Shin Pads

How to Buy Shin Pads

Shin pads are a "must have" protection for every level of play. They are mandatory to protect against hits by a puck or an opponent's stick. Shin pads are designed to prevent a variety of injuries such as hyperextension. Forwards usually prefer lighter pads with less protection that allow them to skate faster.

Defensemen should look for a heavier shin guard that helps protect against pucks and opponent's sticks. The shin pad is a critical fit and should be checked yearly for young, growing players. Remember: Buy to fit, not to grow.

Shin Pad Sizing & Fit

Shin pads range from 7 to 17 inches in length and are designed to fit over the kneecap to just above the skate top. You should look for one sized to your height.

Shin pads are measured from the center of the knee to the instep brackets of the skate tongue.

While you are sitting down, measure from the middle of your kneecap to the top of your skate.

This is your shin measurement and should be matched to the manufacturer's specifications on the shin pad.

Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the shin pad size you should buy based on the above measurement.

Determining Your Shin Pad Size

Finding your size

Size Inches cm

Youth 7 18

Youth 8 20.5

Youth 9 23

Junior 10 25.5

Junior 11 28

Junior 12 30.5

Senior 14 36.5

Senior 15 38.5

Senior 16 41

Senior 17 43

Always remember to buy your equipment to fit. Do not buy for your child to grow into the equipment. Not only will their performance be affected, but also it is also not safe. Play It Again Sports is the perfect place for you to get your gear because as you outgrow the equipment you can trade it in on the new or used gear you need.