Football Shoulder Pads

What type of shoulder pads do you need?

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Shoulder Pad Guide

Shoulder pads are your central piece of armor on the field. They take the big hits, and keep you off the DL. But to do their job right they're going to need to fit correctly, on your body and to your game. So it's important to know what you're doing when looking for new football shoulder pads. Read on to learn how to properly select, size, and optimize your next pair of shoulder pads, so they give you exactly what you need to sharpen your game and stay safe out there.

Best Selling Football Shoulder Pads

Bike Rattler

Bike Rattler Youth Shoulder Pads
$54.95

Schutt VX Flex

Schutt VX Flex Adult Skill Position Shoulder Pads
$107.95

Douglas DP Linemen Shoulder Pads

Douglas DP "Mr D" Series Adult Linemen Shoulder Pads
$98.99

 
What are the parts of a shoulder pad?
First things first, let's understand the typical shoulder pad and its anatomy, so we are better prepared to find the right pad, position, and size for you!

Shoulder Pad Parts

 
Which type of shoulder pad is right for me?
Most adult and youth shoulder pads are specially designed to compliment the skills used at various positions on the field, to give players the perfect balance of protection and mobility needed in their roles. Typically, players in defensive roles such as linemen, and full backs, have heavier, more protective shoulder pads, while those in more offensive roles such as quarterbacks and running backs, have lighter, more mobile pads. To find the right pad for you, it's important to understand your role on the field, and find the category of football shoulder pads that compliments your game:
Quarterback / Wide Receiver Shoulder Pads:
  • Lightweight padding offers free-range of motion and improved speed
  • No excess or heavy epaulets to hold you back
  • Flexible body allows for full range of body movement and twisting
  • Properly placed padding gives a great range of arm motion
  • For quarterbacks who love to run, look into shoulder pads specially designed for running backs, wide receivers, or defensive backs
Skill Position Shoulder Pads
Schutt Air Flex Quarterback / Wide Receiver Shoulder Pads

$299.95
Running Back / Defensive Back Shoulder Pads:
  • Similar in weight, flexibility, and range of motion to quarterback shoulder pads
  • Stronger padding absorbs hard hits
  • No excess or heavy epaulets to reduce your speed
  • Great range of arm motion to hold onto the ball no matter what
Running Back Shoulder Pads
Douglas SP25 RB / DB / QB Shoulder Pads

$229.99
Full Back / Linebacker / Multi-Position Shoulder Pads:
  • Incredibly secure fitting
  • Provides solid protection against hard hits
  • Most feature plated fronts instead of front laces, to cut down on on-field adjustment and improve fit
  • Vinyl buckles create a durable, strong, and secure fit under the arm, but can sacrifice adjustability
  • Heavier than quarterback or running back shoulder pads, but still lightweight enough for fast movement
Linebacker Shoulder Pads
Bike Xtreme Lite Multi-Position Shoulder Pads

$139.99
Lineman Shoulder Pads:
  • Heaviest, most durable shoulder pads on the field, built to take the hardest hits, most often
  • Provide ample mobility to keep linemen moving against the other line
  • Most feature a streamlined pad for incredible protection
  • Sleek profile without extra epaulets prevents the other line from holding onto your shoulder pads
  • Vinyl buckles or elastic straps are offered to provide secure and adjustable fits, based on personal preference
Lineman Shoulder Pads
Gear2000 Z-Cool OL / DL Pro-Selection Shoulder Pads

$199.99
 
How do I find my shoulder pad size?
Once you've determined which type of football shoulder pads are right for you and your position, it's time to measure yourself for the perfectly sized shoulder pads. After all, you're going to need these pads to fit correctly to play your best and get the most out of them. To get the most accurate measurements:
  1. Find a friend or a parent to take the measurements - Measuring yourself may lead to inaccurate readings and ill-fitting helmets
  2. Use a flexible measuring tape for the most accurate measurements
  3. Stand up straight and breathe normally
  4. It might be beneficial to wear a tight fitting shirt, to get a next-to-skin, accurate read out

To determine your measurements:

  1. Have someone measure the width between your AC joints, which are the joints at the top of your shoulders
  2. Measure the width of your chest, from armpit to armpit
  3. Determine your accurate weight, to be sure your shoulder pads fit your weight class
Shoulder Pad Sizing
What size shoulder pad am I?
This answer depends on the type of shoulder pad you are looking for, and the brand you're interested in. Each brand and football shoulder pad type is built differently, and sized differently. For the most accurate information, consult the sizing chart found on the product page of the pads you like. But, for a general idea of which size shoulder pad is right for you, consult the following sizing charts:
Schutt Youth Football Shoulder Pad Sizes Schutt Adult Football Shoulder Pad Sizes
Size Shoulder Width Chest Weight   Size Shoulder Width Chest
XXS 10 -11" 24 - 26" 60 - 75 lbs   S 16 - 17" 34 - 36"
XS 11 - 12" 26 - 28" 79 - 90 lbs   M 17 - 18" 38 - 40"
S 12 - 13" 28 - 30" 90 - 105 lbs   L 18 - 19" 42 - 44"
M 13 - 14" 30 - 32" 105 - 120 lbs   XL 19 - 20" 46 - 48"
L 14 - 15" 32 - 34" 120 - 135 lbs   2XL 20 -21" 48 - 50"
XL 15 - 16" 34 - 36" 135 - 150 lbs   3XL 21 - 22" 50 - 52"
2XL 16 - 17" 36 - 38" 150 lbs >   4XL 22 - 23" 54 - 56"
 
Riddell Youth Football Shoulder Pad Sizes Riddell Adult Football Shoulder Pad Sizes
Size Shoulder Width Chest Weight   Size Shoulder Width Chest
XS 11 - 12" 28" - 30" 40 lbs   S 17 - 19" 38 - 40"
S 12 - 13" 30" - 32" 60 lbs   M 18 - 19" 42 - 44"
M 13 - 14" 32" - 34" 80 lbs   L 19 - 20" 46 - 48"
L 14 - 15" 34" - 36" 100 lbs   XL 20 - 21" 48 - 50"
XL 15 - 16" 36" - 38" 130 lbs   2XL 21 - 22" 50 - 52"
XXL 16 - 17" 38" - 40" 150 lbs + 3XL 22 - 23" 52 - 54"
  4XL 23 - 24" 54 - 56"
5XL 24 - 25" 56 - 58"
 
Bike Youth Football Shoulder Pad Sizes Bike Adult Football Shoulder Pad Sizes
Size Shoulder Width Chest Weight   Size Shoulder Width Chest
XXS 10 - 11" 24 - 26" 40 - 59 lbs   M 17 - 18" 38 - 40"
XS 11 - 12" 26 - 28" 60 - 79 lbs   L 18 - 19" 42 - 44"
S 12 - 13" 28 - 30" 80 - 99 lbs   XL 19 - 20" 46 - 48"
M 13 - 14" 30 - 32" 100 - 119 lbs   2XL 20 - 21" 48 - 50"
L 14 - 15" 32 - 34" 120 - 139 lbs   3XL 21 - 22" 50 - 52"
XL 15 - 16" 34 - 36" 140 - 159 lbs 4XL 22 - 23" 52 - 54"
2XL 16 - 17" 36 - 38" 160 - 180 lbs 5XL 23 - 24" 54 - 56"
 
Gear 2000 Youth Football Shoulder Pad Sizes Gear 2000 Adult Football Shoulder Pad Sizes
Size Shoulder Width Chest Weight   Size Shoulder Width Chest
XS 12 - 13" 26 - 28" 40 -65   M 17 - 18" 38 - 40"
S 13 - 14" 28 - 30" 60 - 80   L 18 - 19" 40 - 42"
M 14 - 15" 30 - 32" 75 - 100   XL 19 - 20" 42 - 44"
L 15 - 16" 32 - 34" 95 - 120   2XL 20 -21" 44 -46"
XL 16 - 17" 34 - 36" 115 - 140   3XL 21 - 22" 46 - 48"
2XL 17 - 18" 36 - 38" 135 - 160 4XL 22 - 23" 48 - 50
3XL 18 - 19" 38" - 40" 155 - 180 5XL 23 - 24" 50 - 52
  6 XL 24 - 25" 52 - 54
 
Douglas Youth Football Shoulder Pad Sizes Douglas Adult Football Shoulder Pad Sizes
Size Shoulder Width Chest   Size Shoulder Width
S 12 - 13" 26 - 28"   S 17 - 18"
M 13 - 14" 28 - 30"   M 18 - 19"
L 14 - 15" 30 - 32"   L 19 - 20"
XL 15 - 16" 32 - 34"   XL 20 - 21"
2XL 16 - 17" 34 - 36"   2XL 21 - 22"
  3XL 22 - 23"
4XL 23 - 24"
 
How do I know my pads fit correctly?
Once you've chosen which pads and which size is right for you, and you've received your brand new shoulder pads, there are a few things you should do to check, and double check, that they are size correctly. These techniques will make sure your new pads will deliver the protection and performance you purchased.
  1. Make sure the pads sit on the shoulder comfortable, and that at least 1" of extra padding extends from the shoulder at each side (there shouldn't be more than about 1 1/2" of padding extending off of the shoulder).
  2. Ensure your sternum will be properly protected by extending your hands above your head. The pads should still cover your sternum, even when lifted.
  3. Double check and feel that the collar bone, shoulder joints, and deltoids are all properly covered by the pads.
  4. All openings in the neck, arms, and sternum should be comfortable and provide adequate room for movement and flexibility.
  5. Move around and perform typical on-field actions in the pads, to double check that everything fits and moves as it should
 
What are the differences between shoulder pad brands, and what do they offer?
Sports Unlimited carries a wide variety of football shoulder pads from the top brands in the industry. You'll find everything from the most technologically advanced, moisture wicking, energy dispersing, body cooling pads, to the most basic lightweight minimalist pads that keep you mobile and protected. Whatever you're looking for, whatever your budget, we have something that fits you just right. Read on to learn what each brand offers and specializes in, to help ease the decision making process a bit.
Schutt Shoulder Pads:
A leader in on-field protective gear, Schutt has been developing field-tested and technologically advanced shoulder pads, football helmets, and other protective gear for years. Everyone from youth players to NFL pros wear Schutt shoulder pads, and rely on their innovative designs, comfortable creations, and impact absorbing constructions to keep them moving and safe on the grid iron. Although on the more expensive side, you definitely get what you pay for in unequalled quality, comfort, and protection. Most well known for their Flex line of shoulder pads, Schutt has created innovative shoulder pads featuring:
  • Stainless steel hardware that never rusts or breaks down
  • 3-point belt system designed to bring the arch closer to your body, providing a snug fit without restricting movement
  • AEGIS anti-microbial materials using negatively charged particles to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria
  • Raised corrugations built to add strength to the shoulder pad
  • Flat pad design protects and performs while providing maximum mobility
  • 40% bigger vent holes placed in key areas of the shoulder pad maximize air flow and breathability
  • Removable, washable pads keep your pads clean and usable all season long

A Closer Look - Get to know Schutt Shoulder Pad Technology

Bead Padding

Quilted Brock Bead System
This beaded quilt padding absorbs and diffuses impact force among thousands of energy absorbing beads. It also works to evaporate sweat faster, pushing cool air closer to the body, improving comfort and air circulation.
Energy Block Transfer System
Innovative, thick padding uses cushioned blocks to absorb impact energy and improve comfort and protection.

Thick Padding

Air Window

O2 Windows
Body cushion inside the shoulder pads feature large openings that maximize air flow, expedite sweat evaporation, and release hot air.
Oversized Vent Holes
7mm vent holes strategically placed around the outer shell of the shoulder pad improve air flow and keep players cool on the field.

Vent Holes

Douglas Shoulder Pads:
Used by 85% of Division 1-A colleges, and countless NFL Pros, Douglas shoulder pads are incredibly advanced, to give players exactly what they need; protection and mobility. High quality, with technological designs, Douglas pads are built tough for any age. These pads feature:
  • 100% urethane open cell foam, for lightweight protection
  • Removable channel system designed to disperse impact energy away from the vulnerable top of the shoulder
  • Custom pad system protects players returning from injury, without having to retrofit the shoulder pad
  • Air management padding lessens impact energy

A Closer Look - Get to know Douglas Shoulder Pad Technology

Air Mangement Douglas Air Management Padding
Open cell foam, filled with tiny air cells, is adhered to the outer fabric of the shoulder pad, creating a sealed environment that traps air inside the cushion. When you're hit, the shell pushes against the cushion, forcing the air inside the cells of the foam to move out in 360 degrees, lessening the blow and dispersing the impact energy.

Gear 2000 Shoulder Pads:
Most well known for their innovative Z-Cool Shoulder Pads, Gear 2000 has cornered the market on moisture managing and comfortable shoulder pads, that also happen to protect like no other! Used and trusted by top high high school, college, and pro players, including the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison, Gear 2000 works hard to protect and keep you sharp all game long. Their pads feature:
  • Z-Cool body cooling technology
  • Moisture managing technology
  • Anti-bacterial foam
  • Lightweight cushioning with 3-D air-flow foam
  • Impact absorbing bead technology
  • High impact inner poly arch sandwiched between two layers of foam, supported by a poly plate

A Closer Look - Get to know Gear 2000 Shoulder Pad Technology

Z-Cool Z-Cool Body Cooling
Waterproof beads in the cushioning of the shoulder pads work to actively circulate air in 3 dimensions. When sweat covers the beads, the airflow expedites evaporation, cooling and drying the body.
Z-Cool Impact Absorption
When hit with impact energy, each of the waterproof beads attempts to separate from its adjacent beads, dispersing the energy away from the body, and absorbing it.
Z-Cool
Z-Cool Z-Cool Air Management
With improved ventilation, players experience less heat and perspiration build up, thus losing less electrolytes and water through sweat. Cooler players perform better and play harder.
Bike Shoulder Pads:
Built to perform and protect, without all of the bells and whistles, Bike Shoulder Pads deliver lightweight and strong padding on the grid iron. Well known for their Xtreme Lite Shoulder Pads, Bike keeps players sharp with maximum mobility, without skimping on protection. With Bike, as with plenty of football players out there, less is more. That's how Bike has become so popular in the industry. Their pads are also incredibly affordable, and last season after season.
Adams Shoulder Pads:
When you're looking for great pads at incredible prices, Adams Football is your answer! Designed for youth, middle school, high school, college, and pro players, Adams Football Shoulder Pads are some of our best sellers, and come in many styles to give you exactly what you need, without taking a toll on the wallet.

A Closer Look - Get to know Adams Shoulder Pads

Adams Boss   Adams Blitz

Adams Adult Shoulder Pads
The Boss - A low-profile flat pad, designed for range of motion and mobility

Blitz - Best selling shoulder pad for middle school and high school, it features dual density energy management

Adams Youth Shoulder Pads
The Monster - A flat pad with an incredibly low profile and huge range of motion

The Beast - Extended breast and back plates with predrilled holes for neck rolls and a flack jacket make it perfect for middle school players

The ASP - Our most affordable pad with an extended breast and back plate protection

Adams MonsterAdams BeastAdams ASP

 
What accessories are available for my shoulder pads?
For more comprehensive protection, it's important to add accessories like back plates, rib guards, and neck rolls to your shoulder pads. Football is a full contact game, and you need as much protection as you can get, without holding your game back. So check out our full array of football accessories, and read on to find the ones that work for you and your pads:

Football Back Plates:

Back Plates

Football Neck Rolls:

Neck Rolls

Football Rib Guards:

Rib Guards

Padded Football Shirts and Vests:

Padded Shirts


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