Finding the best football shin pads is essential - but often overlooked - when it comes to every footballer’s matchday kit .
While nobody really enjoys playing in them, the rules do stipulate that every player must wear shin pads to protect themselves during games. The biggest complaint that often arises is that they're too bulky, uncomfortable and are generally quite distracting while running around the pitch.
Fortunately, not all shin pads are like that. In fact, the best football shin pads are barely noticeable, are comfortable, lightweight and simply won't cause any hassle whatsoever while you're playing.
But if you're looking for other accessories, such as the best grip socks for football, the best football boot insoles or even the best goalkeeper gloves, then we've got you covered. But for now, here are the best shin pads for football currently available on the market...
Best football shin pads
Made specifically for players who are looking for high levels of protection with minimal bulk, the standout feature on the Nike Mercurial Flylite Superlock shin pads is the innovative superlock technology that is designed to grip directly to the sock fibres.
While this helps to eliminate the need for any strapping or sleeves, I did find this to be slightly tempermental on occasion. Thankfully, though, Nike does provide an extra set of sleeve in case a player wants to ensure they stay firmly in place at all times. What is certain, though, is that the Flylite construction makes these shin pads incredibly lightweight and breathable.
Such a sleek design and secure fit make them nearly unnoticeable during pgames, while the protective material itself is reinforced with EVA foam yet slim, effectively absorbing impacts without compromising mobility. A great option all round.
With a multi-fabric construction and an EVA foam backing, the Puma Ultra Twist Sleeve shin pads flex with the movements of the leg while playing, making them my preferred option when wanting to feel free on the pitch.
Like with many other shin pads, these come with a compression sleeve that works in conjunction with an insertable pad, allowing for a secure fit without the need for any additional straps or tape. I did find them sliding around on occasion, though that generally happened during tackles and collisions.
The shin pad insert itself is lightweight and provides decent impact protection for everyday play. The minimalist design is sleek and pairs well with high-performance footwear and gear, enhancing the overall fit and look.
Wanting real-time data provided from your shin pads to help you improve your game? Then it's likely the Target Football Smart shin pads are perfect for you. I used these on a number of occasions and loved tracking the range of statistics from matches and training sessions, though I did find there was almost too much information provided.
From stamina, speed, acceleration, balance and power, there's a number for everything while wearing these shin pads, which have an added computer chip in each pad. What's more, they even grade your performance and offer the chance to compare stats with others.
Crucially, they also perform the primary function of keeping your legs safe thanks to the TPU shell and EVA foam back.
Offering a solid balance between comfort, protection and affordability, the Mitre Aircell shin pads integrate a breathable design to improve airflow, reducing sweat build-up and keeping players cool during intense matches.
They're lightweight, too, allowing players to move freely without feeling weighed down by restrictive pads. But when it comes to protection, they could do a little better. The hard outer shell provides good defence against some impacts, but harder challenges can still be felt, with the pads not doing quite enough to minimise the impacts. This is only on rare occasions, however.
Generally speaking, they're still quite reliable and are a cost-effective choice, too. With good durability and comfort, players wanting the best of both worlds without having to shell out a fortune on the latest tech might do well to grab themselves a pair of these.
Utilising G-Form's signature SmartFlex technology, the Pro-S Blade CE shin pads harden upon impact while still maintaining a slim and low profile design. I found this to be an excellent feature that felt fantastic, though at first it did feel a little strange having them tighten slightly around my legs.
When not under heavy contact, the pads themselves are soft and flexible, adapting to a player's movement with a thin feel. This is ideal for those wanting a shin pad that is protective without the bulk - I barely realised I had any pads on when playing in these.
Overall, the G-Form Pro-S Blade CE shin pads are ideal for players who prioritise comfort and flexibility, offering solid, reliable protection in a sleek and innovative design.
The Smart Armor S1 Pro Shin pads are probably the most technologically advanced shin pads in the world. Imagine wearing the venom symbiote on your legs, that’s exactly what you’ll get with these shin pads.
The shin pads are made from a smart material known as Rheon, which was developed by NASA (yes, the place that makes rockets). Rheon has the properties of a shear-thickening liquid, meaning that in its normal state it’s soft and flexible. However, the moment it is hit with force, it becomes as hard as a rock. On top of that, it was designed specifically to sit perfectly on top of your shin muscle, utilising several scans of athlete’s legs.
Not only does this make them incredibly comfortable, but because of how light they are, you’ll forget you’re wearing any. That is until you’re kicked in the shins. These pads also come with a set of leg compression sleeves with a kangaroo style pouch that you can place them in so they don’t move while you’re playing.
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to shin pads, this is probably the best option the market currently has to offer.
