While everybody should get a kick out of playing soccer, sometimes the kick you get is not the sort you wanted. Wearing a good pair of shin guards, while hardly a matter of life or death, can make the difference between a slight bruising and a trip to the hospital. That’s why it makes sense to invest in the best soccer shin guards you can find.
A lot of time and money is invested in selecting the right soccer footwear but most people tend to overlook the humble shin guards which are just as vital and especially so if playing at a competitive level.
Choosing the Best Shin Guards
There are three types of shin guard to choose from:
- Slip-In Shin Guards. As the name implies, these are simple shin guards which are slipped down the front of the socks and held in place using the tightness of the socks, tape or specially-made shin guard sleeves. The advantage of slip-in shin guards is that they give greater freedom of movement and are generally used at the higher levels.
- Ankle Shin Guards. Longer than the slip-in guards, these guards feature protective material and padding which has been extended down to protect the ankles. Some Ankle Shin Guards come with a stirrup which slips under the foot to prevent the guards from moving. Ankle Shin Guards tend to restrict mobility and are usually worn by younger players although some Ankle Shin Guards have removable extensions.
- Sock Style Shin Guards. Not as common as the other two, these shin guards are built into a sock. Besides being relatively low cost, the sock style shin guards are extremely handy and specially designed with young players in mind.
Top Six Shin Guards Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Manufacturer | Style | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. NIKE Mercurial Lite Orange Shinguards | Nike | Slip-In | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 2. Vizari Malaga Shin Guard | Vizari | Ankle | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | 3. adidas Club Shin Guard | Adidas | Ankle | $ | 4.3 |
 | 4. Franklin Sports ACD Sockfeets Shin Guard | Franklin Sports | Sock Style | $$ | 3.8 |
 | 5. Wilson WSP2000 Adult Soccer Shin Guards | Wilson | Slip-In | $ | 3.4 |
 | 6. Markwort Ultimate Soccer Shin Guards | Markwort | Ankle | $$$$ | 3.2 |
Soccer Shin Guards – Buyer’s Guide
- NOCSAE Approved. Look for the NOCSAE stamp before parting with your money. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has set guidelines for sports equipment and, since 2008, only NOCSAE approved shin guards can be worn in American high schools.
- Style. The style of shin guard you choose depends on personal taste and age. Younger soccer players are best suited by the Ankle Shin Guards for the extra protection they provide. More advanced players can opt for the Slip-In Shin Guards or the removable type of Ankle Shin Guards.
Forget any cheap plastic so-called shin guards you may come across. Not only will the plastic crack and break but they can also cause injuries. They are cheap for a reason and should be avoided at all costs.
3 Best Soccer Shin Guards Reviews
1. NIKE Mercurial Lite
Trust Nike to come up with the best of the best. These shin guards felt almost made to measure and with good reason. The two pads are specifically designed to fit the curves of your left and right leg. I know, because I put them on backwards the first time!
Not only are they extremely tough being made of polypropylene (hard plastic to you and me) but they are very comfortable to wear thanks to the dense foam backing on the pads. And it gets better! The sleeve provided holds the shin guards firmly to your legs preventing slippage and, the icing on the cake, they are very lightweight.
These Nike shin guards are the best that I have tested. Strong, comfortable, lightweight and moulded to fit, the Nike Mercurial Lites are simply perfect in every department. Unquestionably, the best soccer shin guards around as far as I’m concerned.
2. Vizari Malaga
Vizari have produced a quality set of shin guards with the Malaga but only if you are under 6 feet tall. Being 6 feet 2 inches, the pads just about fit me but left a small gap under the knees. That said, the Vizari Malaga are almost perfect in every other way.
Constructed of polypropylene and backed with heavy foam, the Malaga pads look and feel the part while still being very lightweight at around six ounces. The Velcro strips on the pads hold them firmly in place and the tightness can be adjusted to suit your requirements.
Ankle Shin Guards are not to everyone’s taste but I quite like the extra security they provide and my Malaga’s have saved my poor ankles, and shins, on more than one occasion from an over zealous defender.
3. Adidas Club Shin Guard
The Adidas Club shin guards are another Ankle Shin Guard with a stirrup under the foot for extra hold. These shin guards are NOCSAE approved and fully met all my expectations. Strong and well padded, lightweight and comfortable to wear, Adidas Club guards are reasonably priced and good value.
My only reservation, and it is a small one, is the strap for closing and securing the shin guards which I found to be somewhat difficult to adjust precisely. That minor gripe aside, the Adidas Club is an excellent choice for players who prefer the ankle type shin guards.
