Shin Guards

Why wear shin guards?

Because football is a physical sport involving a lot of bodily contact, injuries are common. That's why the Dutch football association (KNVB) decided in 1999 to make wearing shin guards mandatory during matches. In the years that followed, lower-leg injuries, ranging from grazes and bruises to fractures, decreased by 25%. The KNVB can't make wearing shin guards mandatory during training as well, but it does recommend it.

How should shin guards fit?

It's important that shin guards are comfortable to wear. You need enough freedom of movement, and the guards shouldn't get in your way. To keep that freedom of movement, it's not a good idea to buy shin guards a size too big to grow into. At least three-quarters of the lower leg should be covered, and the shin guards should extend no more than 5 centimeters below the knees. The best shin guards are made of hard plastic and include ankle protection through an ankle sleeve.

How do you wash shin guards?

Wash your shin guards regularly. You can do this in a bucket of lukewarm water with a bit of detergent or soft soap. Shin guards can also go in the washing machine, but only at a low temperature (maximum 30 degrees Celsius). Put them in a laundry bag to prevent the velcro from losing its grip.

Tips

To make sure your shin guards stay firmly in place, you can use special elastic straps that keep them from slipping. These Guard Stay straps can be found here.

After use, don't leave your shin guards in your bag, hang them up instead. This lets them air out and helps prevent bacteria from forming.

Still have questions about shin guards? Feel free to ask our customer service.