Safeguard Your Legs with the Best Soccer Shin Guards
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Uhlsport Tibia Lite Soccer Shin Guard -
EvoShield Soccer Shin Guard -
Diadora Uragano Soccer Shin Guard -
Nike Mercurial Lite Soccer Shin Guard -
Adidas Ghost Shin Guards -
Buyer's Guide
No one wants to wear them, but shin guards are a mandatory part of the game of soccer; they're designed to safeguard your legs from aggressive defenders looking to take the ball from you. With all of those feet wildly kicking and tackling, you're going to need a pair of shin guards that protect unconditionally, and that includes not having to sacrifice comfort to do so. But there's no getting around the fact that a hard protective shell braced to your tibia is not going to be the most pleasant feel in the world, even if a shattered bone feels exponentially worse.
Equipment manufacturers have been wrestling with this conundrum for as long as the shin guard has been required by regulation, and players have been looking for a happy medium between performance and relief. The use of lighter materials, form-fitting sleeves, and contoured shell designs have all been considered in the quest to develop that "perfect" shin guard and there are so many options on the market that it's hard to say if that goal has truly been achieved.
Some players like wearing their guard inside a sleeve, while others will just slip their guard into their sock and be done with it. There are as many options for shin guards as there are positions on the team, so check out this list of the best soccer shin gurads in 2022 first and see if they are the right fit. Each of these high-quality shields are built out of carbon fiber and high-impact plastic to protect the shin effectively. Comfort is also a major part of choosing the right shin guard and these all deliver thanks to ergonomic shaping, foam or gel cushioned padding, lightweight materials, and additional elements like sock inserts to keep them in place during the game. Each of these important components went into the selection of these shin guards, so you know you're getting the best protection available today.
Best Soccer Shin Guard Worth Considering in 2022
Uhlsport Tibia Lite Soccer Shin Guard - Best Soccer Shin Guard Overall
For an effective shin guard, carbon and polypropylene are two of the best materials you can find at a reasonable price point. Young players in particular will want to wear something that strong to protect them from injury no matter what skill level they possess. Uhlsport's Carbon Flex guard has a rugged impact resistant plate that is built from a mixture of both materials, for a shield that safeguards the shin from hard contact while absorbing the shocks and blows from opposing players trying to get after the ball. They're lined with a padded shock absorbing protective inner foam that keeps the guard comfortable against the skin while minimizing the brunt of punishment that it will endure. These are also lightweight at just about 50 grams, so they won't weigh you down on the pitch either.
The Carbon Flexes come with a pair of specially designed compression socks fitted with special inserts to keep the shin guards in place. They've been enhanced with thermoplastic polyurethane inserts to help support the calf muscle while promoting blood circulation in the leg. This additional benefit helps reduce injury risk for both the outside and inside of your lower leg by keeping the shin from taking impact while preventing muscular and circulatory injuries as well. Uhlsport has also infused them with AEGIS anti-bacterial treating to keep them free of germs and odors after repeated use.
EvoShield Soccer Shin Guard - Runner Up
Evoshield has designed a shin guard built for a customized fit to your leg so that it feels comfortable and provides the protection you need in the game. The way they've done this is through a special gel compound inside the shin guard. Once you remove the shields from the foil packaging they've been shipped in, they will begin to harden and form firmly. Just slip them on your shins and use the sleeves and fitting gauze provided to ensure that they are properly snug on the leg.
I would suggest you mold them while wearing all the gear that you plan on wearing in the game; you only get one shot at the molding process so make sure they’re exactly where you want them. Once you've got them fitted, you'll find them to be quite effective. The pliable gel inside these guards forms into a hard shell that’s been engineered to withstand stiff kicks and tackles. The hardened material distributes the force of the blow to keep your vulnerable tibia from taking any extreme punishment.
Diadora Uragano Soccer Shin Guard - Honorable Mention
Diadora was tasked with protecting Totti from further injury in the 2006 World Cup and this was what they supplied him with; a shin guard that essentially acts like a cast. The shield is molded to wrap around the leg without straps or sleeves. You literally just slip your leg in and it stays put, but be sure to find the correct size first or they will slip down. They protect so well because these guards are made of Kevlar, the same material that's used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests, as well as fortified with additional layers of carbon fiber.
All of that protection hasn't made them any less lightweight or flexible either, because they get high marks in both of those categories. They just look and protect like you're wearing armored plates on your legs. These shin guards obviously aren’t for everyone as they retail for close to $200 in some places, but they’re ideal for players who’ve sustained a previous injury to the vulnerable region around the leg and ankle. Wear these shin guards once and I swear you'll feel like you could take a baseball bat to the shin and not feel a thing. Although these are incredibly expensive but they're practically bulletproof.
Nike Mercurial Lite Soccer Shin Guard - Consider
Designed for maximum impact protection while remaining lightweight and comfortable, Nike developed their Mercurial Lite shin guard to protect your leg and keep you at the top of your game. The blades start out stiff and they'll need some breaking in at first, but soon enough these will feel like you've owned them for years.
Nike has designed the Lites to be anatomically contoured for a tighter fit to each leg, the shields are composed of a highly resilient K-resin built to withstand hard impacts, and the stiff material provides rugged impact resistance to the shell. This is the same material found in many medical devices, so you can rest assured your shin is well guarded.
Additionally, EVA foam is added to absorb and disperse impact against your shin. It works well with kicking feet and even better with the ball; so well in fact, it will minimize the deflection of the ball when it hits the shin guard. The end result is you effectively remain in control with more confidence. These shin guards come with fit stretch sleeves to cushion the area around your shin so that they not only fit well, but stay snug and comfortable.
Adidas Ghost Shin Guards - Best Soccer Shin Guards
These may perform in a similar fashion to the Carbon Flex shields at the top of the list, but they share the same price point as the Nike Mercurial Lites in that you can get these Adidas shields for just around $20. The hard-shell front plate of these guards is made from a combination of Polypropylene and injection-molded thermoplastic gum providing some of the toughest safeguard stability in a blade at this price point. They come with cushiony EVA lining so that they stay comfortable for the duration of the game while absorbing the blows that are sure to come with it. The compression socks that are part of the package keep the blood flowing throughout the leg while offering plenty of support for the calf and stability for the shin guard to prevent it from moving around on your leg.
Buyer's Guide
If you play soccer frequently, chances are you have seen a couple of injuries through the years. But, most people would agree that knee injuries are the worst. This type of injury is regarded as extremely dangerous because not only does it ask for intricate surgeries and painful procedures but it also ends careers. Many soccer players reached a dead end after suffering from knee injuries.
Should you stop playing soccer, then? By all means, the answer is no. Thankfully, shin guards exist just to protect you from injuries. Let’s be real, shin guards aren’t the most comfortable piece of protective equipment out there. But we can promise you one thing: they hurt less than an injury. We promise another thing, along with this. To help you buy the best soccer shin guards out there, we’ve created a buying guide for your convenience. We promise this guide will help you in buying the best soccer shin guards to protect you during soccer.
How To Buy The Perfect Shin Guard?
There’s a reason why it is necessary for every player on a soccer field to wear shin guards. While their importance is high, the level of discomfort they can bring is high too. But don’t worry, we’ve got a few options for you.
Types of Shin Guards
Thankfully, you’re not restricted when it comes to types of shin guards. Slip-in shin guards are quite popular with players because they can be worn under your socks. Some players even wear tight socks to prevent the guards from moving while others rely on tape.
Throughout the game, players are expected to run here and there. Rapid movement can disturb the position of the shin guard without the player realizing it. This can be extremely dangerous. So make sure you use good quality tape of compression sleeves to prevent the guards from leaving their positions.
Next are ankle shin guards. These guards work exceptionally well for young players because they grant high-grade protection. Ankle shin guards come with extra padding on both sides. This grants safety against accidental kicks. They come with feature stirrups as well, the player can slide them under their feet or wrap the elastic band around their legs to secure the position of the guards.
Then we have shin socks. These shin guards are also popular with young players because they require less hassle and allow the players to play freely on the field.
Player Position
Quick question, where do you usually play when it comes to soccer? Your position will determine the shin guards you buy. Let’s start with the front line of defense.
Forwards are required to be agile, so shin guards that restrict movement aren’t ideal. What forwards need are light shin guards that are small in size. They will allow them to move freely throughout the field.
Midfielders are the second line of defense. They require both agility and protection because they are known to take some hits or two on the field.
Defenders, hands down, receive the most beating when it comes to soccer. But since defenders are expected to play at the back, they can compromise a bit on flexibility for extra protection. Decent ankle coverage is necessary for a defender.
Goalkeepers are the last to come. They need the least amount of protection, so a shin guard with light padding will suffice.
Accessories
Shin guards don’t come alone. They are usually sold with a few accessories that you may want to look out for when buying them.
Shin guards sometimes come with shin guard tape. This tape is wrapped around the socks at both ends to ensure that the protective guard doesn’t move from the place. Just make sure that the tape is of good quality otherwise it will be displaced.
Shin guard stays are another accessory. They exist to offer some flexibility and comfort. These stays can easily wrap around a player’s leg since they have a “hook and loop” feature that holds the protective guards properly.
Shin guards sleeves can be slipped in to make sure they fit properly. They may compromise your comfort by a level or two but they are a decent accessory to prevent them from slipping during the game.
Size
This is where your height comes into play, quite literally. While soccer and height don’t go hand in hand, shin guards and height are directly related. The taller you are, the longer your shin guards. That’s how it goes.
If at any point you feel that your shin guards are not appropriate for your height, change them quickly. The last thing you want is a knee injury because of negligence. Most sellers have size charts that are there for players to select the best fit for their height.
Important Guideline
One thing we want you to wrap around your head is that not all shin guards are meant to protect you. Sounds confusing, right? Well, as a player you are only required to buy protective guards that are approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment or NOCSAE for short. If your shin guard has the NOCSAE stamp on it, you’re good to go.
Best Shin Guards FAQs
Q. What happens if I play soccer without shin guards?
Ans. You are more likely to suffer from knee or ankle injuries, which are sometimes permanent. They can be helped with medical intervention, but that’s why shin guards exist.
Q. How much of my knee should the shin guards cover?
Ans. Ideally, you want the shin guard to cover all or most of the area between your ankle and knee. At the very least, the protective guards should cover 2” below your knee.
Q. Can a player play without their shin guards?
Ans. The short answer is no. Professional soccer players cannot play without good-quality shin guards.
Q. Are all shin guards uncomfortable?
Ans. Not really. Shin guards today are made of soft fabric, and they are light as well. This makes the player feel almost nothing during play. However, pads that have extra protection may be more uncomfortable than your average shin pads.
