As soccer season gets underway, parents not only have to find the right cleat for their children, but they also need to find some new shin guards. A sturdy pair is essential for staying safe and protecting your lower legs during intense gameplay. StudyFinds has done the work to help out busy parents to find the best soccer shin guards to rock out on the field.
Playing youth sports does wonders for a child’s psyche. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that kids who play sports are happier and healthier than those who go straight onto their screens after school. The study found that children’s well-being improves when they participate in extracurricular activities but drops when they spend time on social media or using screens. Children who played video games and used social media almost always had lower levels of well-being. They were up to 9 percent less likely to be happy, up to 8 percent to be less optimistic, and 11 percent to be more likely to give up on things.
Being part of a team also helps children mentally. California State University researchers discovered that kids playing team sports are less likely to suffer mental health problems. The analysis showed that children involved in team sports were less likely to have signs of anxiety, depression, withdrawal, social problems, or attention problems. The research team also expected individual sports to display a connection to fewer mental health difficulties, to a lesser extent than team sports. Instead, researchers found that children who only played individual sports tended to have greater mental health problems than those who did not play sports at all.
Ready to hit the pitch? StudyFinds has put together a list of the best soccer shin guards on the market. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Soccer Shin Guards, According to Experts
1. Vizari Malaga
The Vizari Malaga shin guards were the top pick for best soccer shin guards for children. “This pair features a lightweight PP shell that will give your kids extra protection all game long,” writes Good Housekeeping. “With a subtle cushioning and front strap closing system, they won’t have to sacrifice comfort for protection. Best of all? This option works for just about every child. (According to Vizari, the XX-Small is perfect for any child under four-feet-tall.)”
“This product from Vizari is one of the most popular shin guards available on Amazon. Not only do they look impressive, but the level of protection you get is also on the higher side,” notes Open Goaaal! “Made from a combination of lightweight and durable PP shell and foam padding, these protective shin guards feel robust. Each guard has an adjustable strap that allows you to customize the fit. In addition, there is foam-padded support around the ankles.”
The best part about the Vizari Malaga shin guards? They offer maximum coverage and impact protection. “The Vizari Malaga Soccer shin guards are an excellent choice for players who need reliable and affordable protection on the field. If you are looking for a great pair of shin guards for your child, these guards are definitely worth considering,” says SoccerNovo.
2. G-Form Pro-S Vento
The G-Form Pro-S Vento offer a comfortable, lightweight fit for children and are machine washable, making them easy to clean. “The Pro-S Vento Shin Guards offer a fantastic soft and flexible sleeved option for those who prefer a one-piece option. Their ability to harden on impact sets these shin pads apart. By leaving out the shell, these fit better and provide better comfort. Plus, they slip on and stay put like a sock,” writes Soccer Handbook. “These shin guards earn a spot on this list because they balance comfort and ease of use in one pair.”
“Being comfortable in your soccer equipment can make a huge difference in how kids perform on the pitch,” notes Goal. “Inspired by the Italian word for ‘wind’, these guards provide players with streamlined protection whilst still allowing freedom of movement.”
With SmartFlex technology, the G-Form Pro-S Vento provides excellent impact protection. “The G-Form Pro-S Vento Shin Guards are a top-of-the-line option for soccer players who demand the best in terms of protection, comfort, and performance,” says SoccerNovo. “These guards are designed to provide maximum impact protection, while also being lightweight and breathable.”
3. Adidas Tiro Match
Adidas is best known for its soccer merchandise — and that includes its Tiro Match shin guards. “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,” writes Soccer Stardom. “The single-strap front closure and attached ankle guard provide additional protection against impacts on the field.”
“The Adidas Tiro are super-affordable shin guards for junior players. They come with hook-and-loop straps for fixing and molded EVA backing for shock absorption,” states Open Goaaal! “I have seen many young players having issues with shin guards with straps. Usually, the problem is an uncomfortable or itchy sensation. However, the velcro straps in the Adidas Tiro are well-designed and extremely comfortable.”
According to Goal, the top reasons to buy the Adidas Tiro Match include its molded EVA backing and attached ankle guard. “You can always trust a pair of adidas shin guards when deciding which ones to buy. Be confident with the knowledge that children will be protected on the field with these Tiro Match guards. They also deviate from a dull colorway and offer something fresher with an icy blue and white theme.”
4. TAGVO
The TAGVO kid’s shin guards comes in many different colors for children to choose from and provides great protection, which is a plus for parents. “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,” notes Soccer Stardom. “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.”
Best Reviews rated the TAGVO shin guards “best of the best.” “A comfortable and reliable set of shin guards that offer protection and versatility.”
Buyers Guide gave the TAGVO shin guards a 9.3 rating for their “durability, value for money and comfort.”
5. Nike Mercurial Lite
Children will love rocking the Nike Mercurial Lite shin guards since many of their favorite soccer stars wear them. “They are light, simple, and protect pretty well,” writes Master Soccer Mind. “They also normally come with a shin guard sock that works great to keep them in place.”
“These slip-in shin guards are designed to provide excellent impact protection without slowing you down on the field. The ultra-thin design combines soft foam and a durable shell to diffuse impacts and protect your lower legs from injury,” says SoccerNovo. “If you are looking for a quality pair of shin guards, you should consider these! Not the cheapest but they will last for multiple years.”
Soccer Handbook rated the Nike Mercurial Lite shin guards as their favorite. “This pair of shin guards is our top pick. They are designed to provide protection to the shin and do so without compromising flexibility or speed. With breathable contoured sleeves, these are comfortable and secure, even when running and dribbling the ball.”
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Sources:
- Good Housekeeping
- Goal
- Open Goaaal!
- SoccerNovo
- Buyers Guide
- Soccer Handbook
- Best Reviews
- Soccer Stardom
- Master Soccer Mind
- Soccer Adviser
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.