How to Measure for Hockey Shin Pads

It's hard to believe that hockey shin guards, or any protective gear for that matter, were considered unmanly by the sport's pioneers. The design has changed over the years to incorporate new materials, but the function remains the same: to protect the shins from sticks and pucks. A properly fitted shin guard allows the player to play with confidence.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Skates
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on a chair or bench with either knee bent at a 45-degree angle. Put on the skate of the flexed leg. Using the tape measure, measure from the middle of the kneecap down to the top of the skate. Note the resulting number of inches.

    • 2

      Don the other skate. Gather various shin guards in the corresponding length for test fitting.

    • 3

      Fasten guards to shins with the attachment straps. Stand, then walk in the skates on soft flooring. Determine whether the shin guards drop into the skates. If so, go with a size smaller, as dropping shiin guards will hamper skating during play.