How to Put On Shin Guards for Soccer, Field Hockey & More

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Find the right style and size to prevent injury and enhance your game

Co-authored by Adam Falla and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: July 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Putting on Shin Guards
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• Choosing Shin Guards
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• Shin Guard Cleaning & Care
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• Video
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Shin guards are a type of protective equipment used to prevent injuries to the lower leg during sports games. Some sports like soccer require all players on the field to wear shin guards. As with other types of protective equipment, shin guards are only effective if they are worn properly. In this article, we’ll show you how to wear shin guards correctly to keep you safe (and comfortable) while you play, plus walk you through the different types of guards and how to clean and take care of them.

How do you put on shin guards?

Slide your shin guards past your ankles and center them on your shin. Position the guards to cover from just above your ankle to about 2 in (5 cm) below your knee. Fasten the straps if you have them, then pull your socks over the guards. Tape your shins above and below the guards for extra security, if needed.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How to Put on Shin Guards

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1. 
   1
   Slide the shin guards past your ankle and up your shin. This should be the first thing you put on. Shin guards are worn under the socks, so don't put them on yet.

   • If the guard is too uncomfortable on your bare skin, consider wearing 2 layers of socks: one sock underneath the guard, and the second one over it.
   • Some shin guards are curled on one side to fit on your right or left shin specifically (many can go on either leg, though). If so, align the higher side with the outside of your shin or check to see if they’re labeled “left” and “right.”
2. 
   2
   Center the guards on your shin between your ankle and knee. Make sure they are centered on your shin, not off to the side. They should protect from your ankle to below your knee. If your shin guards have ankle pads, they should cover the bony sections on both sides of your ankle. Be sure your shin guards are properly positioned before moving on, or you risk a serious injury.

   • Your shin guard should cover the area from just above your ankle to about 2 inches (5 cm) below your knee. If it’s too small, go up a size to stay protected.
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3. 
   3
   Fasten all straps securely. Most shin guards have straps at the top to secure the guard to your leg. Make sure that these are snug enough to keep your shin guard in place, but not so tight that they restrict your circulation.

   • If your foot starts to itch, swell, feel numb or discolor, your shin guards are probably too tight. Loosen them right away to avoid injuring your leg.
   • If you’re wearing a slip-in shin guard (no straps), simply hold the guard in place while you pull up your socks over it.
4. 4
   Tape your shin guards to hold them in place if necessary. Slip-in shin guards and shin guards without ankle pads usually need extra security to keep them in place. Even some shin guards with good straps fall out of place during intense games.

   • Slip-in shin guards have no straps and usually have to be taped at both ends. Wrap athletic tape around the top and bottom of your shin guards. Test your them to make sure they don't easily push up or down.
   • If your shin guards have straps, push them around and make sure they are secure on your leg. If they move around, you can tape them up just like slip-in shin guards.
   • Or, wrap the entire guard in pre-wrap (the material layered under athletic tape for injuries) to hold them in place.
   • Keep extra tape with you during games. You may need to replace your tape during breaks or half-time.
5. 
   5
   Put your socks over the shin guards. Field hockey coach Adam Falla says, “long, knee-high socks will keep [your shin guards] in place.” You'll want a tall sock that is snug on your leg, but also not so tight that it cuts off your circulation.

   • Pull your socks all the way up to make sure they're snug enough. If you have fabric left that stretches above your knee, roll it down to further secure your shin guards.
   • If you’re wearing slip-ins, double check their position and adjust them if they moved while you were putting your socks on.
6. 
   6
   Put your cleats on. If your cleats are the right size for you, they should not get in the way of your shin guards.
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Section 2 of 3:

Buying the Right Shin Guards

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1. 1
   Measure your shin length to determine your shin guard size. An improperly fitting pair of shin guards can impede athletic performance. It can also be dangerous. Shin guards that are too small won't fully cover your leg and leave you open to physical impact, while shin guards that are too big can trip you and cause an injury. Therefore, picking the right size is essential for good performance and safety.

   • Measure from just below the knee (about 2 inches (5 cm)) to just above the bend of your ankle. This is the area that your shin guard should cover. The length of this measurement determines the ideal size for your shin guard.
2. 2
   Choose between a slip-in or classic strap-on shin guard. There are two primary styles of shin guard. Each offers unique levels of protection and flexibility.

   • Slip-in shin guards are protective plates inside a compression sleeve. They slip over the shin like a large sock. This style offers a wider range of motion but less protection. It is usually recommended for more advanced players.
   • Ankle shin guards consist of a protective plate that straps around the shin attached to padding that wraps around the ankle. These are usually recommended for younger or less experienced players because they offer more protection.
   • If you’re buying shin guards for a young child, consider using shin socks instead. These shin guards are sewn into tall socks and are easier for young children to take on and off.
3. 3
   Visit a sporting goods store and find the size and style you want. Stores like Modell’s, Dick’s, and Sports Authority are general sporting goods stores that have equipment for numerous sports. If you're an advanced player looking for a very specific type of shin guard, you may want to try a store that specializes in the sport you play. Using the measurement you took of your leg, find the right size and style shin guard.

   • Shin guards can vary greatly in price. A general rule is that more expensive shin guards will offer better protection, but this isn't always true. Beginner players usually don't need the most expensive equipment, just adequate protection.
   • A store employee should be able to talk you through your options and find the best pair of shin guards for the right price.
   • Shin guards are also available online, but purchasing them in person is recommended so you can try them on for fit and comfort first.
4. 
   4
   Try the shin guard on to make sure it fits properly. Remember, the right size shin guard should cover from right above your ankle to about 2 inches (5 cm) below your knee. If your initial leg measurement was too big or small, find another pair that fits you better. Walk around with the shin guards on to make sure they're comfortable and don't inhibit your movement. You want good protection that still allows you to play effectively.

   • Try walking and running with the shin guards on. They shouldn't get in the way or slow you down.
   • Do the motions you would do while playing your sport. For example, if you play soccer, try kicking a ball. The shin guards shouldn't impede your kicking at all.
   • Ask a store employee if you have any problems. They can offer you tips and advice on the best pair of shin guards for you.
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Section 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Shin Guards

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1. 1
   Read any cleaning instructions that come with your shin guards. Some kinds of shin guards have particular cleaning demands and can get ruined if you don't follow directions. If your shin guards don't have any restrictions, you can follow the following steps to keep your shin guards clean and infection-free.

   • How often you wash your shin guards depends on how often you use them. If you use them on a regular basis, clean them at least once a month to fight odor and bacteria buildup.
2. 2
   Dry out your shin guards after every use. Sweat buildup on shin guards is not only unsanitary, but can damage them over time. Instead of leaving them in your athletic bag after a game or practice, leave them out to dry.
3. 
   3
   Scrub your shin guards with antibacterial soap and warm water to clean them. Athletic equipment is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause a serious infection if you get cut. Soap and water will help kill any bacteria that might be colonizing your shin guards and protect you from infection. Soak the guards in soapy water for about 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

   • Allow your shin guards to air dry completely before using them again. Leaving them outside in the sun should dry them up quickly.
4. 
   4
   Sprinkle baking soda in your shin guards to fight odor. You'll probably notice that after just a few uses, your shin guards start to smell like sweat. After your shin guards are dry, add some baking soda to help fight unpleasant odor; it’s a natural deodorizer that neutralizes smells instead of covering them up.

   • Let the baking soda sit on your shin guards (preferably in a bag to prevent a mess) for several hours or overnight. Then, brush or vacuum the baking soda away before wearing them.
5. 5
   Inspect your shin guards regularly for cracks or other damage. A damaged pair of shin guards will not only offer poor protection, but can hurt you. If they break while you're using them, the plastic can cause a bad cut. If you find any cracks in your shin guards, it's time to replace them.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Can I wear my field hockey shin pads in football?

  

  Community Answer

  More than likely you can, but if you play club or competitive, it would be a good idea to invest in some football pads.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
• Question

  For youth is the shin guard supposed to cover the front of the shin and calf?

  

  Community Answer

  It should only cover the shins. If it covers the calf it may interfere with movement and comfort which could affect playing quality.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
• Question

  Is my leg supposed to look like I have a cast on?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes. The sock and the shin guard are very thick and it is normal to look like that playing soccer.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 7 Helpful 17

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