Start with the measurement and chart published for the goalie pad you plan to buy, because manufacturers can use different sizing systems. Bauer's current guide measures from the floor to the center of the knee and says the knee should land in the center of the pad's knee stack in butterfly.
Use the sizing chart for the exact goalie pad, then check where your knee lands in the pad. Bauer’s chart uses a floor-to-knee measurement and centers the fit check on the knee stack.
Measure the way the maker asks
Bauer’s goalie-pad chart calls its measurement “shin height”: use a soft tape from the floor to the center of the knee, then compare that number with the chart. Follow the same setup and units shown by the maker of the model you are considering.
| Fit check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Use the method and units on the exact pad’s chart. |
| Size match | Compare the result with that model’s listed range. |
| Knee position | Check that the knee lands in the center of the knee stack in butterfly. |
Check the fit with your full setup
Try the pad with the goalie skates and pants used for play. The knee should align with the maker’s fit guidance, and the straps should follow the product directions. If the pad’s knee landing changes when you move, review the size and fit with a goalie-equipment specialist before choosing.
Compare models by their own charts
Do not transfer a size label from another manufacturer or older model. Pad charts may differ, and the knee stack shape, boot and thigh rise can change between products. Use the brand’s current chart and model-specific fitting instructions.
Related guides
- Hockey skate sizing guide
- Ball hockey goalie equipment guide
- Hockey helmet certification
- Ice vs inline hockey
- Ice hockey
Official sources
Checked November 4, 2026.
Common questions
How do I measure for hockey goalie pads?
Bauer's current chart asks for shin height, measured from the floor to the center of the knee with a soft tape. Use the result in the size chart for that exact pad.
Where should my knee sit in a goalie pad?
Bauer says the knee should land in the center of the pad's knee stack when the goalie drops into butterfly. Check the specific model's fitting directions as well.
Can I choose goalie pad size from my height?
Use the measurement requested by the pad maker instead of converting your height into a size. Bauer's chart uses shin height, while other models may publish their own instructions.