Soccer is a fun and exciting sport, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t wear the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of gear you need is a pair of shin guards. Shin guards protect your lower legs from injuries caused by kicks, tackles, or collisions with other players or the ball. But how do you know what size of shin guards to buy? In this article, we will explain how to measure your shin, how to choose the right type and style of shin guards, and how to wear them properly. Let’s explore all you need to know about soccer shin guard sizing.
How to Measure Your Shin
The first step to finding the right size of shin guards is to measure your shin. Your shin is the part of your leg between your knee and your ankle.
Simple Methods to Find Your Shin Length
To measure it, you will need a tape measure or a ruler. Follow these steps.
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
- Locate the bottom of your kneecap and the top of your ankle bone. These are the two points you will use to measure your shin length.
- Place the tape measure or the ruler on the front of your leg, starting from the bottom of your kneecap and ending at the top of your ankle bone. Make sure the tape measure or the ruler is straight and parallel to the ground.
- Read the number on the tape measure or the ruler. This is your shin length in inches or centimeters. Write it down or remember it.
How to Choose the Right Type and Style of Shin Guards
The next step to finding the right size of shin guards is to choose the right type and style of shin guards. There are three main types of shin guards: slip-in, ankle, and sock-style.
The Pros and Cons of Different Options
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preference and level of play. Here is a brief overview of each type.
1. Slip-in shin guards
Slip-in shin guards are the most popular type among professional players. They are lightweight and flexible, and they offer good mobility and comfort. They consist of a hard shell that covers the front of your shin, and they slip under your socks. You can use compression sleeves, straps, or tape to keep them in place.
The downside of slip-in shin guards is that they don’t offer much protection for your ankles or sides of your legs.
2. Ankle shin guards
Ankle shin guards are more suitable for beginners or younger players. They are more protective and stable than slip-in shin guards, and they cover both your shin and your ankle. It consists of a hard shell that covers the front of your shin and a padded flap that wraps around your ankle. They usually have straps that fasten around your calf and your foot.
The downside of ankle shin guards is that they are heavier and bulkier than slip-in shin guards, and they can limit your mobility and comfort.
3. Sock-style shin guards
Sock-style shin guards are the simplest and most convenient type of shin guard. They are integrated into a pair of socks, and they cover both your shin and your ankle. It consists of a soft foam or plastic material that molds to your leg shape. They are easy to put on and take off, and they don’t require any additional straps or tape.
The downside of sock-style shin guards is that they offer the least protection and durability of all types of shin guards, and they can lose their shape and effectiveness over time.
The style of shin guards refers to the shape and design of the hard shell that covers the front of your shin. There are two main styles of shin guards: anatomical and non-anatomical.
Anatomical shin guards are curved and contoured to fit the natural shape of your leg. They offer better protection and comfort than non-anatomical shin guards, which are flat and straight. However, anatomical shin guards are more expensive and harder to find than non-anatomical shin guards.
How to Wear Shin Guards Properly
The final step to finding the right size of shin guards is to wear them properly. Wearing shin guards properly will ensure that they provide the maximum protection and comfort for your lower legs.
Tips for Maximum Protection and Comfort
Here are some tips on how to wear shin guards properly:
1. Right size for your shin length
Make sure your shin guards are the right size for your shin length. The top of the shin guard should be about two inches below your knee, and the bottom of the shin guard should be about one inch above your ankle. If your shin guards are too long, they will interfere with your knee movement and cause discomfort. If your shin guards are too short, they will leave your shin exposed and vulnerable to injury.
2. Right type and style
Make sure your shin guards are the right type and style for your preferences and level of play. Choose the type and style of shin guards that suit your needs and goals. For example, if you are a beginner or a young player, you may want to choose ankle shin guards for more protection and stability. If you are an advanced or professional player, you may want to choose slip-in shin guards for more mobility and comfort.
3. Securely attached to your legs
Make sure your shin guards are securely attached to your legs. If you are using slip-in shin guards, use compression sleeves, straps, or tape to keep them in place. For using ankle shin guards, fasten the straps around your calf and your foot. If you are using sock-style shin guards, pull the socks up to your knees. Make sure your shin guards are not too tight or too loose, as this can affect your blood circulation and your performance.
4. Shin guards are covered by your socks
Make sure your shin guards are covered by your socks. This will prevent your shin guards from sliding or falling off, and it will also protect your skin from irritation or infection. You can wear regular soccer socks or special shin guard socks that have pockets for your shin guards. Make sure your socks are clean and dry, as this will prevent odor and bacteria growth.
Conclusion
Soccer shin guard sizing is an important factor to consider when buying and wearing shin guards. Shin guards protect your lower legs from injuries and enhance your performance on the field. To find the right size of shin guards, you need to measure your shin, choose the right type and style of shin guards, and wear them properly. By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy soccer safely and comfortably.
