How to Choose Hockey Shin Pads — Size Guide & Top Picks 2026/27
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Hockey shin pads are one of the most important pieces of kit you'll buy — and one of the most overlooked. Get the fit wrong and they'll either slip down mid-game or restrict your movement. Get it right and you'll barely notice they're there. Here's everything you need to know.
Do You Actually Need Shin Pads for Hockey?
Yes — and in most organised hockey, they're mandatory. Even in casual play, a mis-hit ball or stick to the shin is genuinely painful. Modern shin pads are lightweight and low-profile enough that there's no good reason to play without them.
Types of Hockey Shin Pads
Slip-In Shin Pads
The most common type. These sit inside your sock and are held in place by the sock's compression. Lightweight and minimal — popular with experienced players who want freedom of movement. The downside is they can shift during play, which is where shin sleeves come in.
Shin Pads with Ankle Protection
These wrap around the ankle as well as covering the shin. More protection, slightly more bulk. A good choice for younger players or anyone who's taken a knock to the ankle before.
Shin Sleeves
Not a replacement for shin pads — a companion to them. Shin sleeves are compression sleeves that hold your slip-in pads firmly in place throughout the game. If your pads are constantly sliding, a sleeve is the fix.
How to Size Hockey Shin Pads
Sizing is based on the length of your shin — measured from just below the knee to just above the ankle bone. Most brands use a simple XS–XL or Junior/Senior sizing system, but always check the brand's specific size guide as sizing varies.
As a general guide:
- Junior (under 10): 6–8 inch pad
- Junior (10–14): 8–10 inch pad
- Youth/Teen: 10–12 inch pad
- Adult (small/medium): 12–14 inch pad
- Adult (large/XL): 14–16 inch pad
When in doubt, size up slightly — a pad that's slightly too long is better than one that leaves your ankle exposed.
What to Look For
Coverage
The pad should cover from just below the knee to just above the ankle. Check that the pad doesn't gap at the top or bottom when you're in a playing stance (slightly bent knees).
Weight
Lighter is generally better for experienced players. Heavier pads with more foam offer more protection and are a good choice for juniors or players returning from injury.
Fit
The pad should sit flush against your shin without rocking side to side. If it's moving around inside your sock, add a shin sleeve to lock it in place.
Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Most modern hockey shin pads use a hard polypropylene shell over a foam backing. Some entry-level pads use a softer construction throughout — fine for beginners, but less protective at higher levels of play.
Shop Hockey Shin Pads at The Hockey Shed
We stock a full range of hockey shin pads for junior and senior players from leading brands. Whether you need a lightweight slip-in pad for senior club hockey or a well-protected junior pad for a young player just starting out, we've got the right option.
Browse the full range: Hockey Shin Pads | Shin Sleeves | All Hockey Protection