Top 6 Soccer Shin Pads Review In 2023

Soccer Shin pads are so important to modern players, despite being an AFTERTHOUGHT for many players who are thinking about how their boots look first and their safety second.

Your Guide

Alex Waite   Alex Waite

I’ve played with many players who have forgotten their shin pads for a match or training and then taken a full tackle during a match. In short, they have regretted not wearing shin pads as a result.

Whilst you barely notice shin pads, they are INCREDIBLY important to prevent injury and to keep you safe.

best football soccer shin pad

Also, high-quality and modern shin pads are comfortable and can support your footballing ability, whereas cheaper options can cause irritation and excess sweating on your legs, leading to rashes or friction.

Take the time to try out your shin pads if possible. There are lots of different variations, some you simply slide under your sock, some with ankle supports and others which slide over your whole leg.

The pads you choose will depend on how much protection you require when playing.

#1: G Form Pro S

The G Form Pro S shin pads are extremely UNIQUE in look and design.

Their one-piece style has been created so payer can easily slide off the entire pad from their leg, which puts an end to the strapping up of Velcro and ensure ankle supports are secure.

Another difference with the G Form pads is the padded area around the shin, rather than the more common use of plastic.

The use of this material is contentious, but it is certainly much more lightweight and gives the pads a smoother feel than those made from plastic.

These pads may be more suited to training, where tackles and contact may be less FREQUENT and less aggressive than a match situation. But they are extremely comfortable and breathable.

Key Features

  • Fully sleeved style shin pad wraps around entirety of lower leg
  • Reactive Protection technology absorbs impact of tackles and pressure
  • Thick, foam padding
  • No plastic materials create better breathability
  • Pads are moulded to leg to improve mobility and flexibility

Specification

  • Available in sizes small to XL
  • Yellow and black colours only available
  • No ankle guard or straps

Pros

  • All in one sleeve design makes the pads easy to put on and take off
  • Extremely lightweight, you can barely feel them when playing
  • No friction from straps or ankle supports

Cons

  • Can feel tight when initially worn, may need a breaking in period
  • They are not as heavy duty as shin pads with outer plastic shell, which takes impact more effectively than padding.

#2: Puma King ES

The Puma King ES shin pads are an excellent CHOICE if you are first starting out in football.

The best thing about these socks is that you can choose to have the ankle guard around the bottom of the pad, or just go for the slip-on design with a Velcro strap to hold them in place.

Either way, these pads are very lightweight, but offer suitable protection for your legs without restricting your movement on the pitch.

The strong plastic shell gives excellent protection, while the foam back is extremely comfortable and prevents excess sweating or rubbing on your shins.

Key Features

  • EVA foam backing for comfort and protection
  • Elastic ankle sock (optional) for further protection from impact
  • Lightweight with plastic outer shell
  • Velcro straps to secure pads in place around leg.

Specification

  • Different options available for different prices (with or without ankle supports)
  • Sizes X-small to XL are available
  • Only available in black

Pros

  • Easy to put on and take off.
  • Velcro strap holds the pads in place well to ensure they don’t move around.
  • Foam padding on shin is very comfortable

Cons

  • If the strap isn’t done up correctly, it can rub against the back of your leg and cause friction.
  • Some sizes can come small, always ensure the whole of your shin is covered by the guard.

#3: Under Amour Flex Pro

If you require something more heavy duty, perhaps for the more defensive players who will be sliding into tackles, blocking the ball and putting their legs in the way of shots and crosses, then the Under Armour Challenge 2.0 would be suitable.

These pads have plenty of strapping, cushioning and protection for your legs. They come with attached ankle supports and a secure Velcro strap at the top of the pad which fastens them securely in place.

They may feel slightly more RESTRICTIVE at first due to their heavy-duty design, but you will barely notice them on your legs after you have worn them in.

Key Features

  • Hard plastic outer shell for extra protection
  • Attached, flexible ankle guard
  • Absorbent foam backing for protection and comfort
  • Velcro calf strap to secure pad in place
  • Lightweight materials used
  • Dimple pattern around shell.

Specification

  • Small, medium and large sizes available
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Only available with ankle guard.

Pros

  • Well-padded around most of lower leg for protection
  • Very secure with different support on ankle and calf
  • Outer shell is very hard and durable

Cons

  • Buy a size up from your normal size as they can come quite small
  • Due to the different components, guard, ankle support, strap etc. they may be more noticeable on your legs when you play and can limit movement on under Armour Challenge 2.0 but this newer version does not have ankle support which you don’t have to worry about.

#4: Adidas Predator 20 League

The Adidas Predator 20 League range offer some of the sleekest looking shin pads. A modern, flash red and black design gives the pads a modern look that fit SEAMLESSLY underneath your sock.

But there are a comfortable option too. EVA backing provides superb comfort for your lower leg and they have a lightweight feel.

You can barely feel them against your leg when wearing them.

Despite their fairly high cost, these shin pads are worth the money for their comfort and style.

They are made from high quality materials which makes it worth the money for a long lasting and nice-looking pair of shin pads.

Key Features

  • EVA backing for comfort and protection
  • Attached ankle guards to protect lower leg
  • Hard plastic outer shield for maximum protection
  • Flexible calf strap to secure to shin

Specification

  • Small, medium and large sizes available
  • Available only in black and red
  • Available with or without shin guards from different sellersFirm or soft ground studs

Pros

  • Snug fit to leg for comfort
  • Foam backing gives great protection for shins
  • Very durable as made from high quality materials.

Cons

  • More expensive option compared to alternative shin guards (approximately £20)
  • The pads can feel quite firm against legs when strapped up, restricting mobility.

#5: Adidas X Pro

The Adidas Predator X Pros are one of the better-looking shin pads. Some may argue that it is  IRRELEVANT how shin pads look as they will be under your sock most of the time, but style is a draw for certain players.

They attractive pattern gives the X-pros an excellent look. But the technology used to make these pads is advanced and gives some of the safest protection without compromising the look of the pads.

A compression sleeve fits the pads closely to your leg which helps with mobility, while the materials used to make these pads are extremely comfort and limit friction and rubbing which can be cause by straps.

Key Features

  • EVA foam backing for protection and comfort
  • Compression sleeve for extra security when pads are in place
  • 3D flexible shield helps mobility
  • Synthetic lining prevents friction
  • Slip on sleeve available to secure pad in place

Specification

  • Available in sizes X-small to X-large
  • Available in white, black and green
  • No ankle guard attached

Pros

  • EVA cushion limits impact but remains lightweight enough so you don’t feel the guards under your sock
  • Good quality materials make these guards durable and long lasting
  • Sizing is very accurate based on the online guides from a number of sellers

Cons

  • Sleeve can feel tight if worn for prolonged periods of time
  • Slightly heavier than other shin pads available.

#6: Nike Mercurial Lite

The Nike Mercurial lite shin pads are perfect for players who want both maximum protection from contact, but who also want to MAINTAIN speed and agility.

A contoured fit over the player’s shin offers the best possible protection. The pads cover the entirety of the shin, just ensure you get the sizing right for your legs and the pads do the rest!

A plastic outer shell absorbed any contact, while a foam backing ensures that your shins are comfortable and prevents any friction against your skin.

If you are an attacking player who needs to be both protected and quick, then the Mercurial Lite range is an excellent option.

Although these pads are slightly more expensive than other options, they are great value due to their durability and high-quality materials.

Key Features

  • Contours for left and right feet help to add efficient protection for both legs and also ensure a perfect fit to your legs.
  • Lightweight plastic shell on front of pads and foam layer behind the shell offers plenty of protection but is extremely lightweight so speed and mobility isn’t affected.
  • Made from durable materials (k-resin).
  • Sleeve made from polyester and elastane ensures a close, snug fit to your leg.

Specification

  • Lots of different sizes available (extra small to XL)
  • Available in black, white and blue colours
  • Pads come with an EVA sleeve to secure in place, no Velcro required.

Pros

  • The lightweight feel of this pads helps quicker players to maintain their speed
  • Foam layer behind the plastic outer shell is extremely comfortable and you barely feel it against your shin.
  • Contoured fit to your shin adds to the comfort and offers you maximum protection against contact, covering your entire shin.

Cons

  • More expensive option for shin pads (approx.) £20
  • The sleeves, while elasticated and flexible, can wear fairly quickly. More durable alternatives are available.

Purchasing an EFFECTIVE pair of shin pads can make a huge difference and means you can remain injury free and enjoy your football for longer periods.

However, poor choices of shin pads can lead to unnecessary friction, rubbing and discomfort which can affect the quality of your football.

Ensure you check the materials and size guides too as these may not always be true in the product descriptions from certain websites. It will be your preference whether you choose pads with or without ankle straps.

If you like to tackle and enjoy the physical aspects of the game, more protection will be required so the Under Armour Flex Pro would be a good option.

But if you require more flexibility, MOVEMENT and aren’t anticipating too many tackles when playing, try the Puma King ES.

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