How to Choose the Best Soccer Shin Guards
Selecting the right shin guards depends on your experience level, age, and soccer position. In 1990, the International Federation of Association Football implemented a rule that shin guards were required by every player during games. Most youth leagues also require shin guards. Before then, the quality of shin guards was inconsistent, and many players chose not to wear them. Over time, the durability and quality of shin guards has improved. The key to selecting shin guards is finding a comfortable, sturdy pair that can help your performance. Below is a guide for selecting shin guards.
Types of Shin Guards
There are 3 types of basic shin guards: slip-in shin guards, ankle shin guards, and shin guard socks. Each kind offers a different degree of protection and flexibility. Below are descriptions of each:
Slip-in Shin Guards: Slip-in shin guards are lightweight, snugly fitting shields that slip in under your socks. To put on a pair of slip-ins, put your socks on first and then pull the slip-in over your socks. After the slip-in is on, pull your sock down and tuck the slip-in into your sock so that your sock is covering it. Slip-ins typically cover from just above the ankle to 2 inches below your knee. Slip-in shin guards are designed for players who want to have the maximum amount of freedom of movement. Because they offer less protection than other types of shin guards, they’re often used by more experienced players.
Ankle Shin Guards: Ankle shin guards are made of a hard material, like plastic or carbon fiber on the outside, and a softer material inside. Ankle shin guards are designed to offer more protection than slip-in shin guards. To put them on, get your grip socks on first and then slip your shin guards inside your socks. Often, players will use athletic tape to hold their shin guards in place. After your shin guards are taped, you can pull a long pair of socks that end just below your knees over your shin guards. Some ankle shin guards use stirrups to hold them up.
Shin Guard Socks: Shin guard socks have the shin guards built into the socks. They’re good for young players because they’re built to offer a high level of protection and they’re easy to take off and put on. The shin guards can easily be disassembled for washing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shin Guards
There’re several factors to consider when selecting shin guards that’re appropriate for you. Age, experience level, and the position you play can all be criteria for selecting your shin guards. A professional player might prefer to wear slip-in shin guards while younger players typically need the type of protection that shin guard socks provide. A good pair of shin guards should be form-fitting and comfortable. High school players are required to wear shin guards that are approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Players need to look for a NOESAE stamp before buying their shin guards.
Defenders: Defenders should consider wearing ankle shin guards because they endure a high level of contact trying to guard the goal. While speed is important for every position, defenders don’t have as much ground to cover as a forward or striker.
Midfielders: Consider wearing slip-in shin guards. Midfielders are hybrid players. They have to defend and deal with contact, but they also must play on both sides of the field.
Forwards: Choose lightweight protection, like slip-in shin guards or shin guard socks. Forwards must cut and move and attack. They need a shin guard that won’t weigh them down for their quick bursts of speed.
Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers can wear what they feel most comfortable in. Some goalkeepers prefer more protection against shots that might hit their shins. Many, though, prefer a shin guard that doesn’t impede their movements in any way.
How to Keep Your Shin Guards from Slipping
One persistent problem with shin guards is when they move around after you’ve started playing. A pair of shin guards that aren’t tightly secured can sag down to below your ankle with too much jostling. Some players don’t like to tape their shin guards on because it can be tricky. Below are some ways to secure your shin guards without using tape.
Shin Guard Pouch: A shin guard pouch is a sleeve you can wear over your socks that has a pouch in it. You place the shin guard in the pouch and then pull your sock over it. Your shin guard should fit snugly inside your pouch. One disadvantage to the pouch is that it can feel too restrictive and tight.
Grip Strip: A grip strip is a sticky piece of material that’s shaped like a mini shin guard. You put the grip strip over your shin guard, and your sock will stick to the grip strip, keeping your shin guard in place. The downside to grip strips is that it can chew up your sock when you have to take it off.
Sock Tuck Method: With this technique, it’s best to wear a pair of grip socks with a sleeve. Tuck your shin guard into your grip sock and then pull your sleeve over your grip sock. Fold in the very top of your grip sock and sleeve. This helps to secure your shin guard firmly. Using this method, you can adjust where you wear your shin guards.
Care & Maintenance
Hand washing your shin guards is the safest and most effective way to ensure you can get them clean. In some instances, you can machine wash shin guards, but you need to be careful.
Scrub your shin guards with a damp soft cloth or brush to break up loose dirt and impediments.
Rinse your shin guards with warm water.
Use disinfectant spray to eliminate bacteria and odor.
Put them out in a well-ventilated place to air dry. Avoid machine drying because it could shrink them.
Check the label, and if it’s safe to wash them, follow the guidelines below.
Remove loose dirt with a brush or cloth.
Use a mild detergent on a delicate cycle with cold water.
Wrap your shin guards up in a mesh bag.
Store your shin guards in a cool place to keep them fresh and dry.
Getting the right kind of shin guards should help enhance your performance and protect your shins from errant shots and the inevitable contact that all players must deal with on the field.