Quick answer: The best hockey shin pads cover the shin from just below the knee to the top of the ankle, sit flat under your socks and do not move when you run. Choose strapless pads for a slim, sock-held fit, or strapped and ankle-protected pads for extra security. Always pair shin pads with a fitted mouthguard.
Hockey shin pads, also called shin guards, are the most important piece of protective kit an outfield player owns. A hard ball and fast-moving sticks mean the lower legs take most of the knocks in a game, and a pad that is the wrong size or slips round your leg gives far less protection than one that fits properly.
The team at Central Sports fits hockey shin pads for juniors and adults in our Cardiff, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Hereford shops. This guide covers the types, how to size them and why a mouthguard should go in the same kit bag.
Why hockey shin pads matter
Most clubs and schools expect players to wear shin pads in training and matches, and many will not let juniors on the pitch without them. A good pair spreads the force of a ball or stick strike across a hard shell and cushions it with foam, which turns a nasty injury into a knock you can play on with.
Hockey pads are also shaped differently to many football pads. They are designed to give more coverage down the front of the leg while still fitting under a hockey sock, which is why we recommend buying sport-specific pads where you can. Shin pads are one part of the full kit; our hockey kit checklist covers everything else a new player needs.
Types of hockey shin guards
Strapless shin pads
Strapless pads slide straight into the sock and are held in place by it. There are no buckles to adjust or straps to dig into the calf, which is why so many club players prefer them. The Grays G600 Hockey Shinguards are a popular example: an anatomically shaped polymer shell with a raised central spine, a soft foam inner lining and front and side ventilation. We stock them in five colourways from XXS to XXL, and the Grays G600 in red includes junior sizes labelled for 9/10 years and 11/12 years alongside adult sizes.
Strapless pads rely on a snug sock, so they suit players who wear proper hockey socks rather than loose sports socks.
Strapped shin pads with ankle protection
Strapped pads add a strap at the top, and some add padding around the ankle. The Grays Shield Hockey Shin Guard has a single top strap, a shock-absorbing foam liner, and ankle disks with Achilles padding. These are a good option for younger players whose pads tend to slip, and for anyone who wants extra cover around the ankle bone.
Shield pads with washable linings
Some pads use a firmer shield with a removable lining you can wash between sessions. The Adidas Hockey Shin Pad has a TPU shield and a removable, washable interior lining, and the Adidas Hockey Shin Guard adds a foam interior and an anti-bacterial lining. A washable lining is a big plus for players who train several times a week.
Hockey shin pad sizing: how to get the right fit
Every brand sizes slightly differently, so always check the size guide on the product page. As a general approach:
- Measure the shin. With the player standing, measure from about 5 cm below the bottom of the kneecap down to the top of the ankle, where the foot bends.
- Match the measurement to the brand size. Pick the size whose pad length is closest to that measurement.
- Try it on with hockey socks and boots. The pad should start just below the knee and finish above the laces, so it does not dig into the foot when the player bends the ankle.
- Check it does not twist. Ask the player to jog on the spot and lunge. The pad should stay centred on the shin.
Too small leaves the lower shin and ankle exposed. Too big pushes into the knee or the top of the boot and rotates when running. For growing juniors it is tempting to buy a size up, but a pad that moves around protects less, so buy the size that fits now. Check footwear at the same time; our guide to hockey shoes vs astro trainers explains what works best on the pitch.
Hockey mouthguards: the other essential
A mouthguard protects teeth, lips and jaw from a rising ball or a stray stick, and it should be worn in every training session and match, not just games. Many junior clubs require one. The key is fit: a loose mouthguard falls out, gets left in the bag and protects very little.
- Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded to the teeth at home. The Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouthguard is a triple-layer boil-and-bite guard in Youth and Adult sizes.
- Self-fit guards with a fitting aid make moulding easier. The OPRO Bronze uses OPRO's Fitting Handle, while the OPRO Silver uses a Fitting Tray; both come in Youth and Adult sizes.
- Players with braces need a guard designed for them, such as the OPRO Braces Self-fit Mouthguard.
Juniors grow quickly, so check the fit of their mouthguard at the start of each season and replace it when it no longer grips the teeth.
Caring for shin pads and mouthguards
- Take pads out of the kit bag after every session and let them dry fully.
- Wash removable linings regularly and wipe shells with warm soapy water.
- Replace any pad with a cracked shell or flattened foam.
- Rinse mouthguards after use and store them in a ventilated case, away from heat, which can warp the shape.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Grays G600 Hockey Shinguards - 5 Colours, XXS to XXL (£14.52): lightweight strapless shell with foam lining and ventilation, in sizes for juniors and adults.
- Grays Shield Hockey Shin Guard (£12.31): top strap plus ankle disks and Achilles padding for extra security.
- Adidas Hockey Shin Pad - White/Black (£23.10): TPU shield with a removable, washable lining.
- OPRO Silver Level Self-Fit Mouthguard - Youth & Adult, 6 Colours (£10.36): easy home fitting with OPRO's Fitting Tray.
- Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouthguard - Youth & Adult, 9 Colours (£13.56): triple-layer boil-and-bite guard in lots of colours.
Hockey shin pads FAQ
What size hockey shin pads do I need?
Measure from about 5 cm below the kneecap to the top of the ankle and choose the size closest to that length on the brand's size guide. The pad should cover the shin without pressing into the knee or the top of the boot.
Can you use football shin pads for hockey?
They are better than nothing, but hockey shin pads are designed for hockey and often give more coverage down the front of the leg. If you play regularly, a dedicated hockey pad is the safer choice.
Do you have to wear a mouthguard for hockey?
Many clubs and schools require a mouthguard, especially for juniors, and it is strongly advised for every player. Check your club's rules, and wear it in training as well as matches.
Should hockey shin pads go under or over socks?
Under. Hockey shin pads are worn under the sock, which holds them in place and covers the shell.
Shin pads and a mouthguard are the first things to sort before stepping on the pitch. Browse our full range of hockey shin guards and the wider hockey collection, or visit the team at Central Sports for help with sizing.
