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Shin guards are part of the hockey equipment and generally have a hard time. It is therefore EXTRA important that you buy a shin guard that offers the right protection and that also fits well on your leg.
The best hockey shin guards overall are the Winnwell AMP500 shin guards† The great thing about this pair of shin guards is that they are suitable for absolutely everyone: junior, youth and seniors! The shin guards not only provide protection for the shins, but also the knees.
I have selected the 7 best hockey shin guards for you and tell you what to look out for, so that you can choose your favorite model more easily.
The liner has a comfortable padding and thanks to the CleanSport NXT technology, sweat is broken down in a natural way. It is a sustainable product that also eliminates odors and bacteria.
But before we dive into this year's best hockey shin guards, let's look at the main features of good hockey shin guards.
Looking for the complete goalie equipment? read our post about hockey goalkeeper supplies
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What should you pay attention to when buying new hockey shin guards?
Shin guards are the second most important piece of protective equipment in field hockey, after your stick of course.
Have you ever hit your shin? Then you know how much that hurts!
I recommend investing in the best protections from top brands such as Winnwell, Grays and Adidas to keep your legs safe.
With or without any protection
There are shin guards that only protect the shins, but also shin guards that protect both the shins and ankles.
There are also shin guards, such as the Winnwell AMP500, that even offer knee protection.
The ankle protection shin guards not only offer more overall protection; they also stay in place better.
In the case of shin guards without ankle protection, the shin guards remain in place by means of an elastic or the socks keep them in place.
The advantage of the latter type of shin guards is that you can take them off very easily, without having to take off your shoes first. On the other hand, of course, they offer less protection.
Material
Shin guards are available in different materials.
There are models made of soft foam and models made of harder materials, such as glass fiber carbon, hard plastic or a combination of materials.
Keep in mind that the foam-only shin guards are not suitable for adults, and you mainly encounter them among the youth.
Most shin guards for adults have a foam layer on the inside, for extra comfort.
Comfort and size
In addition to providing the right protection, shin guards should also simply be comfortable. It is important to go for the right size.
Shin guards that are too small or too large will not protect your legs well enough.
Go for an ergonomic fit so that the shin guard fits the shape of your shins perfectly and is flexible enough to let you move freely.
Ventilation
Good shin guards have breathable properties. They have ventilation holes in the outer layer and the material of the inner layer is also breathable.
Soft foam on the inside provides shock-absorbing properties in case the stick or ball hits your shins.
It is also useful if the shin guards are washable. Often you cannot wash the entire shin guard, but you can at least wash the part that makes contact with your skin.
It is recommended to wash your shin guards once a month.
Special penalty corner shin guards
Did you know that there are special shin guards for line stoppers and runners during the defensive penalty corner? These also protect your knee.
You can easily attach this extra knee protector to the shin guard with Velcro and remove it again after the corner.
The best hockey shin guards reviewed
Of all the protective clothing, accessories or supplies, the shin guards are always fun to buy.
Below you can read all about the best field hockey shin guards for children, teenagers, girls and boys.
Best hockey shin guards overall: Winnwell AMP500 shin guard
- Suitable for junior/youth/seniors
- Material: plastic, nylon and foam
- CleanSport NXT technology for natural sweat breakdown
The Winnwell shin guards are suitable for junior, youth and seniors. They are provided with extra knee protection, made of PE (plastic).
A plastic outer shell has also been used for the shins.
The shin guards have a two-part wrapping system, with an elastic band around the knee and one with Velcro around the calf.
The shin guard has a brushed nylon liner with comfort padding and patented CleanSport NXT technology that naturally breaks down sweat.
This gives you a long-lasting product that also eliminates odors and bacteria.
Beneficial microbes, which occur around us and in nature, are selected and adhere to the surface of the fabric.
This innovative process of applying live microorganisms to fibers results in natural, non-toxic health benefits for consumers and the environment.
They digest sweat and odor, instead of masking it.
The shin guard is the perfect balance between protection and comfort.
If the Winnwell brand sounds unfamiliar to you – or perhaps you're not completely convinced yet, you'll find it interesting to know that the brand has been producing hockey gear since the year 1906.
So we are talking about real experts here!
From shoulder protectors to shin guards, Winnwell products are designed to provide the protection you need for the performance you want and to withstand the rigors of hockey.
The owner of this Canadian company is the Davies family.
Best for Senior Hockey Shinguards: Adidas Hockey SG
- Material: PVC, foam and TPU
- Good air permeability
- With removable interior that can be washed in the washing machine
- Anti-bacterial
These are one of the more expensive shin guards. Adidas, which started out as a top football brand, did an excellent job designing these Adidas field hockey shin guards.
The Adidas Hockey shin guards are extremely popular among senior hockey players, are known for excellent protection and are also very comfortable.
Thanks to the foam on the inside of the shin guard, you enjoy optimal comfort and it also has an antibacterial effect.
It absorbs little to no bad odors and is also well ventilated.
In addition, the PVC shin guard is equipped with a TPU plate for maximum protection.
The inside of this shinguard is removable, so you can wash it in the washing machine.
Winwell AMP500 vs Adidas SG
If we compare the Adidas shin guards with the Winnwell AMP500 model – which is also available in an adult model (senior), we see that the materials are approximately the same (plastic and nylon).
Where the Winnwell shin guards are equipped with the CleanSport NXT technology for natural sweat breakdown, the Adidas shin guard is also anti-bacterial and can be washed in the washing machine.
What sets the two guards apart is that the Winnwell comes with knee protection, something the Adidas shin guard doesn't have; it only protects the shins.
If price is a factor, the Adidas model will probably come out best.
Best Cheap Hockey Shinguards: Grays Shield Shinguard
- With ankle and Achilles tendon protection
- Material: polyester
- Ventilation holes on the shield and on the fastening strap around the calf
- Colours: blue/red or black/yellow
Does budget play a role for you? Then the Grays Shield shin guards will please you. These are the best-known shin guards from the Grays collection and have been around for years.
Every year, the brand improves the shin guards and keeps the model up-to-date.
The shin guards absorb shocks and ensure that your shins are always well protected.
The bottom of the shin guards are equipped with ankle and Achilles tendon protectors, so that you remain extra well protected.
The shin guards are also available in the colors blue with red or black with yellow.
Would you like to be able to compare this shin guard with another model that is equipped with ankle protection? Then check out the Grays G600, which I will explain in more detail below.
Best Women's Hockey Shinguards: Grays G600
- With only protection
- Material: polyester
- Ventilation on the front and sides
- Available in the colors pink, red, black, white and silver
Grays also has the G600 series; shin guards that are anatomically designed and made of high quality materials.
Because the protectors have a raised middle section, frontal blows to the shins are better absorbed.
Players from the United States, Australia, India and the Netherlands love these Grays shin guards.
Thanks to the unique ventilation system, air is allowed to pass through both the front and the sides. So you will suffer less from sweat.
The shin guards have a left and right leg design and are equipped with ankle protection.
You can also choose from five different colors, namely pink, red, black, white and silver.
Grays Shield vs Grays G600
Both the Grays Shield shinguard and the Grays G600 are equipped with ankle protection and made of polyester.
Both offer enough ventilation and you can choose from various colors.
What sets the two apart, however, is that the Grays G600 doesn't come with an elastic strap to keep your shin guard in place.
The Grays Shield model does. If your shin guards tend to shift, you might opt for the Shield model.
If you don't like an elastic band, the G600 model is probably more suitable. In terms of price, both types of shin guards are similar.
TK ASX 2.1 Shinguard
Let's not forget TK's protective guards, because TK always designs some of the best products out there.
Like the Osaka and Dita hockey guards, the TK pads have a hard plastic exterior to ensure you are adequately protected.
An added bonus to these shin guards are the vents on the sides for good breathing and airflow to your legs so you don't overheat during the game!
The straps are easy to use and fit well!
Brabo F3 Shinguard Mesh LW
Maximum Protection is the name of the game for these Brabo protective pieces.
The Mesh series is designed for those advanced players who need a strong and sturdy shell but still want good ventilation.
We love the Mesh exterior for easy cleaning and washing so they don't stink up your gear.
You'll love how the foam magically shapes your leg after you wear it and they fit perfectly in your indoor hockey shoes as a field hockey shoes.
The detachable straps are also great when you don't want to use them. Great piece of protection here!
Indian Maharaja Contour
If you're looking for washable shin guards, these are definitely available.
The Indian Maharaja Contour has a patented design for easy washing.
The shell is trimmed with foam and ventilates through the mesh air holes, for extra comfort.
The ergonomic shape quickly fits and molds to your leg, creating a super comfortable fit.
The open holes provide great circulation so you won't sweat too much. Very lightweight material also wicks away sweat!
Field hockey shin guard socks, rash guards and accessories
Don't forget essential accessories like shin guard socks and rash guards.
After ordering these accessories you will have all the hockey protection for your legs!
Stanno Uni II Shin Guard Socks
In official matches you are required to wear socks over your shin guards. These socks ensure that your shin guards stay in place while you move.
These Stanno socks are made from a super lightweight and breathable material. They will fit perfectly on all types of shin guards.
Available in team colors (red, blue, pink, yellow, black, white, orange, green) and all sizes suitable for all socks, 35cm.
View all colors and prices here
Hocsocx Rash Guards
When you run around during training or competition, your shin guard can sometimes itch or loosen.
These rash guards are designed to keep you cool and comfortable while wearing your protective gear.
They are super light, breathable and made from sweat-wicking compression materials. No irritation or rashes from sweat and dirt.
Many players prefer compression socks under their shin guards.
The graduated compression ensures maximum blood flow, which leads to faster muscle recovery and relieves discomfort.
If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis or other related injuries, these types of socks are just what you need for arch support.
FAQ
I understand that you may still have some questions about buying the right product. Below I will cover some frequently asked questions!
Can I wear football shin guards for field hockey?
While you can use legal, comparable football gear during a field hockey game, we do NOT recommend it.
Let's explain the difference between hockey and soccer shin guards.
Difference shin guards hockey and football
The wearing of shin guards is mandatory in both hockey and football, and that is of course not for nothing.
The risk of injuries and fractures is considerably reduced with shin guards.
However, shin guards for hockey and football are not the same.
Mainly the execution is different, where hockey shin guards are larger, have a harder cap and offer more protection close to the foot. The filling is also thicker and more protective.
Football shin guards are usually lighter and are not made of a strong plastic.
In addition protection for crossfit of shin guards for martial arts another completely different story.
Determining the right size of hockey shin guards
Hockey shin guards should protect your entire shin and top of the ankle.
The protection at the ankle is generally thicker than is the case with shin guards from other sports (such as football), because your ankle must be protected against impacts from the hard ball or the hockey stick.
You can determine the right size shin guard using two methods.
Method 1: based on your height
- XS= 120 – 140 cm
- S= 140 – 160cm
- M= 160 – 175 cm
- L= 175 – 185 cm
- XL= 185 – 195 cm
Method 2: using your instep
Here you measure the length of your instep. The measured length is the length that your shin guard should have.
- XS= 22,5 cm
- S= 26,0 cm
- M= 29,5 cm
- L= 32cm
For a perfect fit, the shin guard sits just below the knee (two fingers horizontally below the knee).
It is always wise to look in the size chart of the brand that you buy. The sizes can differ between brands.
Note: Do not buy shin guards on growth! When shin guards don't fit properly (i.e. are either too big or too small) they don't protect the ankle and shin well enough, which naturally increases the risk of injury.
Hockey shin guard sizes
As mentioned, the protective gear is designed with hard plastic on the outside to protect and keep you safe, and soft foam padding on the inside to keep you comfortable.
To properly wear your equipment for maximum injury prevention, follow these steps:
- Put on a thin pair of socks, or rash guards that cover your legs if you prefer
- Place the shin guards on your lower legs
- Now pull your long sports socks over the shin guards
- Put on your hockey shoes
- Make the final adjustments for comfort, and you're ready for the game!
Also read: the best field hockey sticks
How should hockey shin guards fit?
The best shin guard protects you as much as possible, without you noticing it. Shin guards should fit snugly, but not be a burden to you.
There are models that are narrow and rounded. But someone with wider shins won't help much and will have to look for another pair.
Your shin guards should stay in place during the game, but also check that they come off easily.
Know that a hockey shin guard is constructed differently than a shin guard for football, for example.
Never opt for an alternative shin guard that would not be suitable for hockey, because only a real hockey shin guard will provide the best protection for the sport.
Are hockey shin guards mandatory?
The Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) makes it compulsory to wear shin guards during matches.
Whether you wear them during training is up to you.
But it is still smart to continue to protect your shins during team training.
A hockey ball and stick are hard and can really hurt your shins.
Shin guards are generally made of soft foam and harder materials such as fiberglass, carbon or hard plastics.
Also read: Best Field Hockey Stick | view our top 9 tested sticks
