An essential - but often overlooked - piece of every player’s matchday kit are having the best soccer shin guards.
Let’s face it, nobody really likes wearing them but you have to, after all it’s in the rulebook. People’s regular complaints with shin guards is that they’re too bulky, uncomfortable, can sometimes inhibit mobility and even be quite distracting while playing.
Luckily for those of you reading this guide, we’ve done the needed research to narrow done some of the best shin guards currently on the market. The pairs in this guide are comfortable, lightweight and won’t cause any hassle when you’re playing. This will allow you to firmly focus on your game, while still having the peace of mind that your shins will be safe from tough tackling.
If you're looking for the best soccer cleats insoles, best grip socks for soccer or even the best goalkeeper gloves, then be sure to check out our other guides. But here you'll find the very best soccer shin guards on the market...
Best soccer shin guards
The Smart Armor S1 Pro guards are probably the most technologically advanced shin guards in the world. Imagine wearing the venom symbiote on your legs, that’s exactly what you’ll get with a pair of these.
They 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 solid 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 anything. That is until you’re kicked in the shins. These guards 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 guards, this is probably the best option the market currently has to offer.
If you’re looking at a guard that can not only protect, but help improve your game, then look no further than the Target Football smart shin guards.
The pads have a TPU shell with EVA foam backing for shock absorption, ensuring you are secure and safe when going in for fifty-fifty challenge. The best feature is that they have the ability to track your match stats using two computer chips - which can be placed into each guard.
The technology enables you to track a range of statistics from your matches and training sessions, including stamina, speed, acceleration, balance and power. All you have to do link up the shin guards to your smart phone and the data will follow.
They even grade your own performance and allow you to compete with friends and people within your area. So not only will these guards protect you, they’ll also provide feedback on your performances - motivating you to improve in the future.
The Mitre Aircell shin guard offer a solid balance of comfort, protection, and affordability, making them a popular choice for both amateur and intermediate players.
What sets the design apart is the Aircell technology, which integrates a breathable design to improve airflow, reducing sweat build-up and keeping players cool during intense matches.
The lightweight feel of the guards makes them unrestrictive, allowing players to move freely without feeling weighed down. In terms of protection, the hard outer shell provides ample defence against impacts, covering key areas of the shin, while the soft, padded interior helps absorb shocks while also minimising discomfort.
The shape is contoured for a secure fit, conforming well to the shin. The shin guards come with a pair of compression sleeves that will hold them in place while playing. Overall, the Mitre Aircell shin guards are both a reliable and cost-effective choice - particularly for younger soccer players or those who play at a less aggressive level. They offer good durability and comfort at a reasonable price point, and that is what the vast majority of players will be looking for.
Puma's shin guard offering have become the go-to choice for players who prioritize freedom of movement on the field. The Ultra Twist Sleeves have a multi-fabric construction with an EVA foam backing, allowing the guards to flex with the movements of the leg while playing.
The unique design feature is the "Twist Sleeve", which combines a flexible compression sleeve with an insertable pad. This setup allows them to stay secure and in place without needing traditional straps, eliminating the need for constant adjustments during a game - but firmly maintaining that all-important lightweight feel.
The sleeve provides a snug, locked-in fit that conforms closely to the leg, reducing bulkiness and providing the player with a more natural feel. The shin guard 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.
The Nike Mercurial Flylite Superlock shin guards are made for players who looking for great levels of protection with minimal bulk. The standout feature of these shin guards is Nike’s innovative Superlock technology, designed to grip directly to the sock fibres.
This eliminates the need for any strapping or sleeves, ensuring the pads stay firmly in place throughout play, even during sharp turns and intense movements. However, they do come with a set a sleeves if you feel you need them. The Flylite construction makes these guards both incredibly lightweight and breathable.
With a series of perforations and a flexible, anatomical design, they provide increased breathability and contour closely to the shape of the leg, reducing discomfort and sweat build-up. The protective material itself is reinforced with EVA foam yet slim, effectively absorbing impacts without compromising mobility.
Such a sleek design and secure fit make them nearly unnoticeable during play. These shin guards are certainly a worthwhile purchase for competitive players who prioritise comfort, security, and professional-grade protection in a lightweight package.
The G-Form Pro-S Blade CE shin guards are a perfect choice for players seeking lightweight, flexible protection without sacrificing durability. The design uses G-Form’s signature SmartFlex technology, which hardens on impact, offering solid protection while maintaining a slim and low-profile design.
These guards are soft and flexible in their natural state, adapting to the player’s movement and giving a thin feel - perfect for those who dislike the bulkiness of a more traditional guard.
The Pro-S Blade CE are a slip-on guard, eliminating the need for strapping, while ensuring they stay in place throughout the game, but also come with a pair of leg sleeves. The material is also highly breathable, allowing for better air circulation and minimizing sweat build-up during play.
This design makes them easy to wear directly against the skin or under socks, with minimal risk of shifting, to help offer that distraction-less playing experience. Overall, the G-Form Pro-S Blade CE shin guards are perfect for players who prioritize comfort and flexibility, offering solid, reliable protection in a sleek and innovative design.
