Hockey shin guards are designed to keep your lower legs protected from other players' sticks, skate blades and errant pucks. Shin guards are made to protect the tibia, since it is not covered by muscle and is more prone to injury.
Types
Shin pads come in a variety of sizes. USA Hockey says that the average shin pad size for children is 7 1/2 inches, and the average shin pad is between 8 1/2 and 10 1/2 inches for youths. Shin pad size averages range from 12 to 13 inches for juniors to 14 to 17 inches for adults. Many hockey equipment retailers suggest trying on shin guards by various manufacturers, since each line's sizing is different.
Measurement
According to USA Hockey's equipment guide, you should be measured for shin guards while sitting. You should bend your knee at a 90 degree angle with your skate on your foot. Your foot should be flat on the floor. Use a measuring tape to measure your shin from the center of your kneecap to the top of your skate boot. This measurement, in inches, is the length of the shin guard you should purchase.
Fit
When trying on a shin pad, your knee should fit in the knee cup and the end of the shin pad should cover the tongue of your skate. Hockey Monkey says to make sure the shin guard isn't too short or too long. Their sizing guide says that a shin guard that is the wrong size can shift or slide during play, leaving the knee or instep exposed. Make sure the velcro straps fit around the leg without squeezing or pinching. The straps are usually adjustable, so you may need to lengthen or shorten the straps to help the shin guard fit correctly.
Considerations
Consider your level of play when choosing shin guards. If you play in checking leagues, you'll want a higher quality pad, since you will probably endure more contact than someone playing in a non-checking league. Many shin guards don't have a lot of protective padding on the calf wrap. This is because you're more likely to get hit on the front of the shin, and it also makes the shin guard smaller and allows you to maneuver more easily on the ice. Defensemen may want to find a shin guard that has a heavier protective wrap, since they block shots more often than forwards do.
Maintenance
Cleanliness is very important when it comes to hockey gear, as it helps to cut down on bacteria and odor. Canadian Tire suggests mixing a small amount of laundry soap with warm water and using a scrub brush to wash the padding inside the shin guard. Some shin guards have padding that is held in the plastic shell with velcro, so you can remove the entire pad and put it in the washing machine.
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