For all soccer players, shin guards are a must when out on the pitch and during training. Crucial for pushing your potential to the max, shin guards offer players protection on the shins and ankles when they need it most.
They say the better the shin pad, the braver the player. On top of being a general piece of soccer equipment for protection, shin guards give players the confidence to attack when they need it, without risking injury.
Just like soccer cleats, the shape and style of a player’s shin guards come down to personal preference. Pricing, levels of protection, size, material, and fit all vary between brands and specific styles, so you’re sure to find something that works for you. Whether you like a sleeve style or a velcro strap, in the world of shin guards, there's a style to suit every type of player.
We’ve put together a round-up of the best soccer shin guards available on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game.
Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best soccer shin pads.
Our top three:
Best overall shin guards: adidas X League
Best budget-friendly shin guards: Franklin Sports
Best slip-on shin guards: Nike Charge
FAQs:
What size soccer shin guards do I need?
Getting the right size shin guards is vital to ensure you can play the beautiful game in comfort and also protect yourself from injury. The size of shin guards you need will all depend on your height. As the sizes go up, the guards will also accommodate your leg length and width.
It's always good to check the size guides on the website your purchasing the guards from, but below is a rough guide of what size shin guards you will need in accordance with your height.
| Size | Height |
| XS | Under 120cm |
| S | 120-140cm |
| M | 140-160cm |
| L | 160-180cm |
| XL | 180-200cm |
Can soccer shin guards be washed?
You can absolutely wash shin guards to get rid of any excess mud or dirt that may build up from time to time. Instead of throwing them in the washing machine though, it's always best to wash them by hand to avoid any risk of damage. But, don't worry it couldn't be easier. Use any detergent of your choice or even baking soda can do the trick, with warm water and a soft brush to wash away any dirt and grime. Air-dry them thereafter, and you're all good to go.
Are soccer shin guards worn under socks?
Shin guards are traditionally worn under soccer socks, but with the introduction of new technology - that doesn't have to be the case anymore. If you find wearing guards under your socks uncomfortable, you'll like guards which come with compression sleeves that hold the guards snug and tightly in place. An alternative is sports tape which can be used on your skin to safely tape the guards in place before pulling your socks over them - for extra stability.