Shin guards are a vital piece of soccer gear designed to protect players and ensure optimal on-field performance. If your favorite shin guards are showing their age, you don’t have to go out shopping for a new pair. Use our detailed shin guard repair guide to swiftly and effectively repair minor damage and save time and money.
Shin guards are an essential piece of soccer gear. They help protect against common soccer injuries, such as lower-leg bruises and fractures. To protect players, absorb shock, and dissipate energy, shin guards should be undamaged and worn properly to ensure adequate safety.
As the Official Partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Loctite understands the importance of staying safe and fit during soccer practice and games. Use various high-quality Loctite products and our detailed shin guard repair tips to extend the life of your soccer gear.
Do your shin guards have loose straps? Is the Velcro no longer holding them securely? Or are the straps stretched and unable to stay snug? You can fix them quickly with a few simple steps.
If you want to replace worn Velcro on shin guard straps without using a sewing kit, follow these steps:
1. Gather supplies:
- New Velcro patches
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- Utility knife
2. Remove the old Velcro: Use a utility knife to carefully remove the ineffective Velcro by cutting along the seams holding it in place.
3. Attach the new Velcro: Take your new Velcro patches, cut to fit the space left by the old pieces, and apply Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to the back surface.
4. Allow the adhesive to dry: For maximum strength and durability, give the adhesive enough time to cure completely before using the shin guards.
Tip: If the straps are too long, you can shorten them with adhesive. Fold the strap to shorten it, then apply Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control between the folds of the non-elastic anchor to permanently hold it in place.
In addition to shock absorption, shin guard padding helps ensure a comfortable fit. Over time, the padding can wear out or come loose, reducing its effectiveness.
Use these tips to repair worn shin guard padding:
1. Gather materials:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- New padding
- Coarse brush
- Dry cloth
2. Remove damaged foam: Clear away all of the old, worn padding. Create a smooth surface for the new padding by removing stubborn bits with a coarse brush. You can also use a dry cloth to remove any remaining debris and dust.
3. Attach new foam: Apply Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to the new foam pads, then press them firmly into place and hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
Tip: You can buy new foam pads at a sporting goods store. Alternatively, consider buying closed-cell insulation padding at your local hardware store, cutting it to fit the shin guards, and attaching it with Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control.
4. Leave to dry: Allow the adhesive time to dry completely before using the shin guards. Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control sets in 15 to 30 seconds and cures completely in 12 to 24 hours.
Playing with cracked shin guards can increase the risk of injury due to compromised protective performance. Fortunately, you can quickly fix minor cracks with Loctite super glue and enjoy better protection.
1. Gather supplies:
- Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
- Coarse brush
- Clamps
- Dry cloth
2. Prepare the shin guards: Clean the shin guards thoroughly to remove any dirt, mud, or debris around the cracked area. Use a dry cloth to wipe away fine debris and moisture.
3. Close the crack: Use a clamp to align the crack and hold it in place.
4. Apply adhesive: Use Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System along the crack, strictly adhering to the product instructions. To use this two-part cyanoacrylate adhesive, apply the activator to both surfaces, let it sit for a minute, then apply adhesive to one side and press the surfaces together. The adhesive sets in 30 seconds. Afterward, put the repaired shin guard away to allow the adhesive to cure completely (within 12 to 24 hours).
5. Try out the shin guards: After the adhesive is completely dry, remove the alignment clamp and try on the shin guard to confirm it fits properly and provides the necessary protection.
Extend the life of your shin guards and enjoy safe, optimal performance on the field with these care tips:
- Clean immediately after use: Use recommended cleaning practices to remove all debris, dirt, and sweat.
- Dry completely: Before storing, ensure the shin guards are moisture-free.
- Store in a well-ventilated space: Like other soccer gear, shin guards should be stored in an airy space.
- Inspect regularly: Check shin guards for cracks and other signs of wear and address them immediately.