Shin guards are basically your best friend on the soccer field. Sure, they’re required, but they’re doing a lot more than just keeping the refs happy—they’re keeping you safe from all the chaos that happens in the heat of the game. But what exactly are they protecting you from? Let’s break it down.

What Shin Pads Actually Protect

Shin guards shield you from a whole range of injuries, from bruises to fractures. Contusions (basically, deep bruises) and cuts are the most common. When you get a stud to the shin, your pads are taking the brunt of the force, keeping your skin and bones intact. And in worse scenarios? Shin pads help prevent tibia fractures (a.k.a. shinbone breaks)—an injury that can sideline you for months.

Image Source: OrthoCarolina

But don't just take our word for it: research shows that shin guards reduce the force of impacts by 41%-77% in most cases. That’s huge! Without that layer of protection, every slide tackle, kick, or stray boot would put your legs at serious risk.

Bones Under Attack: Tibia and Fibula

The main bone you’re protecting is the tibia, your shinbone, which sits front and center on your lower leg. It’s more vulnerable than other leg bones because there’s not much muscle protecting it from impacts. Shin pads cover this prime target. Some designs even offer limited protection for your fibula, the smaller bone on the outside of your leg. But the tibia is the real MVP here, and your shin guards act like a shield for it.

Are All Shin Pads the Same?

Not all shin pads are created equal. Some materials, like carbon fiber, may offer better protection than basic plastic ones, namely, plastic shin guards that are of cheaper quality.  

With that said, carbon fibre shin pads aren’t your only option. Our line of ExoShield shin pads are made with a polyethylene shell and molded with EVA foam. They’re lightweight, yet contain a high-strength resin that reduces high-force impacts that can fracture and break bones.

Ultimately, they combine an uncumbersome design that doesn’t get in the way, with heavy-duty injury protection. And their wedge design allows them to fit and lock into our leg guards, which feature impact resistance technology that further reduces traumatic forces by 90%. 

How Shin Pads Actually Work

Shin guards don’t just sit there—they’ve got a job to do. First, they absorb shock by taking the hit and dispersing the energy across a wider area. This prevents all that force from going straight into your leg. Second, they spread out the impact over a longer period of time, reducing the peak force that could otherwise lead to a serious injury. Finally, the tough outer shell of shin guards acts like armor, deflecting direct hits and keeping your bones and soft tissues safe.

Bottom line? Don’t skip on shin guards. They’re not just for show—they’re the first line of defense against some pretty nasty injuries on the field.

Looking for comfortable and high-quality, shin protection? Check out our new slip in shin guards to find your perfect fit!