Getting the right shin guard size is about more than just providing comfort; it’s about ensuring this crucial piece of protective gear actually does its job. An ill-fitting shin guard can shift and come loose out of position after a kick or jump, which can leave the leg unprotected and even impede mobility during gameplay.

Therefore, proper sizing is the core of essential protection, and the difference can come down to just a few millimeters of fit. High-performance guards from brands like Storelli rely on precise measurements to deliver lightweight protection that doesn't compromise mobility or safety.

So, whether you're shopping for your first pair of shin guards for youth soccer or upgrading to professional-grade equipment, here's a quick tutorial on how to measure yourself and learn what your perfect fit is.

Soccer Shin Guard Size Chart (Youth & Adult)

Notes for Accurate Fit:

As a general measurement guide, shin guards cover around 70-80% of your shin bone, ideally extending from around two inches below the kneecap to just above the ankle. However, always double-check brand-specific size guides, as sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers. For instance, Nike shin guards tend to run smaller, while Adidas typically offers more room due to a different cut.

For slip-in shin guards, pairing them with compression shin guard sleeves ensures neither piece of equipment can shift during intense play. The sleeve creates a grippy base layer from knee to ankle that keeps the shin guard in place or even lets you slot one in a dedicated pocket.

Why Getting the Right Fit Is Essential

Safety First

A shin guard that's too small won't cover the full shin bone, while oversized guards can twist or slide during play, exposing areas that should be protected.

Either way, you're looking at increased risk of injury, from bruises to shin splints or worse.

Comfort & Mobility

Guards that are too large can feel bulky and interfere with how much you can move your ankle, which can affect everything from running to jumping to kicking. Oversized guards also tend to trap more heat and moisture, which can feel uncomfortable since the added surface area doesn't wick away sweat as well.

Conversely, guards that are too small press into the leg at cut-off points (the edges), which can increase the risk of pain. They can shift up or down the leg or slip down over the ankle, which leads to similar mobility concerns.

Tools You'll Need to Measure Correctly

What to Grab

For accurate measurements, a soft tape measure is recommended, but you can use a flexible ruler. A flexible tape works best for following the contours of your leg. Keep a pen and paper handy to track your measurements, and use a mirror to ensure you're measuring straight lines.

You may need an extra person to measure your height and record it in both inches and centimeters, as different brands use different measurement systems.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure for Soccer Shin Guards

Step 1: Record Your Height

Most brands use height in centimeters or inches as the primary measurement, so record your full height without shoes.

Stand straight against a wall and mark the top of your head, then measure from the floor to the mark. As mentioned, a second person is usually best to help here, as you might tilt or swivel your head when trying to mark your own height.

Step 2: Measure Shin Length

Sit on a chair with your knees bent at 90 degrees or stand with your legs slightly bent. Then, locate the bony protrusion just below your kneecap and the prominent ankle bone on the inside of your leg.

Use a tape measure to record the distance between these two points, going along the front of your shin bone. This gives you the total shin length that needs protection.

Step 3: Check Brand Sizing Chart

With your height and shin size measurements, consult the specific sizing chart for your chosen brand. High-performance brands like Storelli, Nike, Adidas, and Puma each have slightly different fits and sizing standards.

Youth soccer players who are still growing typically need new guards every six to 12 months, so size down if they fall between two different sizes and recheck often.

Sizing Tips by Age and Playing Level

Youth vs. Adult Sizing

Youth soccer players are still developing, making proper protection even more critical. However, kids can get distracted by uncomfortable gear, so finding the sweet spot between protection and comfort is essential. Their height-to-shin ratios might not correlate exactly to standard sizing guides, so size down if you're unsure.

Teenagers transitioning to the collegiate level or adult leagues are expected to perform in competitive play, where impacts are stronger and more frequent. This requires a more exact fit for both leg guards and soccer socks.

Competitive vs. Casual Use

Serious players need an exact fit that has minimal weight and is compatible (and matches) with team-provided compression sleeves or soccer sliding shorts. Professional-level guards often have a more anatomical shape and require precise sizing to perform optimally, which may require custom sizing.

For recreational players or those involved in less-competitive practice and training, slightly looser guards can work, but don't forget that they don't replace properly sized shin guards when the situation demands it.

Slip-In vs. Ankle Shin Guards: Does Size Change?

Slip-In Shin Guards

These lightweight guards require compression sleeves, goalkeeper leggings, or two layers of socks to hold them in place. Since they are stuck in place by another layer, they can be sized more precisely for optimal protection and mobility.

Slip-in guards work best for advanced players and professionals, as they are easier to wear properly, customizable to fit their size, and don't impede movement. In terms of weight, they're also the preferred choice for goalkeepers who need maximum mobility while wearing bulkier soccer goalie equipment.

Ankle-Guard Shin Guards

Built-in stirrups and ankle padding make these guards more secure, especially for children, but are also bulkier. The ankle protection padding adds weight and changes how the guard sits on your leg, which can also influence which size fits.

As such, based on your ankle length, you may need to move up a half-size from slip-in guard measurement guides to accommodate the additional ankle coverage.

How Shin Guards Should Fit on the Leg

Correct Placement

The top of the shin guard should sit about one to two inches below the kneecap, so it doesn't touch or interfere with the knee in any way. The bottom should end approximately one inch above your ankle so the player can move their feet freely.

The guard should follow the natural curve of the shin and sit flush against the leg without gaps or digging into the skin.

Securement Tips

Use compression sleeves, grip socks, or athletic tape to keep guards properly positioned. Storelli's compression sleeves offer non-slip protection that works with ultra-light guards to simply slot the guard in place.

Some players use a two-sock system: thin grip socks against the skin, shin guards positioned over the ankle area and then taped to the leg, followed by regular soccer socks (sans the foot part) over everything. This setup provides more security and comfort and is preferred by pros, but requires practice to perfect the assembly of the layering system.

Signs Your Shin Guards Don't Fit

They Slide Around or Fall Down

Guards that move during play are usually too short, too narrow, or lack proper securement. This is not only annoying but dangerous, as moving guards can distract you or slip out of position, allowing another player's leg to strike you during impact kicks.

They Dig Into the Skin

Pressure points typically indicate guards that are too long, too wide, or poorly contoured for the shape of your shin. This discomfort only gets worse over time as you move and apply more pressure on the leg during a game.

Some players experience pressure points when transitioning from youth to adult sizes, as the guard profiles change significantly between size categories.

You Feel Exposed or Unbalanced

If you're constantly aware of shin guards being on your leg, you might be experiencing incomplete shin coverage, or the excess bulk is negatively affecting your gait. Guards should feel like a natural extension of your leg, protecting without interfering with movement in any way.

Final Sizing Tips from Coaches & Players

Try Before You Buy (If Possible)

In-store fitting is going to be your best bet for a perfect fit, especially for first-time buyers or those switching to a different guard style. However, online sizing works well when you've measured yourself or your child properly and use the brand's exact sizing guide.

Many online retailers offer easy return policies for size exchanges, so you may be able to order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit perfectly.

Replace When Growth or Comfort Changes

Young players may need new guards every season due to natural shin growth. Adult players should preventatively replace worn guards every one to two years or sooner if they show signs of impact damage or structural deterioration (such as visible cracks, worn padding, or disfiguration).

Invest in High-Quality Fit

Better materials typically mean better fit, superior protection, and increased confidence on the field. Premium guards from Storelli offer lightweight, anatomical shaping designed for maximum mobility without compromising safety.

For players who also wear goalkeeper pants or a goalkeeper jersey, protective equipment that works together as a system and fits well is crucial for protection, comfort, and cohesiveness.

FAQs

How do I know what size shin guards to get?

Measure your height as well as shin length from below the kneecap to above the ankle. Your guard should cover 70–80% of this shin measurement. It's best to consult the specific brand's sizing chart.

What is the correct length for shin guards?

Shin guards should extend from about one inch below your kneecap to roughly two inches above your ankle. This is usually around 75% of the shin's total length.

How to fit shin guards correctly?

Position the guard over the center of your shin with the top edge one to two inches below your kneecap. The guard should sit flush against your leg without gaps or pressure. Use compression sleeves or athletic tape to secure the guard and prevent sliding during play.

How do you measure your shin size?

Sit with your leg bent at 90 degrees and measure from the bony protrusion below your kneecap to the middle of the prominent ankle protrusions from the leg bones. Measure along the front of the shin bone down to the ankle.