Best Hockey Shin Guards

Here at IW Hockey, we want to help you find the right shin guard to match your level of play. From the entry-level player to the competitive pro, we have categorized shin guards into three levels of play, each having the best 'Overall Performance' and 'Best Value'. The first is picked on everything tech and spec while the latter has price more heavily factored into the choice, giving it the 'Best Value'.

$159.99 MSRP for Junior (12", 13")
$199.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16")

The east-to-west hockey player relies on their quickness and agility to help them maneuver up the ice, so they need a shin guard that won't weigh them down. The CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Shin Guard, therefore, is a perfect choice weighing in at 600 grams (Senior 14") while still delivering elite-level impact protection.

It also ushers in an incredible new design called the AER-TEC Thermoregulation System, a combination of a suspended mesh liner and ventilation ports. These work seamlessly together to maximize air circulation and regulate your body temperature. If you've ever struggled with being hot and sweaty, the FT6 Pro's are the perfect choice for you.

$119.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$139.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

At a fraction of other big-name prices, the Sherwood Rekker Legend 1 Shin Guard delivers incredible protection, comfort, and mobility for the player who thrives on their quickness. Viconic Impact Protection was strategically placed in the knee doughnut and outer knee wing to protect the agile player when they battle in front of the net and along the boards.

New with Legend 1 and located in the calf guard is Sherwood's AIZ, Anatomical Isolated Zone, a design that allows the protection to shape the natural anatomy of the player to maximize both coverage and mobility. Another unique feature is the I/O Guard, a simple but effective construction at the bottom of the liner. Players can adjust this design depending on their style preference of tongues in or out, with the I/O Guard built to eliminate abrasions from the skate tongue when they're tucked in.

Delivering some of the best protection on the market in terms of shot-blocking and slashes is the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Shin Guard. It utilizes the top-end D30 Foam protection in the knee cap, calf guard, and lower portion of the shin shell which in turn gave this a 39.4% protection improvement over the Super Tacks AS1.

Warrior's most comfortable shin guard to date which also offers elite-level impact protection is the Warrior Alpha LX Pro. It has a ton of little features that amplify its value such as the Fantom Stretch Sling Wrap, Cloud Cuff foam in the ankle, and their premium WarTech FNC liner.

$99.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$119.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16")

CCM is coming out on top in the Performance category with the JetSpeed FT680. Built with CCM's AER-TEC Ventilation System, they deliver outstanding breathability at this price point along with great protection for the player who dekes and dangles through their opponent. They have a premium liner for added comfort and feature a length adjustable calf strap that nobody else has at this price.

$84.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$99.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16")

Sharing a ton of premium features found in the Legend 1, the Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Shin Guard has a ton of value for the highly competitive player seeking a more affordable price. It features the same anatomical fit and new AIZ construction in the calf guard for maximum coverage and mobility. Internally, it features Sherwood's COP-r29 liner which is soft and comfortable yet wicks away moisture and battles odor-causing bacteria for the entire lifespan of the shin guard.

Offering a ton of value in terms of protection, coverage, and mobility, the Bauer Vapor 3X Shin Guard can fit the needs of most players who are in search of a featherlight design with solid protection.

An easy runner-up is the Warrior Alpha LX 30 Shin Guard which features molded plastic coverage in the knee, shin, and calf guard. This gives great impact protection for the competitive player while keeping the shin guard lightweight. It offers a soft, plush liner to keep the leg comfortable all game long while ensuring moisture is wicked away too.

$59.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12", 13")
$74.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

Absolutely ideal for the entry-level or just casual hockey player is the Warrior Alpha LX 40 Shin Guard. It fits nicely on the leg and has a lightweight protection package that's perfect for casual play. It comes with two elastic straps to help players dial-in their fit and comfort.

$44.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$54.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

The CCM Next Shin Guard stands out when it comes to recreational hockey players looking for reliable protection, a lightweight fit, and a price that won't hurt the bank account. Players will notice the out-of-the-box comfort with its anatomical fit while getting to experience great breathability thanks to ventilation ports in both the knee and shin caps. Another nice callout is the removable liner so players can wash it between games. Plus, when it's removed between uses it will help reduce drying time.

Showing some love to the street hockey player, we included two great choices for those competitive street games and tournaments. The Mylec MK5 showcases full plastic coverage from top to bottom but in an extremely low profile. It also has an extended metatarsal pad to cover the top of the feet, enhancing protection from those awful chops from opponents. Now for pure mobility and lighter protection, the CCM QuickLite QLT Street Hockey Shin Guards are a go-to. Segmented foam protection ensures a full range of motion for all-out sprints and dekes. It features a sleeve fit on the top and bottom along with elastic straps across the calf for a comfortable fit.

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!