Hockey jocks are a vital piece of equipment that protect the most sensitive area of the body and I would never be tempted to play a game without it. The size and style of fit is different for all players depending on body type and preference. The actual cup doesn’t change too much but there are some subtle differences between all the models, but the hockey jock itself has a bunch of different styles. Read on for reviews that break down everything you need to know like manufacturers specs, strengths of the equipment, possible weaknesses, and overall consumer value.
Our top recommended pick is the ShockDoctor Ultra Shockskin compression shorts for its extremely comfortable fitment and the lightweight AirCore Cup design.
Best Shorts Style Protection
Best Shorts Hockey Jock
Protecting not only your family jewels, but also comes with hip protection as well as amazing ventilation, the Shock Doctor Ultra Shock Skin Compression comes in as our top pick
Shock Doctor really specializes in protective accessories, such as mouth guards and jocks. Their expertise is apparent here, with the Ultra Shock Skin coming in as our top pick. Protection for your sensitive area with a cup and added hip protectors make this a fantastic choice. On the airflow side, Shock Doctor has incorporated their 4 way airflow stretch mesh to keep you cool and uninhibited when skating. Protecting your downstairs is not somewhere you want to cheap out on, and luckily with the Ultra Shock Skin you can get fantastic protection for a very reasonable price!
Taking hits and blocking shots can take a toll on a player through the season – Keep your lower body safe with a Best Lightweight Hockey pants – Check our article out!
Runner Up
Best Compression Hockey Jock
This pair of hockey jock shorts does exactly what you’d expect it to, protect your groin area with a great set of compression shorts.
Bauer’s Premium Compression Hockey Jock is a no nonsense short style jock. It lacks the innovative hip protectors that the shock doctor boasts, which is why we have it in second place. If you are only concerned about protecting the jock area, these are more than up to the task.
Compression Pants With Protection
Best Pants Hockey Jock
This pair of hockey jock pants does exactly what you’d expect it to, protect your groin area with a great set of compression pants!
A great pair of compression pants coupled with excellent jock protection make these our top pick if you prefer pants style jocks. The Shock Doctor Core full length leggings really help with recovery by keeping you compressed throughout the game. No surprises here, this pair of pants will keep you going and keep you protected just as you’d expect.
There’s nothing worse than banging your elbow on the ice or boards, keep yours safe and check out our Best Value Hockey Elbow Pads of the Year article!
Our Research and Findings
Hockey jocks are a vital piece of equipment that protect the most sensitive area of the body and I would never be tempted to play a game without it. The size and style of fit is different for all players depending on body type and preference. Read on for reviews that break down everything you need to know like manufacturers specs, strengths of the equipment, possible weaknesses, and overall consumer value.
Directly below is our comparison table of all the hockey jocks we discuss in the article. Click on the product name to jump to the review, or click the flag to find the best price in your country!
Protect your hands from hacks and slashes! We wrote an article on the Best Protecting Hockey Gloves here!
The Best Hockey Jocks
Specifications and Features:
- Bio-Shape Design – These Shock Doctor hockey jocks are designed to move with every stride so there is no restriction
- Shockskin Protection – Added shockskin protection on the hips give you an extra layer of padding to compliment your hockey pants.
- AirCore Cup – An extremely lightweight cup so it feels like nothing is there, with three layers of protection for optimal comfort.
Advantages:
- Innovative Design – Shock Doctor has incorporated extra padding on the hips with a comfort cup pocket designed to keep you protected without getting in the way of your stride.
- Advanced Ventilation – Constructed with a 4-way Airflow stretch mesh to enhance ventilation and increase your mobility on the ice, one of the most underrated features found on jocks today
- Lightweight Protection – The redesigned AirCore cup is made to provide uncompromising protection with the use of three layers of padding to give you the best protection and comfort available
Disadvantages:
This is one of best compression hockey jock shorts out there so on the higher end of the price range, but you are paying for hands down the most technologically advanced pair on the market.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is without a doubt one of the best hockey jocks on the market, and it gets our recommendation because it excels in every possible category. The shorts fit like you’re wearing nothing at all with the 4-Way Airflow stretch mesh and they’re very flexible. Shock Doctor has implemented the most new technology in compression shorts with the Bio-Shape design so it is literally made to move with your stride. They’ve also included ShockSkin on the hips which is literally added protection that you won’t even notice! If you’ve ever had a hip pointer playing hockey this is going to help provent that injury. Overall, these are the best value and if you’re looking for a compression style jock these are our top choice!
Put on some high quality shin guards over your new jock – Check out our best Hockey Shin Guards of the Year article!
Specifications and Features:
- 37.5 Technology – Designed by Bauer this enhances ventilation and evaporation so the fabric dries faster and doesn’t retain moisture
- Chafe Protection – Bauer uses a flat locking seam in key areas which help reduce chafing and skin irritation from extended periods of play.
- Mesh Enhanced Ventilation – With strategically placed mesh to increase ventilation, this hockey jock keeps you cool throughout the game.
Advantages:
- Comfortable Fit – This is a very comfortable hockey jock that uses a lot of flexible mesh and the flat locking inseams for a very soft fit against your skin.
- Flexible Design – Bauer made this hockey jock very flexible by taking away a little of the tightness of the compression shorts, making these feel looser compared other models.
- Cooling Ventilation – With mesh inserts added to increase ventilation and the 37.5 technology to increase evaporation of sweat give this hockey jock a great feel as you’re flying down the wing.
Disadvantages:
The technology used in the actual cup wasn’t as advanced as the shock doctors, but overall a very comfortable fit and will get the job done.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is a top choice from Bauer, one of the best known brands in the game and it provides an excellent value for the price. Compression shorts are definitely the most popular hockey jock designs and to get a high quality product at this price is a steal. The best thing about this Bauer is it definitely the inside material, as it fits so comfortably on the skin you won’t even notice it. This is one of the best value hockey jock short products on the market and the performance is always great from the most trusted brand in hockey.
Specifications and Features:
- Supportive Design – Shock Doctors Core models focus on supportive compression design to give you a great fit and enhance your play
- Core Flex Pocket – A newly designed cup pocket to position it naturally on your body regardless of your body type or shape.
- Bio-Flex Cup – Designed to improve movement and comfort, the Bio-Flex cup comes with a gel perimeter for a soft fit against the body.
Advantages:
- Great Mobility – Shock Doctor focused on giving players unrestricted movement with the core compression and also the Core Flex pocket design so the cup moves with you.
- Serious Protection – The Bio-Flex cup gives you unparalleled protection with its upgraded shape and construction.
- Comfortable Fit – The gel lining around the inside of the Bio-Flex cup almost makes it feel as though its floating on a cloud, and if you’ve ever worn an uncomfortable cup before this is a huge compliment!
Disadvantages:
This model lacks a little bit on the ventilation side compared to the ShockSkin model, but is an excellent value pick.
BOTTOM LINE:
A fantastic offering from Shock Doctor, this unit doesn’t have the shock skin layer that our top pick has, but is still absolutely loaded with features and will undoubtedly keep you and your berries safe from any errant shots or sticks
Specifications and Features:
- Second-Skin Fit – Classic to other under armour products, these jock shorts offer an ultra-tight compression short that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all
- 4-Way Stretch Fabric – The construction of the Under Armour shorts use a 4-way stretch construction for uninhibited range of motion
- HeatGear Fabric – A proprietary Under Armour technology used to ensure the player feels cool, dry, and light all game long
Advantages:
- Range of Motion – Under Armour is one of the leaders in under gear across all sports, so the one thing they have dialed in is the unrestricted range of motion this pair of shorts provides
- HeatGear Technology – The beauty of this product is Under Amours HeatGear technology which has been proven across all types of sports to provide great ventilation and reduce heat build up
- Comfortable Fit – This hockey jock truly fits like a second skin and you won’t notice it at all skating with the stretch-mesh cup pocket
Disadvantages:
The price tag is the only real disadvantage with these, but the proven technology and Under Armour’s reputation in base layer makes it worth every penny
BOTTOM LINE:
These are truly one of the most comfortable pairs of hockey jocks out there, and that’s driven by the fact that Under Amour has perfected under gear – it’s literally in their name. The range of motion is the biggest thing for me as they have 4-way stretch fabric in all the right places and it goes a long way in ensuring you can skate without any restriction. The HeatGear technology also helps provide the best ventilation we have experienced. These are a great pick for value and the fact these are extremely durable and should last you a number of seasons.
5. CCM Bodyfit Hockey Jock Shorts - The Best Traditional Jock Short
Specifications and Features:
- Hybrid Design – CCM has come out with a jock that is in between a compression short and the loose fitting short to give you the best of both worlds
- Breathable Construction – Vented fabric throughout, including down the length of the inner leg for maximized ventilation
- Range of Motion – Since these are bit looser in the middle of the short, they provide a great range of motion that doesn’t restrict skating in any way.
Advantages:
- Hybrid Fit – These provide a balance between compression shorts and loose fitting shorts, which finds a sweet spot with players in terms of comfort.
- Comfortable Ventilation – With the loose fit you don’t need the same level of ventilation as compressor shorts, and these a great at keeping your body temp down during the game.
- Flexible Construction – A really innovative design that improves your range of motion with a looser fit around the thighs but the cup holder still gives you great protection.
Disadvantages:
Its a bit of a different design and some players aren’t going to want to try making the switch, but if you aren’t married to one specific type of jock, these could be your best bet!
Bottom Line:
CCM comes through with a design that none of the other brands really offer, a hybrid between a compression short and a loose fitting short. Overall there are some mixed reviews on this jock but it really comes down to personal preference, if you want a little bit more room around your thighs this could be the perfect solution!
Specifications and Features:
- AirCore Cup – An extremely lightweight cup so it feels like nothing is there, with three layers of protection for optimal comfort.
- Hybrid Compression – The PowerStride is designed for players who want compression below the groin area but a loose fit above for enhanced range of motion.
- Ultra Comfort Cup Pocket – A new cup pocket specifically engineered to move with your body and keep the cup in place at all times,.
Advantages:
- Maximum Protection – The AirCore cup gives you very lightweight protection with multiple layers of foam construction to maximize comfort as well.
- Innovative Design- The design is unique as this hockey jock focuses more towards players that have a very long and powerful stride that want a little bit more forgiveness than a compression short.
- Breathable Fit – The loose fit around the groin and breathable material gives these a great feel to keep you cool all game.
Disadvantages:
- Similar to the CCM BodyFit, these are a hybrid design so not every player is going to like the fit if they’re used to or prefer the snug fit of compression shorts
BOTTOM LINE:
Shock Doctor has become a leader in the jock market and their products are always in the running for the best overall hockey jock, so its really all about player preference. This is their hybrid design so it’s somewhere in the middle of a compression short and a classic fitting hockey jock. It offers great protection and breath ability and it really enhances your range of motion with their powerstride design.
Specifications and Features:
- Mesh Construction – This is basically the lightest and most breathable jock you can buy as it’s simply a mesh short with a cup pocket.
- XO Pro Cup – Top of the line protection with the XO Pro cup to compliment the classic fitment
- Relaxed Fit – This classic Bauer hockey jock fits like a pair of basketball shorts, and even with the added cup protection it still feels great to wear.
Advantages:
- This is the classic style jock that all the old dogs grew up playing with and maybe never stopped, but its a timeless design and still very popular
- Since there is no aspect of compression design in this hockey jock, you’re going to have the largest range of motion with this Bauer jock.
Disadvantages:
- For some of the younger players that have been using compression hockey jocks for a long time, switching back is going to be tough to get used to but its an excellent value choice.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is the classic design and there really isn’t anything new to be said here. This is a solid option for players that have been using this style their entire life and it also happens to be extremely budget friendly. The protection and performance of this jock is great as long as you enjoy how it fits.
Specifications and Features:
- Ultra Carbon Flex Cup – Premium protection with multi-faceted impact protection design that reduces the overall impact transfer to your body
- X-Fit Brief Cup Retention – A new design that has a wraparound mesh design with improved support and increased comfort
- Bio-Shape Design – These Shock Doctor’s are designed to move with every stride and fit snug and comfortably from your waist to ankles
Advantages:
- This is one of the best hockey jock pants our there in my opinion and for me its the flexibility and range of motion created from the Bio-Shape design.
- Compression pants tend to get a bit warm but these do a great job of providing ventilation to the areas that need it most and are quick drying.
- The new cup pocket design along with the carbon flex cup give you exceptional comfort and protection without impacting your skating.
Disadvantages:
- Like is the issue with all compression pant style jocks, they get a little warm but these are much improved over older models in terms of breathability.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Shock Doctor Core compression hockey jock pants bring everything that the top of the line models have so its really just a matter of if you’re looking for pants or shorts. This is an excellent option for players that want their under gear to extend and cover under the shin pads. These have a great design that will give you free range of motion like no other
Specifications and Features:
- Mesh Enhanced Ventilation – With strategically placed mesh to increase ventilation, this hockey jock pant keeps you well ventilated and cool all game long
- 37.5 Technology – Designed by Bauer this enhances ventilation and evaporation so your pants will stay dry longer and dry out much faster
- Chafe Protection – This set of Bauers use a flat locking seam in key areas which help reduce chafing and skin irritation from extended periods of play.
Advantages:
- This is a very comfortable set of hockey jock pants that use a lot of flexible mesh and the flat locking inseams for a very soft yet snug fit
- Bauer made these pants extremely flexible using multi-flex fabrics that increase range of motion
- The mesh inserts added to increase ventilation and the 37.5 technology to increase evaporation of sweat give these a great feel as you’re back-checking or streaking across the ice.
Disadvantages:
- Similar to the Shock Doctor compression pants, these tend to make me a bit too warm but are a great option for those preferring pants style jocks
BOTTOM LINE:
This is an excellent value choice for players looking for great base layer coverage from their jock. The range of motion and overall flexibility you get from these are excellent and you won’t feel it restrict your stride at all. The breathability is amazing too and it did help combat the heat of wearing under gear pants. You really can’t beat the product here as it is neck and neck with the Shock Doctor pants
We have talked about some of the best hockey jocks on the market today, and really it’s all about finding the most comfortable fit for your game. An uncomfortable jock can literally become the focus during a game and that is not what you want. This is a vital piece of equipment you play with and I recommend you get something that fits great and gives you peak protection. As I mentioned at the start of the article my pick is the Shock Doctor Ultra Shockskin compression jock for its added protection on the hips and amazingly comfortable fit. If anyone has an opinion or question on any of the hockey shin guards I have talked about, we’d love to hear from you. s
