Before you hit the soccer field, you need to wear the right shin guards. A research was done that showed how shin guards can protect soccer players from tibia fracture. This goes to show the importance of wearing shin guards. We’ll share with you a few tips to choose the best shin guards when playing at a competitive level. Let’s start off with the 3 main types of shin guards and their uses.
- Slip-in shin guards
Soccer players wear slip-in shin guards under their socks. These shin-guards are extremely lightweight and with the right pair of socks, they won’t move when you play. To make sure the shin guards stay in place as you play, you can consider using tape or compression sleeves. Professional players who wear slip-in shin guards prefer them because they offer that freedom of movement that enhances comfort.
- Ankle shin guards
If you are an intermediate player, this is the type of shin guards that you should be looking for. It offers the extra padding that will help reduce the risk of muscle sprains as you play soccer. To make them secure, they are designed with stirrups which can slide under the feet as well as some straps or an elastic band that you can wrap around your calf. Some manufacturers design shin guards with a removable ankle guard.
- Shin socks
If you are simply looking for a fast and convenient shin guard, consider getting some shin socks. These shin guards are built into the soccer socks. Many youth players prefer this type because it’s a convenient and hassle-free way to protect your muscles.
Which position do you play?
The position you play will determine the type of shin guard you’ll need to offer you adequate protection and comfort throughout the game. For instance, if you are a defender, you will need to invest in high-quality shin guards that are heavy and offer total ankle coverage. Defenders are under a higher risk of injuries, hence they need adequate protection from this.
If you are a midfielder, consider shin guards that offer you supreme flexibility. One thing you have to consider is the ability to move freely in the court. The shin guards should not restrict your movement or be uncomfortable to wear. Forwards also need shin guards that allow them to change directions and speeds. Therefore, lightweight shin guards are an excellent choice for this group of players.
If you are a goalkeeper, choose a shin guard that is not only lightweight but also one that offers adequate ankle coverage and protection in all positions. Don’t go for a shin guard that has too much padding as it will compromise your comfort.
Choosing the right size
Size is equally important when choosing a shin guard. You need to ensure that you find the perfect fit. The right size for you will depend on your height. The rule of thumb is to ensure that the shin guard covers the most area between your ankles and your knees. The shin guard needs to fit securely at least 2 inches below the knee.
Invest in the right accessories
Shin guards are proven to decrease the risk of serious injuries when playing soccer. But you may also want to put your money on some shin guard accessories to give you the best experience on the soccer field. For a start, get some shin guard sleeves to secure your slip-in shin guards. The good thing with the sleeves is that they tend to enhance comfort while playing by making sure the shin guards don’t slide down.
Additionally, you may want to buy a shin guard tape. The tape will come in handy if you want to hold the shin guard in place. Tape allows you to decide how tight or firm you want the shin guard to be on your legs to ensure maximum comfort. Alternatively, you can get shin guard stays which help you to achieve the same purpose – secure the shin guards in place.
Last but not least, consider investing in ankle guards. Bear in mind that some shin guards do not have ankle guards. This allows you to add the ankle guards whenever you need them. Manufacturers sell these items separately to give players the convenience and freedom of choosing accessories that offer comfort and adequate protection on the soccer field.
To summarize, choose shin guards that offer adequate ankle protection, are a comfortable fit and are easy to put on. If you wear shin guards that are too heavy or don’t stay in place, they may end up compromising your experience on the soccer field.
