Designed to keep shin guards in place during play, shin guard stays are a vital accessory for many footballers at all skill levels. In this guide, we’ll give you a crash course on these small but important shin-savers: what they are, why you may need them—and, most importantly, how to wear them.

What Are Shin Guard Stays?

Often the final step in a soccer player’s shin guard application routine, shin guard stays are small pieces of fastening apparel designed to wrap around the ankle and keep the shin guard from sliding. Though they aren’t used by every player on the pitch, they’re a highly effective, fully reusable alternative to tape and other adhesives. 

How to Wear Shin Guard Stays

Putting on shin guards and keeping them firmly in place is equal parts art and science. Every player has his or her routine—and shin guard stays are just a small step in some of those routines. However, for a secure fit that stays put for 90 minutes (and then some), they can’t be beat. Here’s how to wear them.

  • Step 1: Figure Out Your Preferred Type of Shin Guards – There are three primary types of shin guards: slip-in shin guards, ankle shin guards, and sock shin guards. In most cases, shin guard stays are needed for ankle shin guards, which are the most maneuverable but are also the least stable. Though shin guard stays can be used for the other two types of shin guards, the following steps apply to slip-in shin guards specifically.
  • Step 2: Choose Your Shin Guard Stays Wisely – As with every piece of soccer equipment, quality should be a top priority when selecting shin guard stays. Among the most widely used and trusted are Nike shin guard stays, though other quality alternatives from brands like PUMA and adidas are also available.
  • Step 3: Put on Your Socks – Most shin guard routines start with a pair of socks. They’re the base layer: the barrier between your feet your cleats, and often a crucial contributor to keeping shin guards in place. Slip your sock over your foot and leave it around your ankle.
  • Step 4: Place and Affix Your Shin Guards – This step will look different depending on what you use to hold your shin guards to your shins. If you use the same sock that’s around your foot, simply pull it up and over your shin guard. If you prefer to use shin guard sleeves, pull your sock up, place your shin guard over your shin (on top of your sock), and then slip on the sleeve to keep it in place.
  • Step 5: Apply Your Shin Guard Stays – If you were to use tape or another type of adhesive wrap to create extra stability for your shin guards, you’d place it at some point during Step 4. With shin guard stays, you can wait until the very end—and you don’t need to use extra material. Once your shin guards are held in place by either socks or sleeves, unwrap the Velcro of your shin guard stays, wrap them around your ankles just below your shin guards, and securely fasten them to create a secure hold.

Do You Need Shin Guard Stays?

On the pitch, keeping shin guards in place is ultra-important—both for player safety and performance. Shin guard stays are one among many shin guard accessories designed with this in mind. What makes them superior to other methods is their convenience and reusability. 

They’re also a great way to match team apparel, with options like Nike Varsity Royal Shin Guard Stays and Nike University Red Shin Guard Stays.

Shop New Brand Shin Guard Stays at SoccerPro

When your shins need protection, our team at SoccerPro has you—and them—covered. Shop our selection of name-brand shin guard stays, shin guards, and other accessories to stay safe whenever you play.