5 Best Deadlift Shin Guards (No More Bleeding Shins)
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Are you tired of scraping your shins while doing deadlifts? Do you feel like you can’t give your all during your workout because of the fear of injuring yourself? If so, it’s time to invest in a good pair of deadlift shin guards.
Deadlifts are a popular exercise in weightlifting and powerlifting, but they can be tough on your shins. Even with proper form, the barbell can scrape or bruise your shins during the lift. This can be painful and may even prevent you from progressing in your training.
With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which shin guards are worth investing in. But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and have found the top pick – Bear Grips Padded Shin Guard Sleeves. These sleeves are not only protective, but also comfortable and durable.
Keep reading to find out why they’re the best and what other options are worth considering.
What are the Best Deadlift Shin Guards?
Here are some popular choices among weightlifters and powerlifters:
Bear Grips Padded Shin Guard Sleeves
Our Rating
5/5
Bear Grips Padded Shin Guard Sleeves are my top pick for anyone looking for ultimate shin protection while deadlifting.
With 5mm of neoprene padding, they provide five times more protection than traditional deadlifting socks, which have no padding, or competitor sleeves which only use 1mm of padding.
These sleeves are also versatile and can be used for a variety of other activities, such as rope climbing, box jumps, hiking, biking, obstacle course racing, and MMA.
The added elastic foot harness anchors down the sleeves to prevent sliding and the stretchy fit calf contours to the legs for a comfortable, custom fit. The minimalist design is lightweight, so you won’t even know you have anything on.
If you’re not completely satisfied with the Bear Grips Padded Shin Guard Sleeves, they come with a love it or leave it guarantee. If you don’t love them, you can get your money back.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene
Thickness: 5mm
Colors: Black, Camo Black
Sizing Chart
THEFITGUY Weightlifting Deadlift Shin Guards
Our Rating
4.9/5
THEFITGUY Shin Guards have gained popularity among competitive powerlifters for good reasons. They are highly comfortable and durable, making them an excellent choice for powerlifters.
One of the great things about these shin guards is that they’re incredibly easy to wear and remove. It only takes a few seconds, so you won’t waste any valuable time during your workout. You can even wear them only when you need them, such as during specific exercises like deadlifts and cleans.
The design of these shin guards is both versatile and stylish, making them suitable for all-year-round wear. You can wear them directly on your skin or over your socks, training pants, and tights.
A recent product review on the THEFITGUY Weightlifting Deadlifting Shin Guards had a personal trainer saying that prior to purchasing these shin guards, he would get scars all up and down his shins during deadlift workout.
He used to wear several layers of high socks or sweatpants, but he still ended up getting scratched up and scarred. However, after using these shin guards, he noticed that his shins were protected, and he didn’t have any abrasions.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene
Thickness: 5mm
Colors: Black only
Sizing Chart
Size: 11.8 inches (30cm) long
Fit: Calfs from 13-18 inches (33-46 cm) at their widest point
RockTape Rock Guards
Our Rating
4.9/5
These shin protectors are made with high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort. That’s why it get second spot on this for best deadlifting shin guards in 2023.
They are specifically designed for exercises that stress the shins, such as rope climbs, deadlifts, cleans, snatches, box jumps, and others.
The 5mm thick neoprene material used to make the Rock Guards is bonded to a synthetic backing with a 4-way stretch. Strong protection is provided by this material combination while still allowing for natural body movement.
You won’t have to worry about the Rock Guards slipping or sliding during deadlifts thanks to the silicone bead that helps keep them in place. They are ideal for obstacle course racing because of the mesh back and perforated neoprene front, which also keep you dry and comfortable.
Since Rock Guards are primarily designed for rope climbs and similar activities, it is crucial to note that they may not be suitable for super heavy lifting. While you may use them for deadlifts, it’s essential to keep in mind that they may not be the best option if you’re training for competitions.
Overall, RockTape Rock Guards have a sleek and contemporary design that is both practical and fashionable when compared to some of its competitors. They are a better value for the money because they are also more robust and offer better protection.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene
Thickness: 5mm
Colors: Black only
Sizing Chart
Smart Strength Deadlift Shin Guards
Our Rating
4.8/5
These shin guards are tested by champions for use in conventional and sumo deadlifts and for jump impacts onto concrete boxes. The guards are made from hard bearing grade plastic for maximum protection against bruising, gouging, and box jump impacts.
They are thin at only 2.5mm but far superior to neoprene sleeves and help keep the bar close for optimal performance. The guards come with 8 elastic straps for sizes S, M, and L, and they are quick and easy to put on and take off without having to remove your shoes. The straps are also removable for easy washing.
One customer reported that the shin guards took 13 days to arrive in Australia, but shipping is faster directly from the warehouse in Shenzhen, China. The guards are available for shipping to the UK, Canada, and other locations worldwide.
The customer also reported that the guards are flexible and adjust to the size of your shins, and they are stiff in the direction needed to protect against impacts during box jumps and scraping against the bar during deadlifts.
The customer also found it easy to change the size of the guards to fit their shins.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene
Thickness: 2.5mm
Colors: Black only
Sizing Chart
Available in small, medium and large.
UNBROKENSHOP Shin Sleeves Pro
Our Rating
4.6/5
While UNBROKENSHOP may be a new brand in the market, they certainly have some of the best gym gears out there. And their shin sleeves are no exception These sleeves are made for ultimate shin protection and comfort during exercises like rope climbs, deadlifts, cleans, snatches, box jumps, and rope jumps.
The sleeves are also made with nylon that is 4-way stretchable and friction-resistant, which makes them comfortable and less likely to slide while being worn.
These shin protectors are very good at shielding the shins during weightlifting exercises, according to customer reviews. The sleeves, according to many users, significantly lessen pain and discomfort, allowing them to concentrate on their workouts without being sidetracked by shin pain.
It also receives praise for its appearance. Many users love how stylish these black-colored sleeves look while they exercise.
Overall, I wouldn’t call them the Holy Grail of deadlifting gear, which is why we’ve rated them 4.6 out of 5. However, if you’re a beginner lifter, these shin guards are definitely the way to go.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene
Thickness: 7mm
Colors: Black only
Sizing Chart
What is Deadlift Shin Guards?
Deadlifting shin guards, also known as shin sleeves, are protective gear designed for weightlifting and other high-impact activities that put strain on the shins. They are usually made of neoprene, a durable and flexible material that provides both compression and warmth to the shins.
The guards come in different thicknesses, typically ranging from 5mm to 7mm, and are designed to fit snugly over the shins to protect them from friction and impact during exercises such as deadlifts, rope climbs, and box jumps.
Some deadlift shin protectors also come with a foot strap and rubber ring to keep them securely in place during activity. These shin guards are ideal for those who want to protect their shins from injury or relieve pain and inflammation in the shins during intense exercise.
How To Use Deadlift Shin Guards?
To use deadlifting shin guards, follow these steps:
- Slide the shin guards over your shins and adjust them to fit snugly. The shin guards should cover your entire shin bone from just above your ankle to just below your knee cap.
- Secure the shin guards in place with the straps provided. Make sure they are tight enough to prevent any slipping during the deadlift workout.
- Before performing your deadlift, ensure that your form is correct and you are using the proper weight for your fitness level.
- Begin the deadlift exercise, ensuring that your shins stay in contact with the shin guards throughout the movement. It will provide an extra layer of protection against any accidental contact with the bar.
- After you finish your deadlift set, remove the shin guards and clean them if necessary.
Additionally, here’s a video by Smart Strength on how to properly use deadlift shin guards:
What are the Benefits of Using Deadlift Shin Guards?
Protection from Injury
One of the most important benefits of using deadlifting shin guards is the protection they provide from injury. These guards protect your shins from being scraped or cut by the barbell during exercises like deadlifts and squats, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to train more frequently and with more intensity.
Improved Comfort
Another benefit of using deadlift shin guards is improved comfort during training. These guards are designed with soft, flexible materials like neoprene or foam that provide a cushioning effect and help to absorb shock during exercises, reducing the impact on your shins and minimizing discomfort.
Enhanced Warmth and Circulation
Wearing deadlift shin guards during exercise can also help to enhance warmth and circulation to your shins. This is important because it can reduce muscle stiffness and soreness, helping you to train harder and recover faster between workouts.
Increased Confidence
Using deadlifting shin guards can also help to increase your confidence when training, allowing you to focus more fully on your form and technique without worrying about potential injury. This can lead to improved performance and more effective results.
Better Grip
In addition, many deadlift shin guards are designed with a non-slip surface that helps to improve your grip during exercises, giving you more control and stability during heavy lifts.
Convenient and Portable
Finally, deadlift shin guards are convenient and portable, making them easy to bring with you to the gym or use at home. This means that you can train with the same level of protection and comfort no matter where you are, ensuring consistent results and progress over time.
How to Choose the Best Deadlift Shin Guards | Buying Guide
In this buying guide section, we’ll take you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right pair for you.
Material
When it comes to material, the majority of options available in the market are made of neoprene. Neoprene is a popular choice for its lightweight and flexible nature, making it ideal for use during intense exercise routines like deadlifting.
Another benefit of neoprene is its stretchiness, which allows for a snug fit that doesn’t restrict movement. This type of material is also moisture-resistant, so it won’t absorb sweat and cause discomfort during use.
However, it’s important to note that while neoprene offers good flexibility, it may not provide as much protection as other materials like leather. Nevertheless, neoprene deadlifting shin guards are a great choice for those looking for a combination of comfort and protection.
Thickness
Thickness is a key consideration when purchasing deadlift shin guards. The more protection a shin guard offers, the thicker it will be.
Finding the ideal balance between protection and comfort is crucial because a thicker shin guard may also be more constricting and uncomfortable. A shin guard should be between 5mm and 7mm thick, as a general rule of thumb.
Fit and Size
Size and fit are crucial considerations when choosing deadlifting shin guards. The shin guard won’t offer enough protection if it is too loose and slides around.
It will feel constricting and uncomfortable if it is too tight. Make sure to take a measurement of your shins so you can select a shin guard that fits properly. To assist you in making the best decision, the majority of manufacturers offer size charts.
Encouragement and Stabilization
You should make sure that your shin guards stay in place while deadlifting. The very last thing you want to happen during your lift is for your shin guards to drop or move.
Because of this, selecting shin guards that offer good support and stabilisation is crucial. To help keep your shin guards in place, look for ones with rubber rings or adjustable straps.
Comfort
When selecting deadlifting shin guards, comfort is an important consideration. You want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible because you will be wearing them for prolonged periods of time.
Consider purchasing shin guards that are breathable, lightweight, and flexible. Additionally, make sure the shin guards are sufficiently cushioned to protect your shins without becoming overly bulky.
FAQs
Do you wear shin guards when Deadlifting?
Yes, wearing shin guards while deadlifting is recommended to protect your shins from scrapes and bruises during the exercise. They are particularly useful for individuals who struggle to maintain proper form and tend to hit their shins on the barbell.
Should the bar scrape your shins when Deadlifting?
No, the bar should not scrape your shins when deadlifting. If this occurs, it’s a sign that your form needs improvement, and it can also lead to injury. Wearing shin guards can help prevent the bar from scraping your shins and protect your legs from injury.
Why do people not wear shoes when deadlifting?
Many people choose to deadlift barefoot or in socks because they believe it allows for better balance and stability. By eliminating the height difference created by shoes, barefoot deadlifting helps maintain proper posture and form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deadlift shin guards are a vital piece of equipment for anyone who is looking to perform deadlifts safely and effectively. From leather to neoprene, there are many different options available on the market, each with their own unique set of pros and cons.
It is important to find the right shin guard that fits your individual needs and preferences.
After careful consideration and thorough research, our top pick is the Bear Grips Padded Shin Guard Sleeves. They provide the right balance of protection, comfort, and durability, making them the ideal choice for any deadlifter.
Author
Fawad Ahmad is the founder and chief editor at TenWeights.com, a website dedicated to helping people make informed decisions about their health and fitness. Through clear, concise writing and a commitment to cutting through industry jargon, Fawad and his team strive to provide valuable guidance on topics such as bodybuilding, home gym equipment, and more.