How to Put on Soccer Pads & Socks

These pads aren't correctly fitted. The bottom should sit against the boot.

Soccer players wear shin pads underneath their socks to protect their lower leg from the impact of tackles. It is a law of the game, as prescribed the governing body FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) that all players wear regulation shin protection. No other pads may be worn. The referee may dismiss a player from the field if he refuses to wear shin pads. There are many types of shin pads--some include ankle protection, some are strapped on, while others are held in place by the sock.

Things You'll Need

• Shin pads
• Elasticated garter
• Soccer socks

Instructions

1. Put on your own socks. If you opt to wear a pair of thin socks underneath the socks in your kit, put these on first.

2. Put on your shin pad. If your shin pad is of the strapped-on variety or if it has an integrated ankle guard, you need to put these on underneath the sock. Slip your foot through the ankle strap and pull the pad upward so the ankle strap is snug. Most shin pads of this variety have an elasticated strap that goes under the foot. Ensure that this isn't twisted. If the shin pad is strapless and doesn't have an ankle guard, put your socks on first and then slide the pad into the sock. The pad will have a contoured bottom so it sits snugly against the top of your foot.

3. Fasten the Velcro strap around your leg, below the knee. Typically, the pad has one strap that wraps around the leg and attaches to a Velcro pad on the front. Repeat the previous step for the other pad.

4. Pull the sock up so it covers the entire shin pad. Regulation soccer socks are oversized and need to be folded down at the top. If you don't fold the sock down at the top, the excess may restrict knee movement. If desired, you can hold your sock up with an elasticated garter.

5. Check that the pads are firmly fitted. Pads that move about during play are dangerous and can cause injury themselves. The sock should hold the pad securely in place. During warm up, do some running and passing drills with a teammate to ensure the shin pad isn't moving.

6. Present yourself for inspection. Before the game kicks off, the referee may ask to check your uniform. Your boots, studs, shin pads and socks all must be regulation. Refusing an inspection is against the rules and you can be dismissed for doing so.

Tips & Warnings

• Rub at little Vaseline on your shins to stop the pads from chafing.

• Ensure your pads are age appropriate. It's tempting to wear children's pads because they are light and don't restrict your movement as much, but they offer inadequate protection.

References

• FIFA: How to Protect Yourself