Football Pads and Protective Gear

Douglas SP QBK Football Shoulder Pad - lauxsportinggoods

Football Shoulder Pads

McDavid Hex Thudd Short - lauxsportinggoods

Football Girdles & Padded Pants

Battle Youth Special Edition Back Plate - lauxsportinggoods

Football Back Plates

Champro Bull Rush Compression Shirt Youth - lauxsportinggoods

Football Rib Protectors & Padded Shirts

Nike Pro HyperStrong Padded Arm Sleeve 3.0 - lauxsportinggoods

Football Arm & Leg Sleeves

No shortcuts when it comes to protection. In this collection, you’ll find the gear that keeps you protected from the first whistle to the last down. We’ve hand-picked dependable gear that holds up on the field and does what it’s supposed to: keep you in the game. Helmets and shoulder pads that meet safety standards. Girdles and integrated shirts that give full-range coverage without weighing you down. Mouthguards, rib protection, back plates, and more - all built for contact. Youth football or varsity ball, the goal’s the same: stay protected, stay sharp. We’ve got gear for every level, and if it’s here, it’s because it works.

Football Protective Gear FAQs

The basics every player needs are a certified helmet with face mask and chin strap, shoulder pads, padded pants or a girdle, a mouthguard, and cleats. Some leagues also require rib protection or a cup. Coaches may recommend extra padding based on your position or how physical your league gets. Don’t just meet the bare minimum - if there’s a spot you’re likely to take hits, protect it.

There are three main reasons to replace football protective equipment:

  • It's outgrown, which can compromise protection and comfort.
  • There are visible signs of damage, like cracks in helmets or worn-down padding.
  • It's taken a major hit, even if no damage is visible. Some materials can degrade internally after absorbing a heavy blow.

Additionally, NOCSAE, NAERA, and many equipment manufacturers recommend having protective gear, particularly helmets and shoulder pads, reconditioned every other year by a NAERA-certified reconditioner, especially if used regularly.

Yes, you can mix and match when it comes to different pieces of gear, such as having shoulder pads from one brand and a girdle from the other. But you need to be more careful when it comes to adding/switching gear parts and accessories. A visor from one brand, for example, might not fit perfectly with another brand’s helmet. Furthermore, using third-party products can void NOCSAE certification and the warranty. Bottom line: mix smart, and always double-check compatibility before you suit up.

Both add extra protection, but they’re used differently. Back plates attach to the bottom of your shoulder pads and protect the lower spine and kidney area - great for skill players who take hits from behind. Rib protectors wrap around your torso and protect your ribs and sides. Linemen, QBs, and smaller players often wear them to absorb body shots. Some gear combines both. If you’re taking hits in those zones, it’s worth the extra layer.

Youth gear should fit snug but not tight. Shoulder pads shouldn’t slide around. The helmet shouldn’t wobble - if your kid can shake their head and it shifts, it’s too loose. Pads should cover the key impact zones (shoulders, hips, thighs, tailbone), and straps should hold everything secure without cutting off circulation. If in doubt, size up for growth but adjust with proper tightening.

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