Shin guards are a crucial piece of safety equipment in the game of soccer. The shin is a painful area when kicked or hit bone on bone, and shin protection is crucial in a high-paced and physical game such as soccer. In addition to offering protection, the best shin guards for youth soccer should be comfortable and lightweight enough to wear without discomfort during intense competition. (Note that all quoted prices are current as of February 2010.)
Nike Vapor Lite
Nike's Vapor Lite shin guard is designed to slip into your soccer sock, and is held in place between the sock and the shin. It offers solid shin protections with a tough, high-density plastic shell. Foam padding offers further protection to the shin. This shin guard is fitted with innovative "DRI-fit" material that maximizes moisture management and comfort. Weighing only 1.8 oz., this product is lightweight and a comfortable fit that does not hinder you during the physical exertion required in a soccer game. The Nike Vapor Lite shin guards are available for about $18.
Adidas Estavelo Top
These shin guards offer good shin protection and also feature an ankle sleeve that both helps hold the shin guard in place, and protects the back and side of your ankles. The tough outer layer features form-fitting technology that is designed to mold and conform to your shin, providing maximum comfort and shin protection. The inside of the shin guard guarantees comfort with Climacool foam that gives moisture control, ventilation, as well as additional shin protection upon impact. The Adidas Estavelo Top shin guard weighs 4.8 oz., and is available for under $35.
Brine Microlite OSi
The Brine Microlite OSi offers shin protection with a tough, durable fiberglass shell that is shock-absorbent and also molds to your shin. It is required before game use that you mold this product yourself by wetting both sides with warm water, then setting it to your leg for 30 minutes. Foam backing gives shin protection upon impact, as well as increased comfort. The Brine Microlite OSi weighs 4 oz. and is available for around $40.
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