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In a sport where kicking is integral, you're going to catch a foot to the shins from time to time. Shin guards will keep your legs safe from the opposition's football boots (or your own team). They're necessary protection--and no referee will let you on the field without them. There are dozens of styles to consider, and you will without a doubt be able to find a shin guard that suits your playing level, your position, and your legs.
There are several styles of shin guard available. They vary by level of protection and by the amount of your shin that they cover. The style you need depends on your age, position, style of play, and level of competition.
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Shin Guards with Ankle Protection These guards offer the most protection so they are perfect for kids. At the higher levels, sometimes physical defensemen will opt for these because they engage in so many clattering tackles. |
Some shin guards come with a calf sleeve that fits snugly around your leg. You can usually slip the shin guard in and out to wash the sleeve. |
For those who sometimes want ankle protection, these guards can be bought separately so that you can customize your set-up. |
Slip in shin guards fit in you soccer socks and usually have Velcro straps to help them stay in place. These are the most popular at high levels because they are lightweight and unobtrusive. |
These offer great protection because you mould them to your specific shin bone when you take them out of their sealed packaging. They dry hard as a rock and you have superior shin armour for years. |
These guards are popular because they are affordable, and they do what they're meant to do while being unnoticeable. You don't want to be thinking about you pads sliding around or pinching your ankles while you're on the pitch.
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adidas Predator Replique Shin Guard These are an economical way to get full protection. |
You'll see a lot of guys wearing these for their minimalist design. |
The Nike T90 shin guards come with a sleeve to keep them snugly in place. |
adidas Predator Pro Mold-able Shin Guards These are lightweight and flexible pads that feature state of the art technology. |
Kids might think that they're invincible, but when they inevitably get a boot in the shin, they'll be glad to have the proper protection. Parents buying for children need to be aware of what type of guards their kids need. For the very youngest, from three to seven years old, a lightweight "soft" shin guard is the way to go. These are often called sock guards
When a kid has really gotten into football and has developed a more aggressive style, more protection is necessary. Shin guards with ankle sleeves will not only guard the shins and calves, but also the ankle. Seven to twelve year olds are best with this type of guard. Luckily, you won't need to buy separate pairs of shin guards for practice and games since the ankle sleeves are detachable on the majority of models. That means for hard playing game days your little soccer champ can wear fully protective guards and while practising and improving his or or skills, the guards without the sleeves will allow for ultimate mobility and an enhanced feel for the ball.
Teens and adults need more advanced protection for more aggressive play.
The bottom line is that shin guards are made to either deflect or absorb the impact of a kick, but they should be comfortable and not impede your game. Choosing the right style for your needs is really a matter of balancing what you personally want and need for comfort and protection.
Depending on the materials used, some shin guards are stronger than others. Nearly all the good shin guards use EVA foam on the inner side of the guards to make them comfortable and to absorb shock. However, what's on the outside counts more.
As with clothes and shoes, shin guards need to fit correctly. When you have the chance, you should always try them on before making a purchase, preferably with your football boots and socks. This is particularly important when buying shin guards with ankle sleeves. Unfortunately, trying on shin guards is not always an option, and S, M, or L, are not really helpful when it comes to sizing.
Remember that comfort varies from person to person, and that shin guards are not the easiest to break in. They might be slightly uncomfortable at first.
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