Hockey shin guards have a simple yet vital purpose. Of all the body parts, your shins are probably the most likely target of sticks, pucks and skates. Without shin pads, you wouldn't last very long in a hockey game. It would only take one shot or chop with a stick across the knees to convince you that proper leg protection is pretty important.

 

There are varying level of protection offered with the many models and brands of hockey shin guards that we carry. It's safe to assume that you'll get more all-around protection from higher-priced shin guards. As the price increases, you get more calf protection, a greater number of straps to secure the pads to your legs, higher quality materials in the shell and interior, more breathability and flexibility, greater durability and a more comfortable fit. Look at a single line of shin guards from any given manufacturer and compare each model from bottom to top and you'll be able to see the differences in coverage and quality.

 

It's important to make sure that your shin guards are neither too long nor too short. If they're too long, your skates will push them up and your knee caps will not be centered in the knee cap cup of the shin guards, which is uncomfortable and likely to cause your pads to shift around leaving the sides of your knees exposed. If your shin guards are too short, the bottom of your shins and top of your ankles will be left exposed to errant hockey pucks, hockey sticks and skates. If you or the child for whom you are ordering is still growing, try ordering one size above the manufacturer's recommendations for your current size. For growing players, we suggest a small overlap of coverage to allow for years of play.

 

Make sure to grab a few rolls of hockey shin pad tape or shin guard straps before you check out :-)