When defending the team goal, soccer goalies jump, dive, and throw their bodies in unusual positions to maximize their protection of the net. This means that impacts from falls and abrasions from slides are part and parcel of being a goalie. Good goalie pants are essential to protect goalies from serious injury during training and matches, but they can't do this at the expense of mobility. Therefore, a good pair of goalie pants that are a combination of protection and flexibility can be hard to find.
If you are looking for a great pair of goalie pants in 2025, read our full guide. It covers all the essential features to look for in good soccer goalie pants, plus recommends some of the best options available in 2025.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: Storelli ExoShield Goalkeeper Pants
- Best Protection: Storelli Bodyshield GK Leggings
- Best Comfort: Nike Dri-FIT Goalkeeper I Pants
- Best Training Option: T1TAN Goalkeeper Long Pants
- Best 3/4-Length: Adidas Tierro 3/4 Goalkeeper Pants
Best Goalie Pants for Soccer
Best Overall: Storelli ExoShield Goalkeeper Pants
Storelli's ExoShield Goalkeeper Pants are full-length GK pants armored with 7mm of heavy-duty hip protection and 5mm of extreme impact padded protection on the knees for generous protection during intense matches. These GK pants are made from durable material to prevent abrasions with an ergonomic design that ensures a full range of motion. The fabric is also antibacterial to fight odors and tapered down to the ankle to optimize fit.
Pros
- Heavy-duty padding for high-impact protection
- Tapered athletic fit for mobility without bulk
- Durable against turf and hard ground contact
- Unmatched abrasion resistance and overall comfort
Cons
- Premium price compared to some options
Best for: Competitive players seeking top-tier protection and performance
Best Protection: Storelli Bodyshield GK Leggings
If you prefer the snug fit of leggings, look to Storelli's Bodyshield GK leggings. These are full-length trousers for goalkeepers who play on turf and want superior protection from abrasions as they feature proprietary anti-abrasion panels on the knees and lower legs, and built-in shin guard pockets. This is combined with heavy-duty CoreGuard 10mm molded thigh pads. The pants are made from premium microfiber fabric with a compression fit to hold everything in place, and mesh zones to enhance breathability. They also have a contoured waistband and utility pockets.
Pros
- Compression fit to keep the high-quality padding in place during intense matches
- Premium padding around the thighs and knees
- Anti-abrasion material, ideal for rough surfaces such as turf
- Built-in shin guard pockets so there is no need for tape
Cons
- Another pair of premium trousers with a premium price tag
Best for: Goalkeepers who play on turf or tend to throw themselves around the field
Best for Comfort: Nike Dri-FIT Goalkeeper I Pants
The Nike Dri-Fit Goalkeeper I Pants are ideal for casual players who want to feel comfortable but still have a bit of protection. These leggings-style GK pants are made from moisture-wicking fabric for comfort at any temperature. They are lightweight and feel like a second skin but with good padding around the hips. The skin-tight design lets you add your preferred knee and shin guards on top, all while preventing abrasions.
Pros
- Excellent sweat-wicking material
- Lightweight padding for casual play and training
- Streamlined fit without restricting motion
Cons
- Padding is lighter than match-grade gear
Best for: Casual keepers looking for comfort but want proper protection where it counts
Best for Training: T1TAN Goalkeeper Protective Long Pants
T1TAN's Long Goalkeeper Pants are ideal training pants offering a full range of motion and lightweight padding at the hips and knees. The flexible waistband in combination with a drawstring tie lets you achieve a tight and secure fit. AirMesh in the crotch and back area supports ventilation during intense training sessions. They are also available in 3/4 length for those who prefer it.
Pros
- Lightweight foam padding on hips and knees
- Ventilation zones and flexible waistband
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Less consistent protection for high-impact matches
Best for: Goalies who want breathable, padded pants for training
Best 3/4 Length Option: Adidas Tierro 3/4 Goalkeeper Pants
If you are specifically looking for 3/4 pants, then the Adidas Tierro range is a great choice. Made with AEROREADY technology that keeps you cool and dry, light padding around the hips and knees offers padded protection without adding weight or heat. They have an adjustable fit, and, of course, the unmistakable iconic adidas® 3-Stripes going down each side. These offer stylish expert protection for those playing in friendly soccer cups.
Pros
- Climalite sweat-wicking fabric keeps players cool
- Anatomically placed padding protects key areas
- 3/4 design prevents fabric bunching and enhances mobility
Cons
- Leaves lower legs unprotected (requires separate gear)
Best for: Players who want more freedom of movement and a lighter feel
What to Look for in Soccer Goalie Pants
Key Performance Factors
Goalies need superior protection than what is offered by the standard soccer sliding shorts, so, which is why it is worth investing in specialist football goalkeeper pants.
There are several important factors to consider when assessing a pair of goalie pants. First is padding, both the quality and density of the foam padding, as well as its placement. Protection should be focused on the knees, hips, and thighs. They also sometimes have built-in shin guard sleeves, though these can be worn separately. But while padding provides protection, it can also reduce mobility, which is vital for soccer players when defending the goal.
Good goalkeeper leggings must be designed to allow for a full range of motion, with no restrictions around the knees or hips. This means that they should be made from a four-way stretchable material that moves with you, no matter what you are doing. There are many fits to choose from, including specific cuts for women and youth, who often have different body types. An adjustable waist is essential.
Goalie pants should be made from breathable fabric to help you stay comfortable throughout the game, and preferably moisture-wicking fabric to pull sweat away from your body and prevent chaffing.
Durability is also a consideration, as pants can go through a lot on the field. They should be made from tear-resistant material with reinforced stitching. Preferably, they should be machine washable for easy care.
Use Cases: Training vs Match Play
Many goalies have different goalkeeper pants for training and match play. On game days, they will often choose pants with more padding, so that they can dive for every ball with minimal concern about injury. They might also be a tighter fit, made from a stretchy material that allows for freedom of movement.
For training pants, the priority is often breathability, since you are on the field for longer, and many goalies prefer a looser fit for a more comfortable look. These are also often preferred by less serious players involved in friendly clubs and competitions.
Fit, Sizing & Gender-Specific Notes
How to Choose the Right Fit
The right fit for goalie pants is quite tight to keep the padding on the parts of your body where it is needed and to offer protection. Ill-fitting pants can slip and leave you without protection in essential areas. A snug fit won't limit mobility because of the stretch fabric. You can often buy your normal size, though the fit will be more snug than what you may be accustomed to. Most brands provide a detailed size chart that can help you find the perfect fit for goalkeeper pants based on your measurements.
Female goalkeepers and youth players should look at designs specific to their body types, as standard trousers are more likely to slip, allowing the padding to move out of place.
Full-Length vs 3/4-Length
In most cases, full-length pants are the way to go as they offer the most comprehensive protection, and they protect your entire leg from turf burn if you slide in for a save. However, some people prefer 3/4-length pants because of the improved airflow in hot conditions.
Where to Buy Quality Soccer Goalie Pants
If there is a brand that you love and trust, it is always best to buy directly from its site. They will provide the most details when it comes to sizing and may offer a wider variety of styles than a general marketplace, which will often just carry the most popular goalkeeper trousers from major brands. They also sometimes offer customization options.
If you are a Storelli fan, in their store you can also find goalkeeper gloves, soccer goalie equipment, and goalkeeper jerseys in their store.
FAQs
What type of pants do goalkeepers wear?
While there are many different styles of goalkeeping pants, most soccer goalies tend to wear fitted long pants or leggings that hold padding close to the hips and knees for impact protection and fully cover the legs to prevent abrasions and other injuries when sliding across grass or turf.
What do professional soccer goalkeepers wear?
Professional goalkeepers often wear goalie leggings with more traditional soccer shorts, like those worn by the rest of the team, on top. The goalie always wears a different color from the rest of the team to ensure they are easily recognizable to everyone else on the pitch, especially the referee.
Why do goalkeepers not wear pants anymore?
In many soccer leagues, goalies are no longer wearing pants because of new rules that state that everyone on the field, including the referees, must wear shorts. While you will still see goalies with pants, there is a general move away from the style. Plus, some goalies don't like the way trousers can become wet, and heavy, and slow them down.
What's the difference between goalie pants and player pants?
Player pants tend to prioritize mobility, whereas goalie pants prioritize protection. While all players need maneuverability, and all players might find themselves falling and sliding on the pitch, goalies often have to actively throw themselves into awkward positions to maximize the space they occupy in front of the goal and make crucial saves. This makes the risk of falls, impacts, and abrasions higher. The best goalie pants are a combination of protection, mobility, comfort, and style.
