To determine what size hockey shin guards you need, the rule of thumb is to measure from your ankle to the middle of your kneecap with your foot on the ground. But unlike other hockey protective gear, sizing for shin guards depends on how the player chooses to wear them: over the tongue of the skate, or under. Ultimately, if you wear them over the tongue, you need longer shin guards to account for the extra space the gear needs to fit over the tongue.

If you need more information to decide which shin guards are right for you, check out our related Pure Hockey Shin Guard Buying Guide, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you for an assessment from our staff.

How to Size Hockey Shin Guards

Follow these basic steps to determine a starting point for your shin guard size:

• Put on your skates and tie them as you would to play.
• Sit in a chair or on a bench with your feet at a 90° angle.
• If you wear your shin guards over the skate tongue, measure the length from one inch below the top of the tongue to the middle of your kneecap.
• If you wear your shin guards under the skate tongue, measure from the top of the tongue to the middle of your kneecap.
• If you’re between inches, round up.

Whatever distance you measured is your shin guard size; so, if the measurement is 13”, then you should start by looking at 13” shin guards.

Again, this size is just a starting point since shin guard fit has a lot to do with personal preference, and not everyone has the same proportions between their height and leg size. If you’re unsure how your pads should fit, compare a few different shin guards within your size range to find the best option for you.

Hockey Shin Guard Sizing Chart

Every brand can have slightly different sizing, which is used as a general guideline to help you choose your hockey shin guards. If you know the brand you want, we offer manufacturer sizing charts below for Bauer, CCM, and Warrior.

Bauer Hockey Shin Guard Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of Bauer hockey shin guards.

CCM Hockey Shin Guard Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of CCM hockey shin guards.

Warrior Hockey Shin Guard Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of Warrior hockey shin guards.

How Should Hockey Shin Guards Fit?

You’ll know your hockey shin guards fit properly when your knee sits directly in the center of the knee donut. Make sure to test out the straps of the shin guard to ensure a tight hold to keep the pad in place. In a proper fit, there won’t be any gaps between the skate and the shin guard. If the shin guards are too small, you’ll see a gap between the skate and the angle, or notice your calf isn’t fully protected. If they’re too big, the shin guards will wobble, feel loose, and your knee may sit above or below the donut.

Most hockey shin guards come in a few basic fit profiles to benefit particular playing styles, so make sure to try some different options to find the best fit for you. A traditional fit is a bulkier pad that offers more coverage and protection–best for physical players who block a lot of shots or see a lot of action on the boards. A contoured fit is sleeker and has the lowest profile–perfect for quick-moving players who need added maneuverability. A tapered fit combines a traditional upper half with a contoured lower half of the pad, providing a balanced fit suitable for players who see a little bit of everything on the ice.

Top hockey equipment makers have developed their product lines with position and style of play in mind. Bauer,CCM, and other popular makers offer shin guards in a range of profiles and sizes to cover the protection needs and preferences of all hockey players. For any player focused on speed and agility, the Bauer Vapor line or CCM’s Jetspeed shin guards are lighter weight, with a closer-to-the-body anatomical fit for streamlined play. For defensive players or those who need power and stability, Bauer’s Supreme shin guards or CCM’s Tacks line offers more coverage to handle checks and blocks.

Are you in the market for a new pair of shin guards? Shop our full selection of hockey shin guards online, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you.

If you're shopping for other gear, too, check out our full library of hockey equipment buying & fitting guides so you can purchase with confidence.