4.8/5 2,437+ reviews
Vanguard Elite
Why parents choose Vanguard Elite
- Stays put — no slipping mid-game
- Just 25g — barely there on the leg
- Soft on skin, easy on parents
- Moulds naturally to every leg shape
- Machine-washable in seconds
Low stock
Vanguard Elite
Size Chart
| SIZE | LENGTH | UPPER CALF CIRCUMFERENCE |
LOWER CALF CIRCUMFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTRA SMALL (AGE 3-6) |
25cm9.8in | 20cm - 23cm7.9in - 9.1in | 11cm - 13cm4.3in - 5.1in |
| SMALL (AGE 6-10) |
28cm11in | 23cm - 30cm9.1in - 11.8in | 13cm - 16cm5.1in - 6.3in |
| MEDIUM (AGE 11-13) |
29cm11.4in | 26cm - 32cm10.2in - 12.6in | 16cm - 19cm6.3in - 7.5in |
| LARGE (AGE 14+) |
30cm11.8in | 28cm - 34cm11in - 13.4in | 18cm - 21cm7.1in - 8.3in |
| XL (ADULT) |
31cm12.2in | 30cm - 39cm11.8in - 15.4in | 20cm - 23cm7.9in - 9.1in |
| XXL (ADULT) |
32cm12.6in | 34cm - 41cm13.4in - 16.1in | 22cm - 25cm8.7in - 9.8in |
If you're between sizes, choose the larger size for more comfort.
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Only a few left — secure yours before they're gone
Vanguard Elite
Sale price£18.00
Regular price£28.00 (/)
As seen on:
Light enough to forget.
Most kids hate shin guards because they're heavy, hot and clunky. The Vanguard Elite weighs just 25 grams per guard — lighter than a slice of bread — so light they'll forget they have them on. No bulk, no rattle, no excuses to leave them in the bag.
Soft on the leg. Hard on impact.
Old plastic guards are stiff all the time. Useless when you don't need them, uncomfortable when you do. Our adaptive EVA foam flexes during play and hardens on impact. Maximum protection exactly where it counts, zero bulk where it doesn't.
Moulds to every leg.
Skinny legs, growing legs, footballer legs — the Vanguard Elite hugs them all. No straps to dig in, no Velcro to come loose, no readjusting between plays. The compression sleeve stays exactly where you put it, from the first whistle to full time.
Built for the big moments.
Approved for match play. Trusted at training. Built to take a hit and keep going, match after match, season after season. The kit they'll keep reaching for.
WHY PARENTS SWITCH
Why Bubblz is the better choice.
Lightweight, slip-free and built to last. A promise other shin guards simply can't keep, and parents across the UK already know it.
| Bubblz | Others | |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight at just 25g | ✓ | ✕ |
| Stays put, no straps | ✓ | ✕ |
| Soft compression fit | ✓ | ✕ |
| Silent EVA foam padding | ✓ | ✕ |
| Kids put them on alone | ✓ | ✕ |
| Machine-washable & odour-resistant | ✓ | ✕ |
Rated 4.8/5 · 2,437+ reviews
My daughter actually picks them out herself
She used to fight me every match day about wearing shin guards. Got the yellow ones and now she runs to put them on. Says they feel like nothing's there. Lightweight, no slipping, and easy to wash after muddy Sundays.
Out the door in two minutes flat
My boy puts them on himself now — no straps to fight with, no Velcro to get wrong. Used to take ten minutes of nagging before every training. Now I just shout "kit on" and he's ready. Worth every penny for that alone.
Night and day vs the plastic ones
Threw the old ones in the bin after one match with these. The plastic kind kept slipping down to his ankles and left red marks everywhere. These stay put, no bulk under the sock, and he actually wants to wear them. Should've bought them sooner.
He grinned when he opened the box
Honestly, he hasn't been this excited about football kit in ages. Tried them on straight away, ran around the bedroom showing me how soft they were. First proper shin guards he hasn't whinged about. Already ordered a second pair as backup.
Took a few hits and not a scratch on him
My lad plays centre-back and gets clattered every weekend. After his first match in these, he came off the pitch saying he couldn't even feel the tackles. Padding really does its job. Washed up fine after a brutal muddy match too.
Ready for kick-off without the usual faff
Sunday league dad here. Used to spend the warm-up adjusting my lad's shin guards every five minutes. Got him these and it's been smooth sailing. They sit right, stay put, and he feels properly geared up. Proper bit of kit for the price.
FAQ
Are Bubblz shin guards suitable for children?
Yes — most of our customers are parents buying them for their kids. The Vanguard Elite is built to grow with them, with sizes from XS (age 3-6) all the way up to XXL for adults. Whether it's a five-year-old's first kickabout or a teenager's Sunday league match, the fit and protection adapt perfectly.
Are they approved for match play?
Absolutely. Our shin guards meet the standards required for grassroots and league match play, providing reliable protection during both training and games. Trusted on pitches across the UK every weekend.
Do the shin guards go under the socks? Won't they get too hot?
Yes — they're designed to be worn under your football socks, just like traditional shin guards. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric keeps legs cool and dry even during intense matches. No overheating, no irritation, just comfort from kick-off to full time.
Can I wash them?
Yes — they're machine-washable on a cold cycle. We recommend air-drying them flat or on a radiator to keep their shape and elasticity. No shrinking, no smell, ready for the next match in hours.
Can they be used for other sports?
Yes — although designed primarily for football, the Vanguard Elite works for any sport where shin protection matters. Hockey, rugby, martial arts — the compression sleeve fits comfortably under any kit.
What size should I pick?
Have a look at our size guide above for detailed measurements based on age and calf circumference. If your child is between sizes, we recommend going up — kids grow quickly and the compression fit adapts beautifully.
What's your returns and refund policy?
We offer a 14-day return window from the date your order arrives. If you're not happy with your purchase, simply get in touch and we'll arrange a full refund — no questions asked. Items must be unworn and in their original packaging.
How long does delivery take?
We offer free UK delivery on every order. Most parcels arrive within 3-5 working days. You'll receive a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships, so you can keep an eye on it every step of the way.
How can I get in touch?
We'd love to hear from you. Email us anytime at contact@bubblz.co.uk and our team will get back to you within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. Got a question about sizing, an order, or anything else? Just ask.