I’ve taken my fair share of knocks and bruises in my days on the pitch. Trust me, as a former soccer player, I know the importance of having the right protective gear. It’s not just about avoiding injuries but about playing confidently, knowing you’re well-protected.
The shin guard is one piece of soccer equipment that often gets overlooked but is absolutely crucial. I’ve seen players skimp on this, only to regret it later. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to guide you through the maze of soccer gear and bring you my top 5 picks for the best soccer shin guards out there. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this soccer gear guide is tailored for you.
Here is how I choose the right shin guards
Selecting the perfect shin guards isn’t just about picking the most popular brand or the one your favorite player wears. It’s a blend of understanding your playing style, position, and ensuring maximum comfort and protection. Here’s my seasoned advice on how to make the right choice:
Size
The size of the shin guard is paramount. Too big, and it becomes cumbersome; too small, and it won’t offer adequate protection. Measure the distance from your ankle to the start of your knee and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Remember, small shin guards, might be lightweight, but they might not offer enough coverage.
Here is a general shinguard size chart.
Kids’ Size Chart
| Size | Height (feet) | Height (cm) | Age |
| S | 3’9 – 4’3 | 120 – 130 | 4 – 6 |
| M | 4’3 – 4’6 | 130 – 140 | 7 – 9 |
| L | 4’6 – 4’9 | 140 – 150 | 10 – 12 |
Adults’ Size Chart
| Size | Height (feet) | Height (cm) |
| XS | 4’6 – 4’9 | 140 – 150 |
| S | 4’9 – 5’2 | 150 – 160 |
| M | 5’2 – 5’6 | 160 – 170 |
| L | 5’6 – 5’9 | 170 – 180 |
| XL | 5’9 – 6’6 | 180 – 200 |
In my case, I would choose XL since I am 6”3.
Type of shin guards
1. Slip-In Shin Guards
These are my favorite.
Slip-in shin guards are the most basic type and are favored by many professional players for their lightweight design and ease of use. They are essentially just the protective plate, offering direct protection to the shin. Players can easily slip them into their socks before a match. While they provide excellent mobility, they might shift during play if not secured properly. It’s often recommended to use tape or compression sleeves to keep them in place.
2. Shin Guard Sleeves
Shin guard sleeves are a step up from the slip-in design. They come with a built-in pocket where the shin guard plate can be inserted. The sleeve itself is made of a stretchy material, ensuring a snug fit. This design offers a two-fold benefit: the sleeve holds the shin guard securely, reducing the need for additional tape, and it provides a bit of compression, which some players believe helps with muscle fatigue and recovery.
3. Shin Guards with Ankle Protection
For those who play in positions where they’re more susceptible to tackles or for younger players who need extra protection, shin guards with ankle protection are ideal. These guards come with additional padding around the ankle and a stirrup strap that goes under the foot to keep everything in place.
They offer comprehensive protection, covering both the shin and the ankle. However, they are slightly bulkier than the other types, which might reduce mobility a tad. But for those who prioritize safety, these are a top choice.
My top 5 picks
After we covered the basics of how to choose the right shin guard, let’s see what actual products I would recommend.
My favorite one
If I had to recommend only one pair of shin guards, that would definitely be Nike Mercurial Lite Shin Guards (affiliate link). Why? First, throughout my whole career, I have been wearing Nike shin guards and they never disappointed me. Simply put, you have quality, stylish appearance, and great price all in one product.
| Pros | |
| Lightweight Design | These shin guards are incredibly light, allowing for better mobility on the field. |
| Stylish Appearance | The sleek white and black design complements most soccer outfits. |
| Brand Reliability | With Nike’s reputation in the sports industry, the quality and durability of the product are assured. |
| Cons | |
| Size Variations | It’s essential to check the size chart and reviews for the perfect fit. |
| Price | The price is a great value given the brand and quality. |
Great alternative
Another great alternative to Nike is VARWANEO Cushioned Shin Guards (affiliate link), although they cost a few more bucks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made of high-quality PP material, ensuring durability. | Some users might find the design not to their liking. |
| Cushioned EVA back provides excellent shock absorption. | Potential size discrepancies for certain individuals. |
| Ergonomic design ensures comfort and fits the curvature of the shin. | |
| Breathable fabric helps dissipate heat and sweat. | |
| Offers comprehensive protection against impacts. | |
| Suitable for various sports, including soccer and kickboxing. | |
| Adjustable elastic band and Velcro for easy wear. | |
| Great value for money. |
Here are some reviews from buyers:
Five Stars – “I bought these for my son who plays soccer. He says they are comfortable and fit well. They also provide good protection. Highly recommend!”
Great for Soccer – “These shin guards are lightweight and don’t restrict movement. My daughter loves them and says they are much better than her old ones.”
Worth the Price – “Initially, I thought they were a bit pricey, but after seeing the quality and how well they protect, I think they are worth every penny.”
Perfect Fit – “I was worried about the size, but they fit perfectly. They also stay in place during the game, which is a big plus.”
Durable and Comfortable – “I’ve been using these for a few months now, and they still look brand new. They are also very comfortable, and I don’t feel any pain when the ball hits my shin.”
For Adidas fans
I find Tiro Soft Ground League Shin Guards (affiliate link) to be one of the best Adidas shin guards currently on the market. If you compare it with the rest Adidas shin guards, you will realize these are the most popular and have good reviews. Like with most shin guards, the only potential problem is ordering the right size at the first try, since manufacturers use different size charts.
However, when it comes to quality, these shin guards are unparalleled. The craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail that Adidas has invested in the Tiro Soft Ground League Shin Guards make them stand out from the rest. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these shin guards offer the perfect blend of protection and comfort, ensuring that you can focus on the game without any distractions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Optimal protection | Sizing can be tricky |
| Snug fit | Might be tight for some users |
| Minimalist design | |
| Good quality material |
Customer Reviews:
“Nearly impossible to figure out and get the correct size. We go through these every year or so with state soccer and seems each time we end up returning two sets before we get the size right. Work great when sized correctly but would be easier to build the space shuttle than figure out and get the correct size first try…” – John Q
“Work well but run small. Bought these for our child, they work well/are comfortable, don’t slide, etc. However, the fit is about a size smaller than described in the size chart- the youth L/adult S should’ve been the proper size based on measurements, but needed a M.” – Liz
“Good shin guard, smaller than anticipated. The shin guards are great but at 5’1 the adult small is supposed to fit but they are way too small. Size up!” – JJteach
Franklin Correa – “Excellent product, fits well on the shin.”
SERGIO – “Perfect fit.”
Yankee BBQ – “AS advertised. Basic, good shin guard.”
Adam Buzbee – “Good minimalist shin guards. Nice guards.”
Ephrem – “Amazing but I ordered a small size. I like every.”
Lassie get help – “Tight. Adult size large seemed more like a youth size. So ridiculously tight.”
Fayyad – “Good guards. Pretty small in size compared to other guards in the market so I returned M’s and purchased L’s. Really good quality.”
The best option for sleeve lovers
If you like the ones with sleeves, then without any doubt, go for G-Form Pro-S Elite Soccer Shin Guards (affiliate link) since they are by far the most proven on the market.
Most people who buy these report they’ve been a game-changer for them. The fit is snug, ensuring they stay in place during intense matches. Reactive Protection Technology (RPT) offers superior protection, absorbing shocks effectively. They’re not just functional but also stylish with a vibrant yellow color.
The breathable material ensures comfort, even in prolonged use. However, I did find the price a bit on the higher side, but considering the quality and protection they offer, it’s a worthy investment. Overall, a top-notch product for anyone serious about their game.
| Pros | Cons |
| Snug fit ensures they stay in place. | Price might be considered high by some. |
| Reactive Protection Technology (RPT) for superior protection. | |
| Stylish design with vibrant yellow color. | |
| Breathable material for comfort. | |
| Suitable for intense matches. |
Some customer reviews:
“These shin guards are fantastic! They fit perfectly and provide excellent protection.”
“I’ve tried many shin guards, but the G-Form Pro-S stands out in terms of comfort and protection.”
“The yellow color is vibrant and adds a touch of style to my sports gear.”
“Even after hours of playing, these shin guards remain comfortable and breathable.”
“A bit pricey, but you’re paying for quality. Highly recommend!”
Ideal option for ankle protection
Finally, if you like extra protection for your ankles, I would recommend Rawxy Football Soccer Shin Guard (affiliate link).
The design is sleek, ensuring a comfortable fit without compromising protection. The ankle sleeves provide an added layer of security, preventing any unwanted injuries during intense matches. The material feels durable, and the guards have withstood several rough games without showing signs of wear.
The breathable fabric ensures that my legs remain cool, even during prolonged play. Overall, these shin guards have exceeded my expectations, and I’d highly recommend them to any soccer enthusiast looking for reliable protection.
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional flexibility | Limited color options |
| Ankle sleeves for added protection | May not fit all age groups perfectly |
| Durable material | Requires proper care for longevity |
| Breathable fabric | |
| Sleek design ensuring a comfortable fit | |
| Withstands rough games without signs of wear |
Here are some reviews:
“These are the best shin guards I’ve ever bought for my son. They fit perfectly and provide excellent protection.”
“The ankle sleeves are a game-changer! My kid feels so much more secure on the field.”
“I was skeptical at first because of the price, but these are worth every penny. High quality and durable.”
“My daughter loves them! She says they’re comfortable and don’t restrict her movement at all.”
“We’ve tried several brands, and these are by far the best. They’ve lasted an entire season without any issues.”
“The breathable fabric is a nice touch. No more sweaty legs after a game!”