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.