Handball and goalkeeper trousers

Goalkeeper, training or rain trousers: the three families

The goalkeeper trousers have padding at the hips, often at the knees, to absorb dives and slips on a hard surface. Training trousers, made from soft polyester or fleece, are used for warming up, on the bench, and during transport; they are removed before the match. Rain trousers, waterproof, are mainly for the coach working outdoors, in outdoor tournaments or while travelling. Before buying, just ask yourself if you will be playing, warming up, or waiting in them.

Long or three-quarters: the goalkeeper's choice

Long goalkeeper trousers cover the entire leg and protect from burns along the length. The three-quarters stop below the knee: more breathable, they leave the calf free, with knee protection that stays in place. In warm gyms, many goalkeepers switch to three-quarters. In all cases, check that the padding falls correctly on the hip and knee when in position, with bent legs.

Tapered at the ankle or straight: which cut for which use

A tapered training trouser does not drag on the ground and does not interfere with the warm-up sidesteps. A straight trouser, looser, can be slipped over shoes, saving time before the match. Models with zipped bottoms combine the two. For coaches who spend the session standing, a straight cut with zipped pockets for the phone and whistle is more practical.

Kempa, Craft, Hummel, Uhlsport, Errea, Erima: who makes what in trousers

• Kempa: a black padded goalkeeper trouser, available in adult and child sizes.
• Craft: the Swedish brand, supplier to Brest Bretagne Handball, offers the Progress goalkeeper trouser, in men's and women's cuts.
• Hummel: training trousers Core 2.0, long or three-quarters, and the Classic goalkeeper trouser.
• Uhlsport: the goalkeeper brand offers the Standard and Anatomic Kevlar trousers.
• Errea: the three-quarters goalkeeper trouser Devin, for those who want to keep their calves free.
• Erima: training trousers and a simple goalkeeper trouser for regular use.

The Blue trousers for training

The page also features training trousers in the colours of the French team, made by adidas, the supplier for the Blues. These are aimed at supporters who want to complete their outfit, with a matching jacket to look for in the jackets and tracksuits section. The cut remains that of a sports trouser, comfortable for warming up as well as for the stands.

Paddings and knees: making a goalkeeper trouser last

A goalkeeper trouser wears out first at the knees and on the sides of the thighs. Wash it after each session to prevent resin and sweat from hardening the padding, but at a low temperature, and let it dry flat. Fasten the Velcro before washing. If any padding tears, it’s better to replace the trouser than to play with shifted padding.

Upper body and feet: completing the trouser

• The goalkeeper pairs their trousers with a long-sleeved shirt, to be found among the handball shirts.
• Under a loose trouser, leggings from the baselayers add support.
• The training trouser is complemented by a jacket chosen from jackets and tracksuits.
• For the top, sweatshirts make for a comfortable set.
• After warming up, the field player switches to hand shorts.
• High socks protect the shin under a three-quarter.
• T-shirts and polos complete the staff's outfit.

Last season's sports trousers

A goalkeeper trouser costs more than a short, hence the importance of keeping an eye on discounts. The page textile clearance gathers last season's stock, special textile offers and current promotions. At the end of autumn, also think about the Black Friday textile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a football goalkeeper trouser suit handball?

Yes, most protect the same areas, hips and knees. Just make sure the fabric allows for the goalkeeper's splits, which are more common than in football. A slightly stretchy model is more comfortable.

Should you wear knee pads under a goalkeeper trouser?

If the trouser doesn’t have knee protection, thin knee pads are useful for stops on the ground. If the trouser already has them, a second layer may restrict movement. Try the whole set during training.

Training trouser or fleece joggers?

The polyester training trouser is light and doesn’t trap sweat, making it suitable for warming up. The fleece joggers are warmer and softer, better for transport and post-match. Many players have both.

How to choose the length of a sports trouser?

Measure your inseam and compare it with the brand's guide. A training trouser should break slightly on the shoe without dragging. For a goalkeeper, the position of the padding matters more than the length.

Is a rain trouser useful for a coach?

For outdoor sessions, during outdoor tournaments, or on the sideline during winter, yes. It is worn over training trousers and can be folded away in a bag. Opt for a model with zip openings at the bottom of the legs.