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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Advanced CURV composite arch and epaulette construction
- Enhanced impact distribution with optimized weight-to-stiffness ratio
- AC joint protection with secure epaulette locking
- VICIS Air Management System: dual-density foam and soft-touch lining
- Moisture-wicking and sweat-resistant padding
- Breathable, lightweight polyester/spandex fabric ensures a supportive, snug fit.
- Flat pad construction creates a sleek, lightweight fit that doesn’t compromise mobility or performance.
- Breathable 360 yoke offers additional coverage of sensitive areas.
- Increased neck opening, chest width and chest length for a secure yet comfortable fit during play.
- The 1 1/2" belt-and-buckle system offers a snug, customizable fit that stays in place during intense action.
- 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
- All-Purpose is the shoulder pad cut, designed for a wide range of positions
- Tapered V-Shape to enhance the fit, create the look and integrate well with jersey
- Rear neck relief for better pre-snap head positioning
- Hybrid is the shoulder pad cushioning
- 5/8” air management rate sensitive cushioning system in critical shoulder area
- Breathable, lightweight polyester/spandex fabric ensures a supportive, snug fit.
- Flat pad construction creates a sleek, lightweight fit that doesn’t compromise mobility or performance.
- Breathable 360 yoke offers additional coverage of sensitive areas.
- 1" belt-and-buckle system secures the pads in place.
- 1/2" thick closed-cell foam lining absorbs impact and minimizes discomfort for sustained play.
- SKILL PADS: The Guantlet Skill pads are designed with specially sized arch plates to allow for extended arm mobility, perfect for skill position athletes who need a greater range of motion.
- LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile forward cant 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.
- SHOCK RAIL DESIGN: The Shock Rail system disperses energy impact through its unique shoulder corrugation ridges.
- SECURE FIT: Heavy duty 1.5” wide belt and buckle hookup system with rib pads allows for a customized secure and comfortable fit.
- Impenetrable Advantage: LEGION stands alone as the only shoulder pad featuring a custom-molded, dual-density, beaded foam body. Unlike traditional pads, LEGION pads resist the absorption of water, sweat, and other fluids, keeping athletes drier and lighter.
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.