You deserve to have the best deadlift shin guards when you want to protect your shins while deadlifting. Protective equipment is essential for all athletes that wish to achieve peak performance.
By ensuring the safety and comfort of essential body parts during training or events, you will be able to boost your athleticism and reach your fitness and training goals faster. Some indispensable pieces of gear are shin guards and socks.
Football fans may be more familiar with the term, as shin guards are considered staples. They were introduced in 1874 by one Sam Weller Widdowson, who took inspiration from the equipment used in cricket.¹
Professional players ridiculed the need for shin protection at first, but now it is more appreciated than ever.
After shin guards finally became accepted in football and their potential was recognized, many other sports introduced them to their list of staple equipment that ensures the security and defense of participants.
One activity in which they have become the norm is deadlifting, an integral part of bodybuilding, powerlifting, and fitness transformation.
There are two main types of shin guards used for deadlifting: socks and sleeves. According to a 2014 study conducted on a sample group of football players, EVA, neoprene, and carbon are the best materials that provide an adequate amount of protection.²
These materials will naturally work for fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and powerlifters as well. So here are my 5 top choice deadlift shin guards to wear in 2021.
5 Best Deadlift Shin Guards on the Market Today – Image Source: @MarvinInspire
1. THEFITGUY Weightlifting Shin Guards
You can wear THEFITGUY Weightlifting Shin Guards over your skin, socks, or training pants. They provide enough protection for deadlifts, CrossFit workouts, snatches, cleans, box jumps, and rope climbs. Their durable layer of 5mm Neoprene material will help impede injuries.
Best of all, with THEFITGUY shin guards, you do not need to remove your shoes, saving you valuable time.
- ULTIMATE SHIN PROTECTION: Built of strong durable 5mm Neoprene...
- SAVE TIME - QUICK WEAR AND REMOVE: Takes only a few seconds to wear...
- USE ONLY WHEN NEEDED - DURING WORKOUT: Optimize your workout by...
2. Moxy Deadlift Socks
Moxy deadlift socks are knee-high and specifically targeted towards deadlifts. They are tight-knit yet breathable, which maximizes athletic performance and sustains your workout regardless of how difficult it is.
They also support the shin and are smooth to the touch, which increases comfort during the training session.
The specialized Achilles tendon cushions of Moxy compression socks support the arch and absorbs shock. At the same time, their optimal length offers complete coverage of the area that is most prone to injury.
They come in a variety of models, from skulls to unicorns and everything in between. Pairs usually retail for 10 to 20 dollars, depending on the fabric and print.
All in all, Moxy weightlifting deadlift socks are one of the best deadlift shin guards you can purchase and use today.
- Achilles Tendon Performance
- Side Ventilation Marked By Grey Line
- Deadlift Cushion Padding
3. Rocktape RockGuards Protection Shin Guards
When it comes to innovative design and efficient use of materials, nothing quite beats the quality of RockTape RockGuard shin guards. The new, third generation of equipment is built with a double layer for additional security.
Thus, the shin side sports 5mm perforated neoprene, while the back is adorned with a four-way synthetic material that is breathable and light. In addition, these effective deadlift shin sleeves have integrated silicone beads to avoid slippage.
This is also great for keeping any debris out, which means that they can come in handy for a variety of sports other than deadlifting.
A pack of two RockGuard shin protectors retails for approximately 38 dollars, which is a great deal that you should take advantage of.
- PROTECTION FROM ROPE CLIMBS AND BOX JUMPS - RockGuards are designed to...
- DURABLE SHIN GUARD - 3rd generation RockGuards are made with strong...
- STAYS IN PLACE - Organically designed to conform and move with your...
4. Bear Grips Shin Guard Sleeves
If knee-high socks aren’t your cup of tea and you want something with a bit more reinforcement to sustain your deadlifting, a pair of sleeves are the ideal solution.
Bear Grips are some of the best on the market, as they are made from 5mm-thick soft neoprene and have a lateral zipper for easy put on or removal whenever you might need it.
A silicone band has been sewn in at the top to prevent the Bear Grips sleeve from falling.
Bear Grips Shin Guards Sleeves are available in three color options: black, pink, and neon green, and they can be purchased in a pair or as a single sleeve.
Thus, price points vary from 25 to 45 dollars.
- 🛡️PREVENT SHIN SCRAPES & BRUISES WITH 5X TIMES MORE PADDING: Bear...
- 🐻 THE MOST VERSATILE SLEEVES IN THE WORLD! If you ever have scraped...
- 🔑 #1 CUSTOMER VOTED GYM SLEEVES WITH 2021 EDITION UPGRADES:EASY...
5. Adidas Rivalry Field OTC Socks
The Adidas Rivalry Field OTC Socks are perfect for both deadlifting and soccer if that’s more your speed. They provide athletes with a comfortable fit and enough moisture wicking to ensure an effortless experience.
They aim to protect the shins and calves from the bruising that is characteristic of soccer and deadlifting.
Adidas Rivalry Field Socks retail for around 12 dollars a pair.
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps your feet cool and dry.
- Arch and ankle compression for added stability.
- Cushioned foot provides protection from impact.
Best Deadlift Shin Guards – Final Thoughts
Deadlifting can be an enriching physical activity. If you need to lose weight before starting a deadlift program, follow these five simple steps to lose 20 pounds in 3 months. Once you are ready to deadlift, use this beginner deadlift workout routine and 12-week program.
When you start to deadlift regularly, remember to protect your body from damage. Shin guards are an excellent choice for this, as they impede any scraping, scratching, or bruising from occurring, thus keeping the leg safe and comfortable. Depending on your needs and preferences, any of the best shin guards mentioned above will make a suitable choice.
My picks for the best deadlift shin guards
Articles on Deadlifts:
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- Best Deadlift Socks to Protect Your Back from Injury
- 5 Best Weightlifting Belts You Can Buy Today
Why should I deadlift?
- 7 Most Important Deadlift Muscles Worked To Change Your Life
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Learn how to deadlift
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Deadlift form tips + prevent injury
- 50 Essential Deadlift Tips and Tricks Every Beginner Should Know
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- 13 Essential Alan Thrall Deadlift Tips You Need to Know
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- 9 Essential Deadlift Workout Tips for Beginners
Deadlift workouts + programs
- One Great Beginner Deadlift Workout Routine for Powerlifting and Fitness
- 12 Week Deadlift Program for Beginners
- 3×5 Workout: The Only Strength Training Program You Will Ever Need
- 531 for Beginners; How to Set Up this Classic Strength Program
- Phraks Greyskull LP Variant vs. Starting Strength vs. GSLP
Footnotes:
¹ The Introduction of Shin Guards to Protect the Legs
² National Institute of Health 2014 Study on Best Materials for Leg Protection
About the Author
Luke S. Mitchell is an MS Undergraduate in Sports Journalism and manager of Defend Your Healthcare. He is interested in the mind-body relationship, how motivation shapes our bodies, and how we draw energy from one simple yet powerful thought. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter.
Rich is a NASM-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), an