How to Fit Goalie Pads

Properly fitted goalie pads are key to your success and safety as a hockey goalie. Pads that are too long can impede your ability to make that great save. Pads that are too short put you at risk for serious injury if your ankles, knees or thighs are overexposed. As noted on hockey1.com, the technique used for sizing pads to an individual goalie differs among equipment manufacturers. Size your goalie pads for a comfortable and safe fit.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure, using a cloth tape measure, the distance from the instep of your foot to the middle of your kneecap, while your knees are slightly bent. For example, your measurement might be 17 1/4 inches. Record this number on a piece of paper.

    • 2

      Measure from the midpoint of your kneecap to the desired height for protection on your thigh. According to GoalieMonkey.com, the overlap between pads and goal pants is goalie preference, but the guideline is between 7 and 8 inches. For example, your measurement might be 7 1/2 inches. Record this number.

    • 3

      Record your skate size to ensure a proper fit for the boot portion of the pad. For example, your skate size might be 9.

    • 4

      Add together the numbers recorded in Steps 1 through 3 (17 1/4 + 7 1/2 + 9) for an estimate of the pad length to try on. For this example, the total would be 33 3/4 inches. Tips for sizing goalie pads on the Fogdog Sports website recommend that if pad measurements are between sizes, opt for the larger size for more protection but the smaller size for more agility.

    • 5

      Try on the goalie pads while wearing your goalie skates and goalie pants. According to GoalieMonkey.com, trying the pads on with skates and pants gives a better sense of how the pads really fit. Shoes and street clothes, for example, won't provide a true feel.

    • 6

      Attach the pads securely to your legs and skates. With knees bent, check that the pads reach high enough on your thigh to offer protection without limiting movement. Move around to check that the pads bend adequately at your ankle, shin and knee.

    • 7

      Kneel down while wearing the pads. Ensure your knee rests directly behind the pad's center knee roll. Gus Thorson, head equipment manager for the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames, says getting the knee to sit properly in the pad's knee bed is key to getting the best fit.