The 10 Best Kids Shin Guards

Editor's Notes

December 17, 2020:

For this update we added a more updated Adidas model, the Adidas X 20 Match. This full-length model provides excellent protection and their constructed to last with strong seams on the ankle guards and top strap.

While the all-in-one guard with the ankle padding style provides the most protection and tend to stay in place best, as children get older and play longer, they will form their own opinions about what is comfortable. Some players find the ankle padding to limit their mobility.

For a lighter weight choice we continue to include the Franklin Sports Superlight and we added the Gonex Sleeves. While the two-part Gonex Sleeves might not be the first choice for parents worried about kids who misplace their equipment, these are an great option for sensitive kids who don't like the foam padding or straps on their skin.

October 30, 2019:

When evaluating the best shin guards for kids we included a variety of styles as children, especially young ones can be very picky about things that feel uncomfortable or scratchy on their skin.

Our two top picks, the Dash Sport Youth and the Vizari Malaga both have the protection all the way down to the ankle, as even children with the best intentions might simply have very bad aim. This style stays on well and parents tend to prefer them as they offer so much more padding. But some players will find the ankle padding annoying or feel that it limits their movement.

For those children we chose more minimalist options like the Adidas Ghost Pro and the G-Form Pro S. The G-Form is a particularly interesting choice as they are soft and flexible and only become hard upon impact, but their incredibly tight fit may be too frustrating for kids and parents to get them off.

For kids who don't want to feel the shin guard on their legs at all and parents who need their kids to get those shin guards on by themselves, we included the Nike Shin Socks.