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Shin guards are made of different materials such as fiberglass, foam rubber, polyurethane and plastic. They are intended to protect players' shins. You see them in different sports, such as football, baseball, softball, hockey and cricket.
In this article I discuss all aspects of shin guards and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
The Shinguard
If you plan to play sports, especially contact sports like football or hockey, wearing a shin guard is a must. It protects your shin from injuries that can occur during sports. A hockey ball or a soccer ball can hit your shin and that can be painful. So, if you don't want your shin to look like a rainbow, then wearing a shin guard is a good idea.
What are the different types of shin guards?
Shin guards come in different shapes and sizes. They are made of different materials such as fiberglass, foam rubber, polyurethane and plastic. Some shin guards are made of soft foam, while others are made of harder materials such as fiberglass, carbon and hard plastics. There are also shin guards that have a combination of both materials.
Are all shin guards suitable for everyone?
Shin guards made of only foam are really only suitable for children. For adults, it is better to wear shin guards made of harder materials. It is also important to choose the right size so that the shin guard fits well and does not shift during exercise.
Did you know.
- The KNHB makes it mandatory to wear shin guards during a match?
- Wearing shin guards during training is not mandatory, but it is smart to protect your shins?
- Shin guards are not only worn for football and hockey, but also for other contact sports such as rugby and kickboxing?
So, if you plan to play sports, don't forget to wear a shin guard. It can protect your shin from injury and that is very nice.
What should you look for in shin guards?
A good size and fit are crucial when choosing shin guards. They should be tight enough not to move while running, playing and jumping, but comfortable enough not to pinch. Shin guards that are too small leave parts of the lower leg free, while a shin guard that is too large can slide during training or competition. Therefore, always measure your lower leg before you buy shin guards and do not buy them on growth.
Playing position on the field
Your playing position on the court can affect the type of shin guards that are best for you. Some football players have to make speed and therefore benefit from lightweight shin guards, while others are exposed to other blows and therefore opt for stronger shin guards with ankle pads. For example, goalkeepers need different shin guards than field players.
Flexibility
As a midfielder who often enters the defense, it is important to choose flexible shin guards. These provide sufficient protection for your shins, but do not hinder your game. An ankle protector is also recommended for contact sports such as football.
Material and design
Shin guards come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to look at the material and design that suits you best. Some shin guards are made of lightweight materials, while others offer more protection. The design can also differ, from basic to striking.
Check the shin guards
Before you buy shin guards, check that they are easy to put on and take off and still stay in place during the match. A good shin guard protects a large part of the lower leg, from the ankle to just below the kneecap.
Watch the quality
There are many different brands and types of shin guards on the market, but don't be fooled by cheap variants. Choose quality and pay attention to the criteria that are important to you, such as size, fit, playing position and flexibility. This way you are well protected while playing football.
How to put on shin guards like a pro
Before you start putting on shin guards, make sure you have the right size. A size that is too large will not protect well and a size that is too small will be uncomfortable. Measure your shin and choose the size that fits best.
Step 2: Place the shin guards in the right place
Make sure that the shin guards are in the right place, namely in the middle of your shin. If they are crooked, they will not provide proper protection.
Step 3: Fasten the straps
When the shin guards are in the right place, fasten the straps at the top. Make sure the straps aren't too tight or it can restrict blood flow.
Step 4: Test the shin guards
Test the shin guards by moving and bending. If they stay in place and don't move, you're ready to work out!
Extra tip: Compression socks
If you want extra security that the shin guards stay in place, you can opt for compression socks. These socks keep the shin guards in place and provide extra support to your muscles.
Did you know?
Shin guards are not only mandatory in some sports, but they are also essential to prevent injuries. So make sure you always wear the right size and type of shin guards during sports.
How do you choose the right size shin guards?
Choosing the right size shin guards can be a challenge, especially when shopping online. But don't worry, size charts are available to help you. Each brand has its own size chart, so make sure you check the correct size chart for the brand of your choice. Measure your shin and choose the size that best fits.
Try them on before you buy
If you have the option to try on shin guards before you buy them, do so. It is possible that the size chart is not entirely correct for your shin and that a different size fits better. Try different sizes and brands to see which fits your shin best.
Comfort is important
Choose shin guards that are comfortable to wear. They should not be too tight, but not too loose either. If they're too tight, they can impede your circulation, and if they're too loose, they can shift during play. Also choose shin guards that are not too heavy, so that you can move freely on the field.
Consider additional protection
Some shin guards provide additional protection to the ankles. This can be useful if you often suffer from ankle injuries or if you are a defender who often comes into contact with other players. Also consider shin guards with a compression sleeve, which provide extra support to your calves and shin.
Keep in mind that the size may differ per brand and type of shin guard
Each brand and type of shin guard may fit differently, so be sure to check the brand's size chart before purchasing. If you plan to buy different types of shin guards, measure your shin again and choose the correct size for each type of shin guard.
Summary
Choosing the right size shin guards is important to protect you from injuries while playing soccer. Use size charts, try them on before you buy, opt for comfort and consider extra protection. Keep in mind that sizing can vary by brand and type of shin guard, so measure your shin again if you plan to buy different types of shin guards.
Differences
Shin Guards Vs Knee Guards
There is a big difference between shin guards and knee guards. Let's start with the shin guards. These are meant to protect your shin from the hard blows you can get during sports. They are made of different materials, such as foam, plastic and carbon, and are available in different sizes and shapes. Some shin guards even have extra padding on the front to protect you even better.
Kneepads, on the other hand, are meant to protect your knees. They are made of soft material, such as neoprene, and often have extra padding to reduce the impact of a fall. Kneepads are especially popular in sports such as volleyball, where you have to sit on your knees a lot. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from simple sleeves to full knee pads with hard plastic caps.
So, if you are looking for shin protection, go for shin guards. But if your knees need extra protection, go for kneepads. And if you're really serious about your sport, why not wear both? This way you are completely protected and you can go onto the field with confidence.
FAQ
Which Sports Use Shin Guards?
Shin guards are not only for football, but also for other sports such as hockey and kickboxing. These protectors are so important that some sports federations make wearing them mandatory. It's not only to prevent injuries, but also to prevent your shins from looking like a rainbow after a few good kicks.
Shin guards are just as important in hockey as they are in football. An opponent's stick can hit your shin, which can be quite painful. It's even worse with kickboxing, because you can just kick each other really hard. So if you don't want to end up with a shin that looks like a battlefield then wearing shin guards is a must.
There are different types of shin guards, from the traditional with Velcro closure to the modern one with an integrated base. The most important thing is that they are comfortable, stay in place during play and offer sufficient protection. So if you play a sport where your shins are at risk, make sure you have a good pair of shin guards to protect yourself. And if you're still not convinced, think of the rainbow on your shin.
Why Do Soccer Players Have Small Shin Guards?
If you've ever watched a football match, you've probably noticed some players wearing small shin guards. But why do football players have small shin guards? Is it because they like to show their shins? Or because they think it makes them faster? Well, actually the answer is much simpler than that.
Soccer players wear small shin guards because they are lighter and more comfortable than the large, bulky shin guards used to be worn. And let's be honest, who wants to run around with two big blocks of plastic on their legs? In addition, small shin guards are much easier to wear and better match the players' socks. So it is not only a matter of style, but also of functionality.
But did you know that there are also football players who don't wear shin guards at all? Yes, you read that right. Some players, like the famous Jack Grealish, don't wear shin guards at all. Instead, they only wear low socks to protect their shins. Why? Because they think it makes them faster and more agile on the field. Whether it's true or not, we leave to the scientists. But one thing is certain: footballers will always be looking for ways to improve their performance, even if it means playing without shin guards.
Can You Put Shin Guards In The Washing Machine?
So you've just finished an intense kickboxing workout and your shin guards are drenched in sweat. You wonder: can I put these in the washing machine? Well, the answer is not as simple as yes or no. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If your shin guards are partly made of fabric, you can wash them at a low temperature in the washing machine. Do put them in a pillowcase to prevent scratches and tears on the plastic.
- It is better to clean shin guards that are completely made of plastic by hand. Make some soapy water and let them soak for XNUMX minutes before gently scrubbing them with a washing-up brush.
- Never put your shin guards in the dryer, but hang them outside to dry. This way the last unsavory odors evaporate and they last longer.
- After cleaning, spray your shin guards with a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria and prevent them from smelling again.
So, can you put shin guards in the washing machine? It depends on the material. But if you clean them by hand and take good care of them, they will last much longer and stay fresh and clean for your next workout. And let's face it, nobody wants to walk around with smelly shin guards!
What Are The Types Of Shin Guards?
Shin guards are a must-have for any footballer who wants to protect their shins from kicks from others. There are different types of shin guards you can buy depending on your personal preference and style of play.
The first kind of shin guards are the classic shin guards with Velcro closure. These shin guards are the most common and offer good protection for your shins. They are made of high-quality light material and are perfect if you have football boots with a sock. This sock allows you to secure the shin guards extra and you hardly feel them while playing.
The second type of shin guards are the shin guards with an integrated base to protect your ankles. These shin guards are wider than other shin guards and offer more protection. They stay put and are perfect if you need extra protection for your ankles.
The third type of shin guards are the lightweight shin guards that offer limited protection. These shin guards are made of light material and are perfect if you don't want to put too much weight on your feet. They offer less protection than the other types of shin guards, but are cheaper.
The fourth and last type of shin guards are the molded shin guards. These shin guards are preformed and you can easily click on your shins. They also partly protect the side and back of your lower legs. They are less comfortable to wear than the other types of shin guards, but they do offer good protection.
Basically, there are different types of shin guards that you can buy. It is important to choose the right size and to look at the closure, the material and the fit. This way you can ensure that you are comfortable and protected on the football field!
How Often Should You Wash Shin Guards?
If you are an avid athlete, then you know that your shin guards are an important part of your equipment. But how often should you actually wash them? The answer is simple: at least once a month. But why is it so important to clean them regularly? Well, here are a few reasons:
- Sweaty shin guards can start to smell and that is not only annoying for you, but also for your teammates or opponents.
- Sweating allows bacteria to build up on the protectors, which can lead to skin irritations or infections.
- If you do not wash shin guards regularly, they can become damaged and that can reduce the protection.
So, how do you clean them? If your shin guards have fabric parts, you can wash them at 30 degrees in the washing machine. Do put them in a pillowcase to prevent scratches and tears on the plastic. Shin guards that are completely made of plastic are better cleaned by hand with soapy water and a washing-up brush. Then hang them outside to dry so that they smell fresh again. And don't forget to disinfect them regularly with a spray to kill bacteria. This way your shin guards not only stay clean, but also hygienic and effective during exercise.
Conclusion
Shin guards are indispensable for athletes who take a lot of blows. Good protection prevents injuries to the vulnerable tibia.
How do you choose the right one? How do you know if you should choose a shin guard with fiberglass, foam, polyurethane or plastic?
