Lacrosse Goalie Sizing Guide 2026: Chest Pads, Pants, Leg Pads & Sticks

Proper sizing is one of the most important parts of choosing goalie gear. Whether you’re buying Cat 2 gear for youth or Cat 3 gear for competitive box goalies, the right fit keeps goalies safe, mobile, and confident in the crease.

Note: Always double-check your measurements to ensure both safety and comfort when selecting equipment.

This 2026 guide provides general guidelines for sizing, but individual needs and preferences may vary. It breaks down how to size every major piece of goalie equipment: chest pads, pants, leg pads, gloves, helmets, and sticks.

Introduction to Goalie Equipment

Goalie equipment is the foundation of every successful lacrosse goaltender, providing essential protection and enabling top performance in the crease. The main pieces of goalie equipment include goalie leg pads, chest protectors, gloves, blockers, and helmets—each designed to shield key areas from high-velocity shots and physical play. When it comes to sizing goalie pads, the industry standard is the Ankle to Knee (ATK) measurement. This method involves measuring from the ankle bone up to the center of the knee cap, ensuring the pad covers the entire goalie leg for maximum safety and mobility.

Whether you’re shopping for youth or senior-sized pads, getting the proper fit is crucial. Well-sized goalie equipment not only keeps you protected but also allows you to move freely and react quickly during the game. At Sanderson Lacrosse, we help goalies of all ages and levels find the right size and style of gear to match their needs and playing style.

Why Proper Goalie Gear Sizing Matters

Correctly sized equipment improves: 

Safety — padding stays in the right place 
Mobility — no excess bulk or restricted motion
Reaction time — goalie moves naturally without delay
Confidence — players trust their gear and play more aggressively

The most important thing when sizing goalie pads is ensuring proper knee positioning and using correct measurements to match size ranges, which are crucial for comfort, mobility, and protection.

Improperly fitted pads can expose ribs, limit movement, slow down footwork, and reduce glove/stick control. Every goalie, youth to adult, should be fitted using age, height, and playing level.

Cat 2 vs Cat 3 Goalie Gear Explained

Before sizing, you need to know the two categories of modern box goalie equipment.

Cat 2 Goalie Gear

Used for:
Youth, early development levels, non-contact box programs

Features:

• Lightweight padding
• Softer foam
• Smaller profile
• Designed for developing goalies

Cat 3 Goalie Gear

Used for:
Competitive box lacrosse, high school, Jr. A/B, Senior lacrosse, and adult leagues

Features:

• Thicker, denser foam
• Wider blocking area
• Elite protection
• Meets Canadian box goalie standards

Why Cat 3 matters:
Shots at these levels are significantly harder, so protection and fit must be exact.

How to Size Goalie Leg Pads (Cat 2 & Cat 3)

Leg pads should cover from the top of the foot to mid-thigh while still allowing goalie movements such as shuffles, drops, and step-outs. Goalie leg pads are typically measured in inches, which determines their height and coverage. Knee blocks are among the most important pieces of a goalie pad, as they are high-wear areas that directly contact the goalie's knee during play.

When selecting new pads, it’s important to ensure proper sizing for comfort, mobility, and performance, especially when upgrading or replacing gear. Proper pad sizing also helps maximize net coverage, improving the goalie’s ability to block shots.

During play, goalies may need to fall or drop into position to make saves, and a good pad fit supports this essential movement. The butterfly position is a critical stance for goalies, and pad size, including thigh rise, affects both mobility and coverage when in this position. Additionally, the interaction between skates and pads is important for mobility and should be considered when sizing pads.

How to Measure

Measure from the ankle bone straight up to the center of the knee, then to the mid-thigh. This total helps determine the correct pad category.

Common sizes we carry:

• 16"
• 18"
• 20"
• 22"

Signs Pads Are Too Small

• Knee exposed
• Thigh protection floats above leg
• Goalie feels shots through padding

Signs Pads Are Too Large

• Pads rotate when moving
• Bottom of pads catch on the floor
• Goalie struggles to get up or shuffle quickly

How to Size Goalie Pants (Cat 2 & Cat 3)

Goalie pants protect the hips, kidneys, outer thigh, and upper leg. Sizing varies heavily by brand (Boddam, McKenney, etc.), so fit is more important than the number on the label.

Cat 2 Pants

• Usually one-size designs for youth
• Lightweight and flexible
• Ideal for ages 6–12 depending on body type

Cat 3 Pants

Sized by waist and leg build: M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

Proper Fit Checklist

• Waist band sits comfortably without slipping
• Thighs fully covered when in ready stance
• Hip padding stays centered
• Goalie can run, drop, and move laterally

How to Size Goalie Chest Pads / Uppers

Chest/upper protection must cover the chest, ribs, shoulders, and arms without restricting posture or stick movement. Accurate measurement for chest and arm protection is essential to ensure a proper fit and maximize safety.

Arm protection should fit snugly without restricting movement, and proper measurement is key for effective safety.

To select the right chest and arm protectors, measure your arm span by standing with arms spread at shoulder level and measuring from wrist to collar bone or navel. This helps ensure the chest and arm gear fits comfortably and securely.

Key Measurement Points

• Shoulder width
• Chest circumference
• Torso length

Correct Fit

• Shoulders fully covered
• Arms bend naturally
• Chest pad stays close to the body
• No pinching at the underarms
• Arm pads do not overlap excessively with gloves

Signs of Incorrect Fit

• Arm pads hang past wrists
• Chest piece rides up when moving
• Shoulder wings stick outward
• Torso protection is too short or too long

How to Choose the Right Goalie Stick Length & Head Size

Stick length affects reaction time, control, and how goalies play angles.

Field Goalie Stick Length

40"–42" allowed
Longer shaft = reach and control
Shorter shaft = quicker hands

Box Goalie Stick Length

Typically 34"–40"
Shorter sticks increase mobility indoors

Head Size

• Goalie heads differ by play style:
• Wider heads = rebound control
• Narrower heads = quicker saves
• Deeper pockets = more hold
• Shallower pockets = faster outlet passes

Mesh options:
Standard performance mesh
Goalie-specific diamond patterns

How to Size Goalie Gloves

Gloves must protect the thumb while allowing a strong grip.

Correct Sizing

Measure from middle finger tip to base of palm.

Typical sizes:

• 10"–11" youth
• 12" intermediate
• 13"–14" adult

Look for:

• Reinforced thumb spine
• Strong back-of-hand padding
• Flexible cuffs for outlet passing
• Comfortable palm material

Goalie Equipment Options

Today’s goalie gear offers a wide range of options to suit every level of play, body type, and personal preference. Goalie leg pads are available in youth sizes, junior sizes, and senior sizes, allowing goalies to find the correct pad size for their age and build. The right pad size is essential for effective movement and making those crucial saves. In addition to leg pads, chest protectors and arm protectors come in various sizes and configurations, with features like extra thigh rise or reinforced padding for senior goalies seeking additional protection.

When selecting goalie equipment, it’s important to consider factors such as proper length, knee measurement, and how the pad aligns with the ankle bone. These details ensure a proper fit, which is key for both comfort and safety. Many brands offer sizing charts and custom fit options, so you can tailor your gear to your specific needs and playing style. Whether you’re a youth player just starting out or a senior goalie looking for advanced features, Sanderson Lacrosse has the equipment and expertise to help you play your best.

Youth Goalie Equipment

Youth goalie equipment is specially designed to support young players as they learn the game and develop their skills. Youth goalie pads are typically lighter and more flexible than senior models, making it easier for younger goalies to move, slide, and react to shots. Sizing charts for youth goalie equipment vary by brand, with options ranging from small to extra-large to accommodate different ages and growth stages.

To ensure a proper fit, it’s important to use a tape measure and follow the ankle-to-knee measurement method, checking that the pads cover the knee and ankle without being too bulky or restrictive. Goalie parents should also consider their child’s level of play and personal preference when choosing equipment, as the right fit can boost confidence and safety on the field. Regularly checking sizing and fit as your goalie grows will help maintain optimal protection and performance throughout the season.

Goalie Gear Maintenance

Keeping your goalie gear in top condition is essential for both safety and performance. Regular maintenance starts with cleaning and drying your equipment after every game or practice, paying special attention to areas like the knee cap and ankle bone where sweat and dirt can build up. Proper storage is also important—avoid leaving your gear in damp or extremely hot environments, as this can cause materials to break down or lose their shape. Inspect your goalie gear frequently for signs of wear, such as fraying straps or compressed padding, and replace any worn parts promptly to maintain the right fit and level of protection.

Using equipment bags or storage cases can help keep your gear organized and shielded from damage. By following these maintenance tips, both youth and senior goalies can extend the life of their equipment, ensure a proper fit, and stay protected every time they step into the crease. Regular upkeep not only helps prevent injuries but also keeps you ready to play your best game all season long.

Complete 2026 Goalie Gear Sizing Chart

Use this as a general reference.

Many brands, such as Warrior, offer high-quality goalie equipment—including shin guards, pads, and helmets—in a range of sizes.

When to Move from Cat 2 to Cat 3 Gear

Move up to Cat 3 when:

• Shots reach high speeds
• Goalie plays in competitive box leagues
• Pads no longer provide adequate coverage
• The player has outgrown Cat 2 sizes
• Heavy bruising appears after games
• A coach or league recommends upgrading

Most goalies transition between ages 11–14, depending on skill and size.

Final Recommendations by Age & Level

8U Goalies

• Cat 2 full set
• Lightest gear for mobility

10U Goalies

• Cat 2, possibly Cat 3 pants if larger 

12U Goalies

• Transition period
• Cat 2 uppers + Cat 3 pants/legs, depending on the speed of shots

High School Goalies

• Cat 3 gear required
• Full-size pads, better impact protection

Adult / Competitive Box

• Full Cat 3 setup
• Maximum protection + durability

If you want to learn more about who we are, check out our About Us page. For help finding your exact goalie size, you can message us on the Contact page.

Build Your Goalie Setup

Shop the perfect fit for 2026.

Goalie Leg Pads (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Goalie Pants
Goalie Chest/Uppers
Goalie Gloves
Goalie Sticks