place is to use a garter belt to securely hold them. There are hockey shorts now that have Velcro straps that are used to hold socks in place. Whichever the player is comfortable with.
How tight should goalie leg pads be?
The pads should fit snug, but you want to allow enough rotation of the pad so the goalie can comfortably drop into the butterfly. You SHOULD NOT strap the pads overly tight!
What size goalie leg pads do I need?
Sizing Goalie Leg Pads
While sitting, a goalie should measure from the outside of their ankle bone to the middle front of their knee cap. For example, if a goalie measures their ATK and it comes to 17.5”they should fit well in a 35” overall pad.
How do you break in goalie leg pads?
Breaking in Goalie Leg Pads
The best way to break in leg pads is to work them naturally — meaning to bend them in the same ways they would be bent during a game. This can either be done while wearing the pads, or by bending them while they're off.
How do hockey goalie pads work?
Hockey goaltenders who use the butterfly style require their pads to rotate forward as they drop to their knees, so the pads continue to face the shooter and puck. Most modern flat-front or box-style butterfly pads are designed to assist in the rotation process.
How long do goalie pads last?
Durability. A good pair of goalie leg pads should last at least three years, although how often someone uses them can have an impact on their lifespan. The finish may become scratched over time since they are constantly taking hits, but their overall structure can last for a long time.
When did NHL goalie pads get bigger?
Goalies filled their nets by donning huge chest protectors and shoulder pads, big loose sweaters, double-wide pants and “thigh rise” leg pads that extended well above the knee to help close off their “five hole.” In 2005, the NHL decided enough was enough and began requiring form-fitting jerseys and pads proportioned ...
Do goalies wear padded shorts?
During games, keepers can wear shorts if that's what they're most comfortable in. But if the game is on artificial turf, the keeper should use long pants. Some goalkeeper jerseys and pants come with padding.
Do goalkeepers wear cups?
No. Typically goalies do not wear cups, either. For the same reason that other soccer players running up and down the field do not. Concerns that it will limit their movement.
What do goalkeepers need to train?
Goalkeeper specific training should consist of keeper footwork and movement, repetitive catching and emphasis on holding ball, dive technique and safe landing, dealing with all types of balls being played into the box and shot stopping.
What size pads do NHL goalies wear?
Since each goalie in the NHL wears a customized pair of pads, the actual pad sizing is not displayed on the pad itself. With that being said, most goalies in the NHL wear a pad greater than 33″ in size, with most falling in the 35″, 36″, and 37″-38″ range.
What size goalie knee guards do I need?
GENERAL KNEE GUARD SIZING GUIDELINES
Goalie knee guards generally fit their corresponding leg pad size. For example, Senior size knee guards fit most Senior size leg pads.
Do goalkeepers wear shin guards?
Like other players on the field, goalkeepers need to wear shin guards. It's important to remember that some leagues require players to use the same color shin guard tape as their socks, so be sure to check with your coach or league officials.