Shin guards are a required piece of equipment in soccer as well as some other sports, such as hockey and cricket. In soccer, shin guards are designed to protect your shins between your knees and your ankles. They are made from lightweight, durable materials like hard plastic, fiberglass, foam rubber, polyurethane and EVA foam. Shin guards can range in price between $10 for a youth pair to more than $40 for a professional shin guard, based on 2011 pricing. Using the right size shin guard is important because it allows for maximum protection and maneuverability on the field.
Step 1
Determine the brand and type of shin guard you want. Most shin guards come in two different sizing categories: senior and junior. According to Sports Authority, senior shin guards are ideal for players taller than 64 inches while junior shin guards are for youth players. Some brands, such as Nike, offer a range of sizes from small to extra-large, as well as a guide for choosing your size based on your height.
Step 2
Measure your height using a tape measure. Get an accurate measurement by standing against a wall and having someone else mark just above your head with a pencil. You should be able to match up your height with the right-sized shin guard using the manufacturer's guidelines.
Step 3
Measure your shin starting from where your knee bends down to about an inch above your soccer shoe top. Match up this measurement with the length of the shin guard if you plan to purchase them in-store or if the particular shin guards lists its overall length in the product description.
Tips and Warnings
- Whenever possible, try on the shin guard in-person to get a better feel of its comfort and size. Size varies between manufacturers just as it does in shoe sizing and clothing. Wear your soccer socks and shoes when trying on shin guards to get a more accurate measure of well they will fit on the field.
- Don't wear shin guards that are do not cover your entire shin from the bottom of your knee to just above your shoe top.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
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