Best Ice Hockey Girdles

Whether you're gearing up for your first girdle or looking to upgrade for 2025, IW is here to help you find the perfect fit for your playstyle. While all hockey girdles offer a naturally low-profile design built for mobility and lightweight performance, we've split this year's top picks into two categories: Maximum Protection and Maximum Mobility. Within each category, you'll find our selections for Best Overall Performance, chosen purely on tech and spec, and Best Value, highlighting options that deliver excellent performance and comfort at a more affordable price.

$199.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The True Catalyst 9X5 Ice Hockey Girdle is perfect for players looking for incredible protection and coverage through a low profile and mobile fit. Its Intelligent Body Protection (iBP) system absorbs every type of impact while maintaining exceptional airflow and flexibility, giving players pro-level coverage without sacrificing speed or comfort.

Built for performance and convenience, the removable iBP frames make cleaning and drying effortless, while HD foam caps bridge gaps around the kidneys, hips, and thighs for complete protection. With its breathable mesh shell and integrated cup pocket, the Catalyst 9X5 delivers everything elite players need: maximum protection, ventilation, and freedom of movement in one high-performing package.

$129.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG, XL)
$149.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Warrior Alpha Ice Hockey Girdle is absolutely ideal for players who rely on maximum coverage and pro-level protection. Its body-contouring design wraps the hips, thighs, and tailbone with strategically placed impact protection, delivering reliable coverage against big hits, board battles, and unlucky falls. Players will experience exceptional comfort and impact absorption in every key area, all while maintaining the freedom of movement that a girdle is known for.

A secure fit is achieved effortlessly through the internal belt system, giving you a comfortable, personalized feel around the waist. Finished with Warrior's WarTech FNC liner, the Alpha girdle keeps sweat and odor in check so you stay dry, fresh, and confident shift after shift.

$139.99 MSRP for Junior (MD, LG)
$179.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

Built with elite-level protection in a highly customizable fit, the CCM JetSpeed Ice Hockey Girdle is perfect for players seeking premium mobility that keeps up with every stride. Each thigh guard adjusts both vertically and around the leg, allowing players to fine-tune their coverage for a truly dialed-in fit. This adaptable system delivers an exceptional range of motion, making the JetSpeed girdle a top pick for skaters who rely on quick cuts, explosive acceleration, and fast transitions.

CCM's exclusive JDP hip caps disperse impact away from the joint, giving players confidence whether delivering or absorbing a big hit. In the spine, CCM adds their D3O Smart Foam, a premium material that instantly hardens on impact to absorb energy and protect one of the body's most vulnerable areas, resulting in a protection package that can handle any level of play.

$129.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Sherwood Code Encrypt Girdle delivers outstanding value for competitive players who want elite mobility without sacrificing protection. Its low-profile design moves seamlessly with the body, while molded HD foams and PE inserts in key zones provide reliable impact coverage for battles at the net or along the boards.

Sherwood's Custom Impact Protection (CIP) sets it apart, allowing players to fine-tune thigh and belly-pad positioning for a truly customized fit and gap-free coverage. Finished with breathable materials and MicroBan odor control, the Encrypt Girdle offers high-level performance, full customization, and excellent protection at a price that's tough to beat.

What size hockey girdle do I need?
Sizing depends on a player's waist circumference, height, and sometimes weight. Each brand provides a specific sizing chart, which you can find on every product page. Focus on waist size first, followed by height for best results.

How should hockey girdles fit?
Girdles fit snug around the waist and contour close-to-the-body. The thigh protection should slightly overlap the top of the shin guards without restricting movement.

What's the difference between hockey pants and a girdle?
Girdles offer a tight, anatomical fit with less shifting during play and often more customizable coverage. Hockey pants have a roomier, traditional fit and do not require a separate shell.

Are girdles or pants better for protection?
One isn't necessarily better than the other, and it ultimately comes down to your personal choice of fit. Both offer excellent protection for high levels of play, but girdles generally come in a low-profile fit, excelling at mobility, while pants come in both high and low-profile fits.

What features should I look for in high-end hockey girdles?
Look for adjustable protection that features molded PE or HD foams, odor control, and internal belts.

Can I use a shell from one brand over a girdle from another brand?
In most cases, yes, as many shells offer a universal fit. Be sure to check the product description to see if the shell is limited to only that specific brand. Shells allow players to change their pants color, which is beneficial for individuals who play on multiple teams.

How tight should a girdle be?
A girdle should feel form-fitting but not restrictive. You should be able to skate without losing range of motion and the girdle should stay locked in place through the full stride.

Do hockey girdles offer enough protection for contact leagues?
Yes, elite-level girdles use high-end foams and molded protection, making them perfectly suitable for high-contact play.

Do I need to wear a shell over my ice hockey girdle?
Yes, girdles are designed to be worn with a hockey shell, which protects the girdle. Shells add durability, team color, and help keep the girdle securely in place.

How long does an ice hockey girdle typically last?
Most girdles last several seasons with proper care and storage. Durability depends on how often you play, the level of physical contact, and care between uses, such as air-drying and using gear deodorizers.

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!