Face it. Unless you want to have have bruised and painful shins, you cannnot play soccer without padding down there. For youth soccer players, espsecially, shin guards are an essential piece of equipment.
They protect the shins from impact and help prevent injuries. There are many different types of shin guards available, ranging from simple foam guards to more advanced models with ankle protection.

When choosing the best shin guards for youth soccer, there are a few things to consider.
The first thing to consider is the level of protection needed. Younger players who are just starting out may not need as much protection as older, more experienced players. However, it's important to choose a pair of shin guards that offer enough protection to prevent injuries.
The size and fit of the shin guards are also important considerations. Shin guards that are too small will not provide adequate protection, while those that are too large may be uncomfortable and may not stay in place during play.
Read: How to Wear Shin Guards
Another important consideration is the type of material used in the construction of the shin guards. Foam guards are the most basic type of shin guard and are often the most affordable. However, they may not provide enough protection for more advanced players. Hard plastic guards offer more protection, but may be more expensive.
Some shin guards also come with ankle protection, which can be especially important for players who are prone to ankle injuries.
We've spent hours researching and testing various types of shin guards to identify the best options for youth soccer players. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at our top picks and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Top-Rated Shin Guards for Youth Soccer
\With so many options available for games and practice, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair. That's why we've compiled a list of the best shin guards to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find the perfect pair for your young soccer player.
Vizari Malaga Soccer Shin Guards
If you're looking for a comfortable and durable shin guard, the Vizari Malaga Soccer Shin Guards are a great option.
- Lightweight and comfortable foam padding for easy evaporation of sweat and breathable legs
- Durable, high-resistance shield that fits automatically on your leg
- User-friendly synthetic material with an attached soft material sleeve and elastic netting to keep the Shin Guard in place while playing
- May not fit larger legs as well
- May not provide enough protection for more aggressive players
- May not be as adjustable as some other models
The Vizari Malaga Soccer Shin Guards come in a variety of colors, including Black, Pink, Red, & Sky/Yellow. They're made of quality PP shell, EVA padding and flexible straps, providing maximum comfort and increased protection.
The front shell protects your shins from kicks and is a durable, high-resistance shield that fits automatically on your leg. The foam padding aids in the easy evaporation of sweat during a soccer game and promotes breathable legs, which helps players perform better and prevent injuries while playing.
The Malaga Soccer Shin Guard ensures your safety during the game and gives you the best gameplay experience possible. The user-friendly material is made of synthetic material with an attached soft material sleeve and elastic netting to keep the Shin Guard in place while playing the game.
It allows for free leg movement, increases elasticity, and reduces heat and sweat. However, it may not fit larger legs as well and may not provide enough protection for more aggressive players. It also may not be as adjustable as some other models.
Overall, the Vizari Malaga Shin Guards are a great choice for players looking for a comfortable and durable shin guard.
Geekism Soccer Shin Guards
Geekism Soccer Shin Guards are a great choice for young players who need protection and comfort.
- Ergonomic Streamline Design - shaped well to lower legs and won’t pressure legs. So not shift while game playing. Great for teenagers, children, kids, boys, girls etc.
- Three Sizes & Adjustable Elastic Velcro Straps - The shin board is crafted with a durable and flexible band. Is easy to adjust the size to get a comfortable fit to wear for long periods of time.
- High Protection & Comfortable - created with high strength PP shell, which helps reducing impact on leg bones and muscle effectively. The highly protective hard front plates are lightweight, durable and can offer the shin and calf protection.
- May run small - be sure to consult the sizing chart carefully before ordering.
- May not stay in place - have a tendency to slip down during play, so be sure to use the adjustable straps to secure them firmly in place.
- May not be durable - be sure to take care when using and storing them.
If you're looking for a solid pair of shin guards for your young footballer, the Geekism Soccer Shin Guards are definitely worth considering. They offer great protection and comfort, and the adjustable straps make them easy to use and adjust for a perfect fit.
However, be sure to watch out for the potential sizing and slipping issues, and take care to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Adidas Tiro Match Shin Guards
If you desire a reliable pair of shin guards, the Adidas Tiro Match are a great option. With hard shields and cushioned backing, they provide protection and comfort on the pitch.
- Asymmetrical shield anatomically designed for protection and optimal fit
- Molded EVA backing for optimal comfort and durable cushioning
- Single-strap front closure with attached ankle guard for more protection
- May run small, so be sure to check sizing carefully
- The ankle guard can be a bit bulky and uncomfortable
- Not the most affordable option on the market
The adidas Tiro Match Shin Guards are made to fit comfortably and provide maximum protection for young soccer players. The asymmetrical shield is anatomically designed to fit the leg, while the molded EVA backing ensures comfort and durability.
The single-strap front closure and attached ankle guard provide additional protection against impacts on the field.
However, be sure to check sizing carefully, as some users report that these shin guards may run small. Some also find the ankle guard to be a bit bulky and uncomfortable.
Finally, these shin guards are not the most affordable option on the market, so be prepared to invest a bit more for this trusted brand.
TAGVO Shin Guards
If you want a reliable and affordable shin guard for your child's soccer games, TAGVO is a great option.
- Comprehensive protection against shin and calf impact
- Durable and lightweight design
- Comfortable fit with adjustable elastic velcro straps and ankle sleeves
- May run small in size
- Velcro straps are too long and don't align well
- May not fit well for some children
TAGVO Shin Guards are made of highly protected material that is durable and lightweight, providing comprehensive protection against shin and calf impact. The anti-puncture, anti-deformation PP shell and professional arc design make these shin guards highly fitted to the leg with good protective effect.
The EVA foam inside and adjustable elastic velcro straps provide a comfortable fit for long time wearing, while the protective ankle design offers good shock absorption effect.
However, some customers have reported that they may run small, so it's important to refer to the product size and combine with the size chart to choose the suitable shin guards for your child.
The longer velcro straps arelong and don't align well, which may cause discomfort for some children.
HiRui Soccer Shin Guards
If your kid needs a comfortable and flexible shin guard that provides both protection and support, then consider HiRui Shin Guards.
- Flexible and breathable tailored blend fabric ensures comfort during leg intensive activities
- Unique honeycomb crashproof pads provide ultimate flexibility and protection
- Non-slip inner silicone strip prevents calf sleeve from being loose during movement
- Sleeves can be slightly difficult to put on due to the tight fit
- Hexagon pads may move and become uncomfortable after prolonged use
- Only available in black color
HiRui Soccer Shin Guards are made of high-quality materials that ensure breathability, elasticity, and longevity. The performance fabric keeps you dry and cool during the toughest runs and workouts.
The honeycomb crashproof pads conform to your shin providing ultimate flexibility and protection. The non-slip inner silicone strip embedded elastic slip strip prevents calf sleeve from being loose during movement, and it is useful to coordinate muscle capacity and to protect the skin.
However, the sleeves can be slightly difficult to put on due to the tight fit, and the hexagon pads may move and become uncomfortable after prolonged use.
Overall, the HiRui Shin Guards are a solid option for anyone looking for a comfortable and flexible shin guard that provides protection and support.
Youth Shin Guard Buying Guide
Choosing the right shin guards is important for your child's safety and comfort during soccer games and practices. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for youth soccer shin guards:
Size and Fit
The most important factor in choosing shin guards is getting the right size and fit. Shin guards that are too small won't provide enough protection, while those that are too large may shift around during play or be uncomfortable to wear.
Measure your child's leg from just below the knee to just above the ankle to find the right size. Look for options with adjustable straps or sleeves to ensure a secure fit.
Material
Shin guards can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, plastic, and carbon fiber.
Foam options are lightweight and affordable, but may not provide as much protection as other materials. Plastic guards are more durable and provide better protection, but can be heavier and less comfortable to wear. Carbon fiber is the most expensive option, but offers the highest level of protection and isoften preferred by professional players.
Style
Shin guards come in two main styles: slip-in and ankle guards. Slip-in shin guards are worn inside a sock and held in place with straps or sleeves. They are generally more comfortable and provide better protection, but can be more difficult to put on and take off.
Ankle guards are integrated into the shin guard and provide extra protection for the ankle. They are easier to put on and take off, but may not be as comfortable or provide as much protection as slip-in shin guards.
Brand and Price
There are many different brands and price points. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's important to invest in a quality pair of shin guards that will provide adequate protection and last for multiple seasons.
Look for reputable brands that have a history of producing high-quality soccer equipment. Consider your budget, but remember that spending a little extra on a quality pair of shin guards is worth it in the long run.
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