Football shin guards
In modern football, a good pair of shin guards is part of the mandatory equipment – in kids' football just as much as in the professional game. uhlsport shin guards are anatomically shaped, impact-resistant and engineered to absorb hard tackles and challenges without slowing you down in sprints, quick turns or when you shoot.
Tip: Always wear your shin guards under your socks and combine them with compression socks or sock tape – that way everything stays exactly where it should.
On the shin, the bone lies directly under the skin with hardly any protective muscle over it. In intense challenges, sliding tackles or accidental clashes with studs, even light contact can really hurt – and in the worst case lead to bruises or fractures.
Ideal for young players, tough tacklers and everyone who wants all-round protection. Models with padded ankle sleeves provide extra stability and protect the sensitive ankle area.
Typical models: e.g. Tibia Plate Pro, Flex Plate, Pro Lite Plus.
Perfect if you want to squeeze out every last percent of speed and agility. Short, lightweight shin guards end just above the ankle and give you full freedom of movement for dribbling and quick changes of direction.
Perfect for agile wingers or attacking players: e.g. CARBONFLEX EVO or minimalist lightweight models.
High-performance models combine an ultra-light shell with a tight-fitting compression sock or sleeve. The plate is held in a dedicated pocket – no slipping, even at top speed.
Typical models: e.g. CROSSFLEX, Speedshield plus the uhlsport GUARD SLEEVE .
Here you can see the most important differences between the three constructions at a glance.
| Type | Protection level | Freedom of movement | Recommended positions | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
With ankle protection
Maximum protection
|
Very high all-round protection for shin and ankle, with additional padding around the lower leg. | Slightly reduced freedom around the ankle, but a very stable fit and secure hold in the sock. | Centre-backs, defensive midfielders, hard-tackling players, youth teams. | Players who often go into tough challenges or simply want to feel extra secure. |
|
Without ankle protection
Maximum agility
|
Solid protection for the shin with reduced material for even more lightness. | Very high freedom around the ankle – perfect for quick changes of direction and sprints. | Wingers, strikers, creative midfielders. | Players who want to get every last bit of speed and agility out of their game. |
|
With compression sock or sleeve
Balanced performance
|
High-quality shell with efficient impact distribution, combined with a close-fitting textile. | Very secure fit without straps, almost no slipping – the plate follows every movement. | Ambitious players in all positions, performance and pro level. | Players who want a professional, streamlined feel without extra straps. |
Your shin guard size is based on your body height. Guards that are too small offer too little protection; guards that are too large tend to slip and interfere with your movement.
| Body height in cm | Shin guard size |
|---|---|
| 107–125 | XXS |
| 125–142 | XS |
| 142–162 | S |
| 162–178 | M |
| 178–198 | L |
| 198–214 | XL |
Adults (men & women)
Kids & teens
Note: These popular sizes are based on typical orders and experience. When in doubt, always test on the leg – the guard should sit securely without digging in.
Still unsure? In our shin guard size chart you'll find all sizes once again at a glance.
Especially in youth football, challenges can be pretty intense. For kids and teenagers, it's crucial that the guard matches their body height and feels comfortable – otherwise it either won't be worn at all or will be constantly pushed up and down.
Tip: Use the filter "Available in kids' sizes" in the shop to quickly find all suitable models for your child.
With the right shin guards you're well protected on the pitch – finish your setup with the matching goalkeeper gloves:
Yes. According to the official Laws of the Game, shin guards are part of the mandatory basic equipment. They must be completely covered by the socks and made of a material that provides effective protection. Without shin guards, the referee can prevent you from playing.
Start with your body height and then use the uhlsport size chart. The guard should cover the area from just above the ankle to clearly below the kneecap, without pressing into the back of your knee or your boot.
The top edge should sit below the kneecap so you can bend your knee freely. The bottom edge should start just above the ankle. When you squat, nothing should pinch or slide up.
That depends on your style of play. Younger players, centre-backs or defensive midfielders often benefit from additional ankle protection. Fast wingers often choose smaller, lighter models without ankle protection for maximum mobility.
After training or a match, take your guards out of the bag and let them dry in the open air. You can remove heavy dirt with a damp cloth. Avoid aggressive cleaners and the washing machine so that the materials and padding last as long as possible.
