As a football coach, I cannot emphasize enough how necessary a decent pair of football girdles is. Football is a high impact and contact sport. It can defeat the purpose if you don’t take proper precautions!
Football involves using your body as both an offensive and a defensive weapon frequently. However, that doesn’t mean you must endure bruises and sore muscles after your game. You, therefore, need specialized football shorts with pads to save you from injuries.
Today I strictly review the kind of girdles I’m sufficiently familiar with: The 11 best football girdles to pull on, whether you’re simply training, already playing full-contact, or simply preparing for the new season.
1. CHAMPRO Adult Tri-Flex Integrated 5 Pad Football Girdle - Best Overall Girdle
- FLEXIBLE: The Tri-Flex cushion system provides the...
- BUILT-IN PADS: The contoured, ventilated thigh pad...
- COMFORTABLE: DRI-GEAR technology wicks away...
- COMPRESSION FABRIC: Made of a Poly/spandex blend,...
- CUP POCKET: A built-in cup pocket provides space...
Designed with extra padding and a Tri-Flex cushion system, the protective Champro 5 pad Football girdle was created with your protection, flexibility, and mobility in mind. They feature an effective ventilating and contoured thigh-pad system that extends right above the waist for added protection and comfort. The spandex and polyester fabric ensures both flexibility and proper moisture management. The quality of material offers efficient evaporation and breathability.
Additionally, the thigh pads are fortified with hard plastic to absorb high amounts of impact and shock for extra protection. Don’t worry; the hard plastic is well cushioned to maximize comfort and prevent abrasion.
This football girdle is the perfect go-to option to keep your critical body parts properly guarded without limiting your ease of movement. The Champro Tri-Flex 5 Pad Football Girdle, does an excellent job supporting the thigh and bottom muscles and preventing bruises and cramps.
Pros
- Comfortable compression fit
- Rigid plastic shock plates to enhance protection
- A cup pocket
- Moisture management fabric
- 5 Pad Football Girdle
Cons
- Relatively thin pads compared to other football girdles in its price range, although it allows for extra football side pads
2. Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax Relaxed Fit Impact Short - Best Extra-Cup Protection
- COMFORTABLE PROTECTION: Shock Doctor Men's Impact...
- COOLS & SUPPORTS: The Ultra Carbon Flex Cup...
- SUITABLE FOR MANY SPORTS: Perfect for sports where...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Four-way stretch fabric for...
- PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN INNOVATION: Shock Doctor has...
The name explains everything that Shock Doctor girdles are about. The only few things that they left out is how breathable and flexible these shorts are. They incorporate a protective but loose fit for those who prefer extra freedom of movement. The pads are perfectly contoured to protect the hips, tailbone, and thighs.
The Shock Doctor girdle features an elastic-hemmed cup lock system for flexibility and comfort—a great way to avoid constant fidgeting and adjusting.Still, on the cup, it is designed with Ultra Carbon Flex Cup technology to provide athletes with shock impact absorption of up to 100mph away from the vital organs.
This girdle is ideal for football elites who prefer a little more flexibility than many football shorts offer. Perfect for you if you don’t enjoy the rugged compression of regular football shorts. Throw in the high shock diffusing element, and you have yourself a pair that can stand up to the rigors of the game.
Pros
- Vented protective pads
- Carbon Flex Cup technology for high absorption
- Relaxed fit for extra freedom of movement
- SHOCKSKIN integrated fabric and pad foam to wick moisture away from the skin
- Stylish design
Cons
- The tailbone pad could’ve used a bit more cushioning
3. Under Armor Men's 6-Pad Football Girdle - Best Standard Girdle
- HeatGear fabric, with all the benefits of UA...
- Stretch-mesh panels deliver strategic ventilation
- 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility...
- Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
- Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor...
Combine a stretch mesh panel design, HeatGear sweat-wicking fabric, plus anti-odor technology, and you have yourself a pair of football girdles that are super comfortable no matter how long you put them on.
The four-way stretch material and reinforced seams mean that you’ll also be able to move with comfort and confidence.The flexibility and lightweight factors in these Under Armor shorts are unmatched. Despite the tight compression on these pants, the 4-way stretch construction enhances your mobility while holding your muscles in place.
It comes without sewn-in pads but has six pockets to accommodate separately purchased inserts. This pair is perfect for those who might worry about excessive sweat. The material on it wicks sweat away from the skin, leaving it cool. The anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes.
The elasticated overall fabric means you won’t be restricted. To be honest, the only thing that might be disagreeable with these is that they’re white. We all know what white shorts will look like at the end of the game.
Pros
- Pad pockets allow you to customize your preferred padding,
- Soft-touch fabric making them lightweight
- Can be worn without pads as underwear
- Breathability
- Anti-odor technology
- Durable
Cons
- It doesn’t include pads
4. Cramer Skill 7-Pad Football Girdles - Best Durable Girdle
A good pair of football girdles has to balance being hard-wearing and rugged not to stretch or pull apart in the tackle, but also lightweight enough to allow the full range of movement whether you’re intensely engaged in the scrum or jumping high for the ball.
This is what Cramer Skill 7 pad football girdle is about. The reduced ⅝” foam pad footprint allows for maximum mobility while offering total protection.
The fabric wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry, and the grip material on the waistband to make sure the shorts don’t move around as you play. The mesh crotch panel on this football girdle is perfect for breathability, helping keep your groin dry and comfortable, as well as offering protection.
Pros
- Less cumbersome, thanks to reduced foam design.
- Mesh crotch panel for breathability
- Rugged for durability and high impact
Cons
- Stitching could use more reinforcement
5. Nike Pro Compression Hard Plate - Best Moisture Wicking Football Girdle
The Nike Pro moisture-wicking technology and all-over mesh will keep you dry and your temperature regulated from the first whistle until the end of the game. These Football Shorts feature comfortable De-Tech foam padding to protect you from collisions on the field.
They come with knee, thigh, and tailbone hard plates for extra shock absorption. Flat and well-finished seams enhance your movement while the compression fit supports you in all the right places. Trust these Nike Pro shorts to keep you dry and cool throughout your game, thanks to all over dry-wicking stretch mesh fabric.
Pros
- Dry wicking fabric
- Lightweight
- Flat, well-done seams
Cons
- No cup pocket
6. McDavid Rival Hex - Best Quick Drying Football Girdle
- Flex air protective padding with integrated...
- 5-Pad impact protection coverage at hips, thighs...
- Four-way stretch mesh at groin area and inner...
- Bio-shape design provides comfortable compression...
- Ultra comfort fit waistband and dual layer front...
McDavid’s number incorporates hard-shell thigh guards that are anatomically contoured to complement your body’s natural movement and enhance mobility.The 9mm hex design combined with hardshell pads is meant for full-on game combat.
With McDavid girdles 5 pad football girdle, you’ll find a wealth of handy innovations to ensure you reach peak performance, even if you’re not an elite athlete. hDc moisture wicking fabric guarantees you that cool and dry experience to concentrate on what matters.
The low profile comfort on this pair and moisture management Technology takes it home for me. For those who prefer keeping 100% cleanout in training or playing, this is the football girdle for you. You can actually wash it and wear it every day. It comes with a cup pocket for inserts.
Pros
- hDcmoisture management to keep you dry in high heat areas
- Lightweight
- Super flexible
Cons
- Cup pad inserts are sold separately
7. Nike Pro HyperStrong Hardplate - Best Small Padding For Big Protection
This girdle by Nike is rugged and hard-wearing and one of the best football girdles currently on the market. As the name suggests, it incorporates textured, tough, and reinforced padding on high impact areas. This football girdle is designed to keep your center of gravity intact as it absorbs impact steadily.
The fabric responds to your natural stride, complimenting your need for speed. The compression fit in it is both comfortable and super lightweight. It features some handy mesh ventilation panels to keep your temperatures from rising when you don’t need them to.
The ergonomic flat seam design on this number limits irritation. It offers overall protection without limiting your range of motion.
Pros
- Reinforced padding on all high impact areas
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Flat seam design
- Hyper strong design
- Responsive to your movement
- Mesh panels for sweat management
Cons
- No cup pocket
8. Adidas Techfit Ironskin - Best Innovative Technology
- Polyester-Spandex
- Polyester-Spandex
- Ventilated climacool keeps you cool and dry
- techfit focuses your muscles' energy to generate...
- Poron XRD Pad System absorbs impact, hit after hit
The standout design on this Adidas pair is the Techfit technology that focuses your muscle energy to boost speed, power, and endurance. Despite a proper compression fit, the Adidas girdle has a ventilated climacool to keep you cool and dry as can be.This football girdle is an excellent option if you want something that feels elite, whether you’re training or playing.
The polyester& spandex fabric is super-soft for comfort but strong enough to deal with a game’s toughness. Also, the plush elastic waistband adds to the ergonomic factor of these pants.
The textured padding on these shorts and the tough fabric means they’ll stand up to plenty of punishment.
Pros
- Sturdy, reliable padding in all the right areas
- Focuses your muscle energy for increased power
- Ventilated design
Cons
- A bit too tight. You can buy one size up to get a better fit
9. Wilson Adult GST - Most Lightweight Football Girdle
- Single density foam absorbs impact
- Pads bonded to fabric - Hip, thigh and tailbone...
- Compression fit
- Moisture wicking material
The Wilson football girdle combines a moisture wicking fabric with a low profile, single-density foam pads to offer comfort, style, and functionality.
The compression fit on these is excellent and anatomically designed to enhance your range of motion.These player-friendly pants are stylish and offer moderate protection without being too expensive.
Pros
- Compression fit
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Single density foam to reduce bulkiness
Cons
- Protective pads are a little too thin
10. Sports Unlimited - Best Value For Money
- Seven pad protection for your hips, thighs, knees...
- Flexible foam padding built to flex with your...
- Hard thigh pads provide addition protection for...
- Embossed Sports Unlimited shield logo on thigh...
- Breathable, ventilated foam in mesh panels
This football girdle made it to the top ten because it features hard thigh pads and knee pads to keep up with the elements no matter the factors or impact.
The overall material and ventilated crotch and panels help keep you cool and comfortable. It also prevents odor buildup by allowing plenty of air circulation.
These are great value. Easy to wash material that’s soft to the touch fabric for added comfort. The seams on them make them hard-wearing, so you know these pants are designed to work on the field.
Pros
- Good value
- Seven integrated pad design, including knee pads
- Flexible fabric to increase comfort
- Seams made to reduce the risk of chafing
Cons
- Functional pants but not the most stylish in that price range
11. TUOY Men's Padded Compression Pants - Best Full Length Football Girdle
- Breathable, quick dry and moisture wicking. Cool...
- High Elasticity and tight compression trousers,...
- 7pcs professional foam paddings provide good...
- Great for football, basketball, baseball, rugby,...
- Pair with TUOY padded shirts, vest, knee and elbow...
At number 7 is this silky-feel full length girdle by Tuoy. The breathable polyester and spandex material on it offers a good flexible compression fit without feeling too restrictive.
The fabric is very quick drying anti-odor and moisture wicking. It features a tailbone bumper, integrated knee, hip, butt and thigh protection pads to absorb impact hit after hit.
The fabric is silky and responds to your natural stride like a second skin to enhance persistence of movement. The compression fit in it is both comfortable and super lightweight. The stitching, none slip leg and waist bands add to the durability in these
The ergonomic flat seam design on this number limits irritation. The full length element offers overall protection without limiting your range of motion.
Pros
- Reinforced padding on all high impact areas
- Moisture wicking anti-odor technology
- Durable flat seam design
- Responsive to your movement
- Full length
- Unisex
Cons
- A full length compression girdle may prove a little too restrictive so lookout for that.
Best Football Girdles - Our Buying Guide
What is a football girdle
A football girdle is an answer for the protection of the lower regions of your body. They are a pair of football compression shorts with pads strategically placed around the thigh, hip, tailbone, and even knee areas on some designs.
Other styles also feature a protective cup in the middle of the pants. Direct blows to the groin are rare but are debilitating if they occur without proper safety equipment, so keep that in mind.
What does a football girdle look like
There are thousands of girdle varieties—women’s corsets notwithstanding—to fit the vast categories of individualized needs, player skill levels, and budgets.
The rule of thumb where football girdles are concerned is to look out for comfort, breathability, mobility, durability, and overall quality.
Most football girdles provide a compression fit against your skin to protect your muscles, keep them in place to avoid strains and lactic acid buildup. They also come with either permanently sewn-in padding, standard pockets for inserts, a combination of both, or detachable sets of pads to protect your hips, thighs, crotch, and tailbone.
To find the best football girdle for you, it’s crucial first to understand what type of girdle you’re looking for. Know your playing position, your age, and skill level. Defensive positions require a proper padded design that’s rugged and durable without sacrificing dexterity. As a coach, during winter, I have to go for comfort and warmth as the sidelines tend to be overly harsh.
Once you figure out what category of football girdle you need, look for girdles within your budget that provide precisely what you require to enhance and compliment your game.
Check out our detailed football buying guide below, and choose the girdle that bests suits your needs:
Padding
Different brands design their football girdles with varying styles and padding types to give you extra impact protection and breathability. Some girdles come with pad pockets to allow you to customize your pad thickness, quality, and feel.
There are four types of padding, which include:
- Standard Girdles feature thigh, hip, and tailbone pockets where you can insert your own protective pads. The Under Armour Men’s 6-Pad Football Girdle Pants is our winner here.
- Integrated Girdles feature permanently built-in thigh, hip, and tailbone padding. A good example being the Champro Tri-Flex 5 pad football girdle.
- Half Integrated Girdles feature both sewn-in protective pads and inserts. A good example is the McDavid MD7414 Rival Football Girdle, which has sewn-in thigh, butt, and hip pads but leaves a cup pocket for additional padding sold separately.
- All-In-One football Girdles cone with a full set of protective padding, but unlike integrated girdle, these pads are detachable and can be removed or replaced as you see fit.
Whatever type of padding design you choose, please ensure the pads don’t skid around and are tightly secured in place for comfort and functionality.
Unique designs
Sometimes extra components can make all the difference when it comes to the best football girdles. Taking care of your body with the best girdle pants will allow you to play longer, harder, and at your maximum performance potential. Each of the girdles in the list has a unique distinguishing feature to suit individual preferences. For instance, the Sports Unlimited 7-pad girdle comes with knee padding for added protection of your knee caps.
Moisture Management
Modern football girdles utilize mesh panels between the thighs and crotch area to improve airflow, damp hot air and generally keep the vital organs cool, dry, and comfortable. The Adidas Techfit Girdle has that ventilated climacool design to keep you cool and dry as can be. Pick girdles with moisture-wicking technology to control sweat retention on your skin, which can be pretty uncomfortable and irritating to the skin. Bacteria from sweat can cause infections and foul smell, so moisture-wicking technology is vital.
High-Quality Materials
Great football girdles utilize high-quality materials that can endure in all weather conditions. The fabric strength should keep them functioning season after season. Look for stretchable, synthetic materials with seamless or reinforced seamed construction. A good pick for this category has to be Nike Pro HyperStrong Hardplate Graphic Football shorts. These Nike girdles are famous for their reinforced padding and flat seam design that doesn’t disintegrate when you wash. Brands such as Nike, Adidas, McDavid, Champro all offer high-quality sportswear.
Fabric
You don’t want a material that chafes easily. Your girdle should be made of a durable, comfortable, breathable, and flexible fabric.
Most football girdles are made with nylon, polyester, and silicon or spandex for the waistband. Football pants that contain spandex usually fit around the body easily. Some brands incorporate up to four different fabrics for top-notch comfort, protection, durability, and flexibility.
Cotton is comfortable but may not offer moisture-wicking ability as the other synthetic materials.
Aggressive Style
If you like a decent pair of functional but stylish girdles, then you know why this aspect is essential. The Shock Doctor Shockskin girdle has that incredible, aggressive style and color with exciting configuration designs.
Style is ever a crucial element because when you look good, you play good!
Value for money
You get what you pay for. Ensure you get worth for your money. Check all features, compare the materials, and settle on an appropriate price tag.
Compression fit
Cramer skill seven pad girdle and Wilson Adult girdle have that low-profile compression fit that allows for maximum dexterity and a less cumbersome appearance. If you play in positions that require speed and agility but less combat, these pairs will do you justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the right size girdle for me?
Check out the following football girdle size chart for loose basic sizing guidelines. Keep in mind that this is not a precise chart as different brands feature different sizing on their girdles.
Size | Waist size |
Youth Small | 22″ – 24″ |
Youth Medium | 26″ – 28″ |
Youth Large | 30″ – 32″ |
Small | 28″ – 30″ |
Medium | 32″ – 34″ |
Large | 36″ – 38″ |
XL | 40″ – 42″ |
2XL | 44″ – 46″ |
3XL | 48″ – 50″ |
How tight should a football girdle be?
The last thing you need is someone tugging on your pants to expose your bottom or constant girdle readjusting. Ensure the waist and hips fit snugly. You can wear them and try pulling them down or pushing the padding around to check if they fit well. It’s much easier to move in compressed pants as they act and feel like your second skin.
Must I wear a football girdle?
Must you sustain injuries? Football is an aggressive sport; you, therefore, need your girdle. A football girdle protects high impact and contact areas such as the hips and thighs and significantly minimizes injury risk.
What are the benefits of girdles
The compression increases blood flow, getting more oxygen to your muscles. This helps prevent lactic acid build-up; hence you won’t have sore muscles after your game.
Final Words
Taking good care of your body with the best football girdles will ensure you play better, longer, harder, and at your highest performance potential.
It’s always wise to play hard and enjoy the game without exposing your body to the elements and brute force that football involves. You can’t quite do that without a proper pair of padded underwear for football, can you?
We always like to hear your questions, experiences, suggestions, and perspectives. Kindly drop your comments below, and we will be sure to get back to you.