Hockey shin pads are probably the piece of equipment that is going to take the most abuse. So you must get a pair that matches your level of play as well as fits your leg. We have listed down the market’s best hockey shin guards, which will make it easier for you to select the right-sized shin guards. Let’s check them out.
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Choosing the Best Hockey Shin Guards
Hockey players need shin guards. They protect the shins, knees, and lower thighs from sticks, pucks, and player impacts. Finding the finest hockey shin guards requires careful consideration of various criteria.
Sizing and Fit
Fit is the most important factor when buying hockey shin guards. Poorly fitted shin pads reduce protection and performance. Check that shin guards cover your knees, shins, and lower thighs while trying them on. They should fit snugly without impeding mobility. Tight guards may be uncomfortable and limit blood flow, while loose guards won’t protect.
Length
Junior, intermediate, and senior hockey shin guards exist. Ideal length varies depending on height and preference. Junior guards are for younger players, while intermediate and senior guards are for older, more experienced players. Taller players may select longer shin guards for improved coverage, while shorter players may prefer shorter guards for agility.
Construction Type
Hockey shin guards are traditionally or anatomically built. Classic shin guards are thicker and cover more, but anatomical ones fit your leg better and are more comfortable. Anatomical shin guards are lightweight and mobile, so players like them.
Material
Shin guards are comprised of plastic, foam cushioning, and nylon or fabric lining. Quality shin guards include numerous foam layers for maximum protection. Go for guards with a moisture-wicking lining to keep your legs dry during hard play. To guarantee game-day durability, consider material durability.
Closure Method
Straps, laces, or Velcro may close shin guards. The closing mechanism should be simple to adjust and secure for a comfortable fit. Straps and Velcro are most popular since they enable rapid changes during play.
Protective Level
Shin guards provide varying levels of protection. Guards with increased calf and ankle cushioning provide added protection. Defensemen and shot-blockers may choose to get shin guards with more protection. However, attacking hockey players may favor lighter, mobile guards.
Brand, Price
Many renowned hockey equipment companies sell shin guards. Price is important, but guard quality and fit are more important. Premium shin guards include improved features and materials. Since ice safety is crucial, you must balance money with protection.
Comfort and Mobility
Shin protectors should be comfortable and mobile. Do not let the guards block your ice moves. Anatomical shin guards balance protection and mobility better. Try them on and walk around to make sure they don’t limit your play.
Review and Advice
Read reviews and ask experienced players, coaches, and hockey equipment specialists before buying. They can advise on the appropriate shin guards for your position and play style.
CCM Super Tacks Shin Guard
The shell of the CCM Super Tacks hockey shin guard is constructed with a high-density PE material that is ribbed and this works along the same lines as the JDB cap in the knee does. Both of these work to deflect impact energy from the knee and into the shin guard. The foams used in these CCM shin guards provide you with elite-level protection at the bottom. There is a shell wrap that helps to reduce wear and tear on the inside of your skates. Then, up into the knee foams, you will have an adjustable injected insert in the top portion so you can just adjust the Velcro or completely remove it.
These shin pads have medium-density foam on both sides of the knee and then for the new wing as well as the new shot-blocker protection. You will see some of their D3O foam. This is some of the most protective foam that is on the hockey market today. It is a rate-sensitive foam, meaning that it is soft to the touch, but upon a heavy impact, it tenses up, and it does one of the best jobs on the market of absorbing that impact energy. The reason why they used it in the shot blocker protection zone is for players who like to go down on a knee and turn to the side because players in the NHL usually take big shots and have their legs broken so it just gives them a little bit better protection.
In the calf wrap, there is a dual-molded HD foam construction that has a lot more flexibility than what you would typically find in a calf wrap with plastic. It helps to reduce weight while still offering elite-level protection.
The lock strap has been upgraded to its previous version with a one-inch system. It is pretty thin and different from what we typically see in guards on the market. This nylon construction turns into neoprene on the back as well as the vented mesh to provide a nice wide wrapping coverage. Therefore, you will get that nice feel, comfort, and a lot of breathability for the back of the leg.
Warrior Dynasty HD1 Shin Guard
The shell of Warrior Dynasty HD1 hockey shin pads comes in an attrition design so you will have a little more volume throughout the shin guard, which in turn offers some more protection and coverage. There are some vents on the sides for more air circulation and padding at the bottom to provide a hockey player with elite-level comfort.
They have used smart cap technology, which is a thick layer of high-density foam underneath the shell, to give you that high-impact protection. On the thigh guard, you will see high-density perforated foams from where air circulates, which ensures high-level protection. The calf wrap has segmented, high-density foams with reinforcing of the molded plastic insert for comprehensive protection all the way around.
Their warrior’s war tech FNC liner spreads the moisture out across the fabric, which is going to accelerate the evaporation process to keep it dry and it is a Nepalegene additive that prevents the formation of odor-causing bacteria to keep your gear fresh and clean. The liner is also removable so you can take it out to dry your gear a little quicker or if you need to wash it, you can do that too. The Warrior HD1 shin guards have a two-strap system with a one-inch elastic calf strap and a y-shaped neoprene strap that wraps around the front to give a player a nice hold.
Sherwood True Touch T30 Shin Guard (Junior)
The Sherwood True Touch T30 hockey shin guards are an entry-level pad. They have a lightweight PE shell with a ribbed knee cap for energy dispersion. You will see the same lightweight design down in the shins, which is a two-piece design, allowing them to move freely around each other, giving you good flexibility all around the pad.
These Sherwood shin pads have medium-density foams that provide a little bit more protection. On the sides moving down along the calf, they have molded plastic, which is inserted into a medium-density foam to provide a good rap over the calf while remaining nice and lightweight.
On the interior, you will see a nice moisture-wicking mesh liner that is also removable, gives you an enhanced drying time, and allows you to wash it more easily. As far as the straps go, the T30 shin guards feature a wide strap with two straps that come together, connect, and walk in right across the calf. These shin pads have a wide Velcro base, which gives a good customization option.
Bauer Vapor 1X Hockey Shin Guard
The Bauer Vapor 1X hockey shin guard features a three-piece design so you will have a molded plastic knee cap and curve composite in the shin guard. The curve composite is the layer of carbon fiber that dramatically decreases the weight while increasing responsiveness and enhancing protection. It is also the same material that they use in the top-of-the-line skates, including the MX3, and the 1S hockey shin pads as well. So you will also have a toe cap towards the bottom that allows the player to be extremely mobile, allowing the pad to flex forward while keeping the protection in place, allowing for a natural skating movement.
All in all, this is a tapered design; therefore, you have a wide fit in the knee and as you move down towards the ankle, you are going to have it slim down for a more narrow fit around the knee. Bauer uses Aero Light technology in the Vapor 1X hockey shin guard. It is a high-density foam that is 30% lighter than other high-density foam but equally as protective. This is extra lightweight and located in the lower thigh guard, which extends so that way, you can have a customized fit depending on your level of preference around the knee. High-density foam provides great supplementary protection.
The knee wing features air-light foam back to the plastic insert to protect that sensitive area and it also has air-light foam on the calf guard as well for the back area reinforced by another plastic insert. So it is going to give you great protection against slashes, pucks, and whatever else might come your way in hockey.
On the inside, they use 37.5 technology that increases the drying time in the evaporator process up to five times faster than other similar fabrics. It does this by using the player’s body heat to help speed up the process and provide a more comfortable climate on the inside while keeping you lighter because of all the evaporation.
Now, these are also reinforced by medium-density foams for a nice cushion fit as well as increased protection. The need for it especially padded to help lock in the knee, keep it in place, and keep the rest of the pad from slipping out while riding around the knee. They have transfer mesh, which enhances 37.5 technology and lets air flow in between the different layers of fabric so that way it cools even faster and all this is removable to help with easy washing and drying.
The 1X shin guard features a 2-strap design with very wide mesh straps. One originating from the center and then locking in towards the bottom with the nylon strap in the front. So it ensures a great lock and you are also going to have the same kind of thing except for the top. This locks in the front and there is a very comprehensive wrap to ensure that the shin guard stays in the right place.
STX Stallion HPR Shin Guard
The STX HBR Hockey shin pads have a full HDPE shell and ribbed knee cap, which helps to deflect impact energy from your knee. Their bottom is wrapped, which helps to prevent wear and tear on shin guards. On both sides of the shin guards, they do have a matte finish and gloss down through the center, just adding some cool richness and overall looks to the knee. They also have some really good mobility right out of the box. But the unique thing is their flat face design, which gives a little bit better stability if you are down on a knee and trying to make a play real quick.
This version of Stallion shin pads has vents on both sides to offer the player a little more airflow during the game. A hex-pro foam is stitched along with the vents in the lower thigh, which are adjustable with elastic straps. The hex pro foam offers elite-level protection, being lighter in weight and breathable. Therefore, it gives better breathability, elite-level protection, and a little bit more mobility just because it wraps around the body a little bit better than traditional foam.
On both sides, there is a high-density foam to provide a player with some great elite protection, and then their unique inner and outer knee wings also feature more of that hex pro foam for the calf wrap. They are also hydrophobic, which helps to wick away moisture to keep you dry and lighter than plastic, helping to remove weight without sacrificing that protection level.
For the strapping system for the calf, they have fully customized neoprene oversized straps that offer a nice, comfortable hold, and if you do feel them on your skin, you can tighten or loosen them depending on your preferences.
A cut-resistant little sleeve is unique and probably the most obvious technique that has been used in this line of Stallion hockey shin guards. So instead of having to wear those socks that are pretty uncomfortable inside the skate, you just wear them, which will protect you from foot slippage while playing ice hockey. The liner itself is full of microfiber and very soft to the touch. It almost has a memory foam that is fully adjustable and removable so you can wash it once it starts to smell.
CCM Tacks 7092 Shin Guard (Senior)
The CCM Tacks 7092 hockey shin guards have a high-density PE shell and kneecap construction. The shell has been ripped, which follows the same idea as the signature JDP camp technology. Essentially, these both work together to deflect impact energy from the leg and into the rest of the shin guard. High-density foam is used in Tacks 7092 that absorbs impact energy efficiently and keeps you better protected at the bottom.
There is a durable shin wrap that helps to reduce wear and tear on the skates over time. On the sides, these shin guards have an injected insert in the lower thigh that has a nice anatomical shape to give you a good feel, and then you will have an insert with medium-density foam and the wing guard as well into the calf wrap. This is a cool upgrade with shot block protection with D3O light foam, which is a rate-sensitive foam and one of the most protective foams that CCM uses today. It offers elite-level protection in this strategic area when you go down on one knee and kind of turn to the side.
The CCM Tacks 7092 shin pads come with a one-inch strapping system that offers a little bit more low-profile fit and feel but the strap itself is the big upgrade. It is a vented mesh material that helps breathe a little bit better and then it still has the nylon running through it in the top that is durable and more comfortable. The fit profile is going to be traditional, meaning a little bit bigger and a little bit bulkier but offering more coverage and protection.
In the liner, they have used some cool D3O light foam that absorbs a lot of impact energy during the game. The liner is removable, so you can wear it or remove it easily depending on your preferences. These shin guards feature moisture-wicking microfiber, which has a memory foam-type material inside of it. So it is very comfortable on the legs and helps to manage moisture a little bit better to keep you dry.
Bauer Supreme 190 Hockey Shin Guards
The Bauer 190 features a two-piece design with a hard plastic shell protecting the knee and also the shin. This design is very thick to provide great impact protection. It is also vented so that way you get good airflow and keep your legs nice and cool. In between the two pieces, you will have medium-density foam that reduces the friction between the two pieces and also provides good resistance to those impacts.
Moving down from the top, you will see a ribbed design on the shin. This provides great protection and also disperses the energy from the impacts and keeps it away from your leg. In addition to that, you will also see a fabric piece towards the bottom that is designed to protect your skate.
There is a high-density segmented foam riding with very advanced lightweight protection and this is going to give you enhanced protection on the side of the knee area that is sensitive. They come with Bauer’s vent armor foam, which is a very high-density foam that provides great protection. It is lightweight and breathable and is backed by a molded plastic piece so that Shin is going to have a nice wrap right around it, which provides very high-level protection.
The Supreme 190’s liner is a matched nylon liner. This is Bauer’s Thermomix technology, which features antimicrobial properties. So it will stop the bacteria from even forming, keeping your shin guard free of odor. This liner is also removable so that way, it will be really easy to wash and dry quickly. In addition to that, you will see pads running along the side of the knee doughnut. This is Poron XRD which protects against 90% of the impacts.
This model of Bauer’s shin guards also features a two-strap design with an elastic strap that runs across the calf and locks it on the other side in a neoprene backed by a nylon strap that runs right underneath the knee, providing a secure fit. The 190 and the rest of the Bauer Supreme line feature anatomical fit so they are going to be snug and responsive.
Easton Stealth C7.0 Hockey Shin Guard
The Easton Stealth C7.0 hockey shin guards use a hard plastic construction with vents to allow for greater flow out on the rink. At the base, there are medium-density foams that are segmented to give a good rap and at the side of the knee and the top, there is a thick medium-density foam to protect the lower thigh.
The knee features the same hard plastic design with vents for breathability in the calf. There is a molded plastic insert topped with thick, medium-density foam to protect against slashes. The liner is a moisture-wicking liner that is going to be comfortable and provide a little extra padding. The shin pad uses Eastern Slink tech technology that holds the liner and suspension away from the hard plastic pieces for better energy dispersion, providing good cushioning out there on the ring.
Additionally, the liner is fully adjustable and removable for quick drying. You will see a strap design with a one-and-a-half-inch elastic strap stretching over the calf and a one-inch nylon strap going around the back and locking in the front underneath the kneecap.
Warrior Alpha QX3 Shin Guard
The Warrior is a well-known name in designing and manufacturing sports gear, especially hockey equipment. So let’s take a look at the Warrior Alpha QX3 Shin Guard. For the first time, they have used the Pro 2P shell in this model. These shin guards have vents down through the center to give you better airflow during the game, which is a little more robust.
The ribs down through the front help to dissipate the impact energy to keep you protected. Also, the pro knee suspends the liner away from the face of the shell to dissipate the impact energy and keep you protected. They have a little bit more protection than medium-duty foams on the inside of the calf. The cap wrap features the injected plastic insert for the first time in this line as well as giving you a big upgrade by having some medium-density thumbs to give you some good protection and comfort.
Their elastic straps provide you with better hold on the leg, keeping you nicely locked in and then you will have a one-inch elastic anchor strap for the top as well. Getting into the liner, you will have a fully removable microfiber liner that is very soft to the touch and has a nice kind of memory foam feel. It is very comfortable but it is also going to help reduce drying time and keep you dry during the game, and for the fit profile, it is anatomical. Therefore, it is going to give you nice clothes to make your body fit and feel good.
Hockey Shin Guard Size Guidelines
- Youth: For players under 4’0″ (typically aged 4-8).
- Junior: For players between 4’0″ and 5’4″ (typically aged 9-12).
- Intermediate: For players between 5’4″ and 5’11” (typically aged 13-16).
- Senior: For players over 5’11” (typically 17 and older).
How to Wear Hockey Shin Guards?
This gear prevents lower leg injuries during play. Hockey players need to wear shin guards properly for safety and comfort. Wearing hockey shin protectors step-by-step:
Pick the Right Size
Make sure your shin guards fit your height and leg size. They are available in child to adult sizes. Coverage and protection depend on proper size.
Wear Long Socks
Start with long, moisture-wicking hockey socks. Keep your shin guards in place and avoid chafing with these socks.
Position Shin Guards
You should hold one shin guard on each leg. The front of the shin guard is longer and broader. The back is slimmer and contoured.
Slide Your Leg In
Sit down and move the broader front piece of the shin guard down your leg to cover your shinbone. The top of the shin guard should correspond with the kneecap, the bottom slightly above the ankle. Center it on your leg.
Fasten Straps
Most shin guards include Velcro or adjustable straps for security. Secure the straps or Velcro on your rear leg. Keep them snug but not too tight to preserve circulation.
Get the Right Fit
Check your shin guard fit after strapping them. They should fit comfortably on your leg without gaps or impact-prone locations. Check that they don’t limit mobility or hurt.
Assess Mobility
Get up and move to assess your mobility. Knees and ankles should be bent to skate and move with shin protection. Change the straps or size if they limit mobility.
Repeat for the Other Leg
Repeat for the opposite leg, ensuring both shin guards fit snugly.
Add Your Hockey Pants
Once shin guards are on, put on hockey pants. Tuck the bottom leg of your jeans into the top of the shin guards for ongoing protection.
Double-Check
Make sure both shin guards are secured and covered before hitting the ice. A properly fitting and installed shin guard is essential for hockey safety.
How To Clean Hockey Shin Guards?
Clean hockey shin pads to prevent odors and prolong life. These must be cleaned periodically since games expose them to perspiration, filth, and bacteria. Cleaning hockey shin guards effectively is discussed here.
- Arrange Supplies: Before beginning, gather mild detergent, a soft-bristle brush, a large bucket or sink, and clean, dry towels.
- Remove Straps and Insoles: Shin guard straps and insoles are usually removable. Individually remove and clean. Wash insoles by hand or machine following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Shake Dirt-Off: Shin guards should be shaken to remove dirt and debris. This simplifies cleanup.
- Hand-wash the Hard Shell: Add mild detergent to warm water in a bucket or sink. Bathe the hard shin guard shell with soap. Scrub sweat, dirt, and stains using a soft brush or cloth. Focus on corners and crevices.
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clear, warm water to remove soap residue from shin guards. Remove soap to avoid skin irritation.
- Deodorize, and Disinfect: Shin guards may be cleaned and deodorized with water and white vinegar. A cloth soaked in vinegar and three parts water should clean the shin guards. It decreases bacteria and odors. Air-dry shin guards.
- Fabric Lining Wash: Remove shin guard linings and padding and wash them separately per instructions. Machine-washable linings are common.
- Clean Fasteners and Straps: Use a moist cloth to clean straps and fasteners. Make sure the shin guards are dry before reassembling.
- Properly Dry: After washing, air-dry shin guards in a well-ventilated area. Heat from direct sunlight and heat sources may damage materials. You must completely dry them before using them again.
- Reassemble: Reattach the insoles and straps to your shin guards after drying.
- Cleaning Regularly: Clean your shin guards after games and practices to preserve them. Odor is reduced and gear life is extended.
- Storing Shin Guards: Keep them cool and dry. Keep them out of hot, wet, or restricted spaces that grow germs and odors.
These ways will keep your hockey shin pads clean, odor-free, and ready for the next game. Gear maintenance extends longevity and enhances ice safety and comfort.
How To Tape Hockey Shin Guards?
Hockey shin guards must be taped to keep in place throughout games and training. Tape-protected shin guards prevent slippage and offer comfort. Taping hockey shin protectors step-by-step:
Materials Required: Hockey shinguards, clear or cloth hockey tape, socks, and scissors.
Step 1: First, prepare your socks and shin guards
Start by wearing your game or practice socks. Make sure they’re comfortable in length and thickness.
Step 2: Wear Shin Guards
Position your shin guards in your hockey socks to protect your shins and knees. Keep them focused and close to your leg.
Step 3: Tapping
Wrap hockey tape across your shin guard’s top, slightly below your knee. This secures the shin guard.
Step 4: Secure Shin Guard
Wrap many additional strands of tape around your shin guard to secure it to your leg. Tightly wrapping the tape might limit blood flow and be painful.
Step 5: Anchor Bottom
Secure the top, then the bottom of your shin guard. To secure the protection, tape a couple of pieces to your ankle or bottom.
Step 6: Cover Shin Guard Fully
Cover the whole shin guard with tape while maintaining a comfortable fit. This prevents play movement.
Step 7: Avoid Overlapping
Avoid overtaping your shin guards, which may make them bulky and uncomfortable. Maintain smooth, even tape to reduce discomfort.
Step 8: Comfort and Flexibility Test
Test the shin guards’ mobility by bending your knees and ankles after taping. You should feel safe but mobile.
Step 9: Trim Tape
For a tidy finish, cut the tape at the top and bottom of your shin guards using scissors.
Step 10: Repeat on the Other Leg
Tape your other shin guard using the same method.
Shin guards that are taped properly protect and remain in place, lowering injury risk. Tape may loosen over time, so check it before each game or practice. To keep your shin guards tight, reapply tape to loose spots. Taping your shin guards properly may improve your skating performance and keep you safe.
Final Verdict
We hope our list of the above-reviewed hockey shin guards will make it easier for you to choose the best shin pads according to your playing requirements. So if you still have questions or concerns regarding the hockey shin guard, shoot us an email or write us down in the comment section below. We will be more than happy to help you out.
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