Choosing the Right Shin Guards for Hockey – A Simple Size Guide
It's crucial for shin guards to fit properly in order to protect your knees and legs from impacts and pucks while playing ice hockey. Here, we assist you in selecting the correct size and fit.
By choosing a pair of properly fitting shin guards, you can fully focus on your game without worrying about injuring your shins or knees from hard hits with sticks or flying pucks. Another reason why the right size is essential is that oversized shin guards can negatively affect your skating. They may extend too far down toward the ankle, making it harder to bend your knees and maintain the correct posture while skating.
It’s especially important to emphasize the need for properly sized equipment for children, as a common mistake is letting young hockey players use gear they can “grow into.” Not only does this make playing more difficult, but it also increases the risk of injury as the guards can slip out of place, leaving sensitive areas exposed.
How Shin Guards Should Fit
It’s vital that the guard fully covers the kneecap and is long enough to protect the upper part of the ankle, a vulnerable area when blocking shots. Modern, more advanced shin guards also provide some calf protection. The fit is generally a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer a tighter, narrower guard, while others favor a more traditional, wider fit. For those seeking greater mobility, a narrower fit might be beneficial. By reading the product details on the product page, you’ll get a clear idea of the fit, helping you choose a pair that meets your preferences.
Choosing the Right Size for Shin Guards
At Hockeystore, you’ll find shin guards for Youth (Yth), Junior (Jr), Intermediate (Int), and Senior (Sr), suitable for both beginners and elite players. Once you’ve clicked on a shin guard that interests you, you’ll be directed to the product page, where you can select from various sizes. To ensure you choose the correct size, refer to the “Size Chart” tab, which varies by brand. If you’re buying shin guards from Bauer, measure the distance from your kneecap to your ankle with your knee bent at a 90-degree angle. For CCM and Warrior, it’s simpler, as you select based on your height. Compare these measurements with the chart in centimeters to pick the right size for your shin guards.
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