Soccer Shin Guards - Considerations Before Buying

Unlike other sports, soccer has only one protective gear, and that is shin guards. The requirement is made for a reason. One must not leave the most prone area of the body exposed in the competitive field. As soccer is mostly played with the feet, your kicks, hard shots, and fouls must be protected. 

However, unless protection is your only preference in the field, you also have to look for comfort while running. So, to create a balance between comfort and protection, we have compiled a list of different soccer shin guard types with different considerations. 

Some considerations

Considerations can be divided based on the following factors. 

• Type

Shin guards are of different types that can be chosen as per the convenience required. Following is the list.

1. The first type is ankle shin guards for extra ankle protection. These are made with a soft cushioning around the foot to eliminate the possibility of sprains during hard kicking. The player's feet are well prepared for nearby footwork, as well. 
2. Then comes the slip-in shin guards that are worn underneath the socks. To ensure that it is stable in one place, it comes with a strap to tie around the leg. This type is mostly used by professional players. 
3. Shin socks are the 3rd type. As the name suggests, shin guards are embedded in socks to make it combined wear. The player can wear it as a regular pair of socks for protection. It is worn by players who have just started to play soccer.

Once a player decides the type of shin guards, he can also determine the size. 

• Position on the field

Different positions on the field require a varying degree of protection and comfort balance. Consider the following points to choose one. 

1. Defenders need the most protection, and that is why a more substantial set of shin guards suits them. 
2. Midfielders need the moderate size of guards with a 50-50 balance of comfort and protection. 
3. Forwards need a light set of shin guards for more comfort and adequate ankle support. 
4. Goalkeepers are rarely involved in juggling and face to face encounters with the opposition players. They can have a light set option guards for better agility while diving around. 

• Related accessories

Shin guards have some complementary accessories that solve the purpose more effectively. The following is the list. 

1. Shin guard tape is primarily for the slip-in types to make sure that they are stable in one place. The tape can also be used for classic guards as well. 
2. Shin guard sleeves are again for those slip in types. These are some sleeves over the hard protective material to keep everything ready for the game. 
3. Ankle guards have added features of safety if you don't already have one. These are to add or to remove this feature of protection according to the situational requirements. 

• Size

Size can come under the category of position and age separately. A small aged player needs small shin guards and vice versa. However, size also differs with positions and roles. As mentioned above, the type of shin guards also has a lot to decide on the size. 

Shin guards are not as simple as we think. Finding the perfect ones depends upon various factors which everybody professional must consider. Also, consider the brand as well. Adidas Shin Guards have a popular choice for a wide variety of players.