The Want List - A Selection of Top Lightweight Shin Pads
Pre-season training has begun to kick in so we're starting to take a closer look at those kit bag essentials you may want to refresh for your up-coming campaign. This week's SoccerBible Want List it's one of the few things that stand between you and the physio's table, shinpads.
Early pre-season is mostly focused around fitness, doing suicide runs until your chest feels like it's going to explode. But it won't be long until you get down to the good stuff and the tackles start flying in. Give your old guards a once over and if they've seen one too many Roy Keane-esque tackles, or you've had the same pair for as long as you can remember check out our list of the lightest, most subtle pads below. 
Nike Mercurial lite shinpads - The Nike Mercurial Lite Shinpads have a durable shell which is bonded to a dense foam backing for excellent impact diffusion and comfort against the skin. Other benefits include a low-profile fit for enhanced range of motion, an anatomical fit sleeve with stretch material for increased comfort eliminating the need for tape and seperate left/right design for a contoured fit. Super light, nice and small, ideal, you won't even know they're on.
adidas F50 Messi Pro Lite Pads - Get protected like the great one himself with these adidas f50 Pro Lite Pads. Designed by adidas with a light and flexible polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber shield, the shin guards feature an easy slip-in construction that conforms to the leg for a snug fit. A soft synthetic lining ensures they stay comfortable throughout while the compression sleeve helps support blood flow and keep the pads securely in place. 
Penalty S 11 Shin Guards - Penalty's offering is a unique one and are super light weighing in at just 67 grams each but that doesn't mean they won't do a decent job. The shin guards, which fit into the Penalty S 11 Kangaru sock, feature a High-impact EVA shinpad with PVC laminate overlay for maximum protection. We've seen a high number of pros opting for the smallest possible pad and these are perfect for players that would choose not to wear shin pads if it wasn't for the rule book. 
PUMA evoSPEED 1.2 shinguard - The PUMA evoSPEED 1.2 shinguard is a professional standard lightweight shin guard ready match play. Thanks to a compression sleeve and a super absorbent PP shell, the PUMA evoSPEED 1.2 shin guard offers superb protection that won't distract. The Eva backing also has ventilation holes to help reduce the sweaty shins and risk of slippage.
adidas 11Pro Anatomic Lite Shinpads - One of the more padded in this selection, the11Pro Anatomic Lite have a 5 Stick construction in the protection area which absorbs blows and allows air to circulate. The guards are designed with a single strap to allow for an adjustable guard width resulting in a customised and more comfortable fit. An old school offering that wraps better around the leg than the carbon/synthetic shinnies, but talking from experience, this material does tend to get a bit smelly!
Nike Mercurial Blade Shinpads - Last but absolutely not least are the Nike Mercurial Blade Shinpads. These shinpads are made out of an ultra thin Carbon Fibre composite shell, designed to withstand the highest level of impact. A Dual Layer Eva and Poron Foam disperses energy upon impact reducing the chances of serious injury and laser etching on the back of pad channels away moisture. Oh yeah, and they'll set you back around £75, gulp.
All products are available to order now from selected online stockists including Pro-Direct Soccer. What do you think of our selection? Let us Know your thoughts. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
