shinpads

Sadly, as with most things you do get what you pay for when it comes to shinpads. The budget shinpads are ok for starting out and will give you that added perception of safety, but when it comes down to it they do not offer anywhere near the protecion that the more expensive leather ones do.

As with choosing clothes on the high street you will always find a brand that suits your body better than others. Everyone has their own preference (as I do!) and most will defend their corner vehemently! Once again... personal preference rules (as you've probably realised by now!)

One tip is to try to avoid lending your shinpads out. When you "wear-in" your shinpads the heat and sweat of your legs help shape the pad to adapt and mold to your shin and calf shape. Once you lend them out you'll find that they feel ever so slightly different next time you put them on as the heat from your partners legs will have changed their shape.