MYTH BUSTER #1: MY SHIN GUARD SHOULD COVER MY WHOLE LEG

Over the years, shin guards have gone from being these giant curved pieces of plastic that covered your whole leg; there were also ankle protectors that were attached to the bottom part of the shin guard. Overall, they protected the leg quite well, almost like a knight’s armor, but were very bulky and didn’t breathe very well. As time went by, companies started to sacrifice protection to make a lighter and less bulky version of shin guards. These new shin guards come in two parts: the shin guard, which you place on you shin, and a sleeve to keep it in place. It is also worth noting that they do not come with ankle protection.

Most players that have made the switch from traditional shin guards seem to find the modern ones more comfortable and more breathable, which explains why they are becoming more and more common across the world and have been popularized by professional soccer players. There are still many different models, brands and sizes of shin guards that can be found in stores, which can be confusing when you need to buy yourself a pair. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you choose the best pair of shin guards for you:

1. Length: Your shin guard should ideally be one to two inches below your knee and two to three inches above your ankle. This advice doesn't necessarily have to be followed to the letter, as it depends on the model you try on, its width and, of course, your shin. The one you choose can be shorter or longer than what we suggest and it could fit perfectly!

2. Width: We suggest that you choose a model that is the same width as your leg (or slightly less). Whatever the model, the most important thing is that it is not too wide or too narrow. Why not? Mainly because it doesn't stay in place when you're in motion (it moves up and down or around your leg). In other words, if your shin pad is not the right width, it is uncomfortable and ineffective.

3. Model: There are many different models of shin guards, which means you have a lot of choices when it comes to buying them. That said, no matter which model you choose, comfort should be the most important criteria in your decision making.

4. For kids: Parents often consider their child's growth when purchasing equipment. When it comes to shin guards, we can't tell you which model to choose for your child; as mentioned above, comfort is the most important criterion. However, we strongly advise you not to buy a shin guard that is too big for your child (for the same reasons mentioned in points 1 and 2).

In conclusion, no matter the price you are willing to pay, the right model for you is often the one you will find most comfortable. If you decide to get one that is smaller or larger than what we recommend, that's okay. If you choose the classic shin guard or the modern shin guard, that's okay. Because at the end of the day, getting kicked in the leg still hurts, whether you have a shin guard or not. But hey, that's part of the game!