Hello everyone,

Today I will be going over a few different options for youth shoulder pads. Pads are a key necessity for any soccer player and are some of the greatest safety measures a player can take. There are many things to consider when choosing your ear tips, they need to fit well, they need to be snug enough to stay in place, and they need to be strong and durable.

Riddell Youth Rival Pads – Growing up, Riddell was the primary manufacturer of pads throughout my childhood. I have always used Riddell and firmly believe they are the highest quality shoulder pads. The Riddell Rivals are stylish, which doesn’t really matter since they’re under the jersey, but they also seem to fit better than any other shoulder pad. Also, with the Riddell Rivals they have a new Z-pad feature that makes me break in quicker, which was always a problem as a kid, the pads took forever to put on. Another big advantage of the Rivals is that they are very light, which is a huge advantage for quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers who must hit fast speeds.

Rawlings Momentum Youth Shoulder Pads – I really like the design of the Rawling Momentum, they offer extra padding and have a longer torso area for more rib protection. These pads also have extra closed cell foam for extra protection in the clavicle area, which is a very injury prone area in soccer.

Wilson TDY Rush Youth Pads – These pads are rated as the safest on the market right now. These pads were created to deal with the new tackling and blocking techniques that are coming into the game today. These pads are lightweight, which is a huge plus, and feature contoured pads for superior protection.

Schutt Sports Flex 2.0 Youth Multi-Purpose Shoulder Pads – These shoulder pads are said to be the best multi-position youth soccer shoulder pads available on the market. These pads are of high quality and are often sought after by high school programs. These pads are good for players who are experimenting with new positions and trying to figure out their best fit on the soccer field. They are ideal for experienced players who are very involved in the game and take it very seriously.

Xenith Xflexion Varsity Pads: Xenith pads are very common among college and adult football players. They are of very high quality, with unmatched flexibility. All the plates are linked in such a way that they move independently. While Xenith shoulder pads come in a variety of position-specific designs, their multi-position shoulder pads are second to none.

Rawling Combat 36L Pads – These football shoulder pads come in sizes Small through XXXL and are made with a low-profile design to decrease bulk. The way the padding is designed makes them incredibly lightweight, but they’re reinforced to add longevity and defense against heavy blows.

Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD Pads (QB/RB/WR) – These are by far the best youth shoulder pads available for quarterbacks and wide receivers. They are designed to minimize weight and not sit so low on the torso that they maximize movement and speed. Schutt Sports makes the lightest college pads that still ensure maximum protection and meet safety standards. As far as Youth Quarterback shoulder pads go, these are top of the line.

Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD (OL/DL) Pads – It’s pretty much the same story for these lineman’s pads that are designed to minimize weight while offering a bit more padding. They extend further towards the sternum and are also made with wider shoulders for great protection against collisions.

Schutt Sports Air Maxx Flex 2.0 Shoulder Pads – Another multipurpose model, the Schutt Sports Air Maxx Flex 2.0 provides a construction with an open cell foam that is essentially made up of small chambers that trap air, making it much more effective for taking hits. They also make a skill position model that is built with the same guard technology and are the best soccer pads for running and jumping.

TAG Strike Force II 780 Pads – Great for QBs and WRs too, this is our pick for defensive back shoulder pads. Like the other shoulder pads I have reviewed for you, TAG shoulder pads always use the latest technologies to ensure lightness and protection together. The one thing we love about these is the shock-absorbing cushioning that doesn’t lose its powerful protection even after numerous hard hits. Although we recommend them for defensive backs, this pick is still one of the best shoulder pads for wide receivers.

There are also a few other key products that you may want to consider adding to your collection for maximum protection. Some options that I really like and think can be considered essential equipment for maximum safety are back pads and rib protectors. I will give you a choice for both which are the best in your market.

Schutt Sports Youth Back Plate – Getting a back plate to add to your pads is a great way to extend protection for players without buying bulkier pads. The Schutt Sports Youth Back Plate adds back support to any Schutt Youth Shoulder Pad, and they also attach to most competitor gear, which is a huge plus if you don’t have Schutt Youth Shoulder Pads.

Schutt Sports Youth Rib Protector – This breathable accessory helps prevent rib injuries and is commonly worn by players who still need mobility but take more hits to the waist than others. These can be worn with a detachable harness or attached directly to most youth shoulder pads. I really like adding rib pads to his arsenal because I know he was constantly taking massive hits to his rib and stomach area and the padding he had was either very thin or none at all. These pads can offer the security that I believe is necessary in sports today.