Best Youth Soccer Shin Guards to Buy in 2024
Are you looking for the best youth soccer shin guards? Shin guards are one of the most important pieces of youth soccer training equipment and this guide will cover everything you need to know before you invest money in a new pair of shin guards.
Why do young players need to wear shin guards?
Young soccer players need shin guards to protect themselves from potential kicks to the shin, decrease the risk of injury, and to feel comfortable and confident on the field. The main role of shin guards is safety, however, shin guards are a way for players to express their unique style because there are various types of shin guard sizes and types.
Key Factors To Consider When Buying Shin Guards
Before you go out and buy a brand new pair of shin guards, here are some key factors to consider first:
Fit and Comfort
Make sure your shin guards have a secure fit when you try them on. To make the shin guards stay firmly in place use shin guard sleeves, compression sleeves, velcro straps, or tape.
Shin Guard Sizing
The size of the shin guard you need will depend on your age and height. However, you don’t have to follow the size guides as some players like smaller shin guards, so it feels like you are not wearing any, while other players like bigger shin guards for heavy-duty protection.
The size of shin guards you wear is up to you, but be sure you wear something that feels comfortable and provides the protection needed to keep you safe.
Type of Shin Guard
There are four main types of shin guards
- Slip-in shin guards = lightweight and easy to put on
- Ankle shin guards or ankle guards= provide the most additional protection
- Shin Guard Sleeves= easy to put on shin guards with a built-in sleeve
- Shin sock= sock and shin guard combined
Best Youth Soccer Shin Guards
Best Overall Youth Shin Guards: Puma Ultra Flex Sleeve
Puma Ultra Flex
$24.63
The best overall youth shin guards are the Puma Ultra Flex Sleeve, which are also some of the best shin guards for adults. Engineered for the utmost protection and performance on the pitch, these shin guards offer unparalleled security without compromising freedom of movement.
These slip-in shin guards come in various sizes, they are easy to put on, and, they also come with a reliable and high quality pair of shin guard sleeves to ensure they stay in place.
Best Budget Youth Shin Guards: AIMSICAR Molded EVA Backing
The AIMSICAR Molded EVA Backing is one of the best budget options for youth soccer shin guards. These shin guards offer maximum protection at an affordable price, making them the ideal choice for young players and budget-conscious parents.
Crafted with a molded EVA backing, they provide solid defense against impacts on the pitch, ensuring safety without compromising on quality. The slip-in design with a high quality sleeve provides a secure fit, while the inner layer impact protection shields against injuries during play.
Best Slip-in Youth Shin Guards: Nike J Guard
Nike J Guard
$10.75 – 32.00
Nike is known for making some of the best and most consistent training equipment and gear and their youth soccer shin guards are no exception. The Nike J guard is a high quality slip in shin guard that is guaranteed to protect your child from potential kicks, while allowing them to feel comfortable and lightweight.
Best Ankle Youth Shin Guards: Adidas Unisex Ankle Guard
Adidas Unisex Ankle Guard
$27.19
If you are a player that wants the most protection from their shin guards, or if you are a parent who does not want their child to be getting kicked in the shin and ankles, then the Adidas Youth Ankle Guard is an excellent choice. These shin guards provide more protection than the other types of guards because of the extra flexible and adjustable ankle protection.
Best Sleeve Youth Shin Guards: Bodyprox Sleeve Shin Guards
The easiest type of shin guard to put on from this list are the sleeve shin guards. These bodyprox sleeve shin guards come in various sizes and they have some available for youth players. If you are looking for a pair of sleeve shin guards then these are a solid option.
Bodyprox Sleeve Shin Guards
$21.99
Best Youth Shin Socks: Adidas Youth Shin Socks
Adidas Youth Shin Socks
$7.85 – 30.37
Last, but not least, we have a combination of soccer socks and shin guards, the shin socks. These socks are made out of breathable materials and combine two essential pieces of soccer gear. Adidas is one of the best brands that makes these high quality shin socks, which are not too popular, but are worn by some players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to wear shin guards and how should they fit?
There are right ways and wrong ways to wear soccer shin guards. The right way to wear a shin guard is for the shin guards to be doing its main job, which is protecting the shin area. To do this the shin guard should be about an inch or two above the ankle and about an inch or two from the knee, right in the middle of the shin.
Do shin guards go over or under socks?
Shin guards are meant to be worn under the socks, whether that is your team socks, grip socks, or any other type of sock. Shin guards should not go over the socks.
How do you wash soccer shin guards?
Washing your shin guards often will allow them to last longer and smell better. Shin guards can get really smelly because of the sweat that builds up when you play. Check out this blog for a full in-depth look at how to wash your shin guards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best youth soccer shin guards is important for players’ safety and performance. Remember, the right choice enhances both safety and comfort on the pitch, ensuring young players can focus on the game with confidence.
That is why in this blog I went over the best youth soccer shin guards based on various categories.
