How do you properly wear shin guards in soccer. What are the different types of shin guards available. Why are shin guards important for player safety. How can you ensure your shin guards stay in place during a match.
Understanding the Importance of Shin Guards in Soccer
Soccer is a dynamic and physical sport that often involves close contact between players. As such, protective gear plays a crucial role in ensuring player safety on the field. Among these protective items, shin guards stand out as an essential piece of equipment.
Why are shin guards so important in soccer? The answer lies in the nature of the game itself. Soccer primarily involves footwork, with players constantly battling for ball possession at ground level. This increases the likelihood of players receiving kicks and knocks to their lower legs, making the shin area particularly vulnerable to injury.
Shin guards serve as a protective barrier, shielding the shin bones and lower legs from potential impacts during gameplay. While they don’t guarantee complete immunity from injuries, shin guards significantly reduce the risk of severe damage to these sensitive areas.
Types of Soccer Shin Guards: Choosing the Right Protection
When it comes to shin guards, soccer players have several options to choose from. Each type offers unique benefits and caters to different playing styles and preferences. Let’s explore the three main types of shin guards available in the market:
1. Slip-in Shin Guards
Slip-in shin guards are a popular choice among soccer players, especially those who prioritize agility and freedom of movement. These guards consist of lightweight, molded protective plates designed to be worn inside the socks. Here are some key features of slip-in shin guards:
- Lightweight design for minimal interference with movement
- Easily slide into place underneath the sock
- Some models come with an attachable strap for added security
- Offer less protection compared to other types but provide a more natural feel
- Ideal for players who prefer minimal weight and maximum mobility
To keep slip-in shin guards in place, players often use additional accessories such as shin guard sleeves, stays, or athletic tape. While some players find the strap on certain models helpful, others may find it too constricting and opt for alternative securing methods.
2. Ankle Shin Guards
Ankle shin guards offer a higher level of protection by incorporating ankle support into their design. These guards typically feature:
- Extended coverage from below the knee to just above the ankle
- Additional padding or protection around the ankle area
- A slip-on design with a stirrup that goes under the foot
- Velcro straps to secure the guard around the calf
Ankle shin guards are particularly beneficial for defenders and players who require extra protection in the lower leg area. While they offer enhanced safety, these guards may slightly restrict movement compared to slip-in models.
3. Shin Socks
Shin socks represent an innovative approach to shin protection, combining the guard and sock into a single unit. These specialized socks feature:
- Built-in protective padding or removable shin guard inserts
- Seamless integration of protection and comfort
- Elimination of the need for separate shin guards and socks
- Varying levels of protection depending on the model
Shin socks offer a convenient all-in-one solution, but players should carefully consider the level of protection they provide compared to traditional shin guards.
Selecting the Right Shin Guard: Factors to Consider
Choosing the appropriate shin guard is crucial for both comfort and protection during gameplay. When selecting shin guards, consider the following factors:
- Playing position: Different positions may require varying levels of protection. For instance, defenders might opt for more robust guards, while forwards may prefer lighter options for increased speed and agility.
- Size and fit: Shin guards should extend from about two inches below the knee to just above the ankle bend. Ensure a snug fit without restricting movement.
- League regulations: Check your league’s rules regarding shin guard requirements to ensure compliance.
- Personal comfort: Consider your preferences for weight, flexibility, and overall feel when wearing the guards.
- Material and durability: Look for guards made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of regular play.
Proper Techniques for Wearing Soccer Shin Guards
Wearing shin guards correctly is essential for maximizing their protective benefits and ensuring comfort during play. The proper technique may vary depending on the type of shin guard you choose:
Wearing Slip-in Shin Guards
- Put on your soccer socks and cleats first.
- Slide the shin guard into place, positioning it directly on your shin.
- Pull the sock up over the shin guard, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- If desired, use additional securing methods like tape or sleeves.
Wearing Ankle Shin Guards
- Put on the ankle shin guard first, sliding your foot through the stirrup.
- Position the guard correctly on your shin and ankle.
- Secure any Velcro straps around your calf.
- Pull your soccer sock on over the shin guard.
- Put on your cleats last.
Wearing Shin Socks
- If using removable inserts, place them in the designated pockets of the shin socks.
- Put on the shin socks, ensuring the protective padding is correctly positioned.
- Adjust as needed for comfort and proper coverage.
- Put on your cleats.
Ensuring Shin Guard Stability During Play
Keeping shin guards securely in place throughout a match is crucial for maintaining protection and comfort. Here are some tips to prevent shin guards from slipping or moving during play:
- Use properly fitted knee-length soccer socks that can fully cover the shin guards.
- Consider using shin guard sleeves or stays for additional support.
- Apply athletic tape over your socks to keep the guards in position.
- For added comfort and stability, some players wear a thin, snug sock underneath the shin guard before putting on their main soccer sock.
- Regularly check and adjust your shin guards during breaks in play.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Soccer Shin Guards
Proper maintenance of your shin guards can extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to provide optimal protection. Follow these care tips:
- Clean your shin guards regularly with mild soap and water.
- Allow them to air dry completely after each use to prevent odor and bacterial growth.
- Inspect your guards periodically for signs of wear or damage.
- Replace shin guards that show significant wear or no longer fit properly.
- Store your shin guards in a cool, dry place when not in use.
The Role of Shin Guards in Injury Prevention
While shin guards are essential for player safety, it’s important to understand their limitations and role in injury prevention. A study titled “The Effectiveness of Shin Guards Used by Football Players” provides valuable insights into this topic.
The study found that shin guards do offer significant protection against direct impacts to the shin area. However, they may not prevent all types of lower leg injuries, particularly those resulting from twisting motions or indirect forces.
To maximize the protective benefits of shin guards:
- Ensure proper fit and coverage of the shin area
- Use shin guards in conjunction with other safety practices, such as proper warm-up and conditioning
- Be aware of the limitations of shin guards and maintain caution during play
- Replace worn or damaged shin guards promptly
By understanding the role of shin guards in injury prevention and following best practices for their use, players can significantly reduce their risk of lower leg injuries on the soccer field.
Customizing Your Shin Guard Experience
While safety should always be the primary concern, many players seek ways to personalize their shin guard experience for optimal comfort and performance. Here are some customization options to consider:
Shin Guard Sleeves
Shin guard sleeves are separate fabric tubes that can be worn over the shin guard but under the sock. They offer several benefits:
- Enhanced stability for slip-in shin guards
- Reduced chafing and irritation
- Additional compression for muscle support
- Some sleeves feature padding for extra protection
Ankle Guards
For players using slip-in shin guards who want additional ankle protection, separate ankle guards can be a good option. These can be worn in conjunction with shin guards to provide comprehensive lower leg protection.
Custom-Fit Shin Guards
Some manufacturers offer custom-molded shin guards that are tailored to the exact contours of a player’s legs. While more expensive, these guards can provide superior fit and comfort.
Moisture-Wicking Socks
Investing in high-quality, moisture-wicking soccer socks can greatly enhance comfort when wearing shin guards. Look for socks that:
- Effectively manage sweat and moisture
- Provide adequate cushioning
- Offer good elasticity to keep shin guards in place
- Feature antimicrobial properties to reduce odor
Remember to check with your team and league regarding any restrictions on customization or color choices for shin guards and socks.
By exploring these customization options, players can find a shin guard setup that not only meets safety requirements but also enhances their overall comfort and performance on the field.
The Proper Way to Wear Soccer Shin Guards With Socks
by Aiza Leano
on
Even casual pick-up game soccer players need shin guards. Some shin guards include attached ankle protection within a slip-on stirrup and fasten around the calf with Velcro strips. There are slip-on or slip-in styles without the ankle protection that either come within their own sleeve and pull on, or they just slip inside the athletic sock or a separate fabric sleeve. Learn the proper way to wear soccer shin guards with socks to protect your lower leg and comply with league rules and traditions.
The Right Shin Guard
Shin guards must be the right length, extending from about two inches below the knee to just above the bend in the ankle. Think also about the position you play. Defenders need the most protection, so ankle protection is a good idea.
Midfielders must balance protection with flexibility to provide freedom of motion. Forwards need lightweight guards that enable speed.
How to Wear Shin Guards with Socks
There are different kinds and sizes of shin guard. Younger players typically wear shin guards with included ankle protection. These go on first, and then you pull the sock on over them, and the cleats go on last.
Slip-in guards go inside socks—put the socks and cleats on first, and then put the guard on and pull the sock up over it. Some players like to add tape on top of the sock to keep the guard in place. Others cut the feet off another pair of snug soccer socks and put that over their calf first to minimize chafing from the shin guard. Then another pair of socks goes over that.
Knee-length Soccer Socks
League rules require that socks cover the entire shin guard for the entire game, so players must choose knee-high athletic socks that accommodate the shin guard and also pull up high enough to cover it entirely.
Check with your team and your league to find out what king of customization and color they permit, and choose socks with good wicking ability that will stay up and hold the guards in place. Shin guards that move around or are the wrong size feel uncomfortable, and they could even possibly pose a danger. Make sure you pay attention to the proper way to wear shin guards with soccer socks, and choose soccer socks that keep shin guards in place, while providing comfort and cushioning. We at MK socks are happy to answer your questions about socks that work well and feel good for soccer or other sports.
What are shin guards used for in soccer?
Soccer is a contact sport. Players battle it out on the field tackling opponents to win possession of the ball, which can result in unfair contact and injury.
Shin guards are worn in soccer to provide protection to the shin and lower leg area of a player, helping to prevent lower leg injuries.
Why are shin guards important in soccer?
Shin guards, also referred to as shin pads are important for player safety and provide protection to the shin bones and lower legs of soccer players during a match.
Soccer players are more inclined to receive kicks and knocks to the lower legs, due to the nature of the game predominantly played at ground level.
Although shin guards do not guarantee a player from not sustaining an injury during gameplay, this vital equipment does reduce the risk of injury to these vulnerable areas.
To learn more about how shin guards prevent injuries, refer to the following study The Effectiveness of Shin Guards Used by Football Players.
Shin guard types
There are 3 main types of shin guards a player can wear when playing soccer. The main types of shin guards available are:
- Slip-in shin guards
- Ankle shin guards
- Shin socks
1. Slip-in shin guards
Slip-in shin guards are usually lightweight protective molded plates that are worn inside the socks.
These shin guards slide into place underneath the sock, sitting directly on the players’ shin, and held in place by the sock.
Some socks are snug enough to keep the shin guards in place during a match, however, there are also slip-in shin guards that are made with a strap attached to the upper section of the shin guard. This is to further secure the shin pad in place by tightening the strap around the calf.
Some players, however, find the strap to be too constricting to the calf, which can result in cramp. Many players prefer to secure slip-in shin guards by wearing shin guard sleeves, shin guard stays or tape instead.
Slip-in shin guards offer less protection than other types of shin guards, however, they are a fantastic option for players wanting to have full movement when they play, with minimal weight added. This type of shin guard is the closest feeling to playing soccer without wearing shin guards.
2. Ankle shin guards
Ankle shin guards provide the most protection for a soccer player, as both the shins and ankles are protected.
This type of shin guard is worn underneath the sock and includes a protective plate with the attached strap to secure around the calf. In addition, ankle protection is also attached to the bottom of the shin guard and secured with a stirrup under the foot.
The key feature for this type of shin guard is the ankle protection. The ankle guard consists of soft padding that wraps around the ankle, cushioning and protecting the vulnerable ankle area from kicks and knocks. Some brands sell these shin guards with removable ankle guards, providing the option for players to play with or without the ankle protection.
Ankle shin guards can be quite bulky and heavier than slip-in shin guards, but they do provide the most protection than any other shin guard type.
3. Shin socks/sleeves
Shin socks or shin sleeves comprise of shin protection built into the sock or sleeve. This type of shin guard is designed for convenience with the guard built directly into the sock/sleeve, making it easier for players to wear without worrying about wearing separate items for shin protection.
This type of shin guard is popular amongst kids, due to how easy they are to wear and the convenience of having the shin protection and sock combined.
Well, ankle shin guards are often used by kids or beginners due to the additional safety provided. Although, choosing what type of shin guard to wear for soccer is a personal choice.
As mentioned above, this could also be determined by the recommended shin guard type that is best suited to the on-field position.
Defenders often require more protection due to tackling opponents and blocking shots. Attackers can also benefit from having wearing ankle shin guards, to protect against receiving kicks from behind.
It is mandatory for a goalkeeper to wear shin guards in soccer. The rule applies to both outfield players and goalkeepers.
Goalkeepers also generally wear additional protection during a match, to protect themselves when diving for the ball and saving shots.
No, soccer referees are not required to wear shin guards.
Referees are in charge of officiating the game and do not physically get involved in the gameplay.
Soccer referees are however responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and ensuring players are wearing adequate shin protection during a match.
Do professional soccer players wear shin guards?
Injuries do occur at all levels in soccer, due to foul play, mistimed tackles and even through heavy contact that is deemed fair play.
Professional soccer players wear all types of shin guards ranging from different levels of protection to a variety of shapes and materials. Brands also offer different designs and colors that appeal to a players’ individual preference, including options for the traditionalist, to the more flamboyant type of player.
Are shin pads compulsory in soccer?
Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA specifies in Law 4 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game that shin guards are compulsory equipment of a player and must be worn.
Players that choose to wear inadequate shin guards or none at all should be refused entry to the field of play and prevented from playing.
Officials should inspect the players’ equipment prior to a match to ensure the players are wearing adequate equipment. The officials should then advise the player to change their equipment if the officials deem it to be unsatisfactory.
If a player has been found on the field without wearing adequate shin guards or none at all, the referee should advise the player to leave the field of play and only be allowed to return when wearing adequate shin protection.
Recognized as mandatory soccer equipment, shin guards come in a variety of types, materials, and sizes. Many players prefer the feeling of playing without wearing shin guards during training sessions and therefore choose to wear shin pads that are small and lightweight. This allows the player to feel lighter and more mobile on the field, without feeling constricted by larger shin pads.
FIFA does specify that shin guards should ‘provide a reasonable amount of protection’, which can generally be determined by measuring the appropriate shin guard size relative to a player’s height or lower leg size.
Despite this, there are no specific guidelines that determine the approved shape and size of shin guards, instead, FIFA only specifies the materials that are permitted.
When did soccer players start wearing shin guards?
Shin guards were first worn in soccer in 1874, introduced by English sportsman Sam Weller Widdowson who at the time was playing soccer for Nottingham Forest and cricket for Nottinghamshire.
After getting tired of receiving kicks and knocks to the shins, Widdowson decided to cut down his set of cricket shin pads and strap them to the outside of his soccer socks with leather straps to protect his shins.
The idea didn’t take off right away, as Widdowson was ridiculed initially for wearing shin guards. However, soon enough people realized the benefits of wearing shin guards and they became widely adopted by players who would wear them under thick wool socks.
Things changed in the 1950s and 1960s, as soccer developed into a more sophisticated game that saw less player misconduct.
This resulted in players opting not to wear shin guards, due to a lack of rules in place that could govern players to wear shin guards as a requirement. Eventually, in 1990, shin guards were made compulsory by FIFA.
How have shin guards changed over time?
Like most equipment in soccer, shin guards have changed substantially over the years.
Early shin guards worn in the 1800s were large, heavy and held together by leather straps. This is a contrast to the modern shin guards of today that are lightweight and come in a variety of materials, designs, and shapes.
With so many options available for players to choose from, certain types of shin guards can be better suited for players in specific positions on the field.
Defenders typically require larger shin pads that provide adequate protection to both the shins and ankles. This is due to their defensive responsibilities when tackling opponents and blocking the ball.
Midfielders are constantly on the move and generally in the thick of the action during a match.
Therefore players in midfield positions require lightweight shin guards that are still strong in a tackle, yet flexible to allow the player to easily move.
Attackers also require lightweight and flexible shin guards to allow the player to freely move without being restrained. Strikers and forwards may also choose to wear shin guards that have ankle support to provide protection from kicks from behind when receiving the ball.
What are shin guards made of?
Shin guards are made of a number of different materials. According to Law 4 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game, shin guards ‘must be made of a suitable material to provide reasonable protection and covered by socks’.
The majority of shin guards today are made from:
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Fiberglass
- Polyurethane
These materials are generally used to make up the components of each shin guard type.
The main component to any shin guard is the protective plate that covers the shin bone.
The shin plate absorbs the majority of the impact during contact.
Today, the majority of shin plates are made from hard plastic or fiberglass. However, as technology improves we are starting to see different materials being used.
For example, carbon fiber is now being used to create ultra-strong and lightweight shin guards. Also, British company Rikoset has manufactured shin guards made from Kevlar, which is the same material used to make bulletproof vests.
How to wear soccer shin guards?
Shin guards are worn under soccer socks and held in place by a strap, tape, shin guard sleeves, shin guard stays or by the sock itself. Some shin guard types are easier to wear than others.
Here are the steps outlining how to wear soccer shin guards:
1. Put on your shin guards
For slip-on shin guards, place the shin guard plate on the center of your shin. For shin guards with ankle protection, slide your foot through the opening of the ankle protection and pull up the shin guards to ensure the plate is covering the center of the shin.
2. Secure your shin guards
Keep them in place during a soccer match to prevent them from moving. This can be done in a number of different ways, prior to putting on your soccer socks.
These include securing shin pads with the accompanying straps by applying the straps around the calves, or by sliding shin guard sleeves over the shin guards. Some soccer socks do provide enough compression to keep shin guards in place.
3. Put on your soccer socks
Shin guards go under socks, so be sure to pull your soccer socks over your shin guards to just below the knee. Shin guards cannot be exposed during a soccer match, so it’s important that your soccer socks are large enough to fully cover your shin guards.
4. Extra securing
To secure shine guards that are without straps or shin guard sleeves, you can choose to use tape or wear shin guard stays on the ankles. These methods will prevent your shin pads from falling down.
How to know which shin guard goes on which leg?
Some shin guards are made to fit either leg for convenience, whereas others are specifically made for each leg.
During the manufacturing process, leg molds are used to shape shin guards. Molds of both legs can be used during the process, which will result in shin pads designed specifically for the left and right legs.
Therefore, to know which shin guard goes on which leg, firstly determine if the shin guards are specifically made for each leg. Shin guards that have a higher left side on one of the guards and higher right side on the other are not identical and therefore have been specifically designed for each leg.
What size shin guards do I need?
When choosing the appropriately sized shin guards to wear, the players’ height or leg size will need to be considered, along with the product sizing recommendations.
Different brands can also have different recommended shin guard sizes, so it’s always a good idea to try on a number of different branded shin guards to find the perfect fit for you.
Soccer shin guard size chart
The shin guard size chart below provides a general guide to shin guard sizes for youth and adults.
Adults
| Size | Adidas | Nike |
| XS | 3′11” – 4’6” | 4’7″- 4’11” |
| S | 4′7” – 5’2” | 4’11”- 5’3″ |
| M | 5’3” – 5’9” | 5’3″- 5’7″ |
| L | 5′10” – 6’1” | 5’7″- 5’11” |
| XL | 6′2″ – 6’5” | 5’11”- 6’7″ |
Youth
| Size | Adidas | Nike | Age |
| S | 3’1′ – 3’9” | 3’11”- 4’3″ | 4-6 |
| M | 3’9” – 4’7” | 4’3″- 4’7″ | 7-9 |
| L | 4’7” – 5’5” | 4’7″- 4’11” | 10-12 |
To measure what size shin guards are appropriate for you, it’s important to consider your height and the product sizing recommendations.
As a general guide when trying on shin guards, the front guard plate should sit approximately 2 inches below the knee and also sit just above the ankle.
You should also ensure the shin guards are covering the width of your leg. This way the majority of your shin will be protected and you will still be able to move comfortably without being impeded by the shin guards.
Be sure to try on a number of different shin guards. Different branded shin guards can vary in size, with some molding better to your leg than others.
Wearing shin guards that are too small can run you the risk of receiving a knock to these vulnerable areas, which can result in injury. Therefore it’s always important to have the right-sized shin guards to provide suitable protection.
Some professional soccer players dislike the feeling of wearing shin guards and therefore choose to wear small shin guards as this is the closest thing to not wearing shin guards at all, as well as to simply comply with the rules.
However, FIFA stipulates that shin guards should provide a reasonable degree of protection. Referees are clearly not enforcing this rule at a professional level, due to the number of players getting away with it and currently wearing minimal shin protection today.
This is a risky approach to take, given players rely on their health and being injury-free in order to perform their role as a professional soccer player.
How do I keep shin guards in place?
During a soccer match, it can be very frustrating if you are constantly having to adjust your shin pads if they keep slipping down during gameplay.
This is generally due to not having the right accessories to secure your shin guards properly before the game. To prevent this from happening, consider wearing shin guard accessories.
Shin guard accessories
There are a variety of accessories available to assist with securing your shin guards in place and providing a comfortable experience when playing soccer.
1. Shin guard sleeves
Shin guard sleeves are similar to compression sleeves that are worn over shin pads to hold the guard in place, preventing any movement during a soccer match. The shin guard sleeve is worn underneath the soccer sock.
Some players prefer the feeling of wearing shin guard sleeves due to the compression it provides, keeping the shin guard firmly in place. Other players, however, choose to not wear compression sleeves, as this can restrict the calf muscle from expanding and can lead to cramp.
2. Shin guard stays
Shin guard stays are worn around the ankles and are designed to prevent shin guards from slipping down. Shin guard stays are worn over soccer socks, wrapping around your ankles and fastened with a hook and loop design or equivalent.
The great thing about wearing stays is that you can get them in a variety of different colors and they can be easily removed without leaving any residue behind.
3. Sock tape
Tape can be used in a variety of ways to secure your shin guards in place.
This can be done by wrapping tape over your soccer socks around the ankle, around the shin guard itself, and or around your leg above the shin guard.
One great advantage of wearing tape is the fact that you can decide how firm you would like the tape to be applied. If sock tape is applied too firmly however, this can restrict movement and can also cut into your skin during a match. Some tapes also leave reside on the sock after being removed.
There are a variety of colors and different types of tapes that can be used, however, electrical tape is commonly used due to the elasticity it provides.
Conclusion
Shin guards play a vital role in soccer safety and player protection. Without laws governing the compulsory use of shin guards in soccer today, we’d see far more injuries in the game.
Having said that, far too many players today choose to wear inadequate shin protection. Referees should enforce the law at both an amateur and professional level, in an attempt to prevent this from happening and ultimately protect players from injury.
Perhaps in the near future as technology advances, we may start to see shin guards that are even stronger and more lightweight than the products available today. We’re starting to already see some examples of this with materials such as Kevlar and carbon fiber being used during the manufacturing process.
These new advancements in shin guard technology could be the answer to clamping down on players opting to wear smaller shin guards, due to them wanting to replicate the feeling of playing shin guard free.
Despite this issue, there is still a good variety of different shin guard types and designs available for players today.
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Each level has different requirements when it comes to what to wear to a soccer…Read more.ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Steve. I started playing soccer at the age of 4 at my local soccer club. I developed a passion for the game at an early age that saw me go on to play soccer for 29 years. Soccer is a big part of my life and I want to share with you what I’ve learned along the way. Happy exploring!
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Shin Guards – The Essential Buying Guide
Shin guards are required equipment in every organized soccer league from tiny tots to professionals.
And, anyone who has ever played the game knows why. Shin guards are a necessary piece of equipment that protect players against all types of leg-level contact, from slide tackles to wild kicks and even intentional ones. Players need protection from potential injuries, and shin guards are designed to provide just that. But, choosing the right shin guards can be a bit tricky. This guide will help you determine the right type of guards for your position, age, level of play, and preferences.
Shin Guard Styles
There are two basic types of shin guards available on the market, slip-in guards and full-length shin guards
Slip-In Shin Guards.
These are the smallest and most lightweight shin guards available on the market. They are stand alone shin guards that usually come with compression sleeves. They can either be worn in a snug sock or with the included compression sleeve. Some players also prefer to use tape over their socks to keep this type of shin guard in place, This gives players the ability to determine how tight they prefer the hold.
Slip-in shin guards are often preferred by more advanced players because they allow for more freedom of movement. However, they are not recommended for younger players, because they don’t provide the same level of protection that that full length shin guards with ankle guards can provide. For younger players just starting out, that added protection is crucial for protecting them from wild kicks.
Full Length Shin Guards
Full length shin guards provide the highest level of protection to the shins and ankles and are recommended for youth and even intermediate players. This type of shin guard has an elastic strap at the top and a stirrup under the foot to keep the shin guard in place. There is also extra padding around the ankle for extra protection. While some players (especially defenders) may prefer the added protection of ankle guards, many full length shin guards have removable ankle guards. This is a great option for practices or for players that have aged out needing ankle guards but aren’t quite ready for slip-in guards.
Position Preferences
Players at different positions tend to prefer different types of shin guards.
Defenders
This position tends to take a beating. So, many defenders prefer the maximum amount of protection and opt for full length shin guards with ankle guards or removable ankle guards.
Midfielders
Like their name implies, misfielders tend to prefer something in the middle. They need protection, but also require the ability to make quick moves. So, it’s a toss up between full length shin guards without the ankle guards and slip-in guards.
Forwards
This position requires quick motion and that means less weight and bulk. Slip-in shin guards are recommended and usually preferred.
Goalies
Goalkeepers need the least amount of leg-level protection and typically prefer slip-in shin guards.
Shin Guard Sizing
Shin guards are sized by a person’s height.
But, each brand does tend to differ slightly. Check out the size guidelines on each product page to determine the right size before you buy.
Safety Standards
While every player participating in organized soccer must wear shin guards, there is an even higher standard for those playing high school and college soccer. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) issues standards for all shin guards worn in high school and college games. Look for the NOCSAE stamp on shin guards that are approved for this level of play. Authentic Soccer denotes all NOCSAE approved shin guards on the product pages and in the descriptions.
Popular Styles
Here are some of the more popular guards on the market of both the slip-in and full length variety.
Lightweight Slip-In Shin Guard – Nike Mercurial Lite
The Nike Mercurial Lite is a great choice for players who want very lightweight and comfortable fitting shin guards.
These guards are ultra light and ultra thin, without compromising on impact diffusion. The superior cushioning and natural fit make this shin guard a great choice. The stretchy compression sleeves give the wearer a snug, soft fit that’s reliable during any situation. And, the perforated foam backing gives players breathability during wear. NOCSAE approved.
Full Protection – adidas Ever Reflex
The adidas Reflex Shin Guard offers a high level of protection from potential injuries from aggressive sliding tackles, or wild kicks. They feature adjustable front closure and attached ankle strap for an ideal fit with total coverage. Soft lining and EVA backing provide comfort and cushioning. NOCSAE approved.
Best Soccer Shin Guards [2021 Review]
If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.
There is only one required piece of safety equipment for all soccer players, and that’s the soccer shin guard.
An entire game played almost exclusively by kicking is going to result in a lot of shins getting hacked, and the smartest thing to do is cover that area with a protective amount of padding.
Soccer Shin Guard Reviews
When looking for a new pair of soccer shin guards it’s a good idea to consider your position on the field and your style of play. If you’re a defender who’s going to be doing a lot of stopping and blocking, you want something with a bit more protection. If you’re a nimble attacker looking for the biggest advantage in speed, you’ll want the lightest and lowest profile guard available.
Brand
Top Pick
G-Form Pro-S Elite
Best for the Money
Adidas Performance Ghost Pro
Best Cheap Pick
Vizari Malaga
Style
Sleeve, front plate combo
Top Pick
Product
Best for the Money
Brand
Adidas Performance Ghost Pro
Product
Style
Sleeve, front plate combo
Best Cheap Pick
Product
Best Soccer Shin Guards Overall – G-Form Pro-S Elite
The G-Form Pro-S Elite Shin Guards are different from your standard slip-in shin guards.
They’ll need to be put on before your socks, but don’t let the extra bit of effort scare you away. Constructed with a focus on both comfort and protection, it’s great jump forward in the best soccer shin guard technology and design. They are a bit more expensive than our other choices but well worth the money.
G-Form has created a proprietary and patented molded composite that allows the pads to stay soft and only harden on impact. This Reaction Protection Technology provides flexibility throughout the entire shin guard while running or sliding, and excellent protection when the ball or a stray kick reach your shins. In addition, the low-profile nature of the pads will keep them from getting in the way of your socks or feeling too bulky on your shins.
At the base of these soccer shin guards is a moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ compression fabric to keep the player dry and comfortable. They are lightweight, breathable, and the sleeve design helps them to stay in place. Another benefit of the sleeve design is added calf compression which can promote blood flow, helping to prevent fatigue and cramps.
Sale G-Form Pro-S Elite Shin Guards, Black/Yellow,…
- TECHNOLOGY: A revolution in PROTECTION, G-Form is the world’s first SOFT, FLEXIBLE, sleeve-style…
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION: SmartFlex pads on this soft, flexible shin guard harden on impact and with no…
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: The Pro-S Elite is G-Form’s most LIGHTWEIGHT and BREATHABLE shin guard reduces…
Even though the design looks a little odd, the G-Form Pro-S Elite meets NOCSAE and CE standards for play throughout the USA and EU.
They are also one of the few sets of soccer shin guards around that are machine washable, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Overall, this strong and flexible advancement in protection technology is worth the extra money.
Product Specs
- Size Range: S – XL
- Style: Sleeve
- Weight: 2 oz
- Material: RPT® pads and moisture-wicking compression fabric
- Certification: NOCSAE and CE
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
Best Soccer Shin Guards for the Money – adidas Performance Ghost
Going back to the classic “slip-in” shin guard design, the adidas Performance Ghost Soccer Shin Guards add a new multi-shield design that helps these best shin guards perform at a high level.
They come with a pair of breathable sleeves to keep them in place and are available in an assortment of colors.
This set of best soccer shin guards are made of 3 different shields fitted together for highest flexibility and perfect fit. This shell should give you excellent protection from striking impact.
The padded foam backing is made of soft and durable EVA foam to absorb additional pressure on the shins. Channels within the shin guard allow for ventilation so your legs don’t feel like they’re overheating.
It’s not recommended to wear these best shin guards without the best soccer socks covering them.
Even though they come with an included compression sleeve, you’ll experience them moving around quite a bit without the extra support of a long sock. Reviews mention that these best shin guards run small and recommend ordering a size up from the manufacturer size chart.
Product Specs
- Size Range: XS – XL
- Style: Sleeve and front plate combo
- Weight: 12 oz
- Material: 95% Polypropylene, 5% TPU injection-molded
- Youth Soccer Sizes Available: Yes
Best Cheap Soccer Shin Guards – Vizari Malaga Shin Guard
If you need a pair of backup shin guards for practice or as a spare to keep in your bag, you don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Consider the Vizari Malaga Shin Guards as an option for days when you forget your main set.
These soccer shin guards are made for youth soccer players, but the sizes go all the way up to an adult Large (for players up to 5’11”).
This is a great design for smaller players who are looking for a little more level of protection in the ankle area. You have to pull these soccer shin guards on before your socks, but you really can’t get ankle protection without a design similar to this.
In addition to the thin and strong polyproylene shell, these have foam padded backing for comfort. They boast super lightweight, all-around protective construction.
For adults, it’s highly recommended that you order the largest size available. For kids, be sure to read the size charts shown in the reviews. Without any chart available in the product description that’s about the best you can do.
Product Specs
- Size Range: XXS – L
- Style: Ankle and sturrup
- Weight: 6. 4 oz
- Material: Polypropylene
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
4 ozBest Soccer Shin Guard From Nike – Nike Mercurial Lite
Sometimes players gravitate toward a specific brand, either from personal preference or because their fellow players offer recommendations. Since we already recommended a pair of shin guards from adidas it’s only fair that we show you the Nike Mercurial Lite Soccer Shin Guards. The Nike Mercurial Lite soccer shin guards bridge the price and performance gap between the G-Form and adidas recommendations we previously mentioned.
The Nike Mercurial Lite soccer shin guards are designed with a strong, lightweight, K-resin shell to help guard against impact you will experience in practice or matches. The Mercurial Lite’s shell is also low-profile to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of your socks or your touches.
One of the standout features of the Nike Mercurial Lite is the waffle-patterned EVA foam backing. The Mercurial Lite create additional airflow around your shins to reduce sweating and keep your guards in place while also dispersing energy from impact.
The Nike Guard Lock Sleeves are seamless and made of dry-fit material for breathable calf compression. They are designed with a contour to provide a comfortable, secure fit during intense action.
Nike Mercurial Lite Shin Guard (Black/Volt) (M)
- Low-profile construction helps shield from abrasion without distraction.
- Anatomical design is engineered to fit the contours of the shin for targeted cushioning.
- Durable shell is bonded to a dense foam backing for impact diffusion.
These soccer shin guards are very lightweight and very small. They are intended for players who want to get just enough level of protection on their shins to fall within the rules, even if it only protects a small amount of the leg. For attackers who are looking for the least obtrusive level of protection that won’t limit their mobility, these are the way to go.
Product Specs
- Size Range: XS – XL
- Style: Sleeve and front plate combo
- Weight: 8 oz
- Material: 69% K-resin/31% EVA
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
Best Cloth Type Shin Guard – ProForce
If you’re looking for a pair of shin guards that have the flexibility of our top pick G-Forms but don’t want to spend that amount of money, it’s worth looking into a cloth type soccer shin guards.
This type of soccer shin guard pulls on like a pair of socks but directly over your leg. They’re generally recommended for younger players because they are so easy to put on as opposed to slide-in shin guards.
A very modest, yet popular, pair of these cloth type are the ProForce Soccer Shin Guards. There isn’t much in the way of advanced features here, they’re basically a sleeve with an attached piece of foam. As simple as the design is, they’re extremely comfortable since there isn’t a hard plate attached to them.
These soccer shin guards provide a very good level of protection for younger soccer players, but adults should be wary.
As bodies get bigger and kicks get stronger, they can’t protect the player as well as soccer shin guards with a hard outer shell, or newer technologies that harden on impact.
If you want something that’s extremely comfortable for practice these are a great choice, but we wouldn’t recommend them for adult match play.
Product Specs
- Size Range: S – XL
- Style: Sleeve
- Weight: 8 oz
- Material: Flexible fabric
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
Best Youth Soccer Shin Guard – DashSport
When you’re looking for a pair of soccer shin guards for your child you need to consider both protection and ease of use.
If they can’t put them on easily and correctly they won’t want to wear them, an ankle sleeve/hard shell combo is a great choice.
These DashSport Soccer Shin Soccer Guards have a light and durable hard polypropylene shell to protect the shin. Padded foam on the inside helps distribute impact and keep the guard more comfortable on the leg.
DashSport Soccer Shin Guards -Youth Sizes Best…
- Young Players: Our Shin Guards Are Made for Boys and Girls to Keep Them Protected While Still Being…
- Complete Protection: Unlike Slip in Style Guards, DashSport Youth Shin Guards Have an Ankle Support…
- Sure Fit: Please See Our Sizing Chart in the Images Section, or the Description Section Below, for…
The cushioned ankle supports help protect tender ankle bones and create a handy target to slide the foot through to set them up for perfect positioning.
Be sure to look at the size chart provided by the manufacturer. This chart gives general sizes based on height and age, but also gives the specific size of the shin guard so you can measure it against your child.
Product Specs
- Size Range: XS – M
- Style: Hard shell
- Weight: 5.6 oz
- Material: Polyester
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
Additional Protection – Storelli BodyShield Leg Guards
These soccer leg guards aren’t soccer shin guards by themselves, instead we would consider them the best soccer shin guards accessory. Many of the highest rated soccer shin guards slip into an included sleeve that holds them in place and adds a small amount of compression. Storelli’s BodyShield Leg Soccer Shin Guards are a highly protective upgrade from standard sleeves.
While a standard shin guard protects the area in the front of the lower leg, these soccer shin guards add additional impact protection to the sides and back of the lower leg, as well as the inner and outer ankle. 3mm of stretchy Poron XRD® padding in these areas is soft and comfortable when worn, but does an excellent job of absorbing impact.
These hold soccer shin guards in place like regular sleeves, but the better material adds an additional amount of calf compression that you can’t get from standard lycra and other thin materials.
A latex grip elastic band holds the Soccer Leg Guards up so they don’t sag. One of the best features, a built-in shin guard pocket, holds your shin guard perfectly in place so you don’t have to worry about it sliding to the side of your sleeve.
Sale Storelli BodyShield Leg Guards | Protective Soccer…
- ARMORED SHIN GUARD HOLDERS: Premium compression leg guards for soccer players, armored with flexible…
- IMPACT PROTECTION: Materials absorb up to 90% of impact to ensure a safe landing on any surface….
- FITS MOST SHIN GUARDS (NOT INCLUDED): Comes with 2 leg guards (1 pair) featuring built-in shin guard…
This is a product built for people whose lower legs take a lot more damage than the average player. If you’re a defender or any player whose strong challenges cause impact more often than not, or an attacker who always gets hacked, we’d recommend this added layer of protection.
Product Specs
- Size Range: Youth Small – Adult Large
- Style: Sleeve
- Weight: 8 oz
- Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex. 100% Urethane Foam
- Youth Sizes Available: Yes
100% Urethane FoamDifferent Types of Soccer Shin Guards
Slip-In Shin Guards
The most basic form of of the best soccer shin guard is the slip-in. These shin guards typically sport a hard outer shell to absorb initial impact, with padding to disperse the pressure across the shin instead of focusing it in one place.
Slip-ins will normally come with a compression sleeve. This sleeve is used to hold the shin guard in place. We still recommend that players wear a sock over the sleeves for additional stability even if you’re at practice or in another non-uniform situation.
Sleeve Shin Guards
One of the easiest types of shin guards to put on correctly, the sleeve style is one piece (normally made up of separate segments) that simply slides over the foot and onto the lower leg.
These shin guards can provide a higher level of compression to increase blood flow to the lower leg, reducing the change of cramping and fatigue.
Sleeve style shin guards are normally extremely flexible. Because the protective element has to be combined with the entire construction and the ability to slide over the foot, a hard shell isn’t possible with this type of guard.
Flexibility helps the shin guard conform to the lower leg around the bones and muscles that make up the shin, making the fit closer than a standard slip-in can reach.
Ankle Shin Guards
This type of shin guard is a mix between a slip-in and a sleeve. The guard structure is a large piece that is pulled over the foot, with ankle protection, and normally has a velcro strap at the top to add stability. This is one of the types of shin guard that can be worn comfortably without socks since there is an additional level of support with the velcro strap.
Just like sleeve shin guards, these are an excellent choice for youth players because of the ease of placement. Slide them on, and make sure the protective part is facing forward.
This style has advantages of both sleeve and slip-in guards. They provide extra protection around the ankles, but also leave the area behind the shin open for ventilation. The main protective layer can also be a hard shell because of the hinge construction.
Safety Standards and Requirements
Shin guards are required equipment in every different level of soccer. In the United States, the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) sets regulations for all equipment used in a game.
The NFHS began requiring all high school soccer players to wear shin guards approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) in 2008.
Many shin guards not on the list have a tag which displays “Meets NOCSAE Standards,” which is good enough for the NFHS. Check to see if your guards have this tag before getting on the pitch in a high school match.
Conclusion
The best shin guards can be critical to your game.
If you’re worried about protection, get a pair of soccer shin guards with more padding. If you’re worried that the soccer shin guards will get in the way, get a smaller pair or ones with a lower profile.
Choosing the Right Shinguard – Tiburon Peninsula Soccer Club
Choosing the Right Shinguard
Unfortunately, there is no easy way for parents to know how much protection a shinguard offers. FIFA, soccer’s world governing organization, is working on standards, so for now you’ll have to rely on your judgment. Billy Lalor, a buyer of shinguards for Eurosport, a soccer equipment catalog, offers this advice: “Don’t skimp on price.” The degree of protection is pretty much in direct proportion to the amount you pay. He adds that new technologies offer more protection than older designs, and that you should expect to pay at least $15 for a good pair of shinguards.
Lalor says inexpensive shinguards are more suitable for very young players for whom protection isn’t as much of a concern as it is for older players, who can break a bone with a misplaced kick.
Many of these low-end guards rely on “wands,” or plastic stiffeners, that are sewn into the guard. They don’t offer the same protection as a guard with a hard shell but may be fine for 6- and 7-year-olds. Under no circumstances should a child 10 years or older be permitted to wear a younger child’s light-duty shinguard.
For younger players, shinguards that include ankle protection are a good choice. You don’t want one or two kicks to the ankle to discourage a budding soccer star. It’s also important for younger players to have guards that fit comfortably and are easy to put on. For the very young player, shinguards are part of the excitement of playing “real” soccer. If those guards are cumbersome or if they don’t stay in place, that excitement will wear off quickly – and your child may not want to wear them.
As your youngster moves up in youth soccer’s ranks, he will need a shinguard that delivers higher performance.
That translates to light weight (less than 5 ounces), comfort and protection. There are many technologies designed to deliver higher performance, including moldable layers of fiberglass (OSi), gel and air-cushioning systems. Beware of high-tech sounding components, such as Dupont’s Kevlar (known for its use in bullet-proof vests). The very small amounts of Kevlar fiber used in shinguards does nothing to strengthen the product. According to knowledgeable sources, the use of Kevlar in shinguards is simply a marketing ploy.
High-performance guards designed with attached (or detachable) ankle guards offer Achilles tendon and forefoot padding, and often include cups or disks that protect the bones at either side of the ankle. Other high-performance shinguards, such as most OSi products, don’t offer built-in ankle protection. Players who prefer these guards can buy padded ankle guards that are sold separately or as part of a package.
For both younger and older players, it’s important that shinguards stay in place. The old-fashioned way of securing shinguards – still preferred by some players – is athletic tape. But most shinguards come with straps and Velcro closures that do the job. Shinguards with attached ankle protectors stay in place better than others because they attach to the leg in two places, at the foot with a stirrup and at the calf with a top strap. For guards without ankle protectors, the OSi compression sleeve is the best way to hold the shinguard to the leg. Compression sleeves are elastic tubes that can be purchased separately and used with any guard. Their maker, Parker Athletic, claims that the sleeves not only keep guards from slipping but also improve blood circulation to muscles, reducing the lactic acid build-up that leads to cramps and fatigue.
Shinguard Shoppers Checklist
Reprinted with permission from SoccerJR magazine, copyright 2001
Best Shin Guards | Master Soccer Mind
Shin Guards are one of the accessories in soccer that is more personalized to the player.
Most professional soccer players get personalized shin guards that are bought by themselves. Big brands pay players like Neymar to wear their soccer cleats and gear that can be seen by the public, but they don’t really care about shin guards at all because they are under the socks and no one sees them.
In the shin guard world, you will find lots of models with different prices, levels of protection, materials, colors, sizes, styles, and others. There exist shin guards as expensive as 150 dollars, which for me is ridiculous to spend, while other super cheap shin guards that cost only 10 dollars. I’ve made the research for you and put together in this article the best shin guard depending on your preferences.
My #1 pick
I personally wouldn’t spend more than 50 dollars in a pair of shin guards knowing there are cheaper out there that can make the job as well. The best example is the G-Form Pro S Elite Shin Guards. They are considered high-end shin guards and they don’t cost a lot of money.
They are also conveniently available at Amazon, which is not normal to see with high-end soccer gear.
When you see them, you’ll notice they are extremely different from the traditional shin guard. Beginning with the protective material, the G-form Pro S Elite is made of a soft bendable material that when impacted compresses to be as solid as a rock. They come bonded to a sleeve to prevent the shin guard from moving around, a nice feature I love.
They will offer medium to high protection. For me what makes these shin guards special is the way they wrap the player’s shin and the seamless feel they offer as if they were not there. Just for that feature I would make the investment in this pair of shin guards.
Other great options for less money
If what you want is a middle priced pair of shin guards, which is the best option for most people, then you should go with these two options: Mercurial Lite shin guards or the Adidas Performance Ghost Pro.
I believe that the Mercurial Lite Shin guards are the one most professional soccer players use. They are light, simple, and protect pretty well. They also normally come with a shin guard sock that works great to keep them in place. In terms of availability, I found they are also available at Amazon.
On the other hand, the Adidas Performance Ghost are the most commonly used shin guards by adidas player. Just as the mercurial lite, they are very reliable. It’s a matter of taste for the brand to choose between these two. You can check its price on amazon here.
Shin Guards with the most protection
Now, if you want the ULTRA protection shin guard, I call these ones “the tank”. They are the Nike Protegga Flex These are the pair of shin guards that kids normally use to start playing soccer. I thought they were only for kids until I saw one day that Sergio Busquets uses them. You can see here that they are priced cheaply at Amazon.
As you can see, besides being extremely big, as they cover a big amount of the shin, they also have straps to keep them in place and ankle protection.
If this is something very important to you then you should consider buying these ones. The best thing about these types of shin guards is that they are usually less expensive than all the ones mentioned above.
The most used shin guards
So, if you ask what is the most used shin guard by everyone, and the ones that I use, those are the Nike J Guards. Why are they the most used? Well, not necessarily because they are the best ones, but because they are the cheapest ones, and are available almost everywhere. You can see their ridiculously low price here on amazon.
I bought them about 4 years ago because they were the first ones I saw at the store and I needed to buy a pair quick for a match. They are still in perfect conditions since then. I’ve heard many people say that they don’t offer good protection because they are made from cheap materials.
The part about cheap materials is true, but the part about protection isn’t. I’ve been kicked very hard many times and I haven’t felt anything.
In fact, I was extremely grateful I had them on, if I wouldn’t I probably would’ve had a severe injury.
If you don’t actually care about the shin guards and you just need something fast and cheap to get out of the way, then just buy the Nike J Guards and you’ll be happy with them. I would recommend buying a sleeve to keep them in place as they move a lot from their position. Besides that, I’m happy with them.
The science of choosing the correct pair of shin guards
As I said before, shin guards vary in shapes, sizes, price, and many other factors. There a couple of things you need to analyze and questions you have to answer before buying any pair of shin guards.
What price are you willing to pay? How much protection do you want? Do you want them to be low profile or to cover the majority of your shin? Do you want ankle protection too?
If the price is not a problem for you then I would recommend to buy any high-end shin guard. What is interesting for me is that they are called “high-end” and are priced higher, but not all pros use them, in fact, there are pros that have been seen playing with cheaper models.
More Protection Gear
Soccer is a very rough sport, and sometimes wearing just one pair of shin guards to protect ourselves won’t be enough. Injuries are one of the things that prejudices a player the most. It can stop them from improving as a player and can hold them back competitively. To protect yourself in the best way possible and prevent injuries make sure to read my Recommended Protection Gear page.
Why Do Soccer Players Wear Shin Guards?
There are quite a few people who underestimate the physicality of soccer. Even though it might not have the same type of contact as other team sports, it can still be pretty rough in certain situations.
There is limited protection in soccer, but one area that does get proper protection is the shins. Plenty of people count on shin guards for every single batch, but how much production do they provide?
Why do soccer players wear shin guards? Shin guards are necessary in soccer because they help provide the ultimate amount of protection to the shins and the entire lower leg.
This cuts down on lower leg injuries, cuts, bruises, and more. In most leagues, shin guards are a mandatory equipment.
Starting Early With Shin Guards
In just about every youth league imaginable, shin guards are a basic necessity before a player is on the pitch. Yes, even in practice. It is a very standard piece of equipment in youth leagues, as it helps to provide protection and safety for developing athletes.
Players can take injuries in that area from the ball, other players, and more. All it takes is one freak incident to occur for a serious leg injury to happen, and while shin guards do not eliminate that fear, they reduce them significantly.
As players start to progress, they can decide whether or not to wear shin guards on a regular basis. Some players get in the habit, and they feel like they are worth wearing the same ones in the future as well. Others will eventually move away from bulkier options, but they might start wearing them again if they suffer an injury.
Different Types of Shin Guards
Right now, most shin guards will fall into one of three categories. They all have positives and negatives, and it is up to a user to figure out which ones make the most sense for them.
Ankle Shin Guards
For players who want the most protection, ankle shin guards are the way to go. These go underneath a person’s sock, and it comes with a plate that adds the most amount of protection. It all attaches with a strap around the calf, and as the name implies, it provides ankle protection and shin protection.
The good news is that most companies offer an option to remove the ankle protection part of the setup if they want. This is nice for people who might not feel like they always need it, but it is there for when they do.
It is a little bit bulky to have ankle shin guards on, but players bouncing back from injury might be eager to go with them. It is worth it for the added protection, and players do not have to feel like they are running the risk of getting re-injured when they are out on the pitch.
Slip-In Shin Guards
As far as convenience is concerned, it does not get much better than slip-in shin guards. They can go into just about any setup a person already has, as the plates sit directly on a person’s shin to have quite a bit of protection.
For these to work, the socks need to fit properly. If a person does not have socks like that, they do make socks that have pouches for people to slip these shin guards in. This can help keep everything in place, so keep that in mind if a person has to deal with too much movement.
The reason why people like using slip-in shin guards is that it feels very close to not wearing any protection at all. Players who want a minimalist look and feel will love the way that they ride on the shins. The key is having a proper sock to keep everything in place, as they can be annoying if they are moving around.
Shin Socks
This is the final option for those who want to have protection by wearing a special type of sock.
Instead of slipping shin guards on, a person needs to wear the same pair of socks all the time for these to work.
This is good for people who do not want to mess around with having so many different parts to keep track of. When it is time to play soccer, putting on socks is easier than putting on extra layers for added protection.
These are especially popular with kids, as they do not have to worry about that extra step that adults need to do with similar setups. It is worth trying out for kids who might be a little tough to get them to follow directions.
Choosing Shin Guard Sizes
Generally speaking, the biggest companies in the world for soccer offer numerous sizes for different levels of players. Starting from a youth small and going all the way up to an adult XL, players can find the exact fit they need so that their shins are adequately protected.
Sizing goes off of the player’s height. However, if a person feels like they are in between sizes, they can also measure for shin guards to see what fits the best.
The key is that the front guard plate should fall a couple of inches below the knee, and the bottom should be right near the ankle.
Why Shin Guard Protection Matters
Even if it seems a little restrictive, soccer players get used to it at an early age. Everyone coming up in soccer these days understands that shin guard protection is important.
Companies have spent a lot of time and money to make sure that they offer quality options that feel lightweight and comfortable.If possible, try to order a couple of sizes and see which ones fit best. Many companies offer specials online so that people can take advantage of trying things out first and returning if necessary.
Ultimately, soccer players will have multiple shin guard options to turn to so that they stay clean, fresh, and supportive for everyday use in matches and practices. If you haven’t picked up a pair of shin guards yet, check out my current recommendations in this post.
90,000 Why do you need soccer shin guards, how to choose them correctly
Football shield designed to protect the front or front of the lower leg from impacts and injuries during the game.
Shin guards are worn by athletes for amateur or professional matches. Such a plate will reduce the force of the impact and make it practically painless. In order for all of the above to be true, it is worth knowing a few nuances before purchasing protection.
Types of football equipment
Guards can be divided into two types – tight-fitting and overhead.Both options have their pros and cons:
- Surface mounted or closed bottom. The shield is a complex structure, it consists of a plate, a lining and a lower part that covers the ankle. They are attached to the foot with a lower strap, and in the upper part there are special fasteners. The construction is bulky, but it will be the right choice for beginners or if you are facing an aggressive opponent.
- Form-fitting models.Light, imperceptible on the leg. But they are not as reliable as the first option. The accessory consists of a front plate that attaches to an elastic compression stocking. The stocking fits the leg well and does not hinder movement.
The stocking fits the leg well and does not hinder movement.Now it’s worth finding out your size of such equipment. Your safety and the effectiveness of the use of such shin pads largely depend on this.
Choosing the size of football shields
Ideally, such protection should fit the leg well, but not hinder movement.Shields should not dangle on the shins either. The best option – they just sat down on the leg, do not interfere, do not slide down during movement. There is a standard size chart that is based on a person’s height:
Height, cm | Panel size |
140-150 | XS |
150-160 | S |
160-175 | M |
175-190 | L |
190+ | XL |
To ensure that the visor is correctly fitted, look at its position on your leg.
It should start at the ankle and end 5-6 centimeters below the knee. But there are exceptions to the rule, for example, if you need to buy protection for a person with a non-standard figure or very long legs. If so, try the formula:
Length from foot to mid-knee: 0.75 = optimal flap length in centimeters
How to put on soccer shin guards
Some helpful tips on how to put on your soccer shin guards:
- If you only have a bezel.Put on the leg warmers first, up to the ankle. Insert the panel and lift the leg warmers up to the knee. If there are no clips on the panel, take electrical tape and secure the shield. To do this, make one circle with duct tape under the flap, and the second above it.
- If the outfit has anchors or compression stockings. Slip on the leg warmers up to the ankle, secure the panel well, and then pull the leg warmers up to the knee. If the panel is with a stocking, put on the protection first, and then the gaiters.
- If you have ankle pads.Put on low sports socks first, then shin guards, and then leg warmers on top of it.
Some athletes, for example, Cristiano Ronaldo, have their own method of putting on shin guards. Put on your socks so that they cover the bottom of the flap. Pull the gaiters from above, and on top of everything, fix the equipment with electrical tape from below and from above.
How to choose soccer shin guards for a child
Many boys are interested in football from an early age.Therefore, by the age of 5-6, they express a desire to take part in this game, which means that it is time to enroll them in the football section and buy a uniform. Without high-quality, correctly selected equipment, a child can get injured already at the first serious training session. Therefore, you need to choose children’s football shields with special attention. Here is a table of sizes of children’s soccer pads:
Size | Partition, US | Leg length, cm | Height, cm | |
Children | 8 | S Yth | 20-23 | Up to 110 |
9 | M Yth | 23-25 | 110-120 | |
Teenagers | 10 | S Jr | 25-28 | 120-130 |
11 | M Jr | 28-30 | 130-140 | |
12 | L Jr | 30-33 | 140-150 | |
13 | XL Jr | 33-36 | 150-160 |
Safety and good protection of the player should be put first.
Therefore, you can start with shin guards that cover the shin and ankle. If a child intends to seriously play football, gradually he himself will want to switch to lighter models with a compression stocking. Read also how gaiters should be selected.
But in general, when choosing shin guards for adults and children, only one rule works: the best football shields are those that fit perfectly on the foot.
90,000 About soccer pads. How to protect your feet from injury?
It is common knowledge that football players, in addition to sportswear and footwear, also wear special protection on their feet – football shields.No sport is complete without sprains, bruises and injuries of varying degrees. It is quite problematic for a football player to protect himself from injury, but this risk can be minimized by using protective shields.
Football shin guards are an essential component of professional equipment. They serve to protect the feet from injury when playing football.
Previously, a complete set of equipment for a football player consisted of a T-shirt, shorts, shoes and long socks or leggings. But already at the end of the 19th century, another integral part of an athlete’s outfit appeared – these are football shields.At first glance, it may seem that they are not important for football players, but they are not, without them a player can get serious injuries during the game.
The first to dare to wear something that looked like football pads was football player Sam Weller Widdowson, a player of the English club “Nottingham Forest”. This event took place in 1874. Sam put them on for the match on top of woolen leggings, but no one understood him and laughed at him. In this match, Sam received a strong blow to the shin, all partners thought that he would no longer be able to play, but Weller, as if nothing had happened, got up and ran further to score goals.After such an event, the players began to apply something similar to football protection.
And soon shields were included in the mandatory equipment of athletes. The very first shin guards hampered movements and did not at all correspond to the speeds that athletes developed in their sport. After such inconvenience, the football patch was reduced and attached only to the most “important” places on the legs, for example, the lower leg.
Of course, today there is a significant increase in the difference in the design of modern shields from those that came up with the quick-witted Sam.We can say that when inventing such equipment, Weller showed his imagination. Many football players previously used cardboard, leather patches and even bound books, attaching them with straps. With such a trial method, blood circulation in the lower leg was limited, thereby causing spasms and the football players quickly tired. The players wanted to take them off as quickly as possible, and some even took them off during the match.
The care of the shin guards is very simple – you need to dry them after each game.
The function of the shin guards is to distribute the load over the entire surface of the leg in such a way as to soften the impact.
Differences between soccer shin guards.
Football pads are available with or without Achilles tendon and ankle protectors. Athletes often strive to reduce the weight of equipment, therefore, they use light shields without an ankle, creating a problem for themselves and the doctors.
Football shin guards with inserts and solid. Shin guards with inserts are used by young footballers, they are lightweight and very comfortable.The all-over design of the soccer pads provide excellent protection, but are heavier than the previous ones. Adult players almost always opt for solid ones.
Football pads are made from materials that soften the impact on impact. The special TraumaLite technology contributes to the absorption of shocks by 80%. Internal construction helps keep the shin guards firmly in place on the player’s leg and are non-slip.
If you don’t know which type of shin guards are best, then you can purchase a model with a removable ankle.When a young football player achieves certain skills and professionalism, then shin guards with ankle support may not seem very comfortable to him, restricting movement.
How to wear shin guards correctly?
If you have purchased soccer shin guards with stockings, put on stockings to protect the entire area. Then insert the shields inside the sports stocking, and on top you need to put on leggings and boldly go to the playing field.
During serious official competitions, it must be remembered that football shields must be a few cm above the ankle and a few cm below the knee.
If you have purchased ankle pads, simply attach them to your leg and put on your soccer socks on top.
Football shin guards don’t protect your leg from bone fractures when hit hard, so be careful in this fun game. No matter how much we would like, but, unfortunately, the comfort and protection in the shields are not compatible things.
The more comfortable and light they are, the less protection they have and vice versa.
90,000 How to choose soccer shin guards – advice from ILoveFootball experts.Ru
A football shield is a one-piece plate or a structure of several connected plates, made in the shape of the front of the shin, and is designed to protect the feet of football players from damage during the game. Depending on the modification, the protective structure (also called “shield” or “faceplate”) is supplemented with various fasteners. In addition to the fact that the football shield helps to avoid a direct impact on the shin, it also slightly reduces the impact force, distributing it over a large area.As a result, this protects players from bruises, abrasions and even fractures. Currently, according to the rules of the game (including amateur tournaments), all team members must be equipped with shin guards during a match.
Types of soccer pads
Structurally, there are 2 main types of shields.
With ankle guard
These models combine a visor, a lining, an ankle protector, and fasteners – a strip that holds the visor on the foot and buckles on the upper part to provide an ankle lock.Such models are considered rather bulky and heavier, they restrict movement in the ankle, but at the same time provide the best protection. Recommended for novice footballers, as well as in cases where you know that your opponent has an aggressive tackling style, and the likelihood of injury is high.
Light version
Often also referred to as “built-in guards”. They can be a set of a front panel and fixing straps or a compression sleeve (“stocking”).Also, only the front panels themselves are on sale. This version of the shin guards is lightweight, it impedes the movement of a football player much less and almost does not affect the feeling of the ball. However, the level of protection of the lightweight version is an order of magnitude lower.
By type of structure, shields are:
- Solid . Solid plate like Nike Mercurial Lite
- With inserts. For example with breathable elements like the Nike Mercurial Lite CR7;
- From plate set .Like the Adidas Anatomic Lite, consisting of 5 interconnected protective elements.
The former are heavier than multi-plate models.
For the manufacture of front panels, the following materials are used:
- Glass fiber . Differs in rigidity, but low weight and high strength.
- Polyurethane . Strong, but quite heavy material.
- Microporous rubber. Flexible and lightweight material with low strength.
- Plastic . Lightweight but rather fragile.
Most of the guards have a soft foam padding inside. It is often covered with a special fabric covering to better wick sweat and heat away from the athlete’s leg.
There are no uniform recommendations on the choice of shields based on the material of their manufacture and the type of structure: they are individual for each player based on the playing style of physiology and habits.
How to choose the right size soccer shin guards?
For shin guards to provide reliable shin protection and not cause discomfort during play, it is important to choose the right size. Most sports equipment manufacturers offer the following size chart, which depends on the player’s height.
| Height, cm | 140-150 | 150-160 | 160-175 | 175-190 | 190 + |
| Panel size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
Correctly fitted flap starts just above the ankle and does not reach the knee by 5-6 cm.
In case you have a non-standard figure (for example, during a period of active growth, adolescents often have longer legs), it is better to use not the size table above, but the following formula: measure the leg from the beginning of the foot to the middle of the knee. Multiply the resulting number by 0.75. The final figure will be equal to the optimal length of the flap in centimeters.
How do I put on and secure my soccer shin guards?
The way soccer shin guards are put on and fixed on the leg depends on the type of their design.Let’s analyze the main ones.
Bezel only
If you have purchased a Nike hard Shell Slip-in, first put on a sock over your foot. Take the shield, attach it to the front of the lower leg and secure it with the Velcro straps. Pull leg warmers over the shield. If there are no fasteners in the kit, put on the knee-length gaiter and simply insert the shield inside the gaiters.
For a more secure fit, use a tape – over the leg warmers, wrap the leg with tape just below the shield, then make another circle – along the top of the shield.
Diffuser face and compression sleeve
Compression sleeve (aka “stocking”) can be supplied with a front panel, or it can be purchased separately. To begin with, put a stocking on your shin, and a leg warmer on your foot. Take the front panel and place it inside the stocking if it has a special pocket, or under the stocking if there is no pocket.
Pull the gaiters over the resulting structure. Additionally, the flap can also be fixed with a tape, or with a holder – a special stretching ankle cuff with Velcro.
Like the tape, the holder fits over the gaiters!
Bezel, stocking, sock and gaiter
Some football players prefer to use not only stockings and leggings, but also socks. In this case, put on a stocking and a regular sports sock first. Insert the bezel into the stocking. Pull the sock so that its elastic forms an obstruction to the panel and does not allow it to slide down.
If the sock is high, pull the elastic over the bottom edge of the panel.Put a gaiter on top of the resulting structure.
Dress up the shields like Cristiano Ronaldo
If you have not yet decided on your style of wearing shin guards, try securing them in the same way as world renowned Real Madrid scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. This will require socks without a toe or heel, mid-calf socks and tape.
Put on the sock. We insert the front panel into it. It will be about half covered by the sock.On top of this structure, we pull a gaiter without a toe and a heel. We take the tape and wrap the leg several times a little lower than the shield itself is located for more reliable fixation of the front panel.
Leg warmers without toe and heel can be made by yourself by cutting off the lower part of regular leg warmers, or you can buy in the online store. We have them presented in the category in the section “Leggings without toe and heel”.
Pay attention! According to IFAB rules, the color of the tape or retainer must match the color of the gaiters.
Putting on ankle pads
Ankle guards with ankle straps and ankle straps. First, a low sock is put on the leg. Next, we thread the foot into the strap so that it is located on the heel. We spread the shield on the lower leg and fix it with straps.
We put a gaiter on top of this construction.
It is believed that shields with protection do not require additional fixing methods. Even during active play, a properly selected model, complete with suitable gaiters, will provide the player with comfort and protection.
In the iLoveFootball.ru store you can buy shin guards and accessories for attaching them from world manufacturers – Adidas, Nike, Uhlsport. If you need advice, please contact our managers. They will help you navigate the range and choose shin guards that will protect you from injury while playing football.
Why football players need shin guards? Foreign and Russian experts answer
Bobsoccer.ru research and expert comments
Russian national team player: “I don’t like shin guards, but I always wear them for matches”
CSKA senior doctor: “There are many examples when their absence led to sad consequences”
Spartak’s chief physician: “It is incomprehensible the stubbornness with which some players are trying to do without protection.”
So why do footballers go to matches wearing shin guards? We decided to investigate this issue. We were helped, among other things, by our colleagues from the German weekly Sport-Bild, who interviewed their players and specialists. We turned to Russian experts for clarification.
“Mario Götze wears an image of coffee cups, Nuri ahin is the logo of the former club, and Kevin Trapp is wearing a photo of his fiancée. But we are not talking about the tattoos of the Bundesliga players, but about the shin guards.
Even Italian designers of well-known companies that produce shields do not forget to make them look attractive.Are they a fashion accessory for professionals or a reliable protection against injury? What do the shields give?
The thought of protecting your feet from the blows of your opponents is as old as the sport itself. In 1874, two years after the England-Scotland international match, Englishman Sam Weller Widdowson ran on a football field wearing shin guards for the first time in the history of football. He knew about them due to the fact that he also played cricket, where they were already used. Later he became a referee and suggested using a whistle, goal nets and spotlights in football.As for the shields, he even became the owner of a patent. Recall that these means of protection for football players have become mandatory since the 1990 World Cup.
However, the rules in force since then have one drawback. The point is that judges are sometimes powerless. Due to the fact that the rules are laid out too freely, players can bypass them.
According to rule 04, paragraph 2 of the football rules, shin guards are required to be worn during the match, they must be made of a suitable material that is able to protect the legs from injury.
However, what does “suitable material that can protect against injury” mean? This for itself, if you look at the rules in Germany, must be decided by the manufacturer himself, and the football union does not interfere in this. As for the necessary protection from injuries, then the footballer must decide for himself. In addition, there are no obligatory recommendations as to what size the shields should be. Everything is decided by the wearer himself.
Some pros sometimes have shields up to 9 square centimeters in size.Some people use cardboard instead of real shields, others use foam. The referees before the game control the shields only selectively. If a player does not have shields, then he will not be able to play. But if the judge sees that he has something under the gaiters, then he leaves the player alone.
The fact is that the referee has no right to remove a player from the game, since the material of the shields is not spelled out in the rules.
In professional football, most footballers wear identical shin guards that barely cover half of the shin.There are also exceptions, such as Franck Ribery. Its shields are practically difficult to find. Or, say, Toni Kroos or Mats Hummels, whose shin guards do not cover even a third of the lower leg. If you turn to the English pros, instead of shields, they often use just a thick plaster.
When Hans-Peter Briegel (now 63) runs his hand over his lower leg, he still experiences phantom pains from injuries sustained in previous martial arts. The legendary ex-Kaiserslautern player never used shin guards: “I never understood our players who wore them,” he says. …The 1980 European Champion ended his career in 1988. That is, two years before the introduction of the new rules, which obliged players all over the world to wear what, as practice shows, is not cute for them.
And insurance companies in Germany do not oblige players to wear shin guards. If a player is injured, but did not wear shields, then he does not lose payments on the insurance policy.
They say that they are not the police to spy on the shin guards, but insurers have some arguments for the players to wear them.They refer to the European standards DIN EN 13061, which apply to footballers and shin guards. The norms stipulate the following: “Shin guards for football players must be supplied with dimensions, they must be designed in such a way as to correspond to the size required by a footballer. If we translate this into normal language, it turns out that the manufacturer should have different sizes in its assortment, but which ones to choose – this decision is already made by the football player himself. He can choose between XL and S even if his height is 1 m 90 cm.In a word, the norm is valid only for the manufacturer.
There are various opinion polls that gave the law on shields of 1990 and the Regulation of 2001. Some say it has reduced the number of injuries, others are not so sure about it. In this regard, it would be nice to get an explanation from the most famous sports doctor in Germany, the Bayern Munich doctor and the German national team Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wolfarth. He thinks the shin guards are important.
– They protect the skin and fascia between bones and skin, especially from bleeding and cracking.Good shin guards can do a lot of good, prevent serious injury. For me, it’s better for the players to wear large shin guards, but some of them are incorrigible.
For example, Thomas Müller of Bayern Munich, who is famous for the smallest shin guards in the Bundesliga, has experienced what it means to have shin guards that do not completely cover the shin. But it continues in the same spirit. Therefore, the verdict of the experts reads: It is necessary to tighten the rules. ”
This is how colleagues from the German edition conclude their story.The Bobsocker experts asked our doctors from different clubs and the Russian national team player to express their opinion.
Shagabutdin Kerimov, senior physician of PFC CSKA:
– Shin guards are the most important part of the equipment, we consider them mandatory for professional football players. We recommend wearing them for every game activity. Leave the game without shields? We cannot have this. I will not hide, there are players who do not like to use shin guards. It is important to understand: this can be fraught with big trouble.There are many examples when their absence led to sad consequences. This has happened in my career as well. What kind of injuries can a football player get who decides not to wear shin guards for training? From dissection of the skin, superficial, medium and deep, to damage to the periosteal tissues of the lower leg. But this is already a rather serious injury that will incapacitate the player for a while. Once again, CSKA players must use shin guards in official matches. It is not even discussed.
– I definitely and categorically advocate the use of shin guards when playing and training with the ball.
Football is already one of the most traumatic sports, and the lack of protective equipment only adds to our sad statistics. By the way, our head coach, Oleg Kononov, also adheres to this opinion and it is mandatory for the team to use shin guards during contact training sessions. I do not understand the stubbornness with which some football players try to do without shin guards or put on such devices that can hardly be called shin guards.Of course, they are unlikely to save from fractures of the shin bones, but they are quite capable of reducing the consequences of direct blows. This begs the analogy with the use of helmets in hockey. Many people probably remember the time when Canadian professionals played and trained without them. But over time, common sense won out. I hope this will happen in football and there will come a time when there will be no need to persuade anyone. And this culture of caring for one’s health must be instilled from an early age, from children’s schools and academies.
– Many footballers do not like to use shin guards, and I am one of them.But we are professionals, and football has laws that must be followed. Therefore, I always put on shields for matches, without them I do not go to the game. Who knows what awaits you on the field? Football is a contact game with a lot of martial arts and hard joints.
– I advocate the categorical wearing of shin guards not only at games, but also during the training process. The lower leg bones in front are practically not protected by the muscle layer, therefore, any blow to the lower leg, even if not the strongest, can lead to painful sensations that can lead to the player being unable to continue playing or training.As far as I know, many coaches even set up a system of penalties for players to miss training due to injuries due to lack of shin guards. Another thing is that the players themselves are not very comfortable playing them, the feeling of the ball, some kind of lightness in the legs disappears.
