Goalie Leg Pad Buying Guide: How to Choose Leg Pads

Published 18th April 2024

Which Size Pads Should I Use?

Choosing the right size pads is crucial for a hockey goalie’s performance and safety. Goalie pads come in four main sizing categories: Youth, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Depending on the level of hockey you are playing would determine if you should use senior or pro. Also, if you are looking for custom colors or modifications, those options are generally not available on senior level pads. The level and frequency of play would also determine the proper equipment. For example, if you are playing between 1-4 days a week, senior range equipment may be suitable. Or if you playing between 3-7 days a week, pro equipment might be more suitable.

Leg pads should be able to move well with the goalie in accordance with their preferences. Knee sizing is the most important part due to the nature of the pads rotating and with the popular butterfly position. Generally, the pads should not hinder any sort of skating or crease movements due to them being too large.

Youth Pads

Youth pads are designed for the youngest and smallest goalies, typically beginners. They offer protection proportional to their level of play, ensuring safety without compromising mobility. The thigh rise addition is the extra amount of inches added onto the top portion of the pad. The stock size of the thigh rise is different per manufacturer and the plus sizing is dependent upon the goalies size and preference. A larger thigh rise is not always necessarily better. Sometimes a larger thigh rise can close the five-hole a little bit better but it can always effect a goalies recovery time and technique, skating and even shooting the puck.

Junior Pads

Junior pads are suitable for goalies aged 6 to 10 years. These pads are wider than Youth pads to accommodate the taller age range and offer enhanced protection and durability due to higher quality materials.

Intermediate Pads

Intermediate pads cater to goalies aged 11 to 13 years. Available in two levels of protection, they provide options in price and quality, with sizes proportional to the height and width of older goalies.

Senior Pads

Senior pads are for goalies aged 13 and up, including adults. They offer the widest range in protection, quality, and price, and are typically 11” wide, the legal limit. Senior pads come in various colors and custom options, though some modifications may be exclusive to pro-level pads.

Sizing Goalie Leg Pads

Choosing the right size goalie leg pads is essential for optimal performance and protection. The most accurate method is to try on the pads with skates, goal pants, and knee pads. However, if this isn’t possible, you can use the Ankle to Knee Measurement (ATK) method.

Measure Your ATK:

While sitting, measure from the outside of your ankle bone to the middle front of your kneecap.

Calculate Your Pad Size:

Multiply your ATK measurement by 2 to determine your overall pad size. For example, an ATK of 17.5” would suggest a 35” pad.

Other factors to consider include:

Current Gear:

Compare with your current pad size to ensure comfort and familiarity.

Thigh Rise Preference:

The additional inches added to the top portion of the pad, known as the thigh rise, vary by manufacturer and are based on personal preference. A larger thigh rise can improve five-hole coverage but may affect recovery time, technique, and skating.

Goal Pad Styles

Understanding the different styles of goalie pads is crucial for maximizing performance and comfort on the ice. The two main styles are flat-faced pads and knee-rolled pads.

Knee-Rolled Pads:

These pads feature three pronounced rolls running horizontally across the face. These rolls enhance the pad's torsional flex, resulting in a softer overall feel. This design is preferred by goalies who favor flexibility and a more traditional style.

Flat-Faced Pads:

Unlike knee-rolled pads, flat-faced pads have a smooth surface with no pronounced rolls. This design creates more predictable rebounds, making it easier to control the puck. Flat-faced pads are generally stiffer, offering a modern approach that suits goalies who prioritize structure and control.

Goaltending Styles

Understanding the different goaltending styles is essential for goalies looking to optimize their performance on the ice. The two primary styles are the butterfly and hybrid styles, each with unique characteristics and equipment preferences.

Butterfly Style:

This style involves dropping to the knees to create a wall along the ice, effectively covering lower gaps and reducing the chances of pucks slipping through. Over time, this style has evolved into the "battlefly," which incorporates more athletic movements. Butterfly pads are generally stiffer and flatter, designed to control rebounds by deflecting them away from the goalie.

Hybrid Style:

Hybrid goalies often stay on their feet longer and only drop to their knees when necessary. Hybrid pads are typically softer and feature knee rolls, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in various save situations. These pads help keep rebounds close for quicker recovery and faster whistles.

How to Strap Goalie Leg Pads

Properly strapping goalie leg pads is crucial for optimal performance and comfort on the ice. The strapping style is highly personal and varies among goalies, with each strap serving a specific function to enhance on-ice performance.

Trends in Strapping

In recent years, goalies have shifted towards wearing their pads looser. Typically, pads are now strapped looser at the bottom and even more so towards the top. This allows the pads to hang off the leg, facilitating faster five-hole closures.

Tight vs. Loose Strapping

Loose Strapping:

-Enhances pad rotation, allowing for a wider butterfly stance.

-Helps the pads align more with the natural movement of the legs.

-Creates a visual effect of a wider pad stance, covering more of the net.

Tight Strapping:

-Provides a more secure fit, reducing pad rotation.

-Can make the butterfly stance appear narrower.

-Some goalies prefer the snug feel for better control and stability.

Customizing Your Fit

Every goalie should experiment with different strapping tensions to find the balance that best supports their style and maximizes their performance. Adjusting the tightness of the straps can significantly impact mobility, pad rotation, and overall effectiveness in the net.

Optimizing Your Goalie Pad Toe Assemblies for Performance

Fixed Toe Bridge

A fixed toe bridge features toe ties running centrally through the bridge. This traditional design offers stability and consistency in pad positioning.

Sliding Toe Bridge

Sliding toe bridges connect laces to a movable piece that shifts side to side. This allows goalies to secure the pad tightly at the toe while enabling free movement during butterfly saves and recoveries, enhancing agility.

Offset Toe Bridge

Offset toe bridges function like fixed bridges but position the laces toward the inner edge of the pad. This adjustment lets the skate sit closer to the ice, improving balance and control.

Toe Straps

Toe straps are an older method involving two buckles on the pad front connected by a leather strap. This setup, though less common today, provides a secure attachment for traditionalists.

Alternative Methods

Innovative methods like Flextoe replace traditional laces with elastic shock cords. These cords remain snug when static but stretch under pressure, offering a dynamic and flexible connection that adapts to movement.

Knee Cradle Components

Knee cradles are crucial in ensuring comfort and stability for goalies. They consist of several parts designed to provide optimal support and performance.

Knee Wing

The knee wing is located on the inside of the leg and directly contacts the ice. This component helps maintain balance and stability during movements.

Knee Block

Positioned next to the knee wing, the knee block is the thickest part of the knee cradle. It provides substantial padding and protection, ensuring the knee remains cushioned during impacts.

Knee Lander

Sitting on top of the knee block, the knee lander is the part that most closely touches the inner edge of the knee. It ensures a snug fit and adds an extra layer of comfort.

Knee Lock

The knee lock is a Velcro strap situated between the knee block and the knee lander. It connects to the outside knee lock, securing the entire assembly and allowing for adjustable tightness and stability.