Safety & Style In Football OR Shin Pad Shinanigans: A Leg-endary Guide

Introduction

Football, the world’s most popular team sport, has evolved significantly over the years. Both the gameplay, preparation, organisation, and equipment have become more sophisticated and advanced. The humble shin pad is a prime example of applying science and technology to an essential (and sometimes neglected!) piece of protective gear. Since football started, people have been getting kicked on the shins. Large bruises don’t look good and make you play better – Safety & Style in Football are important!

The Shin

The shin is properly referred to as the tibia. This is the bigger of the 2 bones making up the lower leg. Getting kicked on the shins is painful. The worst-case scenario of a blow to the shin is a fracture *(broken bone). Your shin has skin, periosteum (a thin layer of tissue covering the tibia bone), and bone. The periosteum is richly supplied with pain sensors. As there’s little other tissue to take the impact of a direct blow…it REALLY hurts when you get a direct impact here. Bruising of the skin AND bone can occur as the tissues bleed internally. Sometimes cuts (lacerations) can occur tearing the skin and resulting in the need for medical attention. Direct blows to the shin can cause it to break. Hence, footballers quickly realised it helped them to wear something to protect their shins.

The First Ever Football Shin Pads

The history of football shin pads appears to date back to the late 19th century. A likely contender is Sam Weller Widdowson. Playing professional football for Notts County and Nottingham Forest and first-class cricket, the Nottinghamshire player is said to have cut down a pair of cricket pads to protect him from injury. Players gradually refined from this beginning with makeshift solutions such as leather straps or padded materials, to protect their shins from the aggressive tackles and intense gameplay. These early shin pads were rudimentary and offered moderate protection and were awkward to wear but they were a start. Not much Safety & Style In Football here!

Early Shin Pads c.19th

The 1900s

In the early 1900s, a breakthrough occurred with the introduction of padding made from natural materials like cotton and foam. These pads were more comfortable and provided better shock absorption, significantly improving protection for players.

Shin Pads early c.20th made from canvas & leather

Shin Pad Catalogue C.1920 Acton & Co.

Over the next few decades, shin pads continued to evolve, with manufacturers incorporating new materials and designs to improve protection, comfort, and mobility. In the mid-20th century, the introduction of fiberglass and plastic revolutionized the shin pad industry. These materials were lightweight yet durable, offering superior protection compared to earlier iterations.

The 1970s

In the 1970s, foam and gel cushioning became a hallmark of modern shin pads. These materials are moulded to the shape of the shin, providing a snug fit and enhanced protection against collisions and impacts during the game. Foam and gel cushioning significantly reduced the risk of injuries and increased player confidence on the field.

Lispro 1971

In the 1980s and 1990s, manufacturers began to focus on developing shin pads with more anatomical designs and improving comfort and protection. This saw composite materials with harder plastics combined with softer materials against the skin. Velcro as a means of keeping shin pads in place was now increasingly being used. These designs ensured a better fit and improved protection, catering to the demands of player’s wanting the latest technology in their equipment. This era saw the shin pad design usher in safety & style in football as a desirable accessory for the first time. With manufacturers able to produce in different colours and shapes, the ability to display flair and individuality became a marketing point. This era also saw the rise of the celebrity player shin pad endorsement! For those around at the time this was an unforgettable advert,

Bryan Robson Gary Lineker Ian Rush – Shin Pad Celebrity Endorsers / Enforcers

First High-performance Materials

After this era, higher performance materials like carbon fiber-based composites and more advanced polymers constructions made their way into shin pads. Carbon fiber- reinforced composites with their aerospace heritage, have huge appeal as they are extremely light with exceptional strength for impact resistance. However, repeated impacts can cause failure as can bending due to their lack of elasticity. These more modern materials offered superior strength and impact resistance while maintaining a lightweight profiles.

Smart-Materials Era

In the modern area, the drive for increased comfort and lightweight materials has given rise to viscoelastic foams such as Poron XRD and non-Newtonian smart-materials being used. The U.S. based company, G-Form, deploy an auxetic foam to make shin pads. The latest innovation is, of course, Smart Armor’s Pro. S1 Elite Shin Pad. RHEON was the invention of Dr. Dan Plant and spun out into Rheon Labs. The Smart Armor collaboration with Rheon Labs brings us to the modern day. With astounding smart-material technology shaped into sophisticated biomimetic geometries and tested with professional athletes, other have described this as ‘The World’s Best Shin Pad’. The current leader in terms of ‘safety & style in football’…probably.

Smart Armor Pro.S1 Elite Shin Pads with Pocketed Sleeves & Washbag

Shin Pad Types

Today, shin pads come in a variety of designs and styles to cater to the diverse preferences and needs of players. Some of the most common types of shin pads include:

Slip-in shin guards: These are lightweight, minimalistic pads that easily slide into the player’s socks or a pocketed sleeve. Some players use disposable tapes such as sock tape or underwrap to secure these. They provide essential protection and are favoured for their comfort and ease of use.
Ankle shin guards: These shin pads extend to cover the ankle, providing comprehensive protection to both the shin and the vulnerable ankle area. They offer enhanced stability and support.
Sleeve-style shin guards: These shin pads are incorporated into a compression sleeve, ensuring a secure fit and ease of use. They offer excellent protection and convenience but some players find sleeves may not be correctly sized for their anatomy.
Fuller-length shin guards: Covering a larger portion of the leg, these shin pads offer more extensive protection for the shin. They are preferred by players seeking maximum coverage and protection.

The Impact of Shin Guards on Football

Shin pads have had a significant impact on football. By protecting players from serious injuries, shin pads have allowed players to tackle more confidently and aggressively and pursue the ball more relentlessly. This has led to a more exciting and dynamic game for both players and spectators.

In addition, shin pads have helped to reduce the risk of short and long-term injuries. Shin guards can help to prevent fractures, lacerations and other injuries that can sideline players for months or longer. This has helped to make soccer a safer sport for players of all ages and skill levels.

Conclusion – Safety & Style In Football

The evolution of soccer shin pads is a testament to the technology and sport’s commitment to player safety. Shin pads have played a vital role in reducing the risk of injuries and increasing player confidence on the field. As the game continues to evolve, so too will shin pads, ensuring that players are always protected with the latest and greatest technology.

Safety & Style In Football