9 best football protective gear

Football protective gear is essential for the safety of players on the field. It includes various equipment designed to minimize the risk of injuries during games and practices. Here's an overview of football protective gear:

  1. Helmets: Football helmets are arguably the most critical piece of protective gear. They are designed to protect the head and brain from impacts. Modern helmets feature an outer shell, padding, and a facemask.They should fit snugly and meet safety standards set by organizations like NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment).

  2. Shoulder Pads: Shoulder pads protect the upper body, particularly the shoulders and chest. They consist of hard plastic shells and foam padding to absorb impacts. The design may vary based on a player's position, with quarterbacks and kickers wearing smaller pads than linemen, for example.

  3. Chest Protectors: Some players wear additional chest protectors beneath their shoulder pads for extra protection against hard hits to the chest area.

  4. Rib Protectors: Rib protectors are worn to shield the ribs and vital organs from impact. These are optional but can provide added protection.

  5. Girdles and Hip Pads: Girdles often include hip and tailbone pads to protect the lower body. They provide cushioning for the hips and help prevent hip pointer injuries.

  6. Thigh and Knee Pads: These pads protect the thighs and knees from direct contact and potential injuries. They are typically integrated into the player's uniform or attached to compression shorts.

  7. Mouthguards: Mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and jaw. They also help reduce the risk of concussions to some extent by absorbing shock from blows to the head.

  8. Neck Rolls/Collars: Some players wear neck rolls or collars to support and stabilize the neck, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.

  9. Forearm and Elbow Guards: These protect the forearms and elbows from impact. They are commonly worn by linemen and players in positions that involve blocking and tackling.

  10. Shoes/Cleats: Football cleats provide traction on the field, helping players maintain stability and agility. Proper footwear is crucial to prevent slips and falls.

  11. Gloves: Football gloves offer grip and protection for the hands and fingers. Receivers often wear gloves to improve their ability to catch passes.

  12. Protective Eyewear: Some players wear sports goggles or protective visors to shield their eyes from debris and potential eye injuries.

  13. Compression Gear: Compression shirts and tights can provide support and help with muscle recovery. They are often worn under the uniform.

  14. Athletic Cups: Male players may wear athletic cups to protect the groin area from impact.

It's important for football players to use well-fitted and properly maintained protective gear to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure their safety on the field. The type and amount of gear worn may vary depending on the player's position and individual preferences. Additionally, following safety guidelines and rules set by governing bodies is crucial for safe play.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best football protective gear on the market
  

Cramer Hurricane 5 Pad Football Girdle, with Thigh, Hip and Tailbone Pads, Breathable Fabric, Football Gear, Foam Padding for Extra Protection, Football Protection Gear, Football Pant

Cramer Products, Inc.

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Since 1918, coaches and sports medicine professionals have relied on Cramer to maximize the performance of their athletes. The brand helps players of all ages and skill levels, and its legacy of product specific knowledge has made it a cornerstone of the industry. Drawing on the experience of nearly a century devoted to product innovation, Cramer meticulously crafted a line of protective apparel that enables competitors at every level to go harder and play safer. Research and development specialists took ideas and materials out of the workshop to test in real game-time conditions, and the items offered today survived intense scrutiny by those actual athletes in the field. Now, the garments embody the highest commitment to safety, style, and comfort so that the only focus is the game, not the gear. From optimally compressive fabrics to dynamic pad systems, Cramer apparel is designed to perform, proven to protect and built to last. Conveniently designed with Spider Web foam padding permanently attached at the hips, tailbone and thighs, as well as the knees in the 7-pad version. System conforms better than traditional padding and offers increased breathability. Features wraparound thigh pads reinforced with high-impact plastic cores plus extended hip pads over the iliac crest for ultimate protection. Includes ventilating mesh crotch and non-deteriorating spandex elastomer waistband. Fabricated with 80% Nylon/20% Spandex w/ 100% Polyester mesh crotch panel, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Spandex elastomer waistband maintains stretch. Available in adult sizes only, white and gray.

  • 100% Other Fibers
  • Conveniently designed with Spider Web foam padding permanently attached at the hips, tailbone and thighs, wraparound thigh pads reinforced with high-impact plastic cores plus extended hip pads over the iliac crest for ultimate protection
  • System conforms better than traditional padding and offers increased breathability
  • Includes ventilating mesh crotch and non-deteriorating spandex elastomer waistband
  • Fabricated with 80% Nylon/20% Spandex w/ 100% Polyester mesh crotch panel, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking
  • Please see sizing chart image for proper fit

User questions & answers

Question: Are the sizes adult or youth
Answer: SMALL
Question: where is the product made? thanks
Answer: Hestra has a guide on their website. Because there are so many different sizes I would recommend finding somewhere that sells them and try them on first. I found I liked a slightly smaller size than recommended by the guide but YMMV.

Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle With Hip, Tailbone and Thigh Pads, Integrated Girdle, Compression Football Gear, Football Equipment, Football Pads, Protective Gear for Football

CRAMER

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Since 1918, coaches and sports medicine professionals have relied on Cramer to maximize the performance of their athletes. The brand helps players of all ages and skill levels, and its legacy of product specific knowledge has made it a cornerstone of the industry. Drawing on the experience of nearly a century devoted to product innovation, Cramer meticulously crafted a line of protective apparel that enables competitors at every level to go harder and play safer. Research and development specialists took ideas and materials out of the workshop to test in real game-time conditions, and the items offered today survived intense scrutiny by those actual athletes in the field. Now, the garments embody the highest commitment to safety, style, and comfort so that the only focus is the game, not the gear. From optimally compressive fabrics to dynamic pad systems, Cramer apparel is designed to perform, proven to protect and built to last. Cramer classic style football girdle featuring integrated closed-cell EVA foam padding with dual layer hip pointer protection, plastic in the thighs and perforated tailbone. Fabricated of 85% 70 Denier Polyester/15% 50 Denier Spandex, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Spandex elastomer waistband maintains stretch. Available in adult sizes only, white and gray.

  • Integrated closed-cell EVA foam hip, tailbone and thigh pads, Dual layer foam over the hips

Cramer Classic Football Girdle with Hip & Tailbone Pads

CRAMER

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Since 1918, coaches and sports medicine professionals have relied on Cramer to maximize the performance of their athletes. The brand helps players of all ages and skill levels, and its legacy of product specific knowledge has made it a cornerstone of the industry. Drawing on the experience of nearly a century devoted to product innovation, Cramer meticulously crafted a line of protective apparel that enables competitors at every level to go harder and play safer. Research and development specialists took ideas and materials out of the workshop to test in real game-time conditions, and the items offered today survived intense scrutiny by those actual athletes in the field. Now, the garments embody the highest commitment to safety, style, and comfort so that the only focus is the game, not the gear. From optimally compressive fabrics to dynamic pad systems, Cramer apparel is designed to perform, proven to protect and built to last. Cramer classic style football girdle featuring permanently attached, perforated closed-cell EVA foam hip and tailbone pads. Hip padding positioned at the top of the waistband helps protect the iliac crest. Includes sewn-in thigh pad pockets (thigh pads not included). Fabricated of 85% 70 Denier Polyester/15% 50 Denier Spandex, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Spandex elastomer waistband maintains stretch. Available in adult sizes, white only.

  • Integrated closed-cell EVA foam hip and tailbone pads help protect iliac crest
  • Sewn-in thigh pad pockets, pads not included, use your school thigh pads, or switch around with game conditions to hard, soft, angled or rounded
  • 85% 70 Denier Polyester/15% 50 Denier Spandex, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking
  • Spandex elastomer waistband
  • Please see sizing chart image for proper fit

Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle with Hip, Tailbone and Thigh Pads, Integrated Girdle, Compression Football Gear, Football Equipment, Football Pads, Protective Gear for Football

CRAMER

Based on 53 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Since 1918, coaches and sports medicine professionals have relied on Cramer to maximize the performance of their athletes. The brand helps players of all ages and skill levels, and its legacy of product specific knowledge has made it a cornerstone of the industry. Drawing on the experience of nearly a century devoted to product innovation, Cramer meticulously crafted a line of protective apparel that enables competitors at every level to go harder and play safer. Research and development specialists took ideas and materials out of the workshop to test in real game-time conditions, and the items offered today survived intense scrutiny by those actual athletes in the field. Now, the garments embody the highest commitment to safety, style, and comfort so that the only focus is the game, not the gear. From optimally compressive fabrics to dynamic pad systems, Cramer apparel is designed to perform, proven to protect and built to last. Cramer classic style football girdle featuring integrated closed-cell EVA foam padding with plastic in the thighs, plus perforated hip and tailbone pads. Hip padding positioned at the top of the waistband helps protect the iliac crest. Fabricated of 85% 70 Denier Polyester/15% 50 Denier Spandex, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Spandex elastomer waistband maintains stretch. Available in a both youth and adult sizes, white only.

  • Integrated closed-cell EVA foam hip, tailbone and thigh pads
  • Thigh pads with hard plastic interior
  • 85% 70 Denier Polyester/15% 50 Denier Spandex, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking
  • Spandex elastomer waistband
  • Please see sizing chart image for proper fit

User questions & answers

Question: Are pads included
Answer: I do not recommend this brand whatsoever. Please search for a reliable (truthful) manufacturer. I tried one of their products and it was nothing like the description. Sloppily made, undersized and completely unuseable. Look elsewhere.
Question: What is YXL
Answer: We have the Ann West Pretty Petite Basic Raglan Women's Shoulder Pads Style SP6022 approximately 4.5" from shoulder to neck and 4.75" from front to back. You may need to measure your shirt how far the fabric goes on the shoulder to the neck to know whether this will show or not. If the measurement is too narrow on the shoulder, or have a wide neck design we do not recommend this as it will show.
Question: im 193cm and 145kg what size can i wear it
Answer: From shoulder towards the neck (length) is about 5 inches, and front to back (width) is about 4 inches.
Question: does this have a built in cup
Answer: I purchased the L/XL size and my palm at its widest is about 4.25". And these gloves fit me well and are easy to put on and take off. Without knowing how small is S/M, I really couldn't say absolutely how those would fit.

CHAMPRO Bull Rush Football Compression Shirt with Integrated Cushion System

Champro

Based on 296 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Champro Bull Rush Compression Shirt provides the perfect combo of protection and mobility, so you can move around without worry of feeling unprotected. This compression shirt features low profile padding system that makes the top lightweight with heavy duty protection and wrap around padding that offers additional protection to the back and ribs, so you're well covered. The fabric is high-compression, Polyester / Spandex to keep protection in place. This shirt is sleeveless, offering a full range of motion and unrestricted comfort to the athlete! DRI-GEAR allows for moisture management that keeps you cool and dry. Available in Youth & Adult sizes and in 2 colors: charcoal with black inset and white with grey inset.

  • 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
  • Imported
  • No Closure closure
  • Machine Wash
  • MATERIAL: Made of high compression polyester/spandex DRI-GEAR moisture management fabric. This will keep you cool and dry during practice and games.
  • PROTECTION: Featuring a low-profile INTEGRATED pads. These provide maximum protection to the rib and shoulders while minimizing weight.
  • FIT: Tank top cut allows for full range of motion and comfort for the player.

User questions & answers

Question: Would this provide protection to the upper back? My 8 yr old frequently gets pegged with the baseball in the shoulder blade when he is up to bat
Answer: It does not cover the shoulder blade, only the shoulders
Question: Is there a sizing chart
Answer: Yes. It is good for the sizing
Question: What size should i get for a 65 lbs boy
Answer: Hi, Thanks for checking out an item we offer within our Amazon store. We would recommend the youth medium size for someone about 65lbs. Let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks again. Larry, LNC Sports, LLC
Question: is the small a youth size
Answer: Yes

EvoShield PRO-SRZ Protective Wrist Guard Series

Based on 286 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Nothing screams "game-changer" more than the all-new EvoShield Pro-SRZ Protective Wrist Guard. The new seamless construction and lightweight materials bring the new wrist guard to a whole new level. Built with a pull tab for easy on and off applications and an inside pocket to fit our custom-molded GEL-TO-SHELL shield, this wrist guard is a great piece to wear on both sides of the field, and is light and breathable to wear all game long.

  • NEW SOFT NEOPRENE compression sleeve with molded pull tab and interior pocket for Gel-To-Shell Wrist Shield (included)
  • GEL-TO-SHELL TECHNOLOGY begins soft and flexible, transforms to hard and protective in minutes
  • DISPERSION TECHNOLOGY spreads the force across the surface of the shield, minimizing felt impact
  • SIZING: Measure your wrist circumference to determine the best fit - S (5"-6"), M (6"-7"), L (7"-8"), XL (8"-9")
  • SLEEVE AND SHIELD ARE HAND WASHABLE - air dry

User questions & answers

Question: Do they fit the same as the Evoshield EvoCharge
Answer: I bought a Xsmall for my 4 year old grandson
Question: with a wrist circumference of 6 should we get a small or medium
Answer: Hello, Y2XL.
Question: will they stretch out over time? mines kinda tight and I got an XL
Answer: Large

Product features

Our Brand

Since our earliest days, EvoShield has worked to bring the best protective gear in sports to athletes everywhere. We’ve constantly pushed the limits with technology and development, culminating in our innovative Gel-to-Shell technology – and our designation as the Official Batter’s Protective Gear and Catcher’s Gear of Major League Baseball.

Storelli Sports-Fan-Headbands ExoShield Head Guard Slim

Storelli

Product description

5-STAR RATED SOCCER HEADGEAR: Rated 5 stars by Virginia Tech for reducing the risk of sports head injuries by an estimated 84%. Sleek yet heavy-duty design provides 360 degree impact protection from cuts, bruises, and contusions.

  • 5-STAR RATED SOCCER HEADGEAR: Rated 5 stars by Virginia Tech for reducing the risk of sports head injuries by an estimated 84%. Sleek yet heavy-duty design provides 360 degree impact protection from cuts, bruises, and contusions.
  • MILITARY-GRADE PROTECTION: Armored with 10mm of combat-grade Team Wendy Zorbium foam used in U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps helmets. Engineered to reduce g-forces to the head by up to 50%. Made stronger for safer soccer.
  • ULTRALIGHT & ERGONOMIC: Ultra-light at just 8 ounces, headgear conforms to the head for optimal fit. Perfectly suited to head the ball and accommodates short and long hair, including pony tails. Maximizes comfort without compromising performance.
  • OFFICIAL HEADGEAR OF US CLUB SOCCER: Official headgear of US Club Soccer, used by goalkeepers and field players from youth leagues to the Premier League.
  • FOLLOW SIZING GUIDE: Refer to image with sizing chart (in carousel with product images) for instructions. Please measure head circumference carefully to avoid mis-sizing.

Cramer Lightning 5 Pad Football Shirt with Integrated Rib, Spine and Clavicle Pads, Football Padded Compression Shirt, Rib Protector Shirt, Padded Basketball Shirt, Protective Gear

Stromgren Athletics

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price
  • 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
  • 5-pad shirt constructed with the new Cramer Spider Web EVA foam
  • Fabric: 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial.
  • Pads: Integrated rib, spine and clavicle pads.
  • Padded shirt protects athlete against impact without impeding flexibility

User questions & answers

Question: Youth or adult size
Answer: I bought a XS for my 4 year old grandson and it was a perfect fit.

Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Walk-Thru/Injury Vest

Sport Supply Group, Inc.

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Z-Cool Walk-thru/Injury Vest is truly state of the art technology. Can be used for added protection under shoulder pads and for light contact practice or game walk through. Incorporated with Z-COOL's patented 3-D Air Flow and evaporative cooling foam system it dry's rapidly to avoid bacteria build-up. The Z-Cool Walk-thru/Injury Vest is truly a must have for any football player, no matter if your an up and coming youth star or already dominating in the pro's.

  • Same vest used in Professional and College Football
  • Ideal for light contact practice or game walk through
  • 3-D Air Flow and evaporative cooling foam system
  • Lightweight protection

User questions & answers

Question: how do you know what size to get
Answer: Youth large
Question: Does this fit cb/wr, age 15 year old weighing
Answer: It’s a spandex/compression shirt type of material. Depending on the size you choose it can fit tight or loose. Depends on what you like.
Question: I am looking specifically to protect my collar bones. does the pad arrangement protect the area
Answer: Not at all. It has padding but it's thin and designed to stop the sting from a soccer ball and not a small hard ball like a baseball or softball.
Question: looks too thick to wear under shoulder pads. Will it work under pads
Answer: Last spring, We got a youth size and it was sleeveless.

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