We have worn, read about, contacted manufacturers, pored over players reviews, and after dozens of hours of work we have rounded up the shin guards in hockey. Blocking 90 mph shots is no joke, and everyone hates taking a painful slash of the back of the legs, so a good set of shin guards is a must to keep you healthy and feeling 100%! After looking at over 10 pairs, we have crowned the Warrior Alpha LX shin guards as the best shin guards of the season. Read on to see how we came to this conclusion!
Best Overall Shin Guards
The Best Hockey Shin Guards
Warrior has focused on fit and protection with the Alpha LX, and this set is also light weight and fast drying to boot!
Warriors meteoric rise in the hockey gear game continues with this amazing set of shin guards. Featuring warriors Sling Wrap strapping system and their ‘Dynamic Strike’ technology, this set of shin pads fits amazing right out of the box. It also has the DX shell which is a compression molded EVA foam in all the right spots to protect you from pucks and slashes. This set of shin guards won’t let you down!
Looking to compliment your shin guards with some new pants? Pick the right ones by reading our Best Hockey Pants article!
The Light Weight Choice
The Lightest Hockey Shin Guards
Another top tier entry into the Vapor lineup, the 2X Pro’s are both lightweight and extremely protective
Bauer has come out with the complete package with their Vapor 2X Pro Shin Guard. Designed with weight at the front of mind, these shin guards are super light weight weighing in at just over a pound each, and they don’t sacrifice protection to get there! Check out what this user had to say about the Vapor’s after purchasing a pair off pure hockey –
Easy on the Wallet
The Best Budget Shin Guards
Coming in at about half the price of our top choices, the Supreme S29’s provide adequate protection while protecting your bank account too!
Bauer’s Supreme S29 is the brands mid-range supreme shin guard. Featuring fast drying technology and a massive calf protector, this shin guard will keep you on the ice for a great price to boot!
Protecting your elbows is just as important as your legs – See our thoughts on the Best Elbow Pads !
Our Recommendations
Lightweight Choice
Lightweight and protective, the 2X Pro will deliver top of the line protection, keeping you safe from blocking shots, taking hits, or anything inbetween
Buying Options
Best Overall Shin Guard
Our top choice for the year, the Alpha LX gives top of the line protection, and a fit that players are finding can’t be beat thanks to Warriors innovative sling wrap technology
Buying Options
The Economical Choice
The S29 is a mid range model, it will soak up shots and sticks without leaving you exposed, and save your wallet from a bit of punishment too!
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Hockey shin guards (also sometimes called shin pads) are a vital piece of equipment that should protect both the front and back of your legs. The size and fit of the shin guard is different for players that maybe block a lot of shots or frequently kill penalties. You don’t really think about hockey shin guards but they are one of the most abused piece of equipment by pucks, shots coming off of lightweight hockey sticks, and even a new pair of top of the line skates. 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.
We will be reviewing the best senior hockey shin pads from all the major brands including CCM, Bauer, and Warrior to help you get peak performance and go bar down all the time. We will layout the shin pads and rank them for durability, fit, weight, and cost. These are the best hockey shin guards on the market and our goal is to help you make the best choice for your game.
At the bottom of our article we have a guide on hockey shin guard sizing and buying basics for all players.
Protecting your head is paramount in hockey! Check our Top Hockey Helmets of the Year article to protect yours!
The Best Hockey Shin Guards
Best Hockey Shin Guards for Skinny Legs
Specifications and Features:
- Anatomical Fit – The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro is designed to provide a close and natural fit to your body.
- AMP Technology – Bauer’s Active Motion Protection features a molded shincap for better mobility and freedom while maintaining excellent protection
- Thermo Core Liner – Bauer’s next generation liner system helps wick sweat off your shins and keep you cool and dry all game long!
Advantages:
- Great Protection – The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro comes packaged with exception new technology that gives the player unquestioned protection in the front and back.
- Lightweight – The Integrated Curv composite targets certain areas in your legs that allow an enhanced, lightweight protection in these shin guards.
- Ventaprene Straps – Bauer’s top of the line strapping system, these straps lock your legs in securely so they never move around – no matter if you have skinny legs or thick ones!
Disadvantages:
This is one of Bauers top end hockey shin guard so its not going to save you any money, but the protection it offers to the front and back of the leg is unprecedented.
BOTTOM LINE:
Bauer’s brand new Supreme 2S Pro line is a truly complete set of shin guards. The anatomical build really helps these shin pads lock into place. The anatomical build coupled with the Ventaprene straps and AMP technology are all the reasons why we think this is easily the best shin guard for players with skinny legs. The last thing you want is your shin guard moving out of place when you block a shot or hit the ice! The Supreme 2S Pro’s will lock down tight, keeping you protected in all situations, while simultaneously keeping you legs dry and cool thanks to advanced liner tech!
Looking to increase your upper body protection? Check out the Lightest Hockey Shoulder pads in our article here!
Best Overall Hockey Shin Guard
Specifications and Features:
- Quick Strike Technology – The Quick Strike Technology gives the Warrior Alpha LX shin guards a superior fit and range of mobility without hindering the protection.
- Maximum Protection – Features a lightweight, molded guard that offers great front and back protection in these warrior shin guards.
- Wartech FNC Liner – The Wartech Liner is engineered with Polygiene to keep your shin guards dry and odorless.
Advantages:
- Great Protection – The Warrior Alpha LX gives you enhanced protection with the molded shin guard so you can focus on the important aspects of the game like going bar down.
- Superior Mobility – These shin guards give every player exceptional mobility with the Quick Strike Technology so you won’t feel constricted at any point in the game.
- Lock Strap Fitting – The Warrior Alpha LX gives you a secure and anatomical fit with the lock strap feature that is built within the knee protection.
Disadvantages:
The new lock strap technology takes a little bit of getting used to but it really helps with mobility and allowing your shin guard move with your stride.
BOTTOM LINE:
Warrior always is at the front line of the protective gear and Alpha LX hockey shin guards show exactly why, with great protection and lightweight mobility. These are extremely lightweight shin guards and really focus on increasing the players mobility on the ice. They didn’t slack on protection as the molded fit give the shin guards a formed bond with your leg so there isn’t any concern of it moving around. The FNC liner is also great for odor control and quick drying action for those double header games! Overall, great value and an excellent product for players of all calibers and levels.
Best Lightweight Hockey Shin Guard
Specifications and Features:
- Durable Shell Design – Designed with mobility and protection in mind, the CCM Jetspeed FT4 features a lightweight shell design that is both durable and versatile.
- Calf and Knee Guards – The guards come featured with enhanced calf and knee protection molded with rocketframe composite technology.
- DryFoam Liner – These CCM shin guards feature a vented Zotefoam liner for improved breathability and greater ventilation during the game.
- Upgraded Vector Dry Anti-Microbial Liner – The allows the CCM Jetspeed FT4 to minimize bacterial growth and reduces time for drying after a hockey game.4
Advantages:
- Serious Protection – The CCM Jetspeed FT4 shin guard comes equipped obviously with shin protection but also pro level features to protect your upper thighs and calves as well.
- Improved Construction – In addition to the protective features, the molded Rocketframe Composite shell is both lightweight but also gives your hockey shin guards great mobility on the ice.
- Upgraded Features – The CCM Jetspeed FT4 hockey shin guards comes with tons of addition attachments such as lock straps with comfort cushion and adjustable calf straps for a personalized fit.
Disadvantages:
Not a lot I can say here on the negatives but the back of the knee strap took a little getting used to but overall really outstanding shin guard.
BOTTOM LINE:
I really like this years CCM Jetspeed model as they are one of the lightest hockey shin guards I have tried to date. With speed in the name, these are anatomically fitting the length of the shin guard and are constructed with lightweight composite materials. This is a perfect shin guard for skilled forwards and shifty puck moving defenseman. It might not be the best choice if you’re going to be out there blocking a ton of shots but it is still one of the best hockey shin guards on the market!
Most Protective Hockey Shin Guards
Specifications and Features:
- Tapered Fit – The tapered fit gives the Bauer Vapor 2X Pro hockey shin guards great flexibility and comfort without giving up any protection.
- X Lite Shield Shin Cap – Ergonomically designed for an amazing fit, it follows the natural curve of your leg bones
- Ventilated Liner – Bauer designed the shin guard liner with sweat-wicking technology as well as odor-resistant treatment.
- Tune Fit Strap – Designed to hug your leg and secure the shin pads for a comfortable yet snug fit
Advantages:
- Increased Protection – The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro had a ton of new technology incorporated to make sure you’re well protected for every situation including the Curv composite construction.
- Vented Liner – This shin guard has enhanced ventalation for quicker drying after the game and better drying throughout the game, keeping your shin guards as lightweight as possible.
- Comfortable Fit – In addition to the Curv composite construction, this set of shin guards has Bauers DYNAFLEX and Tune Fit strap to give you the perfect on leg feel
Disadvantages:
The price tag is the only real disadvantage with these hockey shin guards, but its a price you pay to get the lightest shin guards released this year.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is a great shin guard for any player, as it has a versatile array of protective technologies while still focusing on mobility and quickness. If you’re not comfortable in your shin guards you will feel it on every single stride, and these give you a great lightweight feel with an anatomical fit. These are one of the best hockey shin guards for players that like the tapered fit and the slimmer bottom.
Best Hockey Shin Guards for the Money
Specifications and Features:
- Dual Molded HD Foam – This CCM shin guard features a Dual Molded HD Foam that is anatomical for long-term, durable protection with a personalized fit.
- D30 Block Shot Protection – Reinforced Block Shot protection and smart material that keeps your joints well protected from pucks and sticks to any part of the leg.
- Reinforced Wrapping Lock Strap – Well designed strapping system that’s easily adjustable and provides more flexibility and support.
- Removable Liner with Shin Padding– Removable lining for extended customization and also features a knee cut-out for increased ventilation.
Advantages:
- Shot Blocking Protection – The reinforced smart materials ensures that the CCM Super Tacks effectively dissipates the energy from a shot and increases the overall protection of these shin guards.
- Removable Liner – The removable liner gives players a little more flexibility in how much padding they want on the inside of the shin guard, its a feature I like because I like as thin a liner as possible.
- Lightweight Construction – In addition to the D30 Smart Material, the guards come with lightweight features such as the Dual Molded HD Foam to assure a padded and lightweight shin guard.
Disadvantages:
This is a rough and tough shin guard and its primary goal is strictly for protection, not to say it isn’t lightweight but its bulkier than some of the other products on the market.
BOTTOM LINE:
The CCM Super Tack shin guards are build to give the player maximum protection, and its a perfect product for defenseman and power forwards. I’ve never felt safer on the ice when wearing these because I truly feel like these are the best protective shin guards on the market and could probably stop a bullet if it came down to it. They aren’t really for the skilled forwards that don’t like to muck it up in the corners or block shots but if you want protection these are for you. A great option for a hockey shin guard and one that will make sure you stay on the ice and not injured.
Best Bugdet Hockey Shin Guards
Specifications and Features:
- Anatomical Fit – The Bauer Supreme Lineup has an anatomical fit, fitting a bit more straight and traditional than the Vapor lineup
- AMP Technology – Found in higher level shin guards as well, the AMP technology is the Active Motion Protection to give a great range of motion as without sacrificing protection
- Thermo Max Liner – Designed by Bauer and featured in a number of their protective productions to help deal with sweat and odor in your gear.
Advantages:
- Full leg Support – The S29 although being a better price point, doesn’t skimp out on protection and covers you everywhere you need
- High Level Specs – Features such as AMP technology and Thermo Max liner are found on higher more expensive shin guards, but the S29 also has them which is fantastic value!
- Comfortable Fit – A great fit that contours to your body which allows for great mobility for better in-game performance. The 2 strap system also gives you some nice flexibility for a personalized fit.
Disadvantages:
- For the price, there really aren’t any big disadvantages. They will be a tad heavier and bulkier than the Supreme 2S Pro as some of the materials are no as advanced
BOTTOM LINE:
The S29 ranks as our best budget shin guard for its mix of technology and budget friendly features. It has the same anatomical fit the Supreme line is known for, but also features some higher level materials and technologies. The Y shape strap on the back really locks your leg in so you never need a pesky in game adjustment!
Best Hockey Shin Guards for Mobility
Specifications and Features:
- Lightweight Construction – An innovative shell and hinge design reduces weight and increases mobility.
- Anatomical Fit – CCM has gone with a slim fitting shin guard that contours very closely to each individual players leg.
- Upper Locking Strap – These hockey shin guards have an upper locking strap at the back of the knee for greater flexibility on the fit.
Advantages:
- If you’re looking for a great slim fitting shin guard but don’t want to pay for the top of the line model, this is a great compromise and is a great value option.
- The lightweight construction and re-engineered shell/hinge design give these hockey shin guards optimal mobility and comfort for every stride you take.
- The fit of these shin guards is great and one feature I do like is the back strap, as I like a bit of a tighter fit especially around the knee.
Disadvantages:
- This isn’t the most protective shin guard on the market, but it will definitely get the job done and its a top value pick for sure.
BOTTOM LINE:
Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Jetspeed FT485, sure its not the top of the line model but it hits the mark in every category that the Jetspeed FT1 does. Its a little heavier and doesn’t have the newest technology but the overall performance is superb. These are the perfect shin guard for players in rec hockey or beer league that don’t want to break the bank but still want a lightweight and comfortably fitting shin guard.
Most Protective Hockey Shin Guard
Specifications and Features:
- Dynamic Strike Technology – The Quick Strike Technology gives the Warrior Alpha LX30 shin guards a great fit and solid mobility without slacking on the protection.
- Flexible Fit – The Alpha LX30 shin guards have a traditional multi strap system to give the player a personalized and comfortable fit.
- Mesh Liner – The mesh liner is extremely lightweight and dries quickly after the game to keep these shin guards as lightweight as possible.
Advantages:
- The Alpha LX30 offers great lightweight protection especially in the calf area, as they have great coverage for padding on the back of the leg.
- The knee protector gives these shin guards a lot of flexibility and mobility with the lightweight attachment to the body of the shin guard.
- These offer a good on ice ventalation with the traditional mesh liner system utilized in these shin guards.
Disadvantages:
- There were a little awkward fitting at first but given the price point they offer exceptional overall value won’t hinder performance.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Warrior Alpha LX30 shin guard is one of the best budget options on the market, while still making sure you get the protection you need. The thing I liked the most about these shin guards is Warrior kept it simple and stuck to the basics. They didn’t try to re-invent the game with these shin guards but instead just put out a solid, reliable, and durable product.
Conclusion
We have talked about some of the best hockey shin guards on the market today, and really it’s all about finding the most comfortable fit for your game. Trust me, there is nothing more annoying as a player than your shin guards impacting your game in any way. This is the most abused piece of equipment you play with and it directly impacts every single stride you take, so you can’t take this choice lightly. My personal favorite is the CCM Jetspeed FT4, this model is extremely comfortable and offers a great lightweight anatomical fit for even better mobility. 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.
How To Size Hockey Shin Guards
Hockey is a high speed and physical sport, although very safe you have to ensure your equipment is sized and fitting properly to protect in all situations. This is an extremely important thing that should not be overlooked, especially for younger kids as they are growing throughout every season! We’re going to walk you through the steps to correctly size and fit a hockey shin guard. We’re going to post guides for every piece of equipment and give you the information needed to buy the proper fitting hockey shin guard.
Measuring your shin for Hockey shin guards
If you’re buying hockey shin guards online, its extremely important you measure the length you need correctly. This is very easy and can be completed in just two easy steps:
1. Always measure the length of your shin while sitting down. This ensures the knee is flexed which is going to be one of the measuring points. Measuring the length of your shin for hockey shin guards while standing can sometimes lead you to buy shin guards that are too short.
2. You want to measure from the middle of your knee-cap to the top of your skate boot. So yes you have to have your skates on to effectively measure the length of hockey shin guard you need, and its important to measure to the top of the boot and not the top of the tongue! The tongue can extend up longer than the skate boot and you ideally want the bottom of the shin guards to extend below the top of the tongue for complete protection.
Senior Hockey Shin Guard Sizing
An important thing to remember when using this sizing guide, is to always double check the brands sizing guide (which should be very similar to ours below) but can vary slightly from brand to brand. We’re going to use Bauer’s sizing guide as a reference, but keep in mind every player is built different and has a different preference on fit.
Junior Hockey Shin Guard Sizing
When sizing for a Junior player, you need to remember senior hockey shin guards are also an option if none of the Junior sizes workout. Junior hockey shin guards are recommended for players aged 8 – 14 years old. It is important to check shin guard sizing before the start of every season to ensure they have not outgrown the shin guards.
Youth Hockey Shin Guard Sizing
Youth shin guards are for players just starting to learn, typically from the ages of 4 to 9 years old but this is only an estimated age range and each shin guard should be sized for the player. If a youth players shin guards are a little long or short it should be ok unless your child is playing at a high level.
We can’t emphasize enough that the most important thing about buying new equipment is ensuring the size and fit are comfortable for the player to provide the maximum possible protection. We hope this hockey shin guard sizing guide has been useful, and if there are any suggestions on how we can make it better please leave a comment below!
