In days gone by, soccer players wore standard soccer shorts. They rarely wore long pants, even when playing in ice and snow. But things have changed, and today's players have access to specialized soccer pants. These high-quality pants don't just look good; they support performance, protection, and comfort, no matter what position player is wearing them.
So, which are the best soccer pants to pick?
That depends on your specific circumstances as a player. However, when deciding on which pair to buy, the features you should always prioritize are moisture-wicking fabric, compression fit, flexibility, padding (particularly for keepers), and durability, especially when playing on turf or in cold conditions.
Junior and amateur players might be able to get away with standard shorts or pants. But beyond youth soccer pants, serious athletes—especially goalkeepers—should invest in pants tailor-made for intensity and safety, such as the range at Storelli.com.
Our Favorites
Here's our list of the best pants for different purposes:
- Best Overall Soccer Pants for Goalkeepers – Storelli ExoShield Goalkeeper Pants
- Best ¾ Length Padded Pants – Storelli ExoShield GK 3/4 Pants
- Best Budget Training Pants – Adidas Tiro 23 League Pants
- Best Lightweight Pants for Field Players – Nike Dri-FIT Academy Pro Pants
- Best Cold Weather Option – Under Armour Challenger Track Pants
Top Soccer Pants of 2025 Reviewed
Storelli ExoShield Goalkeeper Pants – Best Overall Soccer Pants for Goalkeepers
These full-length goalkeeper pants are designed to protect serious goalkeepers from bruises and turf burns while maintaining mobility and breathability.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic knee & hip padding with high-impact foam
- Lightweight yet durable stretch material
- Tapered fit with ankle cuffs
- Ideal for playing on turf and artificial surfaces
Pros:
- Pro-grade protection in key impact zones like the knees
- Slim, secure fit that doesn't restrict movement
- Great for both training and match use
Cons:
- More expensive than standard pants
- Padding is not removable; can only be washed in cold water
Best For: Goalkeepers training or playing on turf, indoor, or hard ground.
Storelli ExoShield GK 3/4 Pants – Best ¾ Length Padded Pants
These 3/4 length pants are designed for goalkeepers seeking maximum protection without the weight of full-length pants. They're perfect for faster-paced games where freedom of movement is vital.
Key Features:
- Integrated hip and knee padding
- 3/4 cut to allow easy access to shin guards
- Form-fitting, compression-style support
- Sweat-wicking stretch fabric
Pros:
- Excellent protection and agility
- Cooler and more breathable than full-length pants options
- High durability on turf
Cons:
- Exposes the lower leg (shin guards and/or knee-high football/baseball/soccer socks are recommended as protection)
- Sizing runs slightly snug
Best For: Goalkeepers playing in warm weather or on turf
Adidas Tiro 23 League Sweat Pants – Best Budget Training Pants
These Adidas soccer pants are classic slim-fit soccer training pants trusted across all levels of soccer, from youth leagues to the Champions League. They're great for warm-ups and casual training, because as soccer training pants go, they're really comfortable.
Key Features:
- Adidas' AEROREADY sweat-wicking technology
- Slim tapered legs with ankle zips
- Elastic waistband with drawcord
- Recycled polyester blend
Pros:
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Great for team or solo training
Cons:
- No padding or extra protection
- May wear out quickly due to intense use
Best For: Training days, warmups, and casual league play
Nike Dri-FIT Academy Pro 24 Knit Pants – Best Lightweight Pants for Field Players
These tapered pants are perfect for outfield players, offering stretch and breathability while allowing full freedom of motion.
Key Features:
- Nike's Dri-FIT technology for moisture management
- Mesh waistband and behind-the-knee mesh panels
- Slim-fit with zippered hems
- Polyester/spandex fabric blend
Pros:
- Unrestrictive and athletic fit
- Keeps players cool and dry
- Zips make them easy to pull on and off over soccer cleats
Cons:
- No protection or thermal layer
- The sizing runs slim, so size up for a looser fit
Best For: Midfielders, wingers, and offseason workouts
Under Armour Challenger Track Pants – Best Cold Weather Option
These long pants feature thermal insulation and sweat-wicking comfort. They'll keep you warm and dry in winter sessions without adding additional bulk or restricting movement.
Key Features:
- Dual-layer construction means they're warm inside and dry quickly on the outside
- Tapered legs with ankle zippers for easy pulling on/off
- Water-resistant fabric
- Streamlined for an optimal fit
Pros:
- Great insulation without overheating
- Weather-resistant outer shell
- Comfortable and athletic feel
Cons:
- Can be too warm in moderate temperatures
- Although not bulky, they are slightly heavier than standard pants
Best For: Outdoor winter training or matches played in cold climates.
How to Choose the Best Soccer Pants
Fit & Flexibility
Tapered cuts are ideal for modern play. The snug fit around the hips and thighs offers excellent mobility while ensuring the pants don't slip while you're moving around. The narrowing around the ankles also makes it easier to perform complex maneuvers like Cruyff turns.
For the optimal fit, ensure you have enough stretch to handle agility drills and full-speed sprinting.
Padding & Position-Specific Needs
Different positions have different requirements in terms of the ideal amount of padding and where it's positioned. Outfield players need the padding to be lightweight and have high breathability to control moisture. Hip and knee padding tends to restrict movement, and is typically not ideal unless you're protecting an injury.
On the other hand, with all that diving and leaping around, goalkeepers benefit greatly from the hip and knee protection and turf resistance that padding provides. You'll dive full length to make saves more confidently, knowing that padding protection is in place.
Fabric Technology
Some modern fabrics used in soccer pants offer many advantages for soccer players, in terms of comfort, performance, protection, and style. However, you do have to sometimes go the extra mile to take proper care of them.
Look for moisture-wicking and breathable materials like polyester blends or mesh inlays, which help control moisture and keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. A gusseted crotch can also help increase comfort and mobility while extending durability.
Weather Adaptability
The weather conditions you'll typically be playing (or training) in make a big difference to what constitutes the best pants for the occasion. Cold-weather players benefit from the extra warmth provided by dual-layer or fleece-lined designs. This is especially true for goalkeepers, who often end up standing around inactive while the ball is on the other side of the pitch.
For warm-weather players, the exact opposite is true. You want to avoid dual-layer or fleece-lined pants to prevent overheating and prioritize ventilation so you stay cool and dry.
Ankle Zippers & Quick-Change Features
Zippered pockets on the thighs or ankles can be a useful feature for players to store on-field accessories like sweatbands during game time or training. But zippers on the ankles and other quick-change features like zippered hems can also play an important role during matches.
Without ankle zippers, it's a lot more cumbersome trying to pull your pants on (or off) over your soccer cleats and shin pads. That can waste valuable time when you need to get changed quickly, like during warm-ups or when you're about to come on as a substitute. Plus, pulling your pants over cleats and shin pads can damage the pants, something ankle zippers prevent.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're warming up, playing in cold weather, or diving on turf, the right soccer pants can protect your body and enhance your performance simultaneously.
From elite padded gear like the Storelli ExoShield series to budget-friendly training options from Adidas and Nike, there are specialist soccer pants perfect for every player.
For serious protection and performance, look to trusted gear from high-performance brands like Storelli.com, which is engineered by and for soccer players. In addition to adult and youth soccer goalie pants, the Storelli line includes high-quality, reasonably priced soccer goalie equipment like goalkeeper leggings, goalkeeper jerseys, goalkeeper gloves, and other goalkeeper protective gear.
FAQs
What is the best brand of soccer apparel
That depends on your tastes, budget, and specific requirements as a player. Your position, the weather conditions, and your affinity for certain brands over others all play a role. In general however, renowned specialist brands like Storelli, Nike and Adidas make the best soccer gear.
Should soccer pants be tight?
Typically, soccer pants should be snug but not overly tight, giving you enhanced performance without restricting your mobility or comfort. That said, some players prefer a looser fit for the extra comfort and flexibility. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.
What do soccer players wear under their pants?
Some players might be tempted to wear nothing under their pants, especially if playing in searing heat. However, most players tend to wear tight-fitting compression shorts or briefs. These undergarments provide additional support, help prevent chafing, keep muscles warm, and can speed up muscle recovery.
Some players prefer traditional briefs or boxers, which also add a layer of protection and help prevent chafing, though not as much as compression shorts or briefs. Lower on the legs, they’ll typically wear shin pads under soccer pants during games, too.
Is Adidas the best soccer brand?
That depends on who you ask. Adidas is certainly an excellent brand with a large, high-quality range of soccer apparel and equipment. Many players swear by them, but others are equally adamant that Nike or Storelli is the best. And many players prefer different items made by different brands, like cleats by one company and jerseys by another. It's entirely a matter of personal taste.
