Are you wondering if soccer shin guards are washable?
After every training or game, your soccer kits should be washed. But what about protective gear like shin guards? Can you wash them? And if they are, how do you go about it?
In this article, we will share with you how to not only wash them but care for them at the same time.
- What Are Soccer Shin Guards?
- What Are Soccer Shin Guards Made Of?
- Can Soccer Shin Guards Be Washed?
- How Do I Wash My Soccer Shin Guards?
- Best Soccer Shin Guards To Buy 2023
- Adidas Predator 20 League shin guards
- G-Form Pro-S Elite shin guards
- Adidas X-League shin guards
- Adidas Unisex-Adult X League
- Franklin Sports shin guards
- Nike Charge shin guards
- Mitre Aircell Carbon shin guards
- How Often Should You Change Soccer Shin Guards?
- Benefits Of Soccer Shin Guards
What Are Soccer Shin Guards?
Soccer shin guards or shin pads are protective pieces of gear soccer players wear to protect themselves from injuries, bruises, and abrasions when playing a game.
Shin guards are commonly used in sports like football, baseball, hockey, and soccer.
The game of soccer enables body contact with fellow players, in return, it also gives room for harsh tackling, kicks, and even fouls. To balance this, a law was enforced by Soccer’s world governing body FIFA, under Law 4 which indicates that all players must wear shin guards.
This law has been disregarded by a few but others know that using shin guards is effective and of prime importance to staying protected.
There are three different shin guards, each designed to protect players on the field:
Slip-in Shin
These are easily carried and lightweight. Hence, they are designed for experienced pro soccer players for easy movement and can be worn anytime and even under your socks.
Ankle Shin
Ankle shin provides more protection than slip-in as they come with extra padding for added protection on the ankles. They are designed and recommended to young and intermediate players on the field.
Shin Socks
As the name implies, shin socks are more like normal socks but have pads built into them for convenience and to protect young players.
All types of shin guards are designed to be convenient for young and experienced players and at the same time, keep them safe, and protected them from injuries on the field.
Other accessories to pair with for added protection and shielding include Shin guard sleeves, guard tape, ankle guards and shin guard stays. They keep soccer players in check and make them stay firm while they play on the fields.
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What Are Soccer Shin Guards Made Of?
To keep players guarded and shielded, shin guards are made using different synthetic materials.
If you own a shin guard, it is made out of one of these:
- Fiberglass – These shins are known to be delicate and featherweight.
- Metal – Asides have been defensive, and heavy, this shin guard is unbearable for players.
- Polyurethane – This is the heaviest yet it gives all-around protection and defense.
- Foam Rubber – These shins are featherweight but not as Fiberglass.
- Plastic – Due to the material, it offers less protection to players when used.
Can Soccer Shin Guards Be Washed?
Yes. Soccer shin guards can be washed and should be washed to take off odors, stains, and dirt from training and game to keep them in good condition.
Although, some shin guards have a preferred way it has to be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some require hand washing or a washing machine and likewise, some are dried by machine or air. You should hand wash and air dry your shin guards when in
doubt to keep them safe and in healthy condition.
How Do I Wash My Soccer Shin Guards?
Most shin guards smell like they’ve never been washed even after washing properly. Every player is tasked with a not-so-Herculean task to keep their soccer shin guards looking great and fresh.
If you want to wash your shins and keep them in good condition, these are tips for removing smells, sweat, and dirt:
Handwashing with Detergent
A pro tip: Use baking soda to get rid of stubborn smell and dirt. If you do not have baking soda, you can substitute it with lemon or vinegar. It not only kills stubborn odors but any bacteria residing there.
- Washing your shins by hand is a reliable way in keeping them in good condition. Handwash them using warm, soapy water and brush to help eliminate stubborn dirt and sweat.
- After washing, using your fingers, pinch some baking soda onto the shins and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes.
- This helps in getting rid of those stubborn odors, oils, sweat, etc that you maybe have gotten from the field. Rinse off and dry.
Wash with Machine
Another option for washing your shins is by using a washing machine. It helps in washing and cleaning them more and at the same time, fresh.
When using a washing machine, it is best you place your shin pads in a Ziplock bag or pillowcase to prevent dent as they are been tossed around in the machine.
In doing so, you are protecting and keeping your shin pads safe and staying away from spending more in getting a new one.
Putting your shins in the machine once a month at least or twice is advised.
Use Disinfectant
When washing shin guards, be sure to add disinfectant to help kill molds and bacteria to keep them safe and clean. One of the best options is to use a standard cleaning disinfectant, including something like Lysol spray or Clorox spray.
Soak Them
You could as well try a traditional method to get your shins washed. Soak them with hot water detergent for 15-20 minutes till stubborn stains come off.
Dry Out
After washing your shins, you are required to put them away to dry properly. Hang your shins on a line to dry properly and naturally for a few hours.
It is advised to not return shin guards to the bag after washing as this gives room for odors, stains, and mold or bacterial growth. In addition to this, it damages your shin pads in the long run.
READ ALSO | Why do Male Footballers Wear Bra
Best Soccer Shin Guards To Buy 2023
Adidas Predator 20 League shin guards
These Adidas Predator 20 League Shin Guards put up a ferocious defense with EVA-backed shields that match the contours of your shins and absorb impacts.
Soft, synthetic lining and a close fit mean you’ll control the soccer field in comfort. Pull on the compression sleeve to keep everything tight.
G-Form Pro-S Elite shin guards
Combine G-Form’s proprietary and patented molded composite constructions and designs with a unique integration of SmartFlex to provide a superior combination of impact protection, Comfort, and performance.
These pads are very low profile, giving you an edge over the competition.
Adidas X-League shin guards
The Adidas X range gives you speed and reaction time on the soccer field, but you still need to defend yourself from those seeking to stop you.
These soccer shin guards are ideal for match play.
They’re made from lightweight but tough plastic, with an asymmetrical design that fits perfectly on the lower legs. A compression sleeve keeps it all in place.
Adidas Unisex-Adult X League
These adidas soccer shin guards keep you covered, so you can unleash your full force of nature on the pitch. The EVA-backed hard shields provide cushioning and shock absorption. A compression sleeve locks everything in so you feel secure on the run.
Franklin Sports shin guards
These shin guards provide extra protection for both youth and adult soccer players to reduce injury and protect from impact. Designed to be lightweight, these shin guards are made to provide protection without the bulky feeling of other shin guards. Constructed with a hard outer shield and foam-cushioned interior, these shin guards are built to absorb impact to keep kids and adults safe.
Nike Charge shin guards
The Nike shin guards provide comprehensive protection due to a high-density shell with a reinforced tibia and an attached ankle guard.
These men’s shin pads are also fitted with a rear fastening top strap to ensure a secure yet adjustable fit complete with the Nike Swoosh design to the front.
Mitre Aircell Carbon shin guards
The totally breathable, ultra-lightweight guard.
Designed for use at all levels of the game, it keeps legs cool but delivers market-leading levels of protection.
The anatomical-fit shell and dual-density foam ensure maximum wear comfort. Available in sizes XS, S, M, and L (check the sizing guide to pick the right guard for you).
How Often Should You Change Soccer Shin Guards?
While some players change their shin guards after each season, others keep the same pair for many seasons. The longevity of shin guards can vary greatly depending on how frequently you use them, the quality of the material, and the number of impacts they took.
The simplest strategy for shin guard maintenance is to keep an eye on their condition after every training or game.
Keep an eye out for fraying on the inside and cracks on the exterior of the material. The integrity of the shin pad could be compromised by a little crack, endangering your safety.
Benefits Of Soccer Shin Guards
Shin guards are one of the recommended gear in soccer. Their major function is to safeguard the bones and soft tissues of the lower extremities from impact. It reduces the likelihood of serious injuries by absorbing shocks and facilitating energy dissipation.
Many a time, we have been told and also have seen the benefits of shin guards during a game or training session on the pitch.
- They’re lightweight.
- Enjoyability
- Shield against injuries, bruises, et al
- Keeping shins away from odors, dirt, oily stains, mold, or bacteria
- Saving money and cost
Final Thought- Can Soccer Shin Guards Be Washed
Soccer shin guards should be washed at least once a month but must be brought out of the bag to keep them in good condition and allowed to dry.
I mean, those shin guards may just be your lucky star to winning every game.
