Soccer Goalie Gear List: What You Need to Protect the Net

Stepping into the goal isn’t for the faint of heart. As a soccer goalie, you’re the last line of defense, the shot-stopper, the game-changer — and having the right gear can make the difference between a clean save and a close call. In this guide, our sports experts will break down the essential goalkeeper equipment you need to succeed.

High-quality goalkeeper equipment isn’t just for show; it’s designed to protect you from hard shots, awkward landings, and the wear and tear of constant movement. It also boosts your confidence and performance.

When you know your gloves will grip the ball securely, your cleats will keep you stable, and your jersey won’t weigh you down, you can focus on reading the game and making those crucial saves. Cheap gear might save you money upfront, but in the long run, durable, well-made equipment will last longer, perform better, and help you play your best.

Below, we’ve created a checklist of essential gear every goalie needs in their toolkit.

• Sunscreen: Protects players from harmful UV rays.

• Bug spray: Keeps pesky bugs at bay during games and practices.

• Reusable water bottle: Helps players stay cool and hydrated.

• Headbands and hair ties: Prevent hair and sweat from falling into a player’s eyes.

• Goalkeeper jersey: Padded and brightly colored to protect against impact and make the goalie more visible.

• Compression shirt (or other base layer): Provides muscle support, wicks away sweat, and adds an extra layer of protection against turf burns and scrapes.

• Soccer pants or shorts: Padded goalkeeper pants or shorts help cushion the hips, thighs, and knees during dives and slides.

• Sliding shorts: Offer additional padding for the hips and thighs.

• Soccer socks: Help keep shin guards in place and provide added comfort and protection for the lower legs.

• Soccer cleats: Give traction and stability for quick movements.

• Goalie gloves: Provide grip, shock absorption, and finger protection to help goalies safely catch soccer balls.

• Shin Guards: Protect lower legs from kicks, hard shots, and accidental collisions.

• Shin guard sleeves, tape, or straps: Secure shin guards during fast movements or dives.

• Mouthguard: Protects a goalie’s teeth and jaw from accidental contact with the ball, the ground, or other players.

While the goalie gear below isn’t required, they can help you stay comfortable and prepared both on and off the field.

• Soccer gear bag: Keeps gear organized and easy to transport.

• Elbow pads: Add extra cushioning to help prevent elbow bruises and scrapes.

• Goalie glove cleaner & bag: Help extend glove lifespan and maintain grip.

• Cooling towel: Helps goalies stay cool and comfortable on hot days.

• Eye black: Reduces glare from sunlight and stadium lights.

Every good goalie knows the game doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows. Consider investing in the soccer training gear below to perfect your game in your free time.

• Soccer balls: Used to help goalies improve their reaction time and ball-handling skills.

• Agility and speed trainers: Help goalies build explosive power, quick reflexes, and better footwork.

• Training cones: Good for setting up drills that improve positioning, footwork, and reaction time.

• Soccer coaching sticks: Simulate defenders and obstacles to practice movement, vision, and ability to react to different shooting angles.

• Soccer net: Helps work on shot-stopping without chasing the ball after every save.

• Soccer ball pump + needles: Proper inflation ensures soccer balls move and react as expected to keep training sessions more effective and realistic.

Whether you're gearing up for your next big match or fine-tuning your skills in training, investing in quality soccer goalie gear will set you up for success. Ready to protect the net? Browse the wide variety of soccer equipment available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!