The quick answer
Strapzy's custom shin pads come in three sizes. The size is about how much of the shin you want covered, not how old you are.
| Size | Pad (width × height) | Good for | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 55 × 110 mm | Our mini pad. Players who want the lightest, most minimal feel and don't mind less coverage | Low profile |
| Medium | 69 × 140 mm | Most players: proper protection without the bulk | Most popular |
| Large | 83 × 170 mm | Anyone who wants maximum protection, including young children, where it covers more of a shorter shin | Maximum coverage |
Size isn't about age
It's tempting to put children in the smallest size, but our Small is a mini shin pad. On a 6- or 7-year-old it can feel too small and leave much of the shin uncovered. Many young players are better off in a Large, which covers more of the shin and gives more protection.
Small suits players who deliberately want a minimal, low-profile pad and accept less coverage in return. That's why many experienced players choose it.
How to measure for shin pads
Sit with your knee bent
Sit on a chair with your foot flat on the floor, the way your leg sits when you're running.
Find the space you want to cover
Put two fingers below your kneecap and two fingers above the ankle bone. The front of the shin between those points is the space the pad sits in.
Measure it and compare
Measure that space with a tape measure and compare it with the pad heights above: 110 mm, 140 mm or 170 mm. Pick the largest pad that fits the space without reaching the knee or the ankle bone.
How should shin pads fit?
- Centred on the shin bone. The pad protects the front of the leg, where most kicks and tackles land.
- Clear of the knee and ankle. If the pad touches either when you bend your leg, it's too long and will dig in or slip.
- Held firmly. A snug sleeve, compression sock or tape keeps the pad from moving during sprints and tackles.
- Comfortable for 90 minutes. If you notice the pad while you play, the size or the way it's held needs changing.
Between two sizes?
Go for the bigger size if it still clears the knee and ankle. It covers more of the shin and gives more protection, and growing players get more use out of it. Only choose the smaller size if you specifically want a lighter, lower-profile pad.
Not sure? Put your measurement in the notes when you order and we'll confirm the right size before we start making your pair.
Does carbon fibre change the size you need?
No, the sizing works the same way. The difference is weight: a carbon fibre shell is lighter than moulded plastic, so a slightly bigger pad doesn't feel heavier. Read more in carbon fibre vs plastic shin pads.
Ordering for a whole team?
For a squad, collect each player's measurement and we'll size every pair individually. Our club service handles mixed sizes in one order, packed and labelled per player.
FOUND YOUR
SIZE?
Design your custom carbon fibre shin pads with your name, number and flag. Free design preview before we make them.
Start Customising →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What size shin pads does a child need?
It depends on how much protection you want, not on age. Our Small is a mini pad, which can feel too small for children of 6 or 7, so many young players choose Large for more coverage. Measure the front of the shin from two fingers below the knee to two fingers above the ankle bone, and choose the largest pad that fits.
What size shin pads do adults wear?
Medium (69 × 140 mm) is our most popular size. Large (83 × 170 mm) gives maximum coverage, and Small (55 × 110 mm) is a mini pad for players who want the lightest, most minimal feel.
How do I measure for shin pads?
Sit with your knee bent and foot flat. Measure the front of the shin from two fingers below the kneecap to two fingers above the ankle bone, then pick the largest pad height (110, 140 or 170 mm) that fits that space.
Should shin pads touch the ankle?
No. A shin pad should sit clear of both the knee and the ankle bone. If it touches either when you bend your leg, it's too long.
What if I'm between two shin pad sizes?
Go for the bigger size if it still clears the knee and ankle: it covers more of the shin and gives more protection. Only choose the smaller size if you want a lighter, lower-profile pad. You can also put your measurement in the order notes and we'll confirm the size.