Find the best shin pads for your football style
Choosing the right shin pads is essential for every football player, regardless of skill level. Shin pads protect your shins from hard tackles and unexpected collisions while ensuring comfort and mobility. At PRONTO, we offer a carefully selected range of shin pads that combine lightweight materials, durability, and an ergonomic fit – all designed to enhance your performance on the field.
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Why use shin pads?
Shin pads are not only mandatory in all official football tournaments but are also a crucial part of your protection on the pitch. A well-chosen shin pad reduces the risk of serious injuries and gives you the confidence to play at your best without fear of getting hurt.
Benefits of using the right shin pads:
- Enhanced protection: Minimizes the risk of shin injuries.
- Lightweight and flexible: Ensures mobility without restricting movement.
- Comfortable fit: Designed to stay secure and comfortable throughout the match.
- Approved by football associations: PRONTO's shin pads meet official rules and standards.
Our range of shin pads at PRONTO
At PRONTO, we offer two premium models of carbon fiber shin pads, catering to different needs and preferences among football players.
PRONTO CARBON-XS ELITE
The perfect combination of lightweight, fit, and a minimal, modern size that still provides maximum protection in the covered area. The PRONTO CARBON-XS ELITE is designed for players seeking minimalism without compromising safety. No matter which size you choose, you'll get a lightweight shin pad that ensures optimal performance on the field. Both sizes are smaller than traditional shin pads from major brands, meaning they won't distract you during play and will maximize your freedom of movement.
- Available in two modern sizes: 12 x 7 cm and 13.5 x 8.5 cm – both small compared to standard shin pads.
- Light and compact design that provides optimal mobility without compromising safety.
- The larger size remains a small shin pad but is ideal for players who want a bit more coverage.
- Advanced carbon fiber and foam technology for extra shock absorption.
PRONTO CARBON M-FLEX ELITE
The perfect blend of flexibility, comfort, and a tailored fit. The PRONTO CARBON M-FLEX ELITE is designed for players who want a form-fitting shin pad that follows the natural contours of the leg without causing discomfort during play. The flexible construction ensures maximum freedom of movement, while advanced material technology provides optimal protection.
- Available in one optimized size: 12 x 7 cm – compact and designed to fit snugly without interfering with play.
- Lightweight and flexible design that molds to the leg for a natural feel and increased comfort.
- Ideal for players who want a minimalist shin pad with a snug fit.
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Advanced carbon fiber and foam technology for optimal shock absorption.
How to Choose the Right Shin Pads?
Choosing the right shin pads is crucial for comfort, mobility, and protection. Many players prefer small shin pads, while others still use larger models. But which type suits you best?
Why More Players Are Choosing Small Shin Pads
In modern football, many players prefer small, lightweight shin pads. This is due to several factors:
Maximum mobility: Large shin pads can feel heavy and restrict movement, whereas small shin pads provide a more natural feel on the pitch.
Less distraction: Small shin pads fit snugly and feel almost invisible during play, enhancing the playing experience.
Ideal for technical players: Players who rely on quick turns, dribbling, and ball control need lightweight protection without compromising agility.
Minimalist design – maximum comfort: Many professional players choose smaller shin pads because they protect the necessary area without feeling bulky.
The Downsides of Large Shin Pads
Large shin pads are still used, but they come with several drawbacks:
Heavy and bulky: They can limit mobility and make it harder to play freely.
Outdated approach: In the past, large shin pads were standard, but modern materials now allow for optimal protection in a smaller size.
Unnecessary coverage: Most players don’t need extensive coverage, as shin pads are primarily meant to protect against kicks and knocks to the shin – not the entire leg.
Who Still Uses Large Shin Pads?
Although most professional players prefer smaller shin pads, some still stick with larger models:
Older players: Those who have played for decades may find it difficult to change old habits.
"Brexit football" and Sunday League players: In amateur football, where tackles are often harder than the technique, some choose large shin pads as part of a more physical playing style.
Players who don't take it seriously: If the main goal of playing is hard tackles and a beer after the game, large shin pads might feel like a nostalgic part of football.
Why You Should Never Use Homemade Shin Pads
It happens all too often – players cutting out a piece of cardboard, a plastic tray, or another material to create a "shin pad." The argument is usually that it’s cheap and easy, but it’s a terrible idea.
Not legal in football: Referees will not accept homemade shin pads. The risk of getting a yellow card or being sent off to change them is high.
No real protection: A piece of cardboard or a plastic tray cannot absorb impact. If you get hit, it won’t protect your leg from injuries.
Can cost you playing time: If the referee notices your homemade shin pads, you may be forced to change them mid-game, disrupting your rhythm and focus.
Can Shin Pads Be Too Small?
Yes! There is a limit to how small shin pads can be before they become ineffective or illegal.
Cheap plastic models from China: Many small shin pads are made of thin plastic that breaks easily and offers little protection.
Not approved by football associations: Shin pads that are too small are often rejected by referees for not meeting safety standards.
Risk of a yellow card: If the referee deems your shin pads too small, you may be asked to change them – or receive a warning.
Find the Right Balance
The best shin pad is one that provides enough protection without restricting your movement. Small shin pads are ideal for most modern players, but they must still be made of quality materials and be approved for football. Avoid oversized, outdated shin pads and dangerous homemade solutions – choose a professionally designed shin pad that fits your playing style.
Combination of Shin Pads and Grip Socks
To get the most out of your shin pads, we recommend pairing them with our grip socks. They provide better grip inside your football boots and prevent the shin pads from shifting during play. With these socks offering extra stability, you gain increased control and comfort on the pitch.
Choose between PRONTO PERFORMANCE SOCKS, a lightweight, breathable model that ensures a snug fit, or PRONTO P-PRO GRIP SOCKS, designed with advanced grip to enhance stability and reduce slipping inside your boots. Both models work perfectly with our shin pads. Check out our full range of grip socks and find the best match for your playing style.
Buy Shin Pads and Grip Socks as Bundles – and Save Money
The best option is to combine your shin pads and grip socks in a bundle, allowing you to mix and match our products while getting a better price.
Find our full selection of bundles and create the perfect setup for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shin Pads
Why Should I Choose Carbon Fiber Shin Pads?
Carbon fiber is extremely lightweight yet incredibly strong, offering the ideal combination of protection and comfort. This allows you to play without distractions.
How Do You Secure Shin Pads Properly?
To ensure your shin pads stay in place throughout the match, we recommend using either grip socks or shin pad straps. A properly secured shin pad improves both comfort and safety, allowing you to focus on your game without interruptions.
Best Methods to Keep Your Shin Pads in Place:
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Grip socks – Ensure a snug fit and prevent shin pads from moving inside your boots.
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Football socks or sock sleeves in the right size – A tight fit helps keep shin pads stable.
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Sock tape – A classic method where tape is wrapped around the lower leg to secure the shin pad.
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Shin pad holders – Elastic straps placed around the leg for a secure and adjustable fit.
For the best fit and stability, consider combining multiple methods.
Which Shin Pads Do Professional Footballers Use?
Professional footballers have different preferences when it comes to shin pads, but modern football has seen a clear shift toward lightweight and compact shin pads that maximize mobility without compromising protection.
While some players still opt for larger shin pads to protect against tough tackles, most elite footballers now prefer smaller models that cover the essential areas without being restrictive. Advances in materials like carbon fiber have made it possible to create shin pads that are extremely strong yet lightweight, making them the top choice at the highest level.
Carbon Fiber Shin Pads – The Choice of Professionals
Many professionals prefer carbon fiber shin pads due to their superior strength and comfort. Carbon fiber is one of the strongest and lightest materials available, making it ideal for football, where both protection and agility are key.
At PRONTO, you'll find shin pads of the same high quality used by professional players. PRONTO CARBON-XS ELITE and PRONTO CARBON M-FLEX ELITE are designed to meet the standards that top players expect from their gear.
Whether you're playing at amateur or elite level, you can benefit from lightweight, durable, and comfortable shin pads that allow you to perform at your best in every match.
Order Your Shin Pads from PRONTO Today!
Follow in the footsteps of professional footballers and choose PRONTO’s lightweight and durable shin pads, offering maximum protection with unbeatable comfort. Whether you’re looking for small, minimalist shin pads for ultimate mobility or extra-flexible models tailored to your playing style, we have the perfect solution for you.
At PRONTO, you’ll find shin pads of the same high quality used by top players – designed to give you freedom on the pitch without compromising on safety.
Check out our full range here and find your new shin pads today!
