How Do I Tie Goalie Pads?

By tying your goalie pads correctly, you can extend their life as well as provide better balance and stability while you play. Tying the goalie pad locks it to your skate. A good job will save you time and effort in suiting up because many goaltenders leave their pads tied to their skates once they achieve the proper tightness.

Things You'll Need

  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Two long, strong cotton or gripping fabric laces
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the old fasteners on your pads with a screwdriver and needle-nose pliers. They usually are held on with a leather strap connecting the left and right toe of each pad; a screw and fastener is located on either side.

    • 2

      Take out both sides of the screw and save them in case you decide you want to remove the ties in the future. Repeat on both screws of the other pad until you have two pads with two holes in the toe of each.

    • 3

      Lay your pads face down on a bed or table. Place one end of the lace through the hole in the pad and pull until they are approximately halfway through. Do the same thing with the other end of that same lace and pull to the desired tightness. Flip over the pad and cross the laces. Push them back through so they are doubling back through the holes.

    • 4

      Pull as tight as you desire. Some goalies like to have the pad back on the skate (tie it looser); other goalies like the pad up on top of the skate (tighter). Tie the lace to the other side using a square knot (right over left, left over right). This knot should be tight.

    • 5

      Put on your skate, tying with "normal" tightness for you. Run the lace though the holes underneath the skate at least until the middle of the skate. You can run the laces to the back of the skate depending upon your style and preference. Run each side of the lace through the first hole and cross the laces.

    • 6

      Run the laces up to the top of the skate and tie it tight enough that it does not slip but loose enough that you do not lose circulation in your foot.

    • 7

      When you are absolutely certain you know where and how you like your skate tied, cut the excess of each side of that lace so you will not trip on it. Throw any excess lace away. This pad is complete and ready to go.

    • 8

      Complete the same process on the other pad and you are ready to go.