Are you an avid hockey player looking for the best shin guards to protect you during intense games? Then look no further! In 2023, the hockey equipment industry has developed a range of exceptional shin guards for all levels of play.
From lightweight and breathable to heavy-duty and sturdy, we’ve put together a list of our favorite shin guards based on their level of protection, comfort, and durability.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, lace up your skates, grab your stick and get ready to dominate the game with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you’re sporting the best hockey shin guards in 2023.
Buying Guide
Buying the perfect fit shin guards for yourself can be challenging, especially when there are innumerable options to explore. Apart from the brands, you need to know some generic features to look out for in your protective gear, irrespective of the brand.
We have prepared a guide to help you understand the essential factors of a hockey shin guard. Towards the later section, we have a list of ten best hockey shin guards that you can consider for yourself. Let us look into the features first.
Materials and Features
The hockey shin guards are made from various synthetic materials like fiberglass, polyurethane, foam rubber, plastic, and a combination of metal and plastic. Polyurethane is the sturdiest material and protects you from the toughest of impacts.
Different shin guard features may sound familiar, but they are critical in distinguishing one pad from another.
There are guards with detachable liners and padding. The cheaper ones lack this feature. Having a shin guard with detachable liners makes the maintenance easy.
It prevents moisture retention and makes the cleaning process easy.
Depending on the brand and price-points, there are shin guards with one, two, or three straps for securing it on your legs. The expensive ones will have more straps on it.
The knee cap designs highlight the shock absorption feature. However, depending on the kind of technology and the brand model, the durability will vary.
Few brands provide partial coverage to the calves, while few provide complete coverage. The lower half of your legs are more prone to injuries from the puck.
How to Size Shin Guards?
In order to have the best game performance and comfort, it is critical to know your hockey shin guards’ correct size. The perfect fit will improve your game. We are listing the guideline below to help you in determining your right size.
Measuring Your Shins
Measuring the correct length is vital. To do the measurement yourself, you will have to be in a sitting position with your skates on your feet. It flexes your knees, which is one of the critical measuring points. When you stand and measure, there is a high possibility that you will end up purchasing shorter pads.
Measure from mid of your knee cap to the tip of your skate boot. Round up the distance to the nearest inch.
Senior
The size chart differs from brand to brand. For your perusal, we are presenting a size guide to help you understand the different sizes.
| Category | Height (ft and inches) | Guard Size (inches) |
| Senior | 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 13 |
| 5’7” – 5’11” | 14 | |
| 5’9″ – 6’1″ | 15 | |
| 5’11” – 6’3” | 16 | |
| 6’1″ – 6’3″ | 17 | |
| 6’3” and above | 18 |
Youth
| Category | Height (ft and inches) | Guard Size (inches) |
| Youth | 3’3” – 4’5” | 7 |
| 3’9” – 4’7” | 8 | |
| 4’3” – 4’9” | 9 |
Junior
| Category | Height (ft and inches) | Guard Size (inches) |
| Junior | 4’5” – 4’11” | 10 |
| 4’7” – 5’1” | 11 | |
| 4’9” – 5’4” | 12 |
Hockey Shin Guard Reviews
Based on our market research, we present the ten best hockey shin guards’ reviews for your protection.
#1. Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Hockey Shin Guards
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro is one of the best shin guards in the market. It gives maximum coverage and comfort without restricting your mobility.
The X-Lite Shield contour pads give a better fit without adding too much bulk.
The TuneFit and DynaFlex strap systems help you in securing the pads efficiently.
The HyperLite and Curv Composite foam materials give a soft feel and accentuate the comfortability.
The Vapor 2X Pro is designed in a way to keep you gliding at any speed without weighing your legs forward.
The ThermoCore liners, along with perforation on the foam base, ensure that your legs’ blood circulation does not stop. They are breathable and prevent moisture and sweat retention.
The knee caps are of supreme quality plastic that is extremely durable and light.
#2. CCM Super Tacks AS1 Hockey Shin Guards
CCM’s Super Tacks AS1 shin guards are three-piece pads that are flexible, comfortable, durable, and light-weight. It does not restrict your leg movements.
The D30 Smart technology material absorbs all harsh impacts during the game.
HD foam in the calf region gives full protection and is comfortable too.
For knees, JDP is combined with D30 to absorb all shocks and provide comfortable padding. High dense compression foams give anatomical fit and provide full coverage.
The internal liners are detachable. They are made from the best quality sweat and moisture resistant materials to prevent any discomfort. When you are skating at full-speed, the Super Tacks AS1 shin pads don’t pull you forward. The balance is perfect, and the straps do not restrict the blood flow.
#3. Bauer Supreme 2S Shin Guards
When it comes to performance and freedom of mobility, you can count on Bauer’s Supreme 2S shin guards.
The knee caps consist of IX Foam for shock absorption from puck and stick.
The Vent Armor Foam present on the side knees keep your legs comfortable and secure.
The anatomical wraps and plastic-molded PE guards offer protection to the back of your legs.
The liners are removable use Thermo Max+ technology for moisture and sweat resistance.
The AMP technology in the guards provides the best flexibility and mobility throughout the game. It is suitable for players playing in any position. The referees can benefit as well.
These shin guards by Bauer are a popular choice among players of all age groups.
#4. Warrior Alpha DX Shin Guards
The Warrior Alpha DX shin guards feature Dynamic Strike technology for excellent design construction. The entire guard uses anti-abrasion materials in all of its components.
The Sling Wrap strap system locks the pad in place without restricting any motion.
The DX shell consists of compressed EVA foam to protect you from the harshest impacts.
The detachable Wartech FNC liners, along with Polygiene, keep the bacteria from your sweat away. They resist any moisture accumulation and make the shin guards breathable.
Padding is present in the calf region as well. The material’s perforation gives the best fit and does not let the guards feel bulky on your shins.
These guards are easy to maintain and remain odor-free throughout your usage.
#5. Bauer Vapor 1X Lite Shin Guards
The Bauer Vapor 1X Lite shin guards offer excellent mobility and comfort without compromising the professional players’ safety.
The presence of Curv Composite and Aerolite 2.0 in the shin gives maximum protection from injuries. The HyperLite foam present throughout the calf and knee region absorbs all shocks.
The dual-lock straps keep the pads firmly secure without disrupting your blood circulation.
The liner is detachable and incorporates 37.5 Technology and Sanitized Technology in its moisture-resistant materials to prevent foul odor.
Overall, the shin guards do not restrict your movement. It gives you the freedom to skate at varying speeds without losing your balance.
The Vapor 1X Lite guards are very light-weight and promise to keep your legs cool.
#6. CCM Tacks 9060 Hockey Shin Guards
The CCM Tacks 9060 shin guards target intermediate and competitive level, hockey players.
The PE plastic molded knee caps provide excellent protection from all kinds of blows. PE, along with JDP technology, offers strength while deviating the force of the hit.
The double-strap attachment provides tight security. You do not have to worry about the loosening of straps. The straps are adjustable as well.
The detachable liner with knee-cut-out gives the best cushioning and avoids any moisture-trap. The knee cut-out facilitates good airflow and blood circulation.
The CCM Tacks 9060 shin guards are incredibly durable, light-weight, budget-friendly, and promises excellent performance.
#7. Bauer Supreme S29 Shin Guards
The design is anatomical and offers an excellent fit overall. The shin cap and knee cap also consist of the anatomical structure to give a closer-to-body fit.
The Active Motion Protection (AMP) technology promotes excellent mobility.
MD foam is present in the knee and thigh area to facilitate a wide range of motions with ease.
The Thermo Max+ liner is very soft and comfortable. It locks the moisture and prevents unpleasant sweat odor.
The guard also consists of a Y-shape strap at the back for double security.
Players can do all sorts of movements and can increase or decrease their skating speed without losing balance.
#8. Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Shin Guards
Bauer Supreme 2S Pro shin guard is known for its closer-to-body fit. An anatomical shin cap further enhances the fit to prevent your guards from unnecessary and untimely displacements.
The Ventaprene straps lock in nicely around your calves and thighs.
The Thermo Core liner lock the moisture and prevent bacteria from causing any harm to you. The liner material is exceptionally soft and comfortable on your body and does not add extra bulk.
The Curv Composite technology, along with Poron XRD and Skate Zone technology, ensures the maximum protection from injuries.
With additional mobility, a player can glide on the ice rink with ease. Intense tacking sessions will not stress you out over your protection because Bauer cares. The Supreme series is available for players of all age groups and experiences.
#9. Bauer NSX Shin Guards
The NSX shin guards are one of the most inexpensive pads by Bauer. It is designed specifically for recreational and beginner-level players of all age groups.
Its unique design offers optimum protection and durability. The movement in your legs does not face any restriction.
The dual-straps in knees and calves prevent the displacement of the pads. The strap material is of premium quality and does not strain on your legs.
The liner consists of hydrophobic mesh to restrict all sorts of moisture, sweat, and bacteria retention.
The Bauer NSX shin guards give great cushioning and the best comfort without being heavy on your legs.
#10. CCM Jetspeed FT350 Shin Guards
One of the most affordable shin guards that you can find is CCM’s JetSpeed FT350. It is a perfect choice for beginner-level hockey players. The shell design is light-weight and offers excellent mobility and comfort.
The calf guards have premium quality PE foam for additional protection. The laminated-fabric construction secures the foam in place without bulking it up.
There is a double-strap lock system present. The upper nylon strap is for protecting your thighs, while an elastic strap is present for calf protection. Both the straps together prevent the guard from loosening for an excellent time duration.
The liner is removable and comprises of PE foam. It is light-weight and absorbs all impacts. It does not let moisture and bacteria accumulate on your shins and regulate your legs’ temperature.
Conclusion: Which one Should you Buy?
We hope that our reviews have been insightful for you. It is a no-brainer that Bauer has hockey shin guards in every dimension and shape. It also caters to diverse price points. Whether you are a beginner or a pro-level player, you will find your perfect match with Bauer hockey shin guards. You can explore other noticeable brands like Warrior and CCM also.
The bottom line is that you should not take your safety lightly. Comfort, durability, light-weight, coverage, and budget are critical factors that you should keep in mind. Apart from this, you need to know your correct measurement and fit. Always read through the product description thoroughly and double-check with your shin dimensions.
Lastly, buy from sources that provide a manufacturer’s warranty and have a provision for exchange.