Abstract: A protective leg pad for an athletic participant, such as a hockey goalie or the like, is described. The pad includes a thigh section, a knee section, a shin section, and a foot section. Each of the sections includes a front portion and first and second side portions appended to the front portion. Each side portion extends from a respective opposite lateral edge of the front portions and forms therewith a recess for accommodating the wearer's leg. Each of the front and side portions comprises a protective plate. The front portions of the thigh, knee, shin and foot sections are hinged to each other to accommodate the shape and movement of the wearer's leg. The adjacent edges of each adjacent pair of side portions are relieved to provide side relief gaps for enabling flexion of the leg pad during use. Plating is arranged with overlapping portions aligned with the side relief gaps to provide protection over the gaps while permitting the gaps to expand and contract with leg flexure.