Top Brands for Exceptional Goalie Pads

When it comes to equipping a goalie, choosing the right pads is crucial for performance and protection. The market is filled with numerous brands offering high-quality options tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional goalies. Some of the top brands renowned for their innovation and durability include Bauer, known for their cutting-edge technology and comfort, and Vaughn, celebrated for its superior craftsmanship and protection. Furthermore, Brian's brings unique, customizable designs that cater to individual preferences, while CCM consistently delivers reliable and robust pads trusted by goalies worldwide. To explore a detailed list of the best goalie pad brands and their distinctive features, continue reading below.

Illustration of goalie pads

Best brands of goalie pads in 2025

Bauer

Bauer, a leading brand in the ice hockey equipment market, is renowned for its high-quality goalie pads, which are favored by many professional goalies. The company, part of Peak Achievement Athletics Inc., holds a significant market share, with North America accounting for approximately 74.7% of the ice hockey equipment market in 2021. Bauer's products, including goalie pads, are known for their durability and performance, backed by a 1-year warranty for goalie masks and 90 days for other protective gear. The global ice hockey equipment market, in which Bauer is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2032, indicating strong demand for their products. Bauer's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as one of the best producers of goalie pads in the industry.

Vaughn

Vaughn Hockey, founded in 1982 by former NHL goaltender Mike Vaughn, is a premier brand in the production of goalie pads, renowned for its dedication to safeguarding goalkeepers. Vaughn's equipment, such as the Ventus SLR4, is crafted for maximum protection and comfort, earning the trust of players worldwide. In the NHL, Vaughn pads are used by 12.99% of goalies, with the Ventus SLR4 specifically used by 6.49% of them. The brand's innovation, including the introduction of multiple foam layers, has set new standards for safety in goalie gear. Vaughn's products endure the rigors of intense play, ensuring unwavering performance. For more information on their products, visit the official Vaughn Hockey page.

CCM

CCM, a Canada-based hockey equipment company owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners, is renowned for producing high-quality goalie pads used in professional tournaments such as the NHL. Their goalie pads are part of a comprehensive product range that includes skates, sticks, and various protective gear. CCM is one of the leading companies in the ice hockey equipment market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030. The global ice hockey equipment market, valued at USD 2.06 billion in 2023, highlights CCM's significant contribution to the industry. CCM's products are highly regarded for their performance and durability, making them a preferred choice among professional and amateur goalies.

Warrior

Warrior is renowned as one of the top producers of goalie pads, offering high-quality, durable, and innovative equipment. Their Ritual series, such as the G6 and G7 models, feature advanced technologies like CoverEDGE+ and AIRslide 3.0, enhancing puck pop and sliding efficiency. These pads are designed for both butterfly and hybrid goaltending styles, providing a stiff core for lively rebounds and improved seal in the butterfly position. Warrior goalie leg pads are priced between $250 and $1,700, catering to various skill levels from youth to professional goalies. The brand's commitment to user feedback has led to continuous improvements, such as the G7's 1-piece core with a single external break for a more forgiving feel.

Brian's

Brian's is a leading brand in goalie equipment, particularly renowned for their Sub Zero 3 goalie pads, which are 10% lighter than the previous Sub Zero II model, making them the lightest goalie pads on the market. With an impressive 18% market share amongst NHL/AHL goalies as of 2024, Brian's has established itself as the fastest growing goalie company. The Sub Zero 3 pads feature a smart strap system for 100% adjustability and enhanced pad rotation, catering specifically to butterfly goaltenders. The brand is also celebrated for its exceptional customer service and extensive customization capabilities. Brian's Sub Zero 7.0 series offers a more affordable yet highly durable alternative. For more details on Brian's custom goalie leg pads, you can visit their news page.

TRUE

TRUE is a leading brand in ice hockey goalie equipment, renowned for its high-quality and technologically advanced products. As of the 2022-23 season, 75% of NHL goalies wear TRUE skates, highlighting the brand's popularity among professionals. TRUE goalie leg pads feature high-density foam and advanced strapping systems for a secure and customizable fit, ensuring maximum protection and mobility. The brand's equipment, including leg pads, gloves, and blockers, is designed with lightweight materials and advanced closure systems for improved performance. Notably, 37 NHL goalies used TRUE pads during the 2021-2022 season. Explore more of TRUE's innovative goalie equipment for your needs.

Sherwood

Sherwood Hockey, although primarily known for its sticks, has not been highlighted as a major producer of goalie pads in recent market analyses. However, brands like TRUE, Bauer, and CCM dominate the goalie pad market, with TRUE holding 42.86% of the market share among NHL goalies, followed by Bauer with 29.87%, and CCM with 9.09%. For a more comprehensive analysis of the goalie pad market, you can visit the GearGeek website.

Reebok

Reebok, although no longer a dominant force in the hockey equipment market, has a notable history in producing goalie pads. However, as of recent years, Reebok's presence in the NHL has significantly diminished, with no NHL players currently using Reebok helmets or other equipment. In the past, Reebok did manufacture pads for several goalies, but this has ceased with the brand's decline. The Lefebvre family, known for making pads for various brands including Reebok, now produces pads under the True brand. Reebok's market share in hockey equipment has dropped to nearly negligible levels. For further insights into the evolving hockey equipment brands, visit this detailed resource.

Tacks

Tacks, although not as widely mentioned as other brands like CCM or True Goalie, is recognized for its high-quality hockey equipment, including goalie pads. However, specific data on Tacks as a leading producer of goalie pads is limited. In the hockey equipment market, brands like CCM and True Goalie have dominated the scene, with significant market share and innovation, such as the shift of many NHL goalies to True Goalie in the 2021-22 season. The market for hockey equipment, including goalie pads, is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.7% from 2021 to 2028, indicating a strong demand for high-quality gear. While Tacks may not be at the forefront, it still offers reliable and performance-driven equipment for goalies.

Koho

Koho, a renowned brand in the hockey equipment market, is particularly celebrated for its high-quality goalie pads, which have been a staple in European hockey for many decades. Known for their durability and performance, Koho goalie pads have been favored by many professional and amateur goalies. As part of The Hockey Company's portfolio, Koho benefits from superior product technology and brand leadership, allowing it to fully penetrate viable hockey markets. The brand's presence was significantly enhanced when The Hockey Company acquired Sports Holding Corp. in 1998, solidifying its position as a market leader in hockey sticks and protective gear, including goalie pads. For more insights into foreign brands of hockey equipment, visit The Goal Net.