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The Daily Insight

What kind of shin guards do pro soccer players wear?

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on February 16, 2026

I believe that the Mercurial Lite Shin guards are the one most professional soccer players use. They are light, simple, and protect pretty well. They also normally come with a shin guard sock that works great to keep them in place.

Correspondingly, do soccer pros wear shin guards?

Despite a pro soccer player's status, they are subject to the same mandatory regulations as everybody else. These mandatory regulations also require professional soccer players to wear shin guards. Even if they tried to get on the field without them, their club/team might stop them before they get out into the field.

Likewise, do professionals use shin guards? Although still only a voluntary accessory in the amateur game they have been mandatory in professional soccer for the past 30+ years. Wearing shin guards also gives players the confidence to play what is a contact sport knowing that they can do so safely.

Accordingly, which shin guards are best for soccer?

Best Soccer Shin Guard Worth Considering in 2021

  • Best Soccer Shin Guard Overall. Uhlsport Tibia Lite Soccer Shin Guard.
  • Runner Up. EvoShield Soccer Shin Guard.
  • Honorable Mention. Diadora Uragano Soccer Shin Guard.
  • Consider. Nike Mercurial Lite Soccer Shin Guard.
  • Best Soccer Shin Guards. Adidas Ghost Shin Guards.

Why do some soccer players not wear shin guards?

The most important reason: It's simply a question of style. Like Cristiano Ronaldo wears long socks, some others are wearing sweatbands, Besides, it's not very comfortable to wear shin guards.

Related Question Answers

Does Jack Grealish wear shin guards?

Grealish explained his reasoning in an interview with GQ earlier this summer as follows: “The low socks and tiny shin pads is just something I've always done. People have suggested a lot of different reasons as to why I wear them like that. My shin pads are kids size, seven to eight, so that's why they're so small.â€

Do soccer players wear shin guards over socks?

Knee-length Soccer Socks

League rules require that socks cover the entire shin guard for the entire game, so players must choose knee-high athletic socks that accommodate the shin guard and also pull up high enough to cover it entirely.

Why do professional soccer players wear bras?

Footballers wear what looks to be a sports bra to hold a GPS tracking device. These chest GPS monitors help track heart rate, calorie-burning, and energy output throughout the entire practice or game.

Do soccer players wear ankle braces?

An ankle brace or tape should be worn during soccer practice and games at least until the completion of a supervised rehabilitation program, including six to 10 weeks of balance-training exercise, Bahr recommends. Most athletes find bracing more comfortable than tape and more cost-effective.

What shin guards does Messi use?

Leo Messi now even wears camouflaged shin guards. FC Barcelona superstar Leo Messi is Adidas' most important footballer, and therefore the German brand has created camouflaged Adidas shin guards for the Argentinian international.

Do pro soccer players wear metal cleats?

Since all the fields are grasses, all professional soccer players wear metal cleats. However, metal cleats are not permitted to be used in youth leagues so that the kids would not injure themselves. Metal cleats can cause great injuries to players if not properly used by professionals.

Do shin guards go over or under socks?

Shin guards are worn under the socks, so don't put them on yet. Position the shin guards correctly. Make sure they are centered on your shin, not off to the side. They should protect from your ankle to below your knee.

How do you know what size shin guards to get?

The larger the shin guard size, the longer and wider they are to accommodate larger leg diameters. Shin guards should fit from just above the bend of your ankle when you flex your foot to a couple of inches below the knee.

Are slip in shin guards better?

Slip-in shin guards are often preferred by more advanced players because they allow for more freedom of movement. However, they are not recommended for younger players, because they don't provide the same level of protection that that full length shin guards with ankle guards can provide.

Which shin guard goes on which leg?

The best way to remember which shin guard goes on which leg is this: If the two shin guards are identical then it doesn't matter which leg they go on. If one side of the shin guard is taller than the other, then place the tall side on the outside of your leg.

Do shin guard sleeves work?

SHIN GUARD SLEEVES: Sleeves are perfect for those that wear slip-in guards. SHIN GUARD STAYS: Stays are just another way to keep your shin guards in place. If compression sleeves are uncomfortable or you don't ever get the right hold on the tape, this will be your best option.

Do soccer players wear mouth guards?

Even the American Dental Association recommends soccer players wear a mouthguard. Professional soccer players are also experimenting with new mouthguard technology to improve performance. Bottom line, it's up to you whether you feel the need to use them or not!