In over 200 nations, soccer is played by approximately 250 million athletes, making it the most common sport in the world. Nearly half the world’s population can be known as fans of soccer. Although in America, football, basketball, and baseball are massively popular, soccer is widely loved around the world. Another evidence to say that Soccer is the world’s most famous sporting event is because it attracted a total audience of 3.2 billion people during the 2014 World Cup. However, soccer is also a famous contact sport in which there can be a number of injuries. Even though you don’t need each and every equipment used in American football for soccer as well, it is still important to have the requisite soccer protective gear to play safely on the field.
Why Is It Important to Wear Protective Gear in Soccer?
Soccer is the fifth sport with 88,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency room, according to reports by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2009. If you are not yet convinced, please refer the Epidemiological Findings of Soccer Injuries During the 2017 Gold Cup by Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine. Because, according to Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine, in the United States alone, the sport accounts for over 228,000 accidents each year and results in a worldwide expense of over $30 billion.
“Soccer players are more than three times more likely to be injured in a game (16.9 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures) than in practice (5.1 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures).” – datalyscenter
Wearing protective gear in soccer can minimize these risks obviously. However, few players appreciate the importance of staying fit compared to professionals. But, keep in mind that soccer protective gear helps players at all stages of the match, all the way to world-class Premier League players and World Cup winners.
What Protective Gear Is Used in Soccer?
Here are the 9 most widely used protective gear for soccer.
- Protective Head Gear
- Mouth Guards
- Elbow Pads
- Soccer Gloves
- Protective Cups
- Knee Pads
- Shorts
- Shin Pads / Shin Guards
- Cleats
We agree that a list alone would not be of much use, without understanding the respective purpose of each protective gear. So please continue reading to get an idea of the functions of these safety gears, and some of the best available on the market! Firstly, let’s start with protective head gear.
1. Protective Head Gear
Soccer can be a tough sport indeed. As a result, over the course of a match, the head of a soccer player can take plenty of injuries. And did you know that 40% of soccer concussions are due to head to player contact? Also, each player has a 50% chance of getting hurt every season, according to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) studies on both male and female soccer. Up to 10% affect the head, with girls being twice as likely as boys to sustain head injuries. That’s why, whether you’re serious or casual about playing, soccer headgear is a vital piece of safety gear you must consider having.
More than 60% of college-level soccer players reported signs of concussion during a single season, a McGill University study revealed. Although the number might be different at other levels of play, these statistics suggest that soccer head injuries are more common than most expect.
Hope you get the importance of wearing a protective head gear in soccer by now. By protecting the head and keeping it from contact with the ball, the ground, and other players, soccer headgear protects a player from concussions and other injuries.
Soccer Protective Gear – Protective Head Gear
According to American Association of Neurological Surgeons, purchase and use helmets or protective headgear authorized by the ASTM. For many sports, the ASTM has high criteria for evaluating helmets. You can find a sticker stating this in the helmets licensed by the ASTM. Helmets and headgear are available for soccer in many sizes and must match correctly to provide optimum protection against head injuries.
2. Mouth Guards
As many as 39% of all dental accidents involve sports in any way. Furthermore, players who do not wear mouth guards are 60 times as likely to experience an oral injury as players who do. However, soccer is probably not the first sport that comes to mind when thinking about the possibility of oral injury, but there is the potential to cause damage from an accidental header to accidental collision with another player. Fortunately, studies indicate that wearing a mouth guard may help minimize dental injuries associated with sports.
Soccer Protective Gear – Mouth Guards
Here, we’ve mentioned three of the best options worth looking at, when looking for a mouth guard for soccer.
- Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard
- SISU Aero Sports Mouth Guard
- Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouth Guard
Let’s find out one by one about the amazing qualities of the three best soccer mouth guards mentioned above. Let’s start out with the Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard then.
Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard
This one is suitable for all contact sports including soccer, wrestling, boxing, and more.
Why we like Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible?
- Firstly, it is easy to fit with Gel-fit liner technology.
- Integrated breathing channels make it easy to breathe and improve your performance whilst wearing the guard.
- During the toughest impacts, the heavy duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame offers full mouth protection, covers the cheek and tongue, teeth grinds and secures teeth in place.
SISU Aero Sports Mouth Guard
SISU guards have a wider bite pad, rounded edges for comfort and enhanced mold-ability to maintain a seamless fit.
Why we like SISU Aero Sports?
- Aero’s ultralight layout is 50 percent thinner than traditional mouth guards for sports, offering optimum comfort and convenience.
- Without removing the guard, the slim, personalized fit makes it easy to speak, breathe and drink.
Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouth Guard
This one assists in orthodontic use in particular. Moreover, it is ergonomically made to function on the brackets and protect the user on the field.
Why we like Shock Doctor Braces?
- It doesn’t need molding.
- Adapts to changes in the location of the tooth while adjusting braces!
- Designed with high quality silicone of medical quality, protective and comfortable without rough edges or irritating materials.
3. Elbow Pads
Elbow pads are protective padded gear worn on the elbows during a fall or a strike to shield them from injury. In sports like volleyball and hockey, elbow pads make it to the top of the protective gear list. So, why not have elbow pads in soccer too?
Soccer Protective Gear – Elbow Pads
We have reviewed a range of elbow pads appropriate for soccer. And, following two are our recommendations for the best elbow pads available on the market.
- Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads
- Shield Shape Crash Proof Elbow Pads
Read along to find why we recommend them.
Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads
These elbow pads are an outstanding method of injury prevention thus encouraging the user to approach any activity properly.
Why we like Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads?
- Structured with a strategically positioned foam grid that offers average relief from all forms of elbow region ailments.
- Made from foam-padded abrasion-resistant materials to provide effective and fail-safe support for activities involving intensive arm movement.
- Built tactically with foam padding for superior and optimal comfort, protection and relief on a breathable compression fabric without weakening and sacrificing mobility.
Shield Shape Crash Proof Elbow Pads
Shield Shape Crash Proof Elbow Padsprotect the elbow area when sports affect injury or you in the stage of recovery of joint damage.
Why we like Shield Shape Crash Proof Elbow Pads?
- More comfortable for your elbow compared to other honeycomb shaped pads.
- The tight, shape-fitting and breathable compression fabric retains joint flexibility regardless of activity, while preventing scratching.
- Moisture-wicking and elastic lycra fabric and PEF shock absorption provides ample support.
- Stylish look will make you stand out from others.
4. Soccer Gloves
It takes a person of a special kind to want to be a goalkeeper. So you’re going to need all the support you can get and can make a huge difference with the right pair of goalkeeping gloves.
Soccer Protective Gear – Soccer Gloves
As we have done with other soccer protective gear, we have also picked two of the best soccer gloves available for purchase.
- Sportout Youth & Adult Goalie Goalkeeper Gloves
- Sportout Kids Goalkeeper Glove
So, let’s see why we recommend them.
Sportout Youth & Adult Goalie Goalkeeper Gloves
These optimal goalkeeper gloves are perfect for anyone from juniors to high school students, as well as adult soccer players in both training and match play.
Why we like Sportout Youth & Adult Goalie Goalkeeper Gloves?
- The wear-resistant latex palms on these goalkeeper gloves will provide you with incredibly strong control and grip when handling the ball.
- The specific positive cut layout provides the best ball-contact for even the most difficult saves.
- The goalie gloves’ new enhanced BACKBONE finger saving system protects against Hyper-Extended finger injuries.
- The extremely thick padded latex foam provide more cushioning support for your palm.
- Furthermore, the gloves are both light and comfortable.
Sportout Kids Goalkeeper Glove
Give your kids the best football experience with these vibrant green and blue goalkeeper glovers with an ergonomic cut. These goalkeeper gloves are ideal for both training and match play for kids around 5-10 years and youths around 10-16 yrs approximately.
Why we like Sportout Kids Goalkeeper Glove?
- These soccer gloves have a double-designed wristband with an elastic lining and a close-fitting velcro bandage with stretch-strap to provide more comfortable protection and reduce your child’s risk of sprained wrist.
- Since these gloves are made of high-quality composite materials of EVA and latex, they provide excellent security for the child’s hand.
5. Protective Cups
Do Soccer Players Wear Cups?
Generally, soccer players do not wear cups. If you are a huge fan of soccer, chances are that you have seen at least one player go down injured after having contact in the groin area. However, male soccer players are at risk of serious injury and/or suffering. While the risk is relatively low, the potential pain is not.
You need a protective cup for your most vulnerable region, not only in soccer, if you participate in any sport with a chance of bodily contact. A cup is a type of protective gear worn to shield a player with male reproductive organs from injury or discomfort when receiving contact with the groin region when playing certain sports.
Soccer Protective Gear – Protective Cups
Check out the ones we have listed below to make sure that you get the best cover for one of your most valuable body parts.
- Diamond MMA Athletic Cup Groin Protector
- McDavid 3020 FlexCup Protective Athletic Cup
- Shock Doctor AirCore Protective Cup
So let’s see why you should try them.
Diamond MMA Athletic Cup Groin Protector
Endorsed for injury prevention and comfort by MMA athletes, physicians, Stanford University engineers and urologists. In addition, for its longevity and wearability, Joe Rogan recommended this cup to MMA athletes.
Why we like Diamond MMA Athletic Cup Groin Protector?
- Built for contact sports for frequent high impacts.
- Tougher than the other brands of athletic cups. For instance, manufacturers state that by hitting them repeatedly with a 20-pound sledgehammer, they have tested the Diamond MMA Cup against rival brands.
McDavid 3020 FlexCup Protective Athletic Cup
Offer advanced lightweight construction (2.5 ounces) and five airflow ports! Yep, five!
Why we like McDavid 3020 FlexCup Protective Athletic Cup?
- Soft edges and sides that absorb impact, conform, cushion and comfort.
- Five airflow ports to keep you absolutely cool.
- For enhanced protection and fit, deep contoured form.
Shock Doctor AirCore Protective Cup
The patented 3-layer fusion technology is combined with the AirCore Athletic Strong Cup.
Why we like Shock Doctor AirCore Protective Cup?
- 30% lighter than molded traditional cups.
- Lightweight and low profile compressed foam shell, all while improving safety and comfort
- For impact protection and unrestricted mobility, combined with a foam shield.
- For a soft feel against the body, the performance fabric and soft tape edge cover the entire cup.
6. Knee Pads
Of all the players on the field, the goalie is the one place you can see that has the most gear. Therefore, it is vital to select certain equipment to ensure that you are safe and well-equipped to take on the tasks of being the team goalie. This is why you have to pay more attention to choosing the right equipment, such as soccer goalie knee pads.
Soccer Protective Gear – Knee Pads
We have put together three of what we believe are the best knee pads out there to help make the selection process much simpler for you.
- POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
- McDavid Hex Knee Pads Compression Leg Sleeve
- ASICS Unisex Ace Low Profile
Further, to find out why we are recommending them, simply keep reading.
POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
This product focuses on the prevention of injury because it is designed specifically to protect the knee from any unwarranted stress.
Why we like POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve?
- To facilitate more support and stabilization, it provides enough pressure all over the knee joint.
- With two silicone gel strips, a special knitted technological pattern ensures that your sleeve still stays put.
- It helps boost blood supply, the distribution of oxygen and the regeneration of muscles.
McDavid Hex Knee Pads Compression Leg Sleeve
This product is another offering that also boasts the proprietary Hex Technology from the famous McDavid brand.
Why we like McDavid Hex Knee Pads Compression Leg Sleeve?
- The extended sleeve length protects the leg from scrapes and cuts, remains in place and does not chafe with non-slip material.
- Secondly, closed cell foam padding defends the knees from movements and sports that have a high impact.
ASICS Unisex Ace Low Profile
This product is from ASICS, that for more than 50 years has been producing quality sports footwear and apparel.
Why we like ASICS Unisex Ace Low Profile?
- It spans just 6″ and that makes it suitable for individuals who want to focus support and cushioning on only the knee joint.
- Designed to prevent bad odor with an anti-microbial fabric.
- The pads also have dual-density foam that provides the joint with excellent protection and added warmth to facilitate good circulation of the blood.
7. Shorts
The major point behind soccer shorts is to maximize the absorption of moisture. It should be appropriate, in addition to being perfectly stylish. Ultimately, a large or tight one can change the way you play. Since soccer shorts are used in many sports, they are available in various styles and materials. Therefore, you need to make sure that you get the right fit for optimal results.
Soccer Protective Gear – Shorts
Wondering what to wear at your game? Try these.
- Adidas Tastigo 17 Soccer Shorts
- Under Armour Golazo 2.0 Soccer Shorts
- Nike Team Equalizer Soccer Shorts
In fact, you can see why we recommend them in the following sections.
Adidas Tastigo 17 Soccer Shorts
Adidas is a world-renowned brand that manufactures some of the most durable and stylish shorts there.
Why we like Adidas Tastigo 17?
- It’s made from durable polyester.
- Excellent ventilation.
- Mesh in direct contact with your skin – as a result it absorb sweat and keep you comfortable.
- Above all, these shorts are very fairly priced, given the quality and comfort they offer.
Under Armour Golazo 2.0 Soccer Shorts
This piece is from Under Armour, a renowned American sports equipment company that produces footwear, sports and casual clothes.
Why we like Under Armour Golazo 2.0?
- Great for players who are younger.
- Flexible, lightweight style.
- It comes with an anti-odor lining, making it simpler to clean them.
- These shorts run small, therefore it’s a good idea to go a size up (especially if you’re on the border between sizes)
Nike Team Equalizer Soccer Shorts
Complaints against these shorts are coming from people who do not know they are for soccer! Therefore, they’re not long like basketball shorts, of course, and they’re also without pockets, both of which are standard for soccer.
Why we like Nike Team Equalizer?
- A comfortable balance between loose and snug created by a regular fit.
- For simple and limitless movement, regular fit is cut.
- The elastic waist Drawcord helps you to customize your fit.
- Climalite fabric wipes away the sweat.
8. Shin Pads / Shin Guards
You’ve got to cover your legs, whether you play soccer as a hobby or a career. Wearing shin pads/ guards is the safest way to do this. FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, states in Law 4 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game that shin guards are a player’s compulsory equipment and therefore must be worn. Meanwhile, players who chose to wear insufficient shin guards or none at all should be denied entry and prohibited from playing in the field of play.
For soccer safety and players’ protection, shin guards play a crucial role in present soccer games. We could have seen many more injuries in the game without regulations governing the mandatory use of shin guards in soccer today.
Types of Shin Guards
When playing soccer, there are 3 main styles of shin guards that a player can wear:
- Slip-in shin guards
- Ankle shin guards
- Shin socks
Slip-in shin guards
Lightweight protective molded plates that are worn within the socks are generally known as slip-in shin guards. These shin guards slip into position under the sock, sitting directly on the shin of the player, and keeping the sock in place.
Slip-in shin guards provide less protection than other shin guard styles, but with minimal weight included, they are a great choice for players who want to have maximum mobility while playing.
Ankle shin guards
This shin guard comes under the sock and requires a protective plate to secure the calf with the attached strap. In addition, ankle safety is often added to the shin guard’s bottom and held under the foot with a stirrup.
For a soccer player, ankle shin guards offer the most protection as both the shins and ankles are secured.
Shin Socks
Shin socks consist of shin protection that is woven into the sock. With the guard integrated directly into the sock, this type of shin guard is designed for comfort, making it much easier for players to wear without thinking about wearing separate shin protection products. Because of how simple they are to wear and the convenience of getting shin defense and sock combined, this kind of shin guard is common among children.
Key points to note about shin pads (by The Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (JSSM))
- Shin guards minimize the likelihood of serious injury.
- Carbon shin guards provide ample protection against high forces of effect.
- On the other hand, Polypropylene based shin guards that are currently available do not offer adequate protection against high impact forces.
Soccer Protective Gear – Shin Pads / Shin Guards
So, what are the best shin guards for soccer? Here we go.
- Nike Charge 2.0 Shin Pads
- Under Armour Men’s Flex Shin Pads
- Adidas Ghost Pro Shin Guard
So, follow up the next section to see why they are among the best.
Nike Charge 2.0 Shin Pads
Nike’s Charge 2.0 Shin Guards are the standard in shin pads.
Why we like Nike Charge 2.0?
- Backing with EVA foam improves safety and coverage.
- For a natural fit, Pull-on style contours to the shin.
- For maximum protection, the Polypropylene shell holds firm against abrasions.
- Meanwhile, exterior grooves offer extra versatility in order not to limit movement.
Under Armour Men’s Flex Shin Pads
Flexible protection is provided by the Armour Flex shell. On the other hand this one meets the norms of National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
Why we like Under Armour Men’s Flex?
- The ventilated shell helps air to circulate to the shin.
- Provides flexible and lightweight protection.
Adidas Ghost Pro Shin Guard
For young players, these low-priced soccer shin guards from Adidas are an excellent choice.
Why we like Adidas Ghost Pro?
- Above all, this one features maximum ankle protection and foam supporting that promotes comfort.
- Comes with a sleeve for compression. This gives the wearer’s calves comfort and aids in the prevention of cramps up to some level.
9. Cleats
Cleats are made with foot, ankle and knee cushioning in mind, like running shoes and other high-impact footwear. Good cleats will safeguard against injuries from impact. You’ll have more protection as larger the cleats are and the further your feet are from the ground. This can also, however, increase the risk of a sprained ankle. So, when looking for your match among the thousands of cleats in the athletic footwear market, make sure you find a comfortable pair with the right size.
As you already know, soccer requires a lot of running and sudden lateral shifts. Meanwhile, cleats dig into the grass so that you can start, stop and cut on the grass smoother. It also decreases the risk of injuries all over the turf from slipping and falling. When handling the ball, cleats that are particularly made of leather provide you with more friction.
Rugby and soccer cleats may look the same at first, but they have some characteristic variations. After all, each sports shoe is designed to support a particular sport based on its specifications. For example, at the surface level, it can seem like volleyball has a lot in common with basketball and other indoor sports. This leads people to assume that any pair of indoor court shoes, such as basketball shoes, would also do the trick in volleyball as well. But, do you know that there are over 100 types of shoes in the athletic footwear market and each and every one has a specific purpose? Likewise, to win your game, you’ll need a pair of the best soccer cleats!
Soccer Protective Gear – Cleats
So, check these cleats to run around and kick the ball comfortably and safely for the 90 minutes you are on the ground.
- Adidas Predator 20.1 FG
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG
- PUMA Ultra 1.1 FG/AG
After learning about their exciting features in the following section, try to add a new twist to your soccer skill set with a pair.
Adidas Predator 20.1 FG
With the Adidas Predator 20.1 FG, add a little style to your soccer skills.
Why we like Adidas Predator 20.1 FG?
- Features a Primeknit upper for better touch and feel.
- Stay agile and supported thanks to the adaptive Sockfit collar.
- For better traction and speed, the Predator 20.1 FG also features a redesigned spike shape.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG
Prepare to shine with the Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG all season long.
Why we like Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG?
- For 360-degree coverage and second-skin fit, a Flyknit upper wraps your foot.
- Offers a reliable touch regardless of the conditions of play.
- Thanks to the Aerotrak zone with micro grooves for enhanced on-field traction, you can also change direction with confidence.
PUMA Ultra 1.1 FG/AG
The PUMA Ultra 1.1 FG/AG cleat is perfect for artificial and natural surfaces.
Why we like PUMA Ultra 1.1 FG/AG?
- A lightweight upper MATRYXEVO with Kevlar and Carbon yarns offers as much support for the game.
- Keep confident in your ball control thanks to the GripControl Pro coating while driving towards the target.
Tip: Found yourself a pair of cleats that you like? Think about getting a second pair. While an extra investment up front, it might give you several seasons of use to switch between pairs of cleats.
Soccer Protective Gear | Conclusion
After all, sports are supposed to be enjoyable at the end of the day, isn’t it? And if we are not having fun, what is the point of playing? Even minor injuries can ruin the fun of any sport, including soccer. The safety of the body ensures that the excitement of the game is protected other than the body itself. That’s why soccer protective gear is an investment that every player (whether amateur or professional) and parents should consider, especially for young players. Hope you got enough insight about soccer protective gear through this article. And remember, as Lionel Messi says, “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”
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