Getting dressed for a soccer match seems simple enough; even young soccer players can perform the basics, such as how to wear the goalkeeper jersey. However, if you put on socks and shin guards the wrong way, you might be ruining your technique or even jeopardizing your safety during training or a high-stakes game, which can result in serious injury.

Following the correct equipment usage and dressing order ensures your safety gear actually does its job. It prevents the guards from shifting, provides adequate shin and ankle protection, prevents painful blisters, and minimizes the risk of injury.

So read on to learn how to put on gear properly, and why Storelli's professional-grade socks and sleeves make dressing easier and safer.

What You'll Need

Soccer Socks

These knee-high athletic socks are made from stretchable materials designed to cover shin guards completely. They're significantly longer and thicker than regular athletic socks, specifically so you can fit the protective gear underneath and it won’t shift during a match.

Compression-style socks add extra support and help keep gear in place when running and cutting. The tighter fit of compression socks further reduces the chance of blisters from loose fabric rubbing against your skin. However, if the shin guard has built-in ankle protection, it might prove to be too tight.

Shin Guards

There are three main types of shin guards, each with different wearing methods.

Slip-in guards are the most common type. They are lightweight pieces of plastic, resin, or even carbon fiber, which slide (and get taped) under your socks. Slip-in models work best when paired with compression or shin guard sleeves to make them stay positioned on the shin correctly.

Ankle guard shin guards wrap around your heel area and ankle and slide under the socks. They offer more coverage and built-in stability, but can feel bulkier than slip-in versions. Some people also prefer the added ankle pads, while others consider them too cumbersome or even ineffective.

Shin guard socks combine guards and socks into a single unit with built-in guard pockets. These are excellent for younger players and anyone who wants the simplest possible setup.

Young players can also be fitted with a shin guard that has a Velcro strap attached or even a stirrup system around the heel. This allows them to lock on securely regardless of the type of socks used. Players can practice their soccer skills without getting bogged down by the complexity of professional soccer goalie equipment.

Optional Accessories

Shin guard sleeves, such as Storelli's compression sleeves, provide extra grip and comfort while keeping guards from sliding. Storelli's BodyShield Leg Guard and Leg Sleeve have a slot for a regular slip-in shin guard, while the extra ankle padding on the Leg Guard provides more lower leg protection overall.

Athletic tape is typically used by most players to secure the shin pad to the socks and legs. Some players also wear grip socks underneath their regular soccer socks, with the shin guard placed between the two cloth barriers. The grip socks provide better traction with soccer cleats.

Step-by-Step: How to Put Them On

Method 1: Traditional Slip-In Shin Guards

1. Start with clean, dry feet, which prevents slipping and bacterial growth, ensuring a snug fit.
2. If you're using shin guard sleeves, put them on first. They provide a grippy base layer that keeps guards from moving. Some even have a dedicated slot for the soccer shin guard.
3. Slide the shin guard on the front of a leg. The guard should sit over the center of your shin bone, about one inch below the kneecap, with the bottom end about two inches above the ankle. If you're using a sleeve, slot the guard in place.
4. Pull your knee-high sock up over the shin guard. Make sure the socks completely cover the guards with no exposed edges. Adjust both the sock and guard to eliminate any bunching or pressure points.
5. Repeat for the other leg.
6. If the socks slide down during play, wrap the top of the sock with a piece of athletic tape fully around the leg.

Method 2: Slip-In Shin Guards Alternative (What Pros Do)

1. Slip on smaller grip socks that reach above your ankle.
2. Slide the shin guard onto the front of the leg and into the ankle portion of a sock.
3. Tape the entire shin guard to the leg with athletic tape, starting from the bottom (so the top of the grip sock gets taped as well).
4. Take a compression guard for the shin or cut off the foot portion of traditional knee-high socks (or match socks), then slip it on over the leg.
5. Tape the top of the sock to the leg.
6. Repeat for the other leg.

Method 3: Ankle-Guard Shin Guards

1. Slide your foot through the guard's stirrup or foot loop. The padding should wrap snugly around your ankle without being so tight that it cuts off circulation.
2. Position the shin portion against the leg, making sure it's centered and sits at the correct height. The ankle padding should feel secure but not restrictive.
3. Fasten the Velcro strips if the guards have them.
4. Pull the soccer socks up to fully cover the entire guard system. Check that the guard hasn't shifted and readjust if necessary.

Method 4: Shin Guard Socks (All-in-One)

These work similarly to putting on a regular pair of socks and work best for the youngest players.

1. Slide a foot in and pull the sock up the leg. The internal guard should naturally align with the shin bone.
2. Adjust the guard pieces through the sock fabric if needed.

Fit & Function: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Wear Shin Guards Over Socks

Not only do most league rules prohibit shin guards from being worn over knee-high socks, but this setup also reduces the friction between your leg and the guard, making it more likely to slip during play.

Too Low or Too High Placement

Shin guards should sit roughly halfway between your ankle and knee, covering most of the shin bone. If they're too low and they won't protect against high kicks and might interfere with ankle movement. If too high, they interfere with knee movement and leave you exposed to lower leg bruises during kicks.

Loose Socks or Shin Guards

Gear that moves around causes blisters, reduces protection, and might even slip entirely and distract you during play. If your socks or guards don't stay put, consider compression gear from Storelli or athletic tape to secure everything in place.

To avoid this problem entirely, ensure your shin guards are the right size. Guards that are too small won't provide adequate coverage, while oversized guards will shift no matter how you secure them. For parents of young players, check regularly to determine if they have outgrown their current pair.

Maintenance Tips: Keeping Socks and Guards in Top Shape

Washing Soccer Socks

Wash soccer socks in cold water and air dry them to maintain elasticity and prevent shrinking. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down or clog synthetic fibers and reduce their moisture-wicking properties. If you want to keep white socks clean, you can use a soaking solution made from a bit of vinegar and baking soda in water for 10 to 15 minutes before putting them in the washing machine.

Turn socks inside out to clean the areas that contact the skin most directly. This removes sweat, oils, and odor-producing bacteria or fungi more effectively.

Cleaning Shin Guards

Wipe shin guards down with an antibacterial spray or mild soap and water after each use. The padding and plastic surfaces can trap bacteria and dirt that can lead to irritation.

After using shin guards at practice, make sure to clean and dry them completely before storing them. Trapped moisture leads to fungal and bacterial accumulation that develops into discoloration and bad smells.

For shin guards with fabric components like ankle straps or sleeve-style guards, follow the washing instructions on the manufacturer's label to avoid damaging or degrading the materials.

Final Tips for Parents & Players

Try Gear On Before the Season

For anyone who isn't a college player or older (basically anyone who hasn’t reached their full growth), gear that fit at the end of last season might be too small now. Make sure that each player puts on their complete uniform, including socks, guards, and even goalkeeper gloves, to check for comfort and coverage.

Players should walk around and do some light jogging and exercises to identify any pressure points or shifting issues before the first practice.

Encourage Routine & Independence

Young players may benefit from "dress rehearsal" days at home where they practice putting on their gear without time pressure. This allows them to get used to the entire outfit and gives them confidence to get ready without supervision or assistance.

Upgrade When Needed

When socks lose their elasticity or the guards feel too small, it's time for new gear.

Storelli offers durable, comfortable socks and sleeves trusted by professional players and parents alike. Quality gear that fits properly makes the entire process easier and keeps players focused on their game rather than adjusting uncomfortable equipment.

For players who wear goalkeeper protective gear, the same principles apply. Proper fit and secure placement ensure maximum protection and comfort during intense play.

FAQs

How to wear soccer shin guards and socks?

Put on shin guard sleeves first (if you use them), then slide guards into position on your shins about one inch below the knee. Pull the soccer socks up over the guards, ensuring complete coverage with no exposed edges.

Do shin guards go underneath soccer socks?

Shin guards are typically worn underneath socks, which most league rules dictate for proper protection. Wearing guards over socks reduces their effectiveness and violates standard soccer regulations.

Do socks or shin guards go on first?

Shin guards go on first, followed by soccer socks pulled over them. If you're using slip-in guards with sleeves, the order is: sleeves, guards, then socks over everything. If using grip socks, put them on first, then put on the guard and tape everything together before putting on the final knee-high socks.

How to put on kids soccer socks?

For young players, shin guard socks (the all-in-one style) are often easiest to put on and wear as they slide on like regular socks. With traditional guards, help kids practice the correct order and positioning until they can do it independently.