Soccer can sometimes be violent, so protecting sensitive areas is a must. Getting the best soccer shin guards to protect your tibia and fibula is a good start. They may sound like made-up names, but the pain you feel when you get hit there is pretty real.
The tibia and fibula are better known as the shin area, and we were all hit there at least once when we were kids. While we all remember how painful it was, it was amateurs who were hitting us — imagine what damage a person who kicks for a living could cause.
Let’s dive in and see which shin guards are the perfect choice for you.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. Adidas Predator 20 League
Features
- High-tech
- Good quality materials
- Brand name product
Price: From $34.00
2. Nike Mercurial Lite
Features
- K-resin pad
- Excellent quality
- Sensible price
Price: From $34.00
3. Adidas Adult X League
Features
- Lightweight and slim
- Mid-range price
- Very comfortable
Price: From $15.00
8 Best Shin Guards in 2022
Uhlsport Flex Plate
Price from $16.95
Pros
- Brand name product
- Excellent protection and comfort
- Mid-range priced
Cons
- They need time to adjust to leg contours
Design & Quality
The first entry on our list comes from Germany’s famous sports goods manufacturer. With these shin guards, you will get all the benefits of top German engineering and quality. They are asymmetric, which means they are designed for each leg separately and therefore not interchangeable. The design increases comfort and improves protection because they fit well against the leg contours. These lightweight shin guards are held in place by an elastic foot band and a Velcro tape at the top.
Features
- Shock absorption. The inside has a layer with EVA cushioning and laminated textile. This combination provides excellent shock-absorbing qualities.
- Flexible protection plate. The highly flexible PP plates offer great protection and absorb a part of the impact force.
- Ankle protection. This model comes with a padded ankle bandage.
What we didn’t like
While they are anatomically shaped, you might need some time to break them in if you have a wider lower leg.
Our verdict
It’s a fantastic product — it comes from a trusted manufacturer, offers good protection and comfort, and has a reasonable price.
Nike Charge Adult Soccer Shin Guards
Price from $14.80
Pros
- Brand name product
- Good protection
- Low profile and lightweight
Cons
- People with large feet will have difficulties putting them on
Design & Quality
Nike’s shin guards are very lightweight and have a low profile, so they won’t feel awkward or limit your movement. They are anatomically shaped and not interchangeable. In addition, the elastic foot loop and Velcro tape on top keep them in place.
Features
- Ankle protection. Keeping our shins intact is not the only thing Nike has in mind. The padded ankle support reduces the chances of sprains and ensures the Nike soccer shin guard stays in place.
- Shock absorption. The inside is layered with EVA foam, backed by rubber and textile elements. The combination fits the leg perfectly and provides excellent impact absorption.
- Tough protection plate. The rigid polypropylene plates protect your leg by blocking the impact and dispersing the force.
What we didn’t like
The ankle protection is tight, and although the guards fit nicely, people with large feet may find them difficult to put on.
Our verdict
Nike combined excellent protection and comfort for this product. It also comes with a reasonable price, making it a good buy.
Adult X League Adidas Shin Guards
Price from $15.00
Pros
- Brand name product
- Lightweight and slim
- Mid-range price
Cons
- The sizing is a bit off
Design & Quality
Like many other Adidas shin pads, these are very slim and lightweight. They are a slip-in model, which means you can slide them into a sock or a compression sleeve. You don’t need to buy the sleeves separately since they also come with the package. In addition, they are anatomical and not interchangeable.
Features
- Strong protection pad. The robust 100% polyurethane plate on these slip-in shin guards can withstand heavy blows without losing its protective abilities.
- Impact absorption. The perforated EVA foam provides an excellent cushioning effect.
- Breathability. The plate has small openings to let the air circulate and improve comfort.
What we didn’t like
The sizing could be better. These shin guards are small, so you may feel discomfort if you have wider calves.
Our verdict
This is a reliable, brand-name product with a reasonable price. Nothing more to say.
Adidas Ghost Pro Shin Guard
Price from $18.90
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Good protection
- Comfortable
Cons
- You have to cut off the product information because the material irritates the skin
Design & Quality
These are some of the best-selling shin guards on the market. They are low-profile and lightweight and slip easily into a sock or a provided compression sleeve.
Features
- Strong protection plate. The hard Polyurethane plate provides good protection.
- Impact absorption. The durable EVA foam ensures efficient cushioning and comfort.
- Soccer shin guard sleeve. It guarantees to keep the shin guards in place.
What we didn’t like
The product information tags inside can irritate your skin. You will have to remove it carefully because any remaining pieces may be sharper and even more annoying.
Our verdict
These shin guards are one of the best sellers from a trusted manufacturer. The price is a bit steep, but the quality compensates for it more than enough.
Vizari Malaga Shin Guard
Price from $11.42
Pros
- Bestseller
- Great quality
- Comfortable
Cons
- Awkward hook & loop tape
Design & Quality
Vizari is a company that specializes in soccer equipment based in California. It managed to build up a solid reputation in its two decades of existence, and these shin guards are one of its best-selling products. Slim, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, the model comes with an elastic foot loop and a hook & loop tape on the top to keep it in place.
Features
- Ankle protection. The padded ankle extension protects from sprains and other injuries, making this one of the best shin guards for defenders in soccer.
- Solid protection pad. The robust and lightweight 100% PP shell provides excellent impact protection.
- Impact absorption. The foam and textile padding do a great job of cushioning the impacts.
What we didn’t like
We have no general complaints about this product. The only peculiar thing we noticed is that the hook & loop tape is attached to only one side, and you have to wrap the tape around your calf to secure it.
Our verdict
It’s one of the bestsellers with all the shin guard essentials, and we would buy them too.
Predator 20 League — Adidas Soccer Shin Guard
Price from $34.00
Pros
- High-tech
- Brand name product
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Enormous product information label on the inside
Design & Quality
One of Adidas’s best shin guards comes with a scary name. Luckily, the company is not relying on the name only to keep you protected. These lightweight and slim shin guards offer exceptional protection thanks to the materials and technology used. The Predator model is slip-in and comes with compression sleeves.
Features
- Flexible protection plate. The shell consists of EVA, polyester, and rubber mix. This combination provides great protection and impact dispersion, making Predator an excellent soccer shin guard for defending and attack positions.
- Impact absorption. The EVA foam and textile padding will soften up any kick.
- Compression sleeve. The 100% moisture-wicking nylon will ensure the pads remain in their place.
What we didn’t like
We have no significant complaints. However, we did find the enormous product information label on the inside annoying since it can cause discomfort when the soccer shin guard sleeves press it against your skin.
Our verdict
This product offers a lot for the money. It’s safe, comfortable, quality-made, and has a scary name to intimidate your opponents. It’s a great deal in our books.
Nike Mercurial Lite
Price from $34.00
Pros
- K-resin pad
- Excellent quality
- Sensible price
Cons
- The area covered is smaller than some of the competition
Design & Quality
It is Nike’s high-tech answer to the modern player’s demands. The state-of-the-art materials provide a low profile and small weight, making them one of the best soccer shin guards for shorter or younger persons. You won’t even feel them once you put them on. It’s a slip-in model and comes with a compression sock. The design is also anatomical and perfectly fits the leg.
Features
- High-tech flexible protection plate. The shell contains K-resin, which allows excellent shock absorption capabilities while providing comfort at the same time.
- Impact absorption. The EVA foam padding on the inside perfectly absorbs the worst of kicks.
- Compression sleeve. The polyester-rubber-spandex compound allows freedom of movement while keeping the pad in place, so you won’t need a soccer shin guard strap.
- Breathability. The perforated plate and foam allow air to circulate and reduce sweating.
What we didn’t like
The Mercurial Lite shin pads cover a slightly smaller area than some competitors. However, that’s the sacrifice one has to make for comfort.
Our verdict
High-end products from a famous producer usually come with steep prices. Luckily, this one is different. While the price is slightly higher than some competitors, its features are worth it.
Adidas Performance Soccer Shin Guard for Youth
Price from $9.57
Pros
- Built-in pads
- Great for youngsters
- Comfortable
Cons
- Youngsters with wide feet and calves will need time to get used to them
Design & Quality
Adidas created these socks with young soccer players in mind. They have embedded protective pads, which you can take out for washing. The materials used are elastic, so they’re pretty comfortable.
Features
- Flexible protection plate. The standard PP pad provides adequate protection against all kinds of blows.
- Impact absorption. The EVA foam on this soccer shin guard for kids isn’t very thick, but it doesn’t have to be for this age range.
- Sport sock. The added elastic materials keep the pad in place.
What we didn’t like
The sock design is narrow, and the pad doesn’t have a wide curvature since it’s supposed to hug the youngster’s shin. Kids with wider feet and legs may feel discomfort at first.
Our verdict
It is a great piece of protective gear for kids and youngsters, and it will allow their parents to watch the practice worry-free. The price is also pretty acceptable.
How to Choose the Best Soccer Shin Guards?
Type
There are many different kinds of shin guards on the market. The most common ones are slip-in models and those with ankle protection. The first one slips into a sock or compression sleeve, and the latter protects the ankle with an elastic foot loop while held in place by a hook & loop tape on the top.
Soccer socks with protective shin guards already built-in are another available option. It’s up to you to choose which ones work best, but adults often prefer slip-ins for themselves and choose ankle protector types for their kids or teens.
Shape and Size
You can choose between interchangeable and anatomical pads. The latter one is molded for each leg specifically. It provides a tighter fit and better protection, but it may also discomfort some people. When it comes to soccer shin guard sizes, the guards should cover most of the area between your ankle and knee. Don’t go overboard, though — they should be at least 2″ below your knee.
There are some minimalistic models on the market, and they cover a smaller area. That makes the guards more comfortable but reduces protection. Adults generally prefer the smaller models and choose the larger models for their kids because they are more sensitive and prone to accidents. The soccer shin guard sizing is directly related to the protection level.
Protection
The most common material used for protection pads is polypropylene, and it does the job just fine. Some fancier models have pads made from resins and similar materials, making them slightly better but also more expensive.
You shouldn’t be reckless regardless of the model you choose. They don’t provide complete protection, and you can still get hurt if not careful. We also recommend having a small first aid kit on location.
Impact Absorption and Comfort
Most shin guards have EVA foam on the back for increased comfort and shock absorption. Also, remember to choose a model with high-quality foam that won’t deteriorate quickly. Most of the best soccer shin guards in 2022 also have perforated foam for better air circulation and cushioning.
Summary
Soccer is a great and fun sport, but the chances of getting injured are still there. It’s hard to think about this when the adrenaline kicks in and you are running to get that ball. That’s why good shin guards are essential — they will allow you to enjoy the game more by reducing the possibility of injury.
People Also Ask
What are the best shin guards for soccer?
It’s hard to say which are the best guards on the market with so many good options out there. Some of the models that stand out are Vizari Malaga, Adidas Ghost Pro, Nike Mercurial Lite, Adidas Predator 20 League, Adidas Adult X League, Nike Charge Adult Soccer, etc. They all provide excellent protection and impact absorption and are comfortable to wear.
How much do shin guards cost?
Shin guards aren’t expensive, and they can dramatically reduce the possibility of injuries. They are a great choice, regardless of whether you are playing for fun or starting to train. The cheapest models start from $5 and can go well over $200 for customized Kevlar shin guards. The bestsellers cost between $10 and $20, and they provide decent protection and comfort for recreational use and training.
What shin guards do professional soccer players wear?
Many professional soccer players are in sponsorship contracts to wear gear from a specific manufacturer, so their choice is limited. However, they always choose the best from what the company has to offer.
For example, Nike Mercurial Lite shin guards are popular among professional players. They are lightweight, comfortable, and provide optimal protection. Some players also have shin guards developed especially for them; for example, Adidas created Messi10 for the famous player.
Are slip-in shin guards better?
Slip-in shin guards are more comfortable to wear. They cover less surface, so the players feel less restricted. However, they provide less protection than models with foot loops that guard your ankles. Usually, professionals prefer slip-ins because they want to move freely and are used to getting hit in the shins.
For recreational use, adults should choose the larger models with more coverage since their muscles and bones are unused to maltreatment. As far as children and youth are concerned, they should wear the best soccer shin guards with ankle protection because their muscles and bones are still developing.
