Field hockey is a fast-paced and dynamic sport that requires top-quality protective equipment to ensure player safety and performance. Among the most essential protective gear is field hockey shin guards, which protect against painful impacts and injuries. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, choosing the best field hockey shin guards can make all the difference in your game.
Can be worn without socks. Foam field hockey shin guards
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Field hockey, a sport known for its agility and fast-paced action, demands top-notch equipment for safety and performance. Field hockey shin guards are the second most important piece of protective equipment you need, right behind your stick of course. Have you ever been smacked in the shin with a hard, blunt object? It freaking hurts!
But why are they so important, and what makes a good pair of shin guards? This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about field hockey shin guards, ensuring you make an informed decision.
What Brands Field Hockey Shin Guards to Choose?
We recommend investing in the best protective pieces from top brands like Grays, STX, Protec, Adidas and Harrow to help keep your legs safe. These brands have invested in research and technology to provide shin guards that offer maximum protection without compromising on comfort. These are the products that strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability
We understand you may have questions about buying the right piece and wanting the cheapest price possible. Below we answer these top questions from our readers and giving you our top recommendations and also the best place to buy them!
Do You Have to Wear Shin Guards in Field Hockey?
Wearing the shin guards in field hockey is a wise choice. It is common to get a shin trauma while playing the field hockey.
There is an injury called shin splints that is pretty painful. The trauma is likely to happen during the game. And the possibility of getting this medical condition can be lowered with the protective gear – shin guards for field hockey.
Even without getting a serious trauma, experiencing a shin pain is nothing pleasant. If you were hit with a field hockey ball in the shins, refraining from the game for a some time would be a good idea as you must take time to recover the muscles. But if you were with the shin guards when you got hit, the inflammation of the shin might not even be a problem.
You shouldn’t risk your own or your children’s health. When incomes to the prevention and security, you must always choose the best gear.
Can I Wear Soccer Shin Guards for Field Hockey?
While soccer shin guards may seem like an easy alternative, soccer shin guards are not designed to withstand the types of impacts that occur in field hockey. Field hockey balls are smaller and can hit with more force, requiring shin guards with stronger materials and thicker padding. Field hockey shin guards typically feature hard plastic shells and foam padding for optimal protection, which differs from soccer shin guards designed with lighter, less durable materials.
For proper protection and comfort, always choose field hockey shin guards specifically designed for the sport.
Fitting, Sizing, and Wearing your Protection Gear
As mentioned before the protective gear is designed with hard plastic on the outside to protect and keep you safe, and soft foam padding on the inside to keep you comfortable. You will not find any straps or velcro, because the piece should mold tightly on your leg. To properly wear your gear for maximum injury prevention, follow these steps:
Put on a thin pair of socks, or field hockey rash guards that covers your leg if you prefer
Open up your shin guards and place onto your lower leg. Strap if necessary.
Put on your shin guard socks on the outside. NOT inside!
Put on your field hockey shoes or cleats.
Make any last adjustments for comfort, then go out and play.
How to Measure your Shin Guard?
Take a look at the sizing chart picture to the right side of this paragraph. The key steps are below:
Get a measuring tape.
Place one end of the tap in the middle of your knee cap.
Extend the measuring tape to your ankle and then record the total length in “Inches”.
Match the length with the size chart.
For a visual guide, check out this helpful video on how to measure for shin guards:
The Best Field Hockey Shin Guards for 2025
Of all the protective gear, accessories, or supplies, this piece is always fun to shop for. Below we’ve listed the best field hockey shin guards for youth, girls, and guys. Of course, you can find the best clearance or discount price at Amazon. We have different products in different price ranges, hope you will find something suited for you. Here’s a rundown of the best field hockey shin guards for different needs and budgets:
Price: $$ Sizing: All Sizes Protection: Full Protection Below the Knee
Adidas hockey shinguards makes a perfect fit if you want to keep your shins protected. Featuring a heavy-duty TPU shell, they absorb impact while offering excellent abrasion resistance. They are extremely lightweight, yet effective. Shin guards are also quite comfortable, flexible enough. They are even used for playing the ice hockey. These shin guards also come with a removable, machine-washable liner for easy maintenance. Available in various sizes, they offer a secure fit without the need for tape.
The Adidas shinguards are designed for those intermediate, advanced and elite players who need a strong and sturdy outer shell to fight off nasty stick checks.
When choosing a size, keep in mind that XXS size is suited for a person with a height of 98cm to 116cm, XS – for someone that is from 116cm to 134cm, S – from 134cm to 152cm, M – from 152cm to 170 cm, and L – from 170cm to 188cm. Unfortunately the manufacturer does not provide this information in the item description, but this information could be found on the packaging of the piece.
The Force Symphony Field Hockey Shin Guards stand out as a top-tier option for players who prioritize protection, comfort, and versatility. Their lightweight yet durable construction provides excellent impact absorption without feeling bulky, making them a great choice for intense gameplay. The foam-padded interior ensures a snug fit while maintaining breathability, keeping players cool even during long matches.
One of the biggest advantages is their sleek and stylish design, with the white, blue, and teal color options offering a modern look on the field. The ergonomic shape provides full lower-leg coverage, and the choice between a strapless or strapped version allows for a customizable fit. Players who prefer a secure hold may find the strapped version or additional straps beneficial for keeping them in place.
Mazon is one of the most popular field hockey brands in Australia, known for producing high-quality protective gear. The Mazon Stealth Field Hockey Shin Guards stand out with their ergonomic design, offering a snug yet comfortable fit. They feature a durable TPU shield for superior impact protection, keeping your shins safe from hard hits and slashes. A key advantage is their removable and washable liner, making cleaning effortless and ensuring long-lasting freshness. Designed for easy fitting and reliable performance, these shin guards are available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes, catering to players of all levels.
Players from around the world, including those in the United States, Australia, and India, love these Grays shin guards. Like other top-tier protective gear in this review, the G600 pads feature a foam-lined interior for exceptional comfort. What sets them apart is their anatomical design, which molds perfectly to your ankle and shin for a secure fit—no straps needed. The lightweight polymer shell, reinforced with a raised central spine, helps minimize frontal shin injuries, while strategically placed ventilation channels promote airflow from the front and sides to keep you cool. Plus, the left- and right-specific design enhances fit and protection. With added ankle padding and a tough outer shell to guard against harsh impacts, these shin guards offer complete protection. Available in all sizes, from XX-Small to Large, they’re a great choice for players of all levels.
The STX Hinder Field Hockey Shin Guards are a top choice for beginners and experienced players alike, offering a perfect balance of protection, comfort, and flexibility. As the #1 bestseller on Amazon, these shin guards are designed to mold to your legs and ankles, ensuring a secure and natural fit.
Featuring a durable hard plastic outer shell, they provide excellent protection for your shins, ankles, and calves, shielding you from impacts and stray sticks. Inside, a soft padded liner enhances comfort while allowing for minor fit adjustments. The lightweight and flexible design ensures optimal mobility, so you can move freely without feeling restricted.
These shin guards are built to last through multiple seasons of intense play, making them a reliable investment for any field hockey player. Available in Small/Medium and Large/XL sizes, it’s important to note that they run small—many buyers recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Size Guide:
S/M: Inside height: 10″, Outside height: 12.5″
L/XL: Inside height: 11″, Outside height: 13.5″
If you’re looking for comfortable, durable, and high-performance shin guards, the STX Hinder is an excellent choice. Just be sure to double-check sizing to ensure the right fit!
Let’s not forget about TK protective guards, this is their brand new version of the shinguards. Just like the CranBarry and Harrow field hockey shin guards, the TK pads have a hard plastic outer shell to ensure you’re sufficiently protected. An added bonus on these shin pads are vents on the sides to allow proper breathing and air flow to your legs so you won’t overheat during the game! The straps are easy to use and fit well! There are different sizes of the shinguards: S (10.5″), M (11.5″), or L (12.5″).
The Byte MX Junior Field Hockey Shin Guards are a top choice for young players, offering a great balance of comfort and protection. Featuring a hard outer shell for impact resistance and a soft inner lining for comfort, these shin guards provide excellent defense against hits while remaining comfortable for long play sessions.
A standout feature is the ankle protection system, which adds extra safety—a feature not commonly found in other junior shin guards. The adjustable Velcro straps ensure a secure and customizable fit, making them easy to put on and take off. Plus, they are easy to clean, perfect for active kids.
This model is specifically designed for kids, but Byte also offers options for adults, such as the Byte ZX Shinguards.
The STX Field Hockey Reversible Shin Shield is an excellent choice for youth players who want comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Unlike hard plastic shin guards, these foam-based guards provide a softer, more comfortable fit while still offering solid protection.
The reversible design (black on one side, white on the other) makes them perfect for home and away games, eliminating the need for extra gear. The lightweight material and open-back design enhance airflow, keeping players cool and dry during matches. However, since the fabric absorbs sweat, wearing socks underneath is recommended to make them easier to remove and reduce odor buildup.
With secure straps for a snug fit and a lightweight feel that won’t slow players down, these shin guards are ideal for youth players looking for a balance of protection and comfort.
A perfect choice if you are looking for the shin guards for your kid. These shin guards are licensed by the NHL, so you can be sure that they are of high quality. The high-impact plastic will definitely protect the shins in case of a hit. The product has a full-flex shin/knee cap design, so not only the shins, but also knees of your child will be protected. Even though Franklin Sports SG 175 shin guards are made out of plastic, they have the the air-flow vented design, so it is comfortable to use them during the whole game and sweat won’t be an issue. You can choose from small, medium, and 9-inch sizes. The guards has two elastic straps on the upper and lower calf area.
Both your left and legs are going to love these Harrow protectors. The Protect series features a super hard and durable plastic exterior to withstand nasty stick checks and hard shots. Although strong and protective, the shell is super lightweight and won’t weigh you down during practice game-time. The interior features an awesome moldable foam padding for superb comfort and maneuverability.
Designed specifically for those junior and youth players, the CranBarry guard are perfect for toddlers or kids. Just like with the elite ones, these youth version pieces for kids possess a hard plastic exterior. The heavy foam construction provides soft comfort on the inside to fit your leg nicely. As an added bonus it comes with protective ankle caps to save you from those low stick checks. The last, but not least, benefit is these don’t require replacement socks.
Field Hockey Shin Guard Socks, Rash Guards, and Accessories
Don’t forget these essential accessories like shin guard socks and rash guards. After scooping these up, you’ll have crossed everything off your equipment list in the leg department!
In official games you should wear socks over your shin guards. Rocking these socks keeps your protective pieces in place while moving around. The sleeves are from a known field hockey equipment company – STX. This guarantees that the sleeves are high quality and are perfectly suited for playing the game.
You can look stylish by fitting the color to your uniform and choose from maroon, red, orange, and pink colors. When it comes to the quality, sleeves are made from a breathable and lightweight fabric. And the good thing about them that these are one size. So you won’t have to worry if it fits you or not. If you were looking for a socks that will keep the shin guards in place during the active play, you found it!
The STX Field Hockey Rash Guard Sock is designed to provide a secure and comfortable layer over shin guards, preventing irritation and ensuring a snug fit. Made with lightweight, breathable fabric, these socks help reduce friction and wick away moisture, keeping players cool and dry during intense play.With a streamlined fit, they offer full coverage and protection, making them an ideal choice for field hockey players looking for extra comfort. Whether for junior or adult players, these socks are a reliable addition to any gear setup.
Many players prefer to wear some form of socks underneath their guards. These compression socks are perfect for you. The graduated compression ensure maximum blood flow. This leads to faster muscle recovery and relieves discomfort. If you face plantar-fasciitis or other related injuries, these are just what you need for arch support. The sweat-wicking material makes it super easy to clean and throw right into the washer!
Shinguard socks is a must have if you are a frequent player of a field hockey. While most of the shin guards, and definitely all of the covered in this article, has soft lining, using shinguards socks is beneficial. Not only it adds more comfort, but it helps to keep the shin guards in place. You can choose from various colors, so it makes a perfect fit for your uniform. You should not worry about the size as one size fits all.
Choosing the best field hockey shin guards involves considering factors like comfort, fit, durability, and brand reputation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will help you find the perfect pair of shin guards to protect your legs. Remember to always prioritize safety and invest in high-quality gear to maximize your performance on the field.
