24/7 Hockey - Leg Pad Sizing and Information

Goalies wear special pads on their legs to protect their legs as well as help them guard the net. The maximum width for pads are limited to 12 inches. Pads should be secured to the front of the skate but should not drag on the ice. The goalietenders' knee should sit at the centre knee roll. The height of the pad is not restricted, yet shorter pads will facilitate movement while leaving the knee less protected. Higher pads may hinder movement yet protect the knee better.

There are various ways that the pad is fastened to the toe of the skate. The most traditional way is with buckles and straps. The other way to fasten the pad is with the string, and is becoming more popular. Goalie leg pads generally come in sizes ranging from 22 to 36 inches.

To determine your proper size, measure your leg from your ankle to the top of your kneecap. Then measure from the middle of your kneecap to half way up your thigh. Add these two numbers + skate (or shoe) size for your goalie leg pad size. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size for additional protection. Some goalies prefer their pads an inch or two shorter for increased maneuverability.

Most goalie leg pads come in light colors to blend in with the ice and board colors Goalie pads come with two types of clips: plastic and metal

Plastic clips are easier to close and open and are recommended for younger players
Metal clips will last longer but are a little more difficult to manipulate

Break in your new pads: Every goal pad has two breaks, one at the knee and one at the foot. You want to make sure that these breaks are really broken in before using because movement will be impaired if it is not. Here are some tips:

Hold the pad upright as if it was on your leg. Standing over it, push down on the top of the pad so the knee bends and the foot articulates. Push as far as it will go and then tie the pad in that position with a skate lace and leave overnight.
Untie the pads the following day and give them a few good hits with a hockey stick. This stretches the leather and softens the padding. Then tie them up again and repeat the entire process. After a few cycles, the pads should be ready to wear.
From the time you get your pads, be sure to tie them up after use to retain shape.
After playing, allow your pads to dry properly. Hang them up in a well-ventilated room. Do not put them in direct sunlight, which will dry and crack the leather.