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One of the most important pieces of equipment for soccer players are shin guards, which they need to wear underneath their socks.
But what are the rules surrounding shin guards in soccer? And what are some of the best shin guards you can buy? Let’s dive in and take a look.
Do soccer players have to wear shin guards?
Yes, by the laws of the game, soccer players must wear shin guards during a competitive match. Soccer shin guards must be completely covered by socks and provide a reasonable level of protection. We take a look at everything you need to know about shin guards in soccer below.
Why are shin guards necessary in soccer?
The primary reason that shin guards are necessary in soccer is that they offer safety to your legs while you’re playing. The shin bone runs down the front of your leg and needs additional protection from potential injury.
Otherwise, slide tackles or comings together could cause serious injury to the shin bone and put a player out of the game for a very long time!
A brief history of shin guards in soccer
Soccer players started wearing shin guards in the mid-1800s, and they were initially placed under thick, wool socks. Players wore shin pads pretty much as soon as the game evolved from rugby, and more emphasis was placed on the use of the feet rather than hands.
However, approximately 100 years later and during the 1960s and 1970s, shin guards were not widely worn, as many players felt they were unnecessary and uncomfortable. They didn’t have to wear them, so many players decided to remove them altogether.
By 1990, FIFA mandated that shin guards must be worn by all soccer players at all times during matches, which naturally saw a huge increase in their popularity. It also led to various different designs being launched, and you can now choose from a broad range of shin pads as a soccer player.
What are shin pads made from?
In the laws of the game, governing body FIFA stipulates that shin guards should be made of rubber or plastic, but they do also suggest that a ‘similar material’ may also be used. Needless to say, this opens things up to interpretation!
Ultimately, it’s up to the referee to decide if a player’s equipment is safe and appropriate, and they are required to check that all players are wearing shin pads before the start of the game.
In reality, most referees don’t actually check a player’s shin pads before the start of the game. They will merely check that the players are wearing shin guards, as opposed to what they’re made of, as doing so would take far too much time.
The best soccer shin guards (Two Picks!)
Before settling on the right shinguards for you, there are two styles you need to think about. The first is those with ankle protectors, which are much longer and heavier. The other choice you have is slip-on shin guards, which you can slide into your socks. We introduce you to one of each type of shin guard below, so you can decide which is best for you.
Rawxy Soccer Shin Guards (Best for ankle protection)
These shin guards by Rawxy Soccer are available in several colors and are extremely light weight, making them a great option to wear out on the field. That being said, they offer sufficient protection to your shins and ankles and are ideal if you often find yourself in robust challenges for the ball.
They’re available for a great price point, too, and are suitable as your main pair of shin guards or as a spare pair to keep in your bag for training.
Whichever color and design you go for, these Rawxy Soccer shin guards offer great value for money and sufficient protection while you’re out on the field, which is why we’ve chosen them as our top pick for shin guards with ankle protectors.
Rawxy Soccer Shin Guards – Buy NowNike Mercurial Lite Shin Guards (Best slip-ons)
Some players prefer slip-on shin guards, as they’re much lighter and allow you to travel with the ball without feeling uncomfortable. After all, some shin guards with ankle protectors are heavy, which isn’t ideal if you’re an attacking player.
These slip-on shin guards from Nike are just what you need if you’re looking for a simple, comfortable, and affordable pair of shin guards to wear during matches or at training. In spite of their light weight, they’re durable and built to last, offering protection against the most robust challenges.
They also look great and are available in a range of colors, so you can select the ideal shin guards to match your team’s uniform.
Nike Mercurial Lite Shin Guards – Buy NowThe verdict: Shin guards in soccer
All soccer players need to wear shin guards and they’re a vital part of any player’s kit. The above two shin guards are great options for soccer players at all levels of the game, and give you a choice between ankle protectors or slip ons.
You might find that it’s helpful to have more than one set of shin guards, and many players often use one pair for training and another for competitive matches.