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'.

$169.99 MSRP for Junior (12", 13")
$219.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

Play with physicality? Step into the shooting lane on the penalty kill? Looking for premium protection and coverage with amazing comfort? Well, the CCM Tacks XF Pro Shin Guards are the perfect choice for you.

Built for the player who thrives on physical gameplay and needs reliable protection, these feature CCM's D3O Foam in key impact areas such as the knee cap, calf guard, and lower portion of the shell's liner. This rate-sensitive foam delivers pro-level impact protection so you can confidently weave through stick traffic and block shots to help your goalie.

Its anatomical fit feels incredible against the legs and comes with an AdaptFit calf strap, thigh guard, and liner. These three areas allow players to fully customize the fit to their body and squeeze out as much comfort and coverage as possible.

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

At a fraction of other big-name prices, the Sherwood Code Encrypt 1 Shin Guards deliver incredible protection, comfort, and mobility for the playmaker, the one who does it all with speed and quickness. Sherwood implemented their Viconic Impact Protection to the knee cap, an area that can take the brunt of heavy falls or collisions. VIP handles repeated impacts and disperses energy away from the joint.

Sherwood stepped up their comfort game this year with the introduction of their 360-degree Wrap, a unique strapping system that provides a much better wrap than years before and is the most comfortable fit from Sherwood yet. 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.

With elite-level protection and an affordable price for a runner-up are the Warrior Alpha Pro Shin Guards. If the Tacks XF Pro's are out of budget, these are a great second choice for the physical player. It has a ton of features that amplify its value such as the Imax Foam, Fantom Stretch Sling Wrap, and premium liner with Polygiene odor control technology.

CCM has introduced protection for the female hockey players for 2024 and this includes the CCM JetSpeed FTW Shin Guards. They have a premium anatomical fit for girls and women, shaping their bodies for fantastic comfort and coverage. Whether you're about to experience your first hockey game or you're playing in high-level hockey, the FTW's come with elite-level protection and a customizable fit.

$99.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12", 13")
$119.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

Warrior is coming out on top in the Performance category with the Warrior Alpha Lite Shin Guards, offering maximum coverage and protection for the aggressive player. Perfect for the 200-foot player, these boast reliable protection in a more affordable package for the competitive player. It has an adjustable liner with soft foams for comfort and a great strapping system that feels great on the leg, which also does a fantastic job of keeping the protection locked down.

$79.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$99.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16")

Sharing a ton of premium features found in the Encrypt 1, the Sherwood Code Encrypt 2 Shin Guards have a ton of value for the highly competitive player seeking a more affordable price. It features the same anatomical fit and new 360-degree Wrap, offering the same fit players have come to love in the Encrypt 1. Its more affordable protection package is a great choice for the quick and agile player looking to maintain their speed through the neutral zone while still having protection suited for competitive gameplay. Internally, it features Sherwood's MicroBan liner which is soft and comfortable yet wicks away moisture and battles odor-causing bacteria for the entire lifespan of the shin guard.

CCM has a fantastic Tacks line for 2024, and even though they didn't crack the best overall or best value, they certainly shouldn't be overlooked. The only reason the CCM Tacks XF 80 Shin Guards didn't make this list is based on its higher price compared to the other two. The length-adjustable calf strap and great outside calf protection are worth it if you're willing to spend a bit of extra money for these fit and protection features.

A sneaky value pick and only around for a limited time are the CCM Tacks Classic Shin Guards. If you're looking for maximum coverage and protection for competitive play but don't want the bulk that normally comes with a high-profile shin guard, these are a solid choice. They have a wonderful anatomical fit and a very comfortable strapping system.

$29.99 MSRP for Youth (8", 9")
$54.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12", 13")
$64.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16", 17")

Ideal for the entry-level or just casual hockey player are the Warrior Rise Shin Guards. With a lightweight protection package perfect for casual play, it has a great fit on the leg and a comfortable strapping system that keeps it locked down. A huge plus is the wide range of sizes, ranging from youth to senior so players of all sizes can find the fit that's best for them.

$49.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12", 13")
$59.99 MSRP for Senior (14", 15", 16")

The Winnwell Q5 Shin Guards are an affordable first-time option for the player getting into their first casual hockey league. They are lightweight for the quick and agile skater while providing great protection for recreational play. A standout feature at this price is the CleanSport NXT Technology, an odor control within the liner that doesn't just mask smells but eliminates them for the entire lifespan of the product. If you're willing to spend a bit extra for a softer and removable liner, the Winnwell Q7 Shin Guards are the way to go.

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!