Sizing goalie gear properly is one of the most important decisions a player, coach, or parent will make. Whether you’re playing youth box lacrosse, junior, senior, or competitive adult leagues, your goalie equipment must fit correctly for safety, mobility, confidence, and rule compliance.
This guide will provide general guidelines for lacrosse goalie gear sizing to help you choose the right fit for your needs.
This guide explains Cat 2 and Cat 3 goalie gear, how to size every major piece of equipment, when to move up in category level, and the differences between youth, intermediate, and elite protections.
Note: There are key differences between Cat 2 and Cat 3 gear categories, such as pad width, size classifications, and design elements, which are important to consider when selecting your equipment.
Introduction — Why Proper Goalie Gear Sizing Matters
Goalies take the hardest impacts in lacrosse — especially in box lacrosse, where shots can exceed 100 mph from close range. If the gear doesn’t fit properly, it leads to:
- Increased risk of injury
- Difficulty moving laterally
- Delayed reaction time
- Gaps in coverage
- Reduced confidence in the crease
Correct sizing ensures the goalie:
- Moves fluidly
- Stays square to shooters
- Has full coverage
- Meets league rules
Properly sized gear not only maximizes comfort and safety, but also enhances a goalie's performance and ability to make crucial saves during play.
Brands like Boddam and McKenney have their own unique sizing charts, but this universal guide will help you choose correctly at any level.
What Are Cat 2 & Cat 3 Goalie Gear Categories?
Quick Definition
In Canada, goalie equipment follows CLA (Canadian Lacrosse Association) category standards:
- Cat 2 (Category 2) → Youth & early development
- Cat 3 (Category 3) → Competitive box lacrosse, high-level junior, senior, adult
These categories determine padding thickness, shape, size allowances, and protection level. The most important thing to consider when selecting a category is matching the protection level to the goalie's age and competition level.
What Cat 2 Gear Is Used For
Cat 2 is designed for:
- 6U, 8U, 10U
- Early development players
- Beginner/intermediate goalies
- Youth box leagues
Cat 2 pads are:
- Lighter
- Smaller
- Easier to move in
- Less bulky but still protective
Selecting the right size in Cat 2 gear is crucial to ensure young goalies have proper protection, comfort, and the best opportunity for safe skill development.
What Cat 3 Gear Is Used For
Cat 3 is used in:
- 12U+ high-competition leagues
- Junior A, B
- Senior
- Adult box lacrosse
- Elite youth development
Cat 3 gear is:
- Thicker
- More protective
- Built to withstand elite-level shots
Cat 3 gear also provides extra protection to withstand the demands of high-level play.
Why Cat 3 Pads Are Bigger & Thicker
- Faster shot velocities
- Heavier traffic near the crease
- Need for full thigh, hip, chest, and shoulder coverage
- Durability for long seasons
Senior-sized pads are typically used in Cat 3, making them ideal for high school and adult goalies who require larger and more protective equipment.
Shop:
Cat 2 Leg Pads
Cat 3 Leg Pads
How to Size Goalie Leg Pads (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Choosing the correct goalie leg pad and goalie pad size is essential for both protection and mobility. Correct leg pad sizing ensures the pads sit squarely on the leg and protect the thigh without interfering with mobility.
How to Measure:
Use a tape measure to take accurate measurements from the floor to the knee and thigh while sitting. Knee measurement is a key step in determining the correct pad size. Thigh rise is another important measurement to consider when sizing goalie pads, as it affects net coverage and five-hole protection. Pad widths also vary between models and can impact both fit and mobility, so be sure to check the available widths for each goalie leg pad. Brands like CCM offer different models and sizing guidelines, so it's important to compare pad size charts before making a decision. When buying new pads, goalies should ensure they are measured correctly to select the correct pad size for their needs.
For example, if your ankle-to-knee (ATK) measurement is 18" and you want a 2" thigh rise, you would figure out your total pad size as 20". Sizing goalie pads properly involves considering all measurements, including length, width, and thigh rise, to ensure the best fit and optimal performance.
How to Measure
Use a soft measuring tape:
- Measure from the center of the ankle bone to the center of the knee cap or middle of the thigh
- Add 1–2 inches for coverage, depending on the brand
- Compare against sizing charts from Boddam or McKenney
Key Fit Checkpoints
Leg pads should:
- Sit just below the groin crease
- Cover the knee cap fully when standing
- Not rotate outward or inward
- Allow the goalie to squat comfortably
Pads should be tight enough to stay secure during play, but not so tight that they restrict movement. Properly adjusted straps help achieve this secure fit, ensuring the pads are worn correctly for optimal performance and safety.
Pads are best worn with a snug fit for more control, but some goalies prefer a looser fit for increased mobility, depending on their style and comfort.
Signs Pads Are Too Small
- Exposed knees when crouching, especially when dropping into the butterfly position, as pads that are too small may not provide adequate coverage.
- Large gap between thigh and pant line
- Pads ride down the leg
Signs Pads Are Too Big
- Pads hit each other during stance
- Restricted lateral movement
- Pad rotates when moving
- Pads that are too big can make sliding across the crease and transitioning into the butterfly position more difficult, affecting both mobility and technique.
Common Pad Sizes (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Most goalies in each age group typically use the sizes listed below:
- 16” → Small youth
- 18” → Larger youth / small intermediate
- 20” → Intermediate / small junior
- 22” → Junior / Senior
Shop leg pads:
Boddam Leg Pads
McKenney Leg Pads
How to Size Goalie Pants
Goalie pants are a key component of a goalie's protective gear, safeguarding the hips, thighs, and kidneys, and influencing how leg pads fit.
Sizing Differences Between Brands
- Boddam → Contoured, snug fit with high thigh protection
- McKenney → Slightly wider cut, more mobility-focused
Both Boddam and McKenney are recognized for their quality and durability, making them top choices for goalies seeking reliable leg pads.
Mobility vs Protection
The correct pant size allows:
- Full leg movement
- Proper stance width
- No pinching at hips
Some goalie pants also feature an extra inch of padding in key areas, providing enhanced protection and coverage, especially during butterfly positioning.
Cat 2 Sizing
Most youth goalie pants are:
- One-size or simple S/M/L youth sizing
- Meant for lighter players with smaller leg pads
Cat 3 Sizing
Senior and competitive pants use:
- Full sizing range: M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
- Designed for thicker thigh padding
Shop goalie pants:
Goalie Pants
How to Size Goalie Uppers & Chest Protection
Chest protectors are one of the most important sizing decisions in box lacrosse. To maximize protection and ensure full mobility, it’s essential to wear your chest protector properly, making sure it covers all key areas and fits securely.
Shoulder Width
Shoulder caps should:
- Sit flat on the shoulders
- Not flare outward
- Cover the collarbone area
Belly Length
A proper fit:
- Covers the entire stomach
- Overlaps the pants slightly
- Does not bunch when crouching
Arm Protectors
Arm pads must:
- Cover elbow joints fully
- Not slide down
- Allow the goalie to absorb shots without restriction
Box-Specific Protection Differences
Box uppers are much thicker and more protective compared to field chest pads.
Best choices from your brands:
Boddam Uppers
McKenney Uppers
How to Choose a Goalie Stick for Your Size & Level
Head Size
Look for:
- Full-size goalie heads for Cat 3
- Slightly lighter heads for younger goalies
Popular options include:
- Warrior
- STX
- Under Armour
Shaft Length
Most box goalies use:
- 40"–60" shafts
- Shorter shafts for youth players
- Longer shafts for adult leverage
Mesh Type
Goalie mesh determines rebound control and channel shape:
- Semi-soft → more feel
- Semi-hard → more rebound control
- 12D or 20D mesh, depending on preference
Shop:
Goalie Sticks
Goalie Gloves: Fit, Protection & Thumb Safety
Thumb Protection
A proper goalie glove must have:
- Reinforced thumb lock
- Strong sidewall padding
- Mobility without hyperextension risk
Proper Glove Tightness
Gloves should feel snug but not restrictive.
How to Check Palm Fit
- Fingers should reach the glove ends
- Palm should lay flat when gripping the stick
- No bunching or slipping
Shop goalie gloves:
Goalie Gloves
Complete Goalie Gear Sizing Chart (2026)
Use this simplified table as a universal reference. (Adjust numbers slightly based on brand-specific charts.)
|
Gear Item |
Typical Cat 2 Sizes |
Typical Cat 3 Sizes |
Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Leg Pads |
16”, 18”, 20” |
18”, 20”, 22” |
Ankle → mid-thigh |
|
Pants |
Youth S/M/L |
M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL |
Waist + hip circumference |
|
Uppers |
Youth S/M/L |
S–XXL |
Shoulder width + torso length |
|
Gloves |
10”, 12” |
12”, 13” |
Finger-to-wrist |
|
Stick Length |
36”–45” |
40”–60” |
Height + preference |
|
Helmet Sizes |
XS–M |
S–XL |
Head circumference |
Note: Many of the sizing methods above are adapted from those used for hockey goalie leg pads, as both sports require careful attention to fit, protection, and performance.
When to Move From Cat 2 to Cat 3 Gear
Age
Most players move from Cat 2 to Cat 3 around:
- 11–13 years old
- Based on size, not just age
Position Level
If the goalie begins facing harder shooters, Cat 3 becomes necessary.
Shot Speed
If shooters regularly exceed 45–50 mph, Cat 3 gear is recommended.
League Rules
Many leagues mandate Cat 3 at:
- 12U competitive
- Junior
- Senior
Final Recommendations Based on Age & Skill Level
8U
Cat 2 gear
Lightest possible setup for mobility
10U
Cat 2 gear
Slightly larger leg pads
12U
Transition zone
Strongly consider Cat 3 leg pads + uppers
High School / Junior
Full Cat 3 setup
Maximum protection
Adult & Competitive Box Play
Cat 3 required
Thicker uppers, pads, pants, and gloves
Shop All Goalie Gear:
Cat 2 Leg Pads
Cat 3 Leg Pads
Goalie Pants
Goalie Uppers / Chest
Goalie Gloves
Goalie Sticks
For a deeper look at the equipment we carry—you can browse the goalie categories on our website. And if you’d like help choosing the right fit or understanding the differences between models, you can always reach out directly through our Contact page.
