Shin contusions or bruises are two of the most common injuries in soccer - if you aren't properly protected. The shin, or tibia, is not padded with fat, so it makes the area more susceptible to injury. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your shinguard.
Materials
Shinguards are available in a variety of materials, including fiberglass, rubber, polyurethane and nylon. Younger players should opt for a heavy-duty fiberglass guard. Midfielder's and defenders also will want a thicker guard. Impact-absorbing shinguards are usually made of foam rubber or other cushioning materials.
Sizing
Shinguards usually come in medium and large or junior or senior. Players under 5-foot-4 should opt for a medium or smaller size. Shinguards should fit from a couple inches below the knee to just above the bend of your ankle when you flex upward. adidas shinguards are measured from one inch above the ankle bone to one inch below the kneecap. Nike, Diadora and Puma shinguards are sized by age, weight and height. See the sizing charts below.
