The Best Protective Soccer Gear To Buy in 2024
Investing in the best protective gear for soccer players is essential for ensuring player safety, performance, and confidence on the field. High quality protective soccer gear helps limit the risk of injuries and allows players to focus on the game without distractions.
A lot of people don’t think of soccer as a contact sport, but it definitely involves a lot of physical contact, especially during tackles, set pieces, and headers. Collisions with other players, the ball, or even the ground can lead to injuries if players aren’t prepared and properly equipped.
That is why it is important to invest in high quality protective gear for soccer players such as the items on this list.
Best Protective Gear for Soccer Players
Soccer Cleats
$Price Varies
Soccer Cleats
When it comes to soccer cleats one of the most important parts you need to make sure of is that they have the right type of stud pattern and soleplate for the surface you plan to play on.
- FG (Firm Ground Cleats): Designed for natural grass fields.
- SG (Soft Ground Cleats): Designed for wet and muddy grass field
- AG (Artificial Grass Cleats): Designed for artificial surfaces
- Turf shoes: Designed for turf surfaces
- IC (Indoor shoes): Designed for indoor surfaces and harder outdoor surfaces
It is also important to choose soccer cleat that fit correctly, have a high quality insoles, and that are made of high quality materials such as leather, which are usually wider cleats and provide a more custom fit.
Socks
Socks are an essential part of protective soccer gear, providing both comfort and protection to athletes by offering support to the feet and improving the responsiveness of cleats. Lightweight and soft, grip socks, compared to most regular socks, are a great way to improve your comfort and safety on the field.
Puma Ultra Flex
$24.63
Shin Guards + Shin guard sleeves
Shin guards and shin guard sleeves are vital pieces of protective gear that offer support and protection against potential kicks to the shin. Shin guards are mandatory during a real game and shin guard sleeves are a way to help make your gear more comfortable and secure.
Gamebreaker Aura Headband
$59.99
Headgear
If you are someone who has had a concussion, or who wants to take extra precautions when it comes to head injuries, headgear can be a great piece of protective gear. Headgear can come in the form of headbands and helmets and they can be beneficial for outfield players and goalkeepers.
Practice Gear
Practice gear is essential for soccer players to move freely and perform at their best during drills and scrimmages, offering comfort and support while protecting against injuries. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, such as training shorts and jerseys allow athletes to stay agile and comfortable,ensuring they can dive for the ball and react quickly without distractions.
Ankle Brace
Ankle braces are a piece of protective gear that can be useful under certain conditions, but they are not a tool that players should rely on.
Special Gear for Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers need special soccer gear for protection and to perform their best such as:
- Goalkeeper gloves- Provide support and protect the hands and arms from the impact of the ball.
- Padded jersey- Goalkeepers need jerseys with built-in padding to shield their hips, elbows, and shoulders from injuries caused by frequent diving.
- Protective pants and shorts- Padded pants or shorts are a game-changer for goalkeepers who frequently land on hard surfaces because they provide impact resistance to the hips and thighs, helping players maintain their focus and confidence during intense play.
- Headgear- Goalkeepers can benefit from certain headgear to protect against concussions during aerial challenges or collisions.
Soccer Bag
The final piece of protective equipment in this list is a soccer bag. Although a soccer bag itself won’t protect you it is the stuff that you put inside your soccer bag that will help. On top of the items on this list you can throw in an emergency kit and a water bottle for hydration.
Summary
In 2024, investing in high-quality protective soccer gear is crucial for player safety, performance, and injury prevention. This blog covers the best protective gear for soccer players to reduce the risk of common injuries and play confidently on the field.
On top of having the equipment on this list it is also important to follow a proper athletic and injury prevention program to limit the risk of injuries even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common soccer injuries?
Some of the most common soccer injuries include concussions, ACL tears, ankle sprains, and other injuries.
Why do soccer players fake injuries?
Soccer players fake injuries for many reasons- usually to try to get the other player sent off and give their team an advantage of scoring.
How do you prevent soccer injuries?
Footballers have a lot of power to limit and prevent injuries. To learn more about how to prevent injuries check out this post on – soccer injury myths and insights.
