How do you choose the right size of shin guards?

This is probably one of the questions you ask us most often on social media and, at the same time, one of the hardest to answer. That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to try to clear up any doubts you may have and give you the key tips for choosing the right shin guards and getting the size right.

30 October 2019 - Written by David del Río
First and foremost, we must bear in mind that we are all different: our height, our build and, of course, our preferences. Just as when we choose our favourite food or our next pair of football boots, we also have our own preferences when it comes to choosing shin guards. However, in football we can see some rather striking examples. There are tall players who wear extremely small shin guards and others of shorter stature who opt for models much larger than usual. Although these choices come down to personal taste, it is best to wear shin guards that adequately protect the shin area, one of the parts of the body most exposed to knocks during matches and training sessions.

How do you choose the right size of shin guards?

The first thing to bear in mind is that shin guards should protect the central part of the tibia. As a guide, they should extend from around 5 centimetres below the knee to a point between 5 and 10 centimetres above the ankle. These measurements may vary depending on leg length, ankle width and whether ankle guards are worn.

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What if my legs are very wide or very narrow?

Another of the most common concerns relates to differences in leg width. However, thanks to SAK Project, finding shin guards that suit our needs is much easier. Much of their range offers different sizes in both height and width, allowing you to find a pair that best fits the shape of your leg.

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Different ways of wearing shin guards

Once we’ve chosen the right shin guards, we can wear them in different ways. For example, as you can see in the picture, Paulo Dybala, a Juventus player, usually wears them particularly low down.

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At Fútbol Emotion, we do not recommend choosing how to wear shin guards by using the players we see on television or in other media as a guide. If you do so, you run the risk of leaving some areas unprotected that should be covered. Ultimately, the most important thing is to measure the shin area correctly, consult each brand’s size guide and check the measurements before buying. These guides are usually available on the manufacturers’ official websites. If you’re unsure about which ones to choose, we recommend taking a look at SAK Project, as their catalogue allows you to select shin guards based on both height and width, thus ensuring a more precise fit.

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