Goalkeeper shorts
This selection brings together the goalkeeper shorts, featuring padding at the hips and thighs. It’s the perfect bottom piece for the lovely season and soft pitches, when trousers become too heavy.
You’ll find padded shorts from position specialists, club shorts in team colours, and compression models that are worn underneath.
Three types of shorts for a goalkeeper
The padded short is the typical model for the position: it has padding on the hips and outer thighs, at the spots that hit the ground during a dive. It is worn alone and replaces the field short.
The club short, on the other hand, simply takes on the team's colors without any special protection. Many goalkeepers pair it with a padded compression short worn underneath, allowing them to keep the official kit while being protected.
The compression short, a discreet solution
Worn under the match short, it includes thin padding on the hips that is not noticeable. This is the choice of many goalkeepers in competition, where uniformity in kit is expected.
It also provides a second benefit, maintaining muscle support for the adductors and hamstrings, which are used during side movements and stretches typical of the position. Some models are actually designed for this purpose before being thought of as protective gear.
Shorts or trousers: how to decide?
The surface is the first consideration. On soft natural grass, shorts are sufficient and more comfortable. On synthetic surfaces, friction causes abrasions that only trousers can completely prevent.
The season is another factor. An immobile goalkeeper cools down quickly, and many switch to trousers as soon as autumn arrives, regardless of the surface. Shorts regain the advantage in spring and summer.
What size to choose?
The padded short should fit snugly. A model that is too loose causes padding to shift to the side at the moment of impact, meaning it ends up outside of the contact zones when it should be protecting.
For a compression short, the fit is even more important, as it affects both muscle support and the positioning of the padding. The product sheet provides the actual measurements of the model.
Other pieces of goalkeeper clothing
The short is complemented by the rest of the kit. Goalkeeper shirts cover the top, goalkeeper trousers take over in winter and on synthetic, and baselayers are worn underneath everything. The page goalkeeper clothing brings together the whole range.
Where to find cheaper goalkeeper shorts
The padding compresses with washing and impacts, making the padded short something to renew regularly. Clearance and good deals feature end-of-line items and current discounts, while special offers vary depending on the time of year.
The Black Friday kicks off the season, leading into the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, and the French Days in spring. For shorts, discounts usually occur at the end of winter, ahead of the season when they are worn.
Frequently asked questions
Is a goalkeeper short necessarily padded?
No. Club shorts simply take on the team's colours without any protection. Many goalkeepers combine them with a padded compression short worn underneath.
What is the purpose of a compression short for a goalkeeper?
It provides thin padding on the hips that is not visible under the match short, and ensures muscle support for the adductors and hamstrings, which are heavily used during lateral movements.
Shorts or goalkeeper trousers?
The short is suitable for soft natural grass and the warmer season. Trousers are a must on synthetic surfaces, where friction causes abrasions, and in cold weather.
Should I size up?
No, it should be fitted. A short that is too loose shifts its padding at the moment of contact with the ground, and the protections are no longer positioned over the exposed areas.
Are there goalkeeper shorts for children?
Yes, several models are available in junior sizes, including club shorts in the colours of the major teams.
