DS1 (7) is playing soccer this year. It’s pretty casual...they said no cleats necessary but he does (obviously) need shin guards. How do you wear shin guards...Over the sock? Under a tall sock? Does he need “soccer socks”? What makes a sock a soccer sock? Should I just get the ones that are in a sock? Why is this so confusing?
Sincerely,
A mom who knows nothing about soccer and realizes she is totally over thinking this but also doesn’t want to look like an idiot
pomegranate / 3272 posts
HA! I know what you mean! So yes, definitely needs shin guards and they go under the socks. They make soccer socks for this purpose. I like them being separate so they're easier to wash. If you go on amazon, you can get a pack of soccer socks for pretty cheap. Plus, you can get them in fun colors!
Pro tip...have your kid wear something in a bright color so that he's easier to spot in the crowd of adorable kids running after the ball. We just happened to buy DS neon orange soccer cleats b/c that was his favorite color and they were on sale (score!) and it was the happiest of accidents. 
he was always easy to spot.
pomelo / 5573 posts
Oooh, finally a topic I know about! Don't get the shin guards that are attached to the sock because then you're stuck with the sizes - we had those for my son but he found the actual sock uncomfortable and we ended up cutting the sock part off.
We have shin guards like these: https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/umbro-ceramica-ankle-shin-guard-junior/6000202419040?cmpid=sem_google_en_pla_none_869128799_82435105630_None&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsLWDBhCmARIsAPSL3_14orrOTDp77Nr5JyAB3khIhRA01D04D8Dz_64QCqXWrqJOpmtHVtoaAqG4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds and actually end up wearing a pair of ankle socks under them, then the shin guards, then tall socks over, because otherwise the under-foot part rubbed against my son's feet.
Also I know they say you don't need cleats but if you can swing it, I'd recommend cleats.
nectarine / 2047 posts
I’m in this same boat! Luckily my BIL is a huge soccer guy so helped me. He also recommended minimal shin guards as he said the ones that cover the ankles make it harder to learn how to kick the ball properly 🤷♀️ I just got these: Sportout Adult Youth Kids Soccer Shin Guards,Comprehensive Protection for Your Leg, with Cushioned Ankle Protection to Prevent Injuries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082NPFBD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PQE7C27FDXSZ2SYZA8YG
Also the shin guards should only be 50-60% the height of the shin. I thought more would be better but he said to follow that.
@Mommy Finger: Great idea about the the bright colors!
persimmon / 1380 posts
@erinbaderin: I second getting cleats if you can! I know it’s annoying to spend $ on something that might only be used a handful of times but I’ve had great luck getting used sports gear on consignment or fb marketplace. Stuff is still in pretty good shape too when they are that young.
persimmon / 1064 posts
Ok, thanks for all of the tips everyone! I have shin guards and soccer socks on their way and am heading to the thrift store this afternoon to check out their $5 cleat section! (hopefully in a neon color 
)
persimmon / 1064 posts
Follow up question...are these soccer cleats? Google tells me the cleat pattern is correct but I've also never played football, baseball, or lacrosse so I guess I can't be sure
pomelo / 5573 posts
I’m not an expert but I just compared them to my son’s and they’re not the same as the ones he just got but they’re the same as the ones he had last year, so....yes? I’m sure they’ll be fine.
persimmon / 1064 posts
@erinbaderin: ok thanks!! Do they vary due to playing surface or something (hard ground vs soft?) In any case, I snagged them...they were $5 so if they don’t end up working then I can just donate them back!
Seriously thank you guys for answering my ridiculous questions. I know nothing! These boards are so helpful for so many reasons
pomelo / 5573 posts
I don't know! I know there are indoor vs outdoor cleats, but the indoor ones are totally different. Google says there are different types of cleats for different positions and different playing surfaces (hard ground, muddy ground, yikes!) but if your 7 year old's team is anything like my 7 year old's team, there are no different positions, there are just clumps of kids chasing the balls and one kid off at the other end of the field looking for bugs.
persimmon / 1064 posts
@erinbaderin: hahahaha I LOL'd at the "looking for bugs" because....so true!!!
I swore up and down our kids would never play soccer because it looked so...chaotic? But here we are! And I'm actually excited about it I think he will have fun! Thanks for all of your help!
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 1 |
| Posts | 1 | 3 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
10 comments