Your shoulders take a beating when you’re playing soccer. Between constantly shielding the ball from defenders and diving head-first for headers, your shoulders are under a lot of pressure. To prevent bruises and pain from forming, you need a good pair of football shoulder pads.
Your best bet when shopping for football shoulder pads is to find a pair that covers your collarbone to protect against bruises and hits to the chin. It’s also important to find a pair that fits snugly to prevent the pads from slipping around and causing more pain than protection.
To help you find the best football shoulder pads, we’ve turned to reviews from real customers on Amazon who have purchased and used these products for themselves. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have countless glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.
Our Editor’s Best Football Shoulder Pads Reviews
- Medium + Super Skill Combination: Configured with - Super Skill Arch, Super Skill Epaulets, Super Skill Cups and a Skill 3/8” Shoulder Foam. Each shoulder pad and size combination is uniquely configured by our experts to ensure maximum safety and performance for your exact needs on the field.
- Pad of the Pros: More than 80% of pro football players and the majority of D1 programs wear XTECH performance enhancing pads on game day
- Performance Enhancing Technology: The X2 leverages 8 patents, advanced plastics, XRD foam production technology, and over a decade of working with the game’s most elite athletes to deliver unmatched safety, performance in a lightweight, breathable, flexible, water-resistant, and comfortable pad that just happens to look amazing.
- Safety & Performance: Advanced lightweight materials and patented design allow for maximum safety on impact without sacrificing mobility whether its for the most elite or high school players
- Made in the USA: Designed, manufactured, and assembled by our X TECH expert craftsmen with more than a decade of experience right here in the USA
- CURV thermoplastic composite internal/external arch and epaulette
- Optimized weight-to-stiffness ratio for improved impact distribution
- Locking epaulette to protect AC joint during impact
- VICIS Air Management System – dual-density foam with soft-touch internal quilted lining
- Moisture- and sweat-resistant padding
- Skill is the shoulder pad cut, designed for skill positions (QB, WR, DB)
- Split-back arch contours to player shape and creates ultimate flexibility
- Ultra-Move Arch Technology for improved range of motion
- Flux is the shoulder pad cushioning
- 4-Piece removable air management channels for customized fit
- LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile cantilever design with 3D steel arch spring creates and maintains a secure, superior fit during gameplay.
- EXTRA PADDING: Integrated deltoid pads provide extra padding.
- SHOCK RAIL DESIGN: The Shock Rail system disperses energy impact through its unique shoulder corrugation ridges.
- SECURE FIT: Adjustable 1” wide elastic straps with T-hooks offer easy adjustment, so athletes can customize their fit for maximum comfort.
- ADJUSTABLE PADS: Hook-and-loop attachment system allows for adjustment of pads and easy removal for cleaning.
- STABILIZE & HEAL: Designed to support and stabilize your shoulder joint, promoting healing after injury or surgery so you can get back in the game faster. This football shoulder injury pad is designed with high-density foam and provides crucial support to help you recover and return to peak performance.
- TARGETED PAIN RELIEF: Provides compression to your rotator cuff and surrounding tendons, helping to reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility and flexibility. Experience significant relief and greater ease of movement with this effective support.
- STAY COOL & DRY: Crafted from lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking material to keep you comfortable and dry during even your most intense workouts or games. You'll barely notice it's there, allowing you to focus on your activity.
- ADJUSTABLE & VERSATILE: Features an adjustable, one-size-fits-most design, ideal for larger youth and adult athletes across various sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby. Its adaptable fit ensures secure and comfortable support for almost anyone.
- ESSENTIAL ATHLETIC GEAR: Whether for injury recovery, pain management, or preventative support, this shoulder brace is a crucial piece of equipment for athletes aiming to perform at their best. Don't let shoulder discomfort hold you back; equip yourself with the support you need.
- IMPACT PROTECTION: Features innovative leaf spring technology that absorbs shock from hits in all directions, providing comprehensive protection for young athletes
- CHEST PROTECTION: Equipped with a raised, molded chest plate and permanent sternum protector for enhanced front impact defense
- NECK PROTECTION: Wide-coverage foam neck roll design safeguards developing neck and collarbone areas while ensuring player comfort
- SECURE FIT: Adjustable belt system with integrated strap management slot allows for easy fitting and adjustment by parents and coaches
- YOUTH-SPECIFIC DESIGN: Lightweight construction with extra-wide internal cushioning provides unrestricted movement while maintaining maximum side impact protection
- DURABLE: Cantilever design disperses impact and shock, maintaining the pad’s shape and structural integrity. High impact polyethylene construction increases the arches’ strength and durability.
- SECURE FIT: Sliding 1-inch wide elastic straps offer easy adjustment of the pad’s tightness for a comfortable fit. Players will feel secure with pads that conform to their chest and also allow freedom of breath and movement.
- EASY UNHOOKING: The easy release system helps players unhook the straps, so they can get the pads on and off without assistance.
- CUSTOMIZABLE: Pre-drilled holes allow players to customize the pads with attachments, such as backplates and neck collars (available separately).
- SIZE OPTIONS: Available in 7 sizes, the Scorpion shoulder pads are built to fit young players up to 180 pounds.
- Uniquely design arch cut to keep arms free from plastic shell
- Angled corrugations to allow more natural movement
- Removable front deltoid pads for more upper arm mobility
- Spacer mesh air management foam provides ultra protective football pads for adults
- Extended lower arch and cushioning for more comfortable fit for players at any position
- MATTE FINISH: The Gauntlet III's premium matte finish marks it as a high-quality product ideal for high school athletes.
- LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile cantilever design creates a superior fit, with sleek arch plates that reduce weight and increase mobility.
- AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Air management removable liner system evenly distributes impact force, resulting in optimal protection.
- EXTENSIVE PADDING: Built-in rib pads and padded epaulets are designed to maximize cushioning, while the impact-control dual deltoid pads can be adjusted for comfort or removed.
- FLEXIBLE: Swivel front and back connectors allow the shoulder pads to move with the player for a more natural feel.
- CONSTRUCTION: Engineered with aerospace-grade materials that deliver maximum durability while maintaining exceptional flexibility for elite performance
- VENTILATION SYSTEM: Innovative airflow design reduces heat buildup during intense gameplay, keeping players cool and focused
- PROTECTION FEATURES: Includes foam neck roll, removable sternum protector, and contoured epaulette for comprehensive impact protection
- MOBILITY DESIGN: Articulating chassis combined with biothane straps ensures full range of motion without compromising security
- SECURE FIT: Articulating belt system and adjustable straps provide a locked-in feel for confident play during high-intensity situations
Best Football Shoulder Pads Buying Guide
Before choosing the best football shoulder pads you should consider following options:
1. Materials: Football shoulder pads are made from either polyester or nylon. Polyester-made pads are cheaper and lighter, but nylon-made pads are more durable. Either type will be fine as long as you get the right size.
2. Size: Football shoulder pads come in different sizes, so make sure you get the right one. The most commonly used size is medium. Football shoulder pads are usually available in three sizes – medium, large and extra large.
3. Position: Football shoulder pads are designed according to the position you play. For example, quarterbacks should get rib pads that are contoured so they don’t get in the way while throwing the ball.
4. Garter Belt: If you have a big chest and broad shoulders, then you may need a garter belt along with your shoulder pads to keep them in place. The belt attaches to the back of the shoulder pads and fits around the waist.
5. Features: Football shoulder pads generally come with additional features such as removable rib pads, plastic caps for extra protection, etc.
6. Price: Football shoulder pads can cost anywhere between $20 and $300. The price depends on the quality, features and the brand. The more features the pads have, the higher the price will be.
7. Warranty: Football shoulder pads come with varying warranties. Football shoulder pads with a long warranty are generally expensive.
You can get football shoulder pads with a warranty of up to five years. The warranty period depends on the quality of the shoulder pads. The higher the quality, the longer the warranty period.
What else you should know about football shoulder pads
1) What types of football shoulder pads are there?
The two main types of football shoulder pads are flat-front shoulder pads and contoured shoulder pads.
2) What are the differences between football shoulder pads?
The differences between football shoulder pads are the size, weight, and padding. The pads also have different colors and designs.
3) How do football shoulder pads protect players?
The shoulder pads protect the players by absorbing the impact of the hits.
4) Do all football players wear shoulder pads?
No, not all football players wear shoulder pads. Some players, such as quarterbacks and wide receivers, often wear lighter shoulder pads that offer less protection in order to increase their mobility.
5) How do shoulder pads affect the way a football player plays?
Shoulder pads affect the way a football player plays by providing extra protection for the player’s shoulders, chest, and back. This extra protection can help the player to avoid injuries, and it can also help the player to stay comfortable during the game.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best football shoulder pads. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best football shoulder pads will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.