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How To Buy Soccer Shinguards 
Everybody that steps onto the field of an organized soccer game is required to wear shinguards. Shiinguards protect the leg from serious injury. Referees will not allow you to play without them. Depending on your age, style of play, and position, there are many different styles to choose from. How to Choose the Right Shinguard
Materials
Player/Position
Components
Determining the right shinguard size Choosing the right shinguard Materials
Shinguards are made to either deflect or absorb the impact of a kick
Shinguards should never interfere with your game and should be comfortable
Fiberglass, foam rubber, polyurethane, plastic, and EVA foam are a few of the materials used to make shinguards.
Fiberglass is lightweight, stiff and offers excellent protection
Foam rubber is light and moldable but offers less protection
Polyurethane is slightly heavier and less moldable but offers extreme protection
Plastic is generally a less-expensive shinguard
EVA foam or lycra backing is commonly found on the backside of all guards for comfort
Player/Position Young soccer players should choose a fiberglass shinguard which offers superior protection and is lighter weight than other materials
Defensemen should choose a heavier, more protective shinguard
Midfielders need a combination of protection and lighter weight
Forwards need a lighter weight shinguard and should also look for one with superior ankle protection
Some shinguards can be molded and custom designed to fit your leg
Components
Ankle protectors
Many shinguards include padded ankle protectors which attach to the bottom of the guard
These protect the ankles and Achilles tendon against direct kicks, but are soft and flexible enough to not interfere with movement
Ankle protectors are strongly recommended for players ages 12 and under
Closures
Most shinguards come with hook-and-loop, Velcro-type straps that wrap around the back of the leg for adjustable closure
Others have no closures and are designed to simply be worn inside the sock
Return To Top Determining the correct size
It is important that your shinguards fit you properly, ensuring sufficient protection and comfort
Shinguards should cover most of the area from your ankle to your knee
Measure your shin from just below where the knee bends to about 1 inch above your shoe top
This is the proper length of your shinguard
Some manufacturers label their shinguard sizes according to age
Senior (or large) shinguards are generally designed for players taller than 5'4"
Junior (or medium) guards are designed for players shorter than 5'4"
JMT Metrosport offers the largest selection of brand name shinguards. Our professionally trained staff are continuously updated with product knowledge in order to meet the individual needs of our customers. Therefore, the purpose of this site is not to act as an e-commerce site but exists only as an educational resource.
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