What protective equipment is typically used in soccer?

Shin guards are essential protective equipment used in soccer because they are specifically designed to protect the lower legs from injury. Soccer players are frequently at risk of being struck in the shins by the ball or by other players during tackles. The use of shin guards helps absorb impact and minimizes the risk of bruises, fractures, and other injuries.

While helmets and shoulder pads are commonly associated with sports like football or hockey, they are not used in soccer, which is primarily a non-contact sport where the focus is on foot skills rather than physical collisions. Cleats, although important for providing traction on the field, do not offer protection against impacts to the legs, hence they are not classified as protective equipment in the same sense as shin guards.