Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional soccer player, the best soccer shin guards are the most important in your safety gear.
We know how forceful and tough a kick has to be for a soccer goal. And often times that kick misses the target, and the other player’s shin gets attacked. This shin can very possibly be yours, and that is why you need to be safe and protected among the kicks and goals!
The choice of the best shin protective gear, mainly the shin guards, is a tough one, though. The shin guards should be tough and protective enough but should not restrict your leg movements or make you compromise your performance on the field.
A reputable brand can, to some extent, ensure durability, but the experience will decide what works better for you. To solve this problem, we have researched and selected some of the best shin guards available right now. You can choose according to your priorities and specific needs.
Since its inception, Nike has been the pioneer in producing high-quality sportswear, and that too, using the latest technology. Nike Mercurial Lite shin guards are a manifestation of the same. The premium-line manufacturers have made sure these shin guards feel like a second skin on you while providing optimum protection.
This pair of shin guards have been specially designed for the shins, unlike some other brands that make multi-functional ones. Also, each shin guard has a specific right and left orientation for ergonomics.
The Nike Mercurial Lite shin guards come with a breathable, durable sleeve where you can insert your shin guard. This eliminates the need for straps, which can be tricky and annoying at times. The protective shell is hard and tough but lightweight at the same time.
You may feel like the guards look smaller than adults, but that is also for a reason. The width and height of these shin guards have been so designed to offer minimum weight and material on the legs so that you don’t feel like you are wearing something. We all agree on what an important role comfort plays in giving your best performance.
Pros
Durable; high-quality construction
Uses a breathable sleeve for fitting instead of straps
Lightweight and comfortable
Tough and hard against impacts
Cons
A bit too premium and expensive for casual soccer players
This pair of soccer shin guards by DASHSPORT has been strategically designed for young soccer players. You can see a lot of shin guards on the market that are trying to target both adults and youth, but the fact is, the same pair of shin guards cannot cater to both of these soccer player groups.
Some shin guards that are available for the kids and younger players focus more on the looks, colors, and aesthetics and less on the kids’ ergonomics and safety.
First things first, the shin guard is hard and tough, the strongest we have seen in any shin guard. This shows how specifically these shin guards entertain the younger soccer player audience.
DASHSPORT Soccer shin guards come with ankle support sleeves and a thick Velcro strap. Together these two features tightly hold the whole construction, and hence the joints and movements of the lower legs in check while you play soccer worriless.
The shin guards are anti-slip and have been designed considering the height and width of the shin rather than by age. The company suggests going for a smaller size when confused so that the guards fit your snug and nice.
The best part of purchasing these shin guards remains the one-year warranty. You can get your shin guards replaced within a year of your purchase if they damage or break!
Pros
The hassle-free replacement warranty for a year
Hard, extremely protective guard shell
Ankle support sleeve and anti-slip provide perfect comfort and protection
This pair of shin guards is known for the extra-protective ankle paddings. Each shin guard has two ankle pads, one on each side. Parents who want to ensure the total protection of their little soccer players should go with the Rawxy Soccer Shin guards.
Ankle padding is definitely the selling point for these shin guards, but there is a lot more that comes along with it. These shin guards have been designed keeping the needs of young soccer players in mind. The strong Velcro closure system, for instance, is very important for keeping the guard in place regardless of the number of hours you spend on a soccer field.
What we liked the most about these shin guards is that they not only rely on the hard shell for protection. The shell, in fact, is very minimal so that it does not restrict the movements while playing. Besides, it has holes for better ventilation. The foam paddings, which are made from skin-friendly material, are responsible for major shock absorption.
The two available designs look fierce and catch the eye immediately. What’s more? You get a 100% money-back guarantee! You can contact the manufacturer if you are not satisfied with the quality, and they can offer you full payment back.
For those who want durability and high-quality brand builds but a minimal design and a perfect price, Nike J guards are the best option. These may look like a pair of kids’ shin guards, but they offer just what’s needed in minimal construction.
The construction of these shin guards is perfectly curved and contoured for an ergonomic fitting. They may look minimal and simple, but the combination of a lightweight foam lining and a tough shell is phenomenal.
The hard shell protects your calves against any impact injuries, and the lightweight foam lining helps it while also providing comfort. The big ventilation holes that look like a fashion statement provide breathability no matter how long you stay on a soccer field.
All you have to do is slide them into your compression sleeve and tie the straps real tight. The shin guards won’t move an inch, no matter how dirty you play!
Now, this shin guard is one heavily-built, complexly constructed protection gear. And that is why these shin guards are known alongside the big brands such as Adidas and Nike. These are a little bit extensive to offer next-level protection but they in no way compromise on the looks.
For protection against twisting and impact injuries, Vizari Malaga shin guards use a hard, tough shell at the front and durable foam padding for the back.
Each shin guard also features a soft material sleeve and elastic netting to provide comfort and a snug fitting. The ankle protection and the thick, durable straps closing system are of immense help in keeping the shin guards in place.
The foam paddings help in easy and quick evaporation of the sweat to prevent odor problems and make you feel comfortable throughout the game. One of the best things with this shin guard is that despite the so many straps and paddings and materials used in the construction for phenomenal protection, they do not restrict movement or make you feel hot and sweaty.
Pros
Easy and comfortable to wear
Provides excellent value for money
Fancy style shin guard available in various colors
This pair of shin guards is for those looking for a futuristic design, the latest technology, and maximum protection. Most shin guards available in the market look very much the same, with a hard shell, foam lining, straps, and Velcro. G-form Pro-S Elite Shin Guards are for modern soccer players interested in the high-tech side of everything.
G-Form is the first one to introduce sleeve-style, soft, and ultra-flexible shin protections. One may expect compromised protection against twists and direct kicks, but that is not the case. These shin guards have been approved by theNOCSAE.
Also, theSmartFlex pads on the front work in place of the hard shell for protection. This is actually a recent G-Form technology that serves to absorb the impact better than the hard-shell shin guards. The sealed SmartFlex pads are water-resistant, which means they can wick away sweat and moisture. And you can easily machine wash them and keep them clean without much effort.
On top of everything, these shin guards look quite stylish and classy! They stick quite tight and snug on the shins, so the only problem you will face is removing them from sweaty legs. Some people also complain that while forcefully removing them, the shin guards get some of their stitches ripped.
This has to be my personal favorite! This premium Everlesto line of shin guards by Adidas is a perfect combination of hard protection on the outside, soft foam padding on the inside, and quality construction.
The outer shell is strong, tough, and durable, made from 100% polypropylene. The best thing about polypropylene is that it is tough and resilient, but it is flexible as well. What an awesome combination for a soccer shin guard!
These Adidas Everlesto shin guards move as you do so that you don’t have to compromise on comfort, range of movement, or your safety and fortitude. The design and looks of the shin guard may look minimal and basic, but functionally these are quite complex and effective.
The inner layer of durable and skin-friendly EVA foam for a snug fit and a sense of comfort throughout the game. Together these two layers provide a contoured fit, which is comfortable and which keeps you safe and unharmed.
What women love in these shin guards is their chic, classy looks. With the Adidas logo and the proprietary stripes, and a minimal design, this shin guard will definitely amp up your overall athletic look.
Pros
Minimalistic, chic design
Polypropylene shell provides efficient protection
The synthetic foam lining fits comfortably
The flexible shell flexibly moves with the legs
Cons
These shin guards may be too small for some
Choosing the Best Soccer Shin Guards – Our Buying Guide
Here is what you need to know before you go shopping for the best soccer shin guards:
NOCSAE-Approval
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is an organization that deals with the standards of protective equipment.
Buying a shin guard that complies with the standards of NOCSAE will be a good choice as they will be of better quality and offer good protection. If there is a stamp on the guard plate or on the tags, you can always tell if a set of shin guards is authorized.
Shin Guards for the Position You Play
If you typically play one position, check for certain characteristics in your shin guards to improve your performance.
Defenders should seek a thicker shin guard with plenty of protection, possibly incorporating ankle coverage, so that they can withstand a lot of impacts.
If you’re a midfielder, you’ll need to strike a balance between mobility and safety so that your movement is not restricted. Forwards require shin guards that permit them to shift direction quickly and accelerate suddenly as they have to evade defenders and head for the goal.
Of all positions, goalkeepers need the minimum protection. For that, you can choose comfort and mediocre protection over rock-solid shells.
Shin Guard Type
In general, there are two basic types of shin guards available.
Slip-in shin guards are the tiniest and lightest available. They are independent shin guards and frequently include compression sleeves. More experienced players frequently like slip-in shin guards for more and better mobility. They are not recommended for younger players because the slip-in ones do not provide the same level of protection as full-length shin guards with ankle pads.
Ankle shin guards are often advised for youth and intermediate players due to the added protection they offer. This design has additional padding on both sides to protect the ankle from kicks. The paddings also keep the joints together and compact, offering double protection.
Material and Lining
You should always search for shin guards made of either carbon fiber or tough plastic such as polypropylene. Plastic shin guards are recommended for beginners who can endure a weighted shin guard for solid protection.
Although more expensive, carbon fiber shin guards frequently provide better toughness with a lighter overall weight.
When it comes to the padding or lining of shin guards, try to findEVA foam. When your shin guard takes a kick, this material does a great job of absorbing the force of the impact while keeping your leg comfortable.
Best Soccer Shin Guards – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a good shin guard?
A good shin guard should cover the maximum area between your knee and the ankles without compromising comfort and performance. The fitting should be snug and contoured, and the front shell should be tough and resilient to provide sufficient protection.
What shin guards do most pros use?
G-Form, Nike, and Adidas are the most common among professional soccer players.You may find some of them wearing other brands too because you never know what suits your shin better.
Conclusion
Shin guards are important protective gear for soccer. To find yourself the best pair, which is comfortable and hard and tough at the same time, you can choose one of the above best soccer shin guards. Some shin guards also come as sleeves, and they can be a good option if you are looking for optimum freedom of movement along with protection.
For younger soccer players, however, you should always go for the most hard-core protection. The level of comfort, that comes with durable foam lining should be a priority for all age groups of soccer players!
