Picking the right football (soccer) pants for girls matters for comfort, mobility and protection. Whether you need padded goalkeeper pants, durable practice joggers, or versatile warm-ups, the options below were selected after hands-on testing, expert consultation, and careful review of real-world consumer feedback.
Considerations and Testing Approach
How we evaluated products
- Fit & mobility: We tested range of motion with common football movements (sprinting, lunging, sliding). A secure but flexible waist and well-shaped legs matter most.
- Protection & padding: For goalkeepers, hip and knee padding was assessed for impact coverage and comfort.
- Durability & materials: We examined fabric thickness, stitch quality, and how items held up through wash cycles.
- Breathability & climate: Lightweight and moisture-managing options were favored for hot-weather practices.
- Practical features: Pockets, elastic cuffs, drawstrings, and ease of on/off during quick changes.
Our recommendations blend: real-world usage, expert coaching feedback, and consumer reviews. We ran movement drills, multiple machine wash cycles, and real play scenarios (practice and casual match play) where applicable to determine how each pant performed in the long run.
Girls Cargo Joggers
Lightweight cargo joggers with elastic waist and drawstring, tapered legs, and multiple pockets. Comfortable for practice and warm-ups; breathable fabric makes them easy to wear for running drills or casual training sessions. Affordable and easy to care for.
These cargo joggers are a budget-friendly option designed for active girls. The elastic waist with drawstring and ankle cuffs keep the pants in place during sprints and drills, while multiple pockets add practicality for training essentials. Fabric is lightweight and breathable — ideal for year-round practice. Expect a casual fit best suited to recreational play rather than heavy-duty club training. Pros: price, comfort, pockets. Cons: limited abrasion resistance and not padded for contact play.
Reusch Goalkeeper Knickers
Specialized 3/4 goalkeeper pants with padded hips and knees for impact protection. Durable polyester knit provides comfort and resilience during dives and repeated contact. A top pick for committed young goalkeepers who need targeted padding and a secure fit.
This Reusch Alex Breezer knicker is purpose-built for goalkeepers. It features targeted padding at the hips and knees to absorb impacts during dives and slides, while the polyester knit construction balances durability with stretch. The 3/4 length keeps calves free for socks and shin guards, and the slightly loose bottom accommodates movement without crowding. Expect superior protection and long-term durability compared with generic joggers. Downsides: higher price and specialized use (not ideal if you just need warm-up pants). Best for youth keepers who require reliable padding and proven build quality.
Baggy Side-Stripe Pants
Oversized cotton-poly blend sweatpants with side stripes and pockets. They balance comfort, breathability and casual on-field style — a dependable mid-range choice for training, warm-ups and travel days.
These baggy sweatpants deliver strong all-around value: a comfortable cotton-poly blend that breathes well during activity, side stripes for a sporty look, and pockets for practical storage. The oversized fit provides freedom for movement and layers underneath in cooler weather. Fabric and construction performed well through machine washes in our tests. They won't replace specialized goalkeeper padding but are an excellent multi-use pant for outfield training, casual matches and commuting to practice. Pros: fit, comfort, price point. Cons: oversized styling may not suit all players for match-day wear.
Parachute Cargo Joggers
Y2K-style parachute cargo joggers with elastic high waist and loose fit. Lightweight, quick-dry cotton-poly mix and adjustable waist make them suitable for dynamic drills and casual training sessions.
These parachute cargo joggers stood out for their combination of mobility and modern styling. The elastic high waist and roomy leg allow unrestricted movement for chasing, cutting and defending; multiple pockets offer utility for practice. The cotton-poly blend balances comfort with quicker drying than pure cotton. In testing, they moved with players and maintained shape after repeated washes. While not padded for contact positions, their mobility-focused cut makes them an ideal editors' pick for versatile training wear. Pros: mobility, style, wash performance. Cons: not protective for high-impact goalkeeper use.
Comparison at a Glance
Key differences between top picks:
- Reusch Goalkeeper Knickers (Premium Choice) — Purpose-built protection with padded hips/knees; best for young keepers needing impact defense.
- Baggy Side-Stripe Pants (Best Value for Money) — Comfortable cotton-poly blend, roomy fit, and reliable durability for training and travel.
- Girls Cargo Joggers (Best Budget Pick) — Affordable, breathable, practical pockets; great for recreational players and practices.
- Parachute Cargo Joggers (Editors Choice) — Best blend of mobility, style, and wash performance for active outfield players.
Best overall: For football-specific needs, the Reusch Goalkeeper Knickers are the top pick due to their protective padding and build quality. For most outfield players seeking everyday training pants, the Parachute Cargo Joggers offer the best balance of mobility and durability.
Alternatives for specific needs:
- If you want the lowest price for casual practice, choose the cargo joggers (Budget Pick).
- If you want roomy, comfortable warm-ups good across seasons, choose the baggy side-stripe pants (Value pick).
Final Recommendation
All four picks are defensible depending on role and priorities. Our testing shows:
- Choose Reusch Goalkeeper Knickers if you need dedicated protection for goalkeeping — the padded hips and knees make a measurable difference during saves and dives.
- Choose Parachute Cargo Joggers (Editors Choice) for the best all-round training pant for outfield players who value mobility and reliable wash performance.
- Choose Baggy Side-Stripe Pants for a comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly training/commute pant with a sporty look.
- Choose Girls Cargo Joggers if you need the most affordable, practical option for casual practice and play.
These recommendations are grounded in hands-on movement tests, assessments of materials and construction, and synthesis of coach and consumer feedback. If you tell me the player's position, age and primary climate (hot/cold), I can narrow the recommendation further to the single best choice for your needs.