Goalie gear that fits lets you move fast and stay protected. Gear that's too big slows you down and builds bad habits, and gear that's too small leaves gaps. Here's how to size leg pads, catchers, blockers, chest protectors, pants, skates, sticks and masks for youth to senior goalies.
The short answer
- 1Leg pads: measure from the middle of the ankle bone to the middle of the kneecap (ATK), then match it to the chart below.
- 2Catcher and blocker: your fingertips should reach to within ¼" of the end of the finger slots.
- 3Chest protector: size by height and arm length, so the arms reach your wrists and the bottom overlaps your pants.
- 4Pants: add 8 to 10 inches to your real waist size.
- 5Skates: usually 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size.
Step 1: Leg pads
Pads are sized by your ATK (ankle to knee): the distance from the centre of your ankle bone to the middle of your kneecap. Use a soft tape measure, or measure with a piece of string and then measure the string.
| Your ATK | Pad size | Usually sold as |
|---|---|---|
| 10¼" – 13½" | 19" – 23" | Youth |
| 13" – 16½" | 24" – 30" | Junior |
| 15" – 18" | 29" – 32" | Intermediate |
| 16½" – 18" | 32" | Senior |
| 16¾" – 18½" | 33" | Senior |
| 17½" – 19" | 34" | Senior |
| 18" – 19½" | 35" | Senior |
| 18½" – 20" | 36" | Senior |
General chart. Each brand's chart is a little different, so check the size chart for the exact pad you're looking at. Bauer labels its pads by letter (like M or L) instead of inches. Most goalies are in senior pads by high school.
Kneel in the butterfly. Your knee should land in the middle of the pad's knee stack. For a growing goalie, the lower half of the knee stack is fine and leaves room to grow. When the knee reaches the top of the stack, it's time for the next size.
What does +1 or +2 mean?
That's thigh rise: extra height added to the top of the pad, in inches. A 33+2 pad is a 33" pad with 2" more on top, which helps cover the five-hole in the butterfly. +1 is the most common. Few goalies go beyond +2, because too much rise makes the pad hard to move in.
Try pads on with your goalie skates and pants on. They change where the pad sits.
Step 2: Catcher and blocker
Both are sized by your hand. Your fingers should reach to within ¼" of the end of the finger slots inside the palm. With more room than that, a catcher is hard to close and tends to fold back, and a blocker wobbles on your hand. The heel of your hand should line up with the heel of the glove.
Regular
Catcher on the left hand, blocker and stick in the right. Most goalies.
Full right
Catcher on the right hand, blocker and stick in the left.
Catchers and blockers come in Youth, Junior, Intermediate and Senior. Match the level to the player, and use the finger test to confirm.
Step 3: Chest and arm protector
Chest protectors are sized mostly by height, because arm length usually matches height. When it fits:
- The arm pads reach your wrists and meet the cuffs of your catcher and blocker
- The shoulder caps sit on top of your shoulders
- The bottom overlaps the top of your goalie pants, with no gap when you bend
Youth chest protectors are the smallest size, made for roughly ages 6 to 8. Brands size them by height, weight and chest size, so check the chart for the model you want.
Step 4: Goalie pants
Goalie pants are worn loose. Take your real waist size and add 8 to 10 inches. The extra room makes space for the padding and the bottom of your chest protector. They should overlap the chest protector at the top and your leg pads at the bottom. If the belt doesn't keep them up, add suspenders.
Step 5: Goalie skates
Goalie skates use hockey skate sizes, which usually run 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. Your toes should just touch the toe cap, and you shouldn't be able to fit a finger behind your heel when your knee is bent. For the full method, see our hockey skate size guide.
Make sure the size is right first. Skates that have been sharpened can't be returned.
Step 6: Goalie stick
Pick a stick that lets the blade sit flat on the ice in your stance. Height is a starting point, but paddle height comes down to your stance and preference. Most goalies move to a senior stick at about 5'5".
| Goalie height | Size | Stick length |
|---|---|---|
| 3'0" – 3'10" | Youth | 38" – 44" |
| 3'10" – 4'8" | Youth | 45" – 49" |
| 4'4" – 5'1" | Junior | 50" – 54" |
| 4'11" – 5'8" | Intermediate | 55" – 58" |
| 5'5" – 5'10" | Senior | 57" – 61" |
| 5'7" – 6'1" | Senior | 58" – 62" |
| 5'10" and up | Senior | 60" – 63" |
Step 7: Goalie mask
Masks are sized by head circumference. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head at the forehead, just above the eyebrows, and match it to the chart for the mask you want.
Goalie gear in stock
Leg pads
Catchers and blockers
Chest protectors and pants
Goalie gear FAQ
What does the +1 mean on goalie pads?
It's the thigh rise: extra height built into the top of the pad, in inches. A 33+1 pad is a 33" pad with 1" more on top. It lets you wear the right size at the knee and boot while covering a bit more net.
Where should goalie pads come up to?
Standing straight, the top of the pad should reach about the middle of your thigh. In the butterfly, your knee should land in the middle of the knee stack.
Should I buy pads a size up so my child can grow into them?
No. Pads that are too big slow a young goalie down and build bad habits. Instead, pick the size where the knee lands in the lower half of the knee stack. That leaves room to grow without being too big.
What's the difference between regular and full right?
Regular means the catcher is on the left hand and the blocker and stick are on the right. Full right is the opposite: catcher on the right hand, blocker and stick on the left.
Are goalie skates the same size as player skates?
They use the same hockey skate sizes, usually 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. Fit can still differ by brand and model, so try them on before you get them sharpened.
How should goalie pants fit?
Loose. Add 8 to 10 inches to your real waist size. They should overlap your chest protector at the top and your leg pads at the bottom.
Is there an all-in-one kit for new goalies?
Yes. Starter kits like the Bauer Learn to Save Goal Kit are made for young goalies just starting out. See what else a new player needs in our beginner hockey equipment guide for parents.
Want to try it on?
Bring your skates and pants to either store and try on pads, gloves and chest protectors before you buy.