The Evolution of Shin Guards in Soccer
Love them or hate them, shin guards are an integral part of soccer. While not seen as crucial in performance as, say, cleats, they do play a pivotal role. For some, the protection they provide gives them confidence to dive into a tackle without worrying about banging their shins and others see small shin guards as liberating.
Today’s players have a choice between several types of shin guards, each of which carries their own advantages and disadvantages. To get an idea of which type is right for you, it’s helpful to understand how shin guards originated and have evolved to accommodate different preferences and playing styles.
The Evolution of Shin Guards
The first shin guards in existence were not initially invented for soccer. It’s actually the Thailand-based sport of Muay Thai kickboxing that’s responsible for the earliest designs, and they were focused entirely on preventing injuries during training.
As soccer became more popular around the world, the need for its own version of shin guards became undeniable. After years and years of innovation, today’s shin guards are designed to do more than just protect. They’re also designed to enhance performance and suit the physical demands of specific positions.
Different Types of Shin Guards
One of the most popular types of shin guards is the slip-in shin guard, which can be seamlessly slipped into compression sleeves that hold them in place. Lightweight and easy to use, slip-in shin guards offer considerable protection as well as flexibility.
Shin guard with ankle guards, on the other hand, cover the ankle as well as the shin, providing extra protection and support. They’re more commonly worn by younger players more likely to get an accidental kick to the ankle.
Over the past few years, the mini shin guard has skyrocketed in popularity, thanks in no small part to pros wearing the smallest shin guards allowed. Compared to other versions, mini shin guards are lighter, more comfortable and less bulky, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
Which is Best for Your Athlete?
Different positions call for different levels of protection and flexibility. For instance, defenders might prefer larger shin guards because they more regularly have chances to get kicked in the shin when making a tackle. A forward, on the other hand, might prefer the lighter slip-in shin guards because they are more conducive to constant mobility and sudden bursts of speed.
These days, a growing number of younger players are opting for mini shin guards primarily because they’re less distracting and more discreet.. Athletes who are considering mini shin guards should first make sure they are not endangering their own safety for the sake of style.
It’s also important to note that mini shin guards are not the only lightweight option available. Some of the latest models are designed to be as light and comfortable as possible without compromising protection. So, before jumping on the mini shin guard trend, young players should think about what they really want out of a shin guard, and explore other options offering these specific features.
Choosing Your Model
Shin guards are a lot like the game as a whole – there is no right shin guard or wrong shin guard. It’s about personal preference, about what makes you feel most comfortable playing. One thing we always encourage our mentees to do is to practice in their shin guards. While it’s obviously not mandatory, being used to playing in them removes another distraction during games.
