Rules for Using Shin Guards

When playing a match, it is mandatory to wear shin guards. If you do not have shin guards, the referee may refuse to let you play. The shin guards must be made from suitable materials that provide reasonable protection. The referee has the right to reject shin guards if they assess that they do not meet safety standards just before the start of the game.

Like football boots, shin guards have become more advanced in recent years. Twenty years ago, it was common to see players with large, bulky shin guards or the well-known type with ankle protection. Today, shin guards have become lighter and more comfortable, in parallel with the development of football boots.

Most modern football players see shin guards as a necessary evil, rather than as an important part of their equipment. At the elite level, players rarely train with shin guards and only put them on reluctantly before the start of a match. The shin guards used in matches are often very small and cover only part of the shinbone. These shin guards are often used for many years, sometimes since youth. Manufacturers are aware of the players' preferences, and the shin guards now on the market are both smaller and lighter than previous models.

How do I choose the right size shin guards?

When it comes to choosing shin guards, the needs and preferences vary significantly among football players. In the professional market, there is a clear trend towards preferring small, light, and minimalist shin guards that allow players the freedom to move without restrictions while still complying with the rules set by referees and football associations. Many players prefer shin guards that are small and comfortable, which has led to the development of shin guards made of cheap plastic, roughly the size of an AirPods case. However, occasionally, these are not approved by the referee, and the entire purpose of the shin guards seems absolutely lost.

At Pronto, we have adapted to this trend by offering shin guards in two sizes, both of which meet professional standards. Our smaller size, measuring 12 x 7 cm, is ideal for players who prefer minimalism and want less coverage. Our larger model at 13.5 x 8.5 cm offers more comprehensive coverage for those who desire extra protection. These sizes are carefully adjusted to ensure that players experience both high comfort and mobility on the field, while avoiding situations where a referee might find it necessary to ask the player to change them.

Shin Guards and Comfort (or Lack Thereof!)

Although shin guards have become smaller and lighter, many players still resort to more alternative solutions, which do not always meet the requirements for a shin guard. Through our many years of experience at the top of the football world, we have seen a variety of creative approaches to this essential protection. In addition to players who remove the plastic part and only use the foam backing, we have also seen examples of players using a sausage tray or even a simple cardboard disc as a shin guard. These solutions testify to the players' attempts to maximize comfort, even if it compromises the regulations.

PRONTOS SHIN GUARDS

Pronto presents two extraordinary models of shin guards designed for modern football players seeking optimal comfort and mobility without compromising the rules and the purpose of a shin guard. Our PRONTO CARBON-XS ELITE model is available in two compact sizes, 12 x 7 cm and 13.5 x 8.5 cm, and is developed for players who want a light and small shin guard that still delivers robust protection in the covered area.

The other model, PRONTO CARBON M-FLEX ELITE, is known for its unique flexibility and is offered in a single size of 12 x 7 cm. This small shin guard is made with advanced technology that allows it to bend and mold to the player’s leg. This not only ensures a higher degree of comfort by adapting to the leg's natural movements but also ensures that the shin guard stays precisely in place, even during fast and agile movements on the field.

Both models are made of high-strength carbon fiber, offering an ideal balance between lightness, durability, and protection. Whether you choose the CARBON-XS ELITE for its flexibility in sizes and stability, or the adaptable CARBON M-FLEX ELITE for its outstanding comfort and moldability, Pronto shin guards provide premium safety and performance for serious football players.

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