Uhlsport, three padded goalkeeper trousers

Standard, Essential or Anatomic Kevlar: what makes them different

• The Standard focuses on the essentials: ergonomic padding at the knee and hip, complemented by elastic underfoot straps that keep the lower leg in place during dives.
• The Essential tightens at the lower leg, with a ribbed insert at the back of the calf, and features a large uhlsport logo on the left thigh.
• The Anatomic Kevlar is the most robust: interlock fabric, elastic waistband with inner drawstring, and padding where the Kevlar surface withstands friction from synthetic pitches.

Compare with other padded goalkeeper trousers

To compare with other approaches, check out the padded trousers from Reusch, a long-time partner of Sepp Maier, and the Protec from Joma with its knee reinforcements. The complete selection of goalkeeper trousers also includes three-quarter models and honeycomb padding from other brands.

Uhlsport junior trousers: protecting a young goalkeeper from the start

All three models are available in junior size, with the same padding placement as the adult versions. This is a real advantage for a child learning to dive: the fear of impact fades quickly when the hip and knee no longer hit the ground directly.

For a beginner, the Standard or the Essential will suffice. The Anatomic Kevlar junior is mainly justified if the child is training on an older, more abrasive synthetic pitch, or if they’re in goal for every session. In all cases, choose the size based on the child's stature rather than their age, so the foam stays aligned with the joint.

Uhlsport, a story born in Balingen in 1948

Uhlsport was founded in 1948 in Balingen, Baden-Württemberg, under the name of Haase and Uhl, a business started by Karl Uhl. Its first products were leather studs, followed by soles intended for sports shoe manufacturers from 1953 onwards.

Now known as Karl Uhl GmbH and then uhlsport GmbH in 1994, the company was taken over in 1998 by the Daiss family and has maintained its headquarters in Balingen. Football, and in particular the goalkeeper position, has become its specialty, which explains the care taken in the placement of padding on its trousers.

When to find Uhlsport trousers on sale

The long Uhlsport trousers are mainly sold as the cold approaches: Black Friday and the end-of-year holidays kick off the season, extended by winter sales on the goalkeeper promotions page. The French Days for goalkeeper gear in spring, summer sales, and the return of training sessions follow, and the last available sizes sometimes go into clearance.

Frequently asked questions

Do the underfoot straps of the Standard trousers get in the way of boots?

No, they are elastic and thin: they go underneath the arch of the foot, then you slip your boots on over them. Their role is to keep the lower leg from riding up towards the calf when you dive or slide on the ground.

What pant size to choose between two sizes for Uhlsport?

Choose the smaller size if the drawstring waistband allows you to wear it comfortably: this keeps the padding properly aligned with the joints. Choose the larger size if you're wearing shorts or technical leggings underneath.

Is a goalkeeper allowed to play in long trousers during an official match?

Yes, Law 4 of the Laws of the game expressly allows a goalkeeper to wear tracksuit bottoms. They just need to wear colours that distinguish them from other players and referees.

Do Uhlsport trousers prevent burns on artificial turf?

They cover the entire leg, which eliminates most burn risks from sliding. On very abrasive artificial turf, the Kevlar surface of the Anatomic offers better abrasion resistance than standard textile padding.

How to make the padding of Uhlsport trousers last?

Wash them inside out, at a low temperature and without fabric softener, then lay them flat to dry away from a radiator. Rinse off mud quickly after the match: dried dirt in the foams can harden them and reduce cushioning.