When it comes to soccer equipment, there’s a lot to think about. While we all know shin guards are essential, less is known about ankle guards and whether or not they should form part of the standard soccer kit.
So, to help you decide if they are necessary and a good addition to your kit bag, we explain what they are, why they could help you, and where to find the best soccer ankle guards for you.
What are soccer ankle guards?
An ankle guard in soccer is a material that you wear under your sock to protect your ankle from injury. They are often attached to shin guards, but you can also buy them separately. Most soccer ankle guards are soft, but you can also buy hard ankle guards if you’re particularly concerned about injury. We explain everything you need to know about soccer ankle guards below.
Do you have to wear ankle guards?
Unlike shin guards, ankle guards are not considered an essential part of your kit, and you don’t need to wear them if you don’t want to. You have probably noticed that lots of players wear small shin pads that slip underneath their socks and don’t bother with ankle guards.
The reason for this is that ankle guards are fairly heavy, and some people think that they restrict their movement on the field. The fact that they’re not essential means that it’s down to a player’s choice whether or not they opt for ankle guards.
Still, if you’re concerned about injuring your ankles or if you have a weak ankle from a past injury, investing in a pair of ankle guards is a smart move. They’re relatively inexpensive and offer that extra bit of protection from poor challenges from your opponents.
The pros and cons of ankle guards
The truth is that some players swear by ankle guards, while others think they’re completely unnecessary. So, to help you see if soccer guards are right for you, we run through the pros and cons below to help you divide if they will be a good addition to your soccer kit.
Pros
- They are relatively affordable and won’t cost you a fortune. You can buy a decent pair of shin guards with ankle protectors for less than $20, so they’re a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a little extra protection out on the field.
- The main reason you would wear soccer ankle guards is for the additional protection they offer. They protect your ankles from scrapes, scratches, and other knocks that tend to result from robust challenges from the opposition.
- While some players find them uncomfortable, other players think that ankle guards are perfectly fine and don’t limit their movement. It’s best to try some on for yourself to see how they feel before buying some ankle guards online.
Cons
- The biggest drawback to soccer ankle guards is that some players feel like they restrict their movement. After all, slip-in shin guards that are lightweight are really popular, but those that come with ankle guards do work for other players, so it’s really down to personal preference.
- Another thing to be mindful of is that soccer ankle guards are typically soft and aren’t always effective when it comes to protecting your ankles from particularly robust challenges. So, you shouldn’t expect them to work wonders if you’re caught in a tough challenge.
Are ankle guards comfortable?
Some people find ankle guards comfortable, while others think they restrict their movement out on the field. Therefore, it’s completely down to personal preference as to whether or not you wear them.
As mentioned, you don’t need to wear ankle guards on the soccer field, and it’s only stipulated in the rules that you must wear shin guards. So, if you feel like they add unnecessary weight to your legs, just don’t wear them!
If you’ve never tried ankle guards before, we’d recommend trying them on in a sports store before buying them. They do feel a tad unusual if you’re used to slip-in shin pads, so bear this in mind before ordering some online.
Can you buy shin guards with ankle pads attached?
The easiest way to invest in a pair of ankle guards is to buy shin guards with ankle pads attached. Many shin guards come with ankle protectors as standard, and they’re relatively inexpensive. It also means that you don’t need to worry about misplacing your ankle pads as they’re attached to your shin guards.
Most of the biggest brands in the sport produce shin guards with ankle protectors attached, and you can buy them from the likes of Nike and Adidas. In fact, we introduce our recommendation for the best soccer ankle guards you can buy below.
The best soccer ankle guards?
There are lots of ankle guards for you to choose from, but we recommend Adidas’ Predator shin guards with ankle pads attached. They’re relatively lightweight and durable and will protect both your shins and ankles as you take to the soccer field.
They’re also available for a great price and won’t cost you a fortune, which makes them ideal for recreational players looking for soccer ankle guards that are affordable and get the job done. You can buy these Adidas ankle guards by clicking the link below.
Adidas Predator Soccer Ankle Guards
The verdict: Are ankle guards worth it?
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to wear ankle guards on the soccer field is a personal one. You don’t need to wear them as they’re not considered an essential piece of equipment.
But as explained, if you want to protect your ankles from robust tackles and scrapes and cuts that you might pick up during a game, there’s no doubt that investing in ankle guards is a smart move.
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