To ensure that you’re getting enough protection whenever you’re Deadlifting, wear a pair of shin guards. These are a must to protect your shins, keep your calves warm, reduce bruising, and encourage a better starting technique.
Upon looking into different deadlift shin guards available in the market, we’ve found out that TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards are the best. For one, the quality of these deadlift shin guards is tough to beat as these are made from thick neoprene material. The TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards provide ultimate shin protection for deadlifts, rope climbs, box jumps, and CrossFit exercises.
Still looking for the best deadline shin guards? We’ve rounded up this list for you, so you can easily find a pair that’s perfect for your gym bag and workout!
Best Deadlift Shin Guards at a Glance
It promises quick wear, is made from neoprene, and can be worn on top of your knee-high socks.
It is made from neoprene materials and comes with a two-inch zipper so users can save time removing and wearing it.
TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards – Best Overall
What we like
- Made from high-quality neoprene material
- It doesn’t require users to take off their shoes, which can help them save time
- One size fits most
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- Some users find that this shin guard doesn’t stay true to its promise of one size fits most
We declare the TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards the best because its neoprene material can effectively protect your legs from bruises and even impede injuries. Another great thing about the TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards is that you can wear the pair over your knee-high socks, skin, and even training pants.
When it comes to the price points category, the TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards. These deadlifting shin guards are more expensive than most of its competitors.
Bear Grips Deadlifting Shin Guards Sleeves 2.0 – Best Full Shin Coverage
What we like
- Ideal for men and women, and athletes and beginners
- Available in different size options and colors
- Lightweight, making it easier to stash in a gym bag
What we don’t like
- Not ideal for wearing over socks
- Low-quality zippers
The Bear Grips is a runner-up on our list because these provide optimal shin protection during deadlifting, biking, and even obstacle courses. It’s constructed with a side zipper to save time from wearing and taking it off. These deadlift shin guards can also be purchased in a single sleeve or multiple sets.
One drawback of the Bear Grips Deadlifting Shin Guards Sleeves 2.0 is that you can’t wear the pair over your socks. This can be a problem, especially for people who are always on the go.
Smart Strength Shin Guards – Best For CrossFit
What we like
- Lightweight
- Ideal for jumping activities
- Easy to put on and remove, will not require you to take off your shoes
What we don’t like
- Wears out easily over time
- Has shorter lifespan compared to shins made from neoprene
The Smart Strength Shin Guards are one of the best plastic shin guards because, aside from being lightweight, they are extremely durable and provide optimal shin protection. Wearing these shin guards won’t give you the sensation of being “weight down,” making it easier for you to lift and have the most efficient workout.
But because the Smart Strength Shin Guards is made from plastic, its quality can eventually fray over time. This usually happens when deadlifting as the bar creates friction with the sleeves.
RockTape Rock Guards – Best Comfortable Fit
What we like
- Protective, breathable, and dries quickly
- Fits well with silicon beads to stay in place
- 5mm Neoprene bonded and stretch backing for extra comfort
What we don’t like
- Requires removing your shoes before putting on and taking off the shin guard
- Zippers tend to slip open
The RockTape Rock Guards makes it to our list because of one amazing feature: synthetic 4-way stretch that conforms really well to your calves. This feature will make the shin guard feel like your second skin, ensuring comfort when lifting or training. Thanks to its perforated mesh back, the RockTape Rock Guards can also dry quickly.
One downside of the RockTape Rock Guards is that you need to take off your shoes before putting them on and taking them off. It seems like a hassle, right?
RxFit Deadlift Shin Guards – Best Budget
What we like
- It comes with two adjustable straps for stability
- Zipper for easy access
- Affordable
- Inexpensive than other deadlifting shin guards
What we don’t like
- The sleeves are made fully from neoprene
- The nylon doesn’t offer full protection
RxFit has made waves in the market for creating deadlift shin guards that come with cheaper price points. It comes with a neoprene front that delivers much-needed protection, while the back is made from nylon to help improve the user’s flexibility. The RxFit Deadlift Shin Guards also has two velcro straps and a two-inch zipper.
Some RxFit Deadlift Shin Guards users mentioned that the nylon section doesn’t offer the same level of protection as the front. If this can be improved, RxFit would possibly top the list. Overall, this is a great buy for its price point and effective shin protection.
Shinnovate Shin Guards – Best Adjustable Fit
What we like
- It can be worn without removing shoes
- Protects the shin with 3 mm plastic
- Less hot than neoprene
What we don’t like
- Not full shin coverage
- Velcro straps don’t feel as relaxed on the legs and needs some time to break in
For anyone looking for adjustable shins that can be customized based on the size of your calves, the Shinnovate Shin Guards is an excellent option. It features two velcro straps—one at the top and one at the bottom—while allowing the back of your legs to breathe. This shin guard also comes with two polyethylene inserts that you can easily insert before your workout.
Final Verdict
TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards is the clear winner in our review because it offers several features to effectively protect your shins and legs when doing multiple sets of deadlifts, rope climbs, box jumps, and other forms of training. We also love how TheFitGuy Weightlifting Shin Guards come in a very versatile and stylish design.
The Bear Grips Deadlifting Shin Guards Sleeves 2.0 ranks second as it offers 5x more padding than other deadlift shin guards. It also comes with a stretchy and comfortable fit and can be worn by men, women, and youth. What more can you ask for?
With the number of features, these shin guards offer, buying any will surely bring value to your hard-earned money. These shin guards are smart investments as they can protect your shins, legs, and calves and ensure that you’re getting the most from your workouts—without compromising your safety!
And, there you have it! Six of the best deadlift shin guards available in the market today. Start looking into these shin guards and choose one that suits the intensity of your workouts and budget!
Here’s What To Look For When Buying Shin Guards
Are you still confused on which deadlift shin guards to buy? We’ve created the section below to help you narrow down your options and find the best deadlift shin guards suitable to your needs and budget.
Design and Comfort of Use
It’s best to invest in deadlift shin guards made from neoprene. Deadlifting socks made from this material are known to provide maximum protection to their users.
To remain comfortable whenever you’re wearing your shin guards, pick one that comes with velcro straps. This feature promises quick wear and will not require you to remove your shoes.
Sizing
Deadlifting shin guards often come in XS to XL sizes. When choosing which to buy, try out several options, so you can easily determine which shin guard perfectly fits your calf, knee, and shin.
Thickness
Look for a shin guard that’s at least 5mm thick. Deadlifting shin guards with this thickness can efficiently protect and cover your legs and reduce your risk of bruising as you’re doing deadlifts.