6 Best BMX Shin Pads & Guards (In 2024)

Do you need the best BMX shin pads and guards?

Getting shinners is still the WORST thing that can happen to you.

Luckily, there are plastic BMX pedals that don’t hurt as much as metal ones do. (I split my shins open with metal pedals – not only once – and the pain is unimaginable.)

Luckily, there are multiple options you can choose from to keep your legs protected and your sessions more enjoyable.

Make a smart move. Get shinguards.

This post covers:

• Best BMX shin pads & guards
• Best BMX knee & shin combo pads
• Do I need shin pads & guards?

QUICK PICK:

• Best Minimalist BMX Shin Pads: Shadow Invisa Lite Shin Pads
• Best Hard Shell BMX Shin Pads: Fuse Alpha Shin Protector Pads
• Best BMX Knee/Shin Pads: Fuse Omega Knee/Shin/Whip Pads
• Best BMX Knee/Shin/Ankle Pads: Fuse Echo 125 Pads

Best BMX Shin Pads & Guards

1. Shadow Invisa Lite Shin Pads

If you’re looking for a slim solution that’ll protect but at the same time not ruin your style, here it is – the Shadow’s Invisa Lite.

These are the most minimalist solution that you can get, and they work so well.

Like other pads in the Invisa series, these also feature the super comfortable, breathable and stretchable lycra/micromesh with a double-layer impact foam.

What’s best about these is that you’ll forget you wear them.

These are the shinguards that I highly recommend.

Note: The only downside is that you may need to go up one size because I find them running slightly smaller (even after carefully measuring my calfs).

Price: $35.99 (may vary)

2. Shadow Shinners Pads

However, if you feel you need some extra protection, then you would want to go with Shadow’s Shinners pads.

No matter how hard you hit yourself, these will keep your shin safe. Instead of the foamy pad, Shinners come with a removable plastic guard.

Also, the base construction is a mix of neoprene and airprene.

Remember, these don’t feel as comfy as the Invisa do. In fact, none of the shinguards that I reviewed for this list are as enjoyable to wear as the Invisa Lite.

However, you can remove the plastic guard and wear Shinners without.

But in this case, I’d suggest opting for the Invisa Lite because you’ll enjoy your sessions much more.

Price: $36.99 (may vary)

3. Shadow Invisa Lite Shin/Ankle Combo

If the Fuse’s shin and ankle protector is too sturdy for you, or you may not need as much protection, then, again, I recommend the Shadow’s Invisa Lite shin/ankle combo.

Both the shin and the ankle part are enriched with the medium durometer 3D impact foam.

The back is completely open, which ensures that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing any pads.

For this reason, these feel great even under skinnier pants/jeans.

Price: $49.99 (may vary)

4. Fuse Omega Shin/Whip Pads

While these and the previous shinguards aim at giving extra protection for tailwhips, it’s the Fuse Omega Shin/Whip combo that’s a lot more comfortable to wear, even during long sessions.

The pads feature a perforated compression lycra with a kevlar front section that guarantees durability.

Moreover, the core protection of these BMX shin pads uses lightweight SAS-TEC with amazing impact absorption.

The additional side protection is also present for catching whips more comfortably.

Last but not least, the internal sharkskin gripper prevents these pads from slippage.

If you’re doing a ton of whips and tricks and prefer riding parks and trails, then these are for you.

Price: $69.99 (may vary)

5. Fuse Alpha Shin Protector Pads

The Fuse Alpha shin protector is similar to Shadow’s Shinners, featuring a simple construction with a removable nylon shell.

Here’s a little tip: You can start by wearing a shinguard with the plastic insert when learning tricks.

You can later progress to the guard without the hard shell because it’ll be more enjoyable to wear, but you still won’t get shinners (but you’ll feel the impact more).

The stretchy and perforated straps allow you to control how tightly you’d like the pads to wrap around your leg.

Note: If you wrap it too tightly, you may want to loosen it occasionally to ensure the blood flow circulation isn’t cut off.

Price: $38.99 (may vary)

Best BMX Knee & Shin Combo Pads

6. Fuse Omega Knee/Shin/Whip Pads

If you don’t need ankle protection but want to wear one-piece when it comes to knees and shins, then the Fuse Omega knee/shin/whip pads are the way to go.

These use only the most modern technologies to ensure protection and comfort even during your hours-long sessions.

The Fuse Omega pads work as a “sock” without additional straps (thanks to the compression technology) but feature an internal sharkskin gripper for preventing slippage.

Another feature that makes these more comfortable is the lightweight inserts that guarantee better leg adjustment but still ensure high impact absorption.

The combo also has the additional whip padding on the inside for you know what.

Price: $99.99 (may vary)

Do I Need Shin Pads & Guards?

Here’s the thing: Protection isn’t necessary. BUT it’s extremely recommended!

I suggest your opt for shinguards when you start riding BMX.

In fact, it’s a MUST!

I destroyed myself pretty heavily before I finally decided to put shinguards on.

That was a stupid move!

And not that I care about the looks of my legs. But I wasn’t able to ride my bike with severe shinners.

Learn from the errors of others. 🙂

Even when it came to learning crankflips, I only pulled it with shin pads on. (I was too scared to even try it without.)

They also help A LOT when it comes to learning tailwhips and other tricks as well.

So yes, begin your BMX career with shinguards – you WILL thank yourself later.

I still wear them, but only on one leg.

You may also want to check my other protection collections:

• Best BMX Helmets
• Best BMX Knee Pads
• Best BMX Ankle Braces & Guards
• Best BMX Elbow Pads
• Best BMX Wrist Support & Braces