Shin Guards
You can't enjoy playing football if you are injured, and knocks to the shins are unavoidable in football. Therefore, you should always wear a good quality pair of shin guards. It's not tough to be injured and sat on the bench!
Shin guards come in a variety of materials, but most modern shinpads are made of either plastic or fibreglass. Both give good protection, but fibreglass is lighter although usually more expensive. When choosing shin guards, pick a pair that feel comfortable and don't restrict your movement but still provide good protection.
Ankle Guards
Ankle guards are useful if you are prone to ankle sprains, or recovering from an ankle injury. The aim of the guards is to provide support, although many also provide padding. A cheaper option is to wrap a bandage around your ankle and underneath your foot. Many shin pads come with ankle protection attached.
Ankle guards with padding are particularly useful if you are a striker where knocks on the ankles are common. If you are defender, a heavier, better protecting shin guard is best.
Old fashioned shin guards from the 1920s. These shin guards were made before the invention of plastic or fibreglass.
