How To Wear Shin Guards (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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How to Put On Shin Guards for Soccer, Field Hockey & More Download Article Find the right style and size to prevent injury and enhance your game Co-authored by Adam Falla and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: July 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Adam Falla and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Adam Falla is a Field Hockey Coach and the Director at Leap Hockey in Austin, Texas. Adam co-founded Leap Hockey, an online platform to help players develop their skills & hockey fitness. Adam has been coaching for over 25 years in the UK & US and was one of the US Men's Masters Coaches at the Exin World Cup in Teresa, Spain 2018. He has also been the Head Coach at Lonestar FHC. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 432,317 times.

Shin guards are a type of protective equipment used to prevent injuries to the lower leg during sports games. Some sports like soccer require all players on the field to wear shin guards. As with other types of protective equipment, shin guards are only effective if they are worn properly. In this article, we’ll show you how to wear shin guards correctly to keep you safe (and comfortable) while you play, plus walk you through the different types of guards and how to clean and take care of them.

How do you put on shin guards?

Slide your shin guards past your ankles and center them on your shin. Position the guards to cover from just above your ankle to about 2 in (5 cm) below your knee. Fasten the straps if you have them, then pull your socks over the guards. Tape your shins above and below the guards for extra security, if needed.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How to Put on Shin Guards

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1. 1 Slide the shin guards past your ankle and up your shin. This should be the first thing you put on. Shin guards are worn under the socks, so don't put them on yet.[1]
   • If the guard is too uncomfortable on your bare skin, consider wearing 2 layers of socks: one sock underneath the guard, and the second one over it.
   • Some shin guards are curled on one side to fit on your right or left shin specifically (many can go on either leg, though). If so, align the higher side with the outside of your shin or check to see if they’re labeled “left” and “right.”
2. 2 Center the guards on your shin between your ankle and knee. Make sure they are centered on your shin, not off to the side. They should protect from your ankle to below your knee.[2] If your shin guards have ankle pads, they should cover the bony sections on both sides of your ankle. Be sure your shin guards are properly positioned before moving on, or you risk a serious injury.
   • Your shin guard should cover the area from just above your ankle to about 2 inches (5 cm) below your knee. If it’s too small, go up a size to stay protected.
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3. 3 Fasten all straps securely. Most shin guards have straps at the top to secure the guard to your leg. Make sure that these are snug enough to keep your shin guard in place, but not so tight that they restrict your circulation.[3]
   • If your foot starts to itch, swell, feel numb or discolor, your shin guards are probably too tight. Loosen them right away to avoid injuring your leg.
   • If you’re wearing a slip-in shin guard (no straps), simply hold the guard in place while you pull up your socks over it.
4. 4 Tape your shin guards to hold them in place if necessary. Slip-in shin guards and shin guards without ankle pads usually need extra security to keep them in place. Even some shin guards with good straps fall out of place during intense games.[4]
   • Slip-in shin guards have no straps and usually have to be taped at both ends. Wrap athletic tape around the top and bottom of your shin guards. Test your them to make sure they don't easily push up or down.
   • If your shin guards have straps, push them around and make sure they are secure on your leg. If they move around, you can tape them up just like slip-in shin guards.
   • Or, wrap the entire guard in pre-wrap (the material layered under athletic tape for injuries) to hold them in place.[5]
   • Keep extra tape with you during games. You may need to replace your tape during breaks or half-time.
5. 5 Put your socks over the shin guards. Field hockey coach Adam Falla says, “long, knee-high socks will keep [your shin guards] in place.”[6] You'll want a tall sock that is snug on your leg, but also not so tight that it cuts off your circulation.
   • Pull your socks all the way up to make sure they're snug enough. If you have fabric left that stretches above your knee, roll it down to further secure your shin guards.
   • If you’re wearing slip-ins, double check their position and adjust them if they moved while you were putting your socks on.
6. 6 Put your cleats on. If your cleats are the right size for you, they should not get in the way of your shin guards.
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Section 2 of 3:

Buying the Right Shin Guards

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1. 1 Measure your shin length to determine your shin guard size. An improperly fitting pair of shin guards can impede athletic performance. It can also be dangerous. Shin guards that are too small won't fully cover your leg and leave you open to physical impact, while shin guards that are too big can trip you and cause an injury. Therefore, picking the right size is essential for good performance and safety.
   • Measure from just below the knee (about 2 inches (5 cm)) to just above the bend of your ankle. This is the area that your shin guard should cover. The length of this measurement determines the ideal size for your shin guard.[7]
2. 2 Choose between a slip-in or classic strap-on shin guard. There are two primary styles of shin guard. Each offers unique levels of protection and flexibility.[8]
   • Slip-in shin guards are protective plates inside a compression sleeve. They slip over the shin like a large sock. This style offers a wider range of motion but less protection. It is usually recommended for more advanced players.
   • Ankle shin guards consist of a protective plate that straps around the shin attached to padding that wraps around the ankle. These are usually recommended for younger or less experienced players because they offer more protection.
   • If you’re buying shin guards for a young child, consider using shin socks instead. These shin guards are sewn into tall socks and are easier for young children to take on and off.
3. 3 Visit a sporting goods store and find the size and style you want. Stores like Modell’s, Dick’s, and Sports Authority are general sporting goods stores that have equipment for numerous sports. If you're an advanced player looking for a very specific type of shin guard, you may want to try a store that specializes in the sport you play. Using the measurement you took of your leg, find the right size and style shin guard.
   • Shin guards can vary greatly in price. A general rule is that more expensive shin guards will offer better protection, but this isn't always true. Beginner players usually don't need the most expensive equipment, just adequate protection.
   • A store employee should be able to talk you through your options and find the best pair of shin guards for the right price.
   • Shin guards are also available online, but purchasing them in person is recommended so you can try them on for fit and comfort first.
4. 4 Try the shin guard on to make sure it fits properly. Remember, the right size shin guard should cover from right above your ankle to about 2 inches (5 cm) below your knee. If your initial leg measurement was too big or small, find another pair that fits you better. Walk around with the shin guards on to make sure they're comfortable and don't inhibit your movement. You want good protection that still allows you to play effectively.
   • Try walking and running with the shin guards on. They shouldn't get in the way or slow you down.
   • Do the motions you would do while playing your sport. For example, if you play soccer, try kicking a ball. The shin guards shouldn't impede your kicking at all.
   • Ask a store employee if you have any problems. They can offer you tips and advice on the best pair of shin guards for you.
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Section 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Shin Guards

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1. 1 Read any cleaning instructions that come with your shin guards. Some kinds of shin guards have particular cleaning demands and can get ruined if you don't follow directions. If your shin guards don't have any restrictions, you can follow the following steps to keep your shin guards clean and infection-free.
   • How often you wash your shin guards depends on how often you use them. If you use them on a regular basis, clean them at least once a month to fight odor and bacteria buildup.[9]
2. 2 Dry out your shin guards after every use. Sweat buildup on shin guards is not only unsanitary, but can damage them over time. Instead of leaving them in your athletic bag after a game or practice, leave them out to dry.[10]
3. 3 Scrub your shin guards with antibacterial soap and warm water to clean them. Athletic equipment is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause a serious infection if you get cut. Soap and water will help kill any bacteria that might be colonizing your shin guards and protect you from infection. Soak the guards in soapy water for about 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.[11]
   • Allow your shin guards to air dry completely before using them again. Leaving them outside in the sun should dry them up quickly.
4. 4 Sprinkle baking soda in your shin guards to fight odor. You'll probably notice that after just a few uses, your shin guards start to smell like sweat. After your shin guards are dry, add some baking soda to help fight unpleasant odor; it’s a natural deodorizer that neutralizes smells instead of covering them up.[12]
   • Let the baking soda sit on your shin guards (preferably in a bag to prevent a mess) for several hours or overnight. Then, brush or vacuum the baking soda away before wearing them.
5. 5 Inspect your shin guards regularly for cracks or other damage. A damaged pair of shin guards will not only offer poor protection, but can hurt you. If they break while you're using them, the plastic can cause a bad cut. If you find any cracks in your shin guards, it's time to replace them.
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Community Q&A

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• Question Can I wear my field hockey shin pads in football? Community Answer More than likely you can, but if you play club or competitive, it would be a good idea to invest in some football pads. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
• Question For youth is the shin guard supposed to cover the front of the shin and calf? Community Answer It should only cover the shins. If it covers the calf it may interfere with movement and comfort which could affect playing quality. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
• Question Is my leg supposed to look like I have a cast on? Community Answer Yes. The sock and the shin guard are very thick and it is normal to look like that playing soccer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 17

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about playing sports, check out our in-depth interview with Adam Falla.

References

1. ↑ https://barcelonapremiersc.com/soccer-club/how-to-wear-soccer-shin-guards/
2. ↑ https://barcelonapremiersc.com/soccer-club/how-to-wear-soccer-shin-guards/
3. ↑ https://barcelonapremiersc.com/soccer-club/how-to-wear-soccer-shin-guards/
4. ↑ https://barcelonapremiersc.com/soccer-club/how-to-wear-soccer-shin-guards/
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/-gyvmmSnlgs?t=87
6. ↑ Adam Falla. Field Hockey Coach. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.progressivesoccertraining.com/how-should-soccer-shin-guards-fit/
8. ↑ https://www.authenticsoccer.com/Buying-Guide/Soccer-Shinguards-NOCSAE.aspx
9. ↑ https://deadspin.com/your-hockey-gear-is-foul-clean-it-or-else-1464457604/

More References (4)

10. ↑ https://deadspin.com/your-hockey-gear-is-foul-clean-it-or-else-1464457604/
11. ↑ https://patronus-sports.com/blogs/news/how-to-clean-shin-guards-in-5-simple-steps
12. ↑ https://oconto.extension.wisc.edu/files/2011/02/Baking-Soda.pdf
13. Videos provided by Tube Coupon

About This Article

Co-authored by: Adam Falla Field Hockey Coach This article was co-authored by Adam Falla and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Adam Falla is a Field Hockey Coach and the Director at Leap Hockey in Austin, Texas. Adam co-founded Leap Hockey, an online platform to help players develop their skills & hockey fitness. Adam has been coaching for over 25 years in the UK & US and was one of the US Men's Masters Coaches at the Exin World Cup in Teresa, Spain 2018. He has also been the Head Coach at Lonestar FHC. This article has been viewed 432,317 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 13 Updated: July 18, 2024 Views: 432,317 Categories: Soccer Article SummaryX

To wear shin guards, start by positioning them so they're centered above your ankle. Then, fasten the straps tightly enough to keep your shin guard in place but not so tight that you have circulation problems, which you'll notice if your foot starts to itch or go numb. If you're worried about your shin guards moving during the game, tape them at the top and bottom to secure them in place. Finally, pull your socks up over your shin guards and put on your cleats. For tips on how to clean and store your shin guards, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Adam Falla Field Hockey Coach 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13 Updated: July 18, 2024 Views: 432,317

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