Storelli BodyShield LegGuard

Since storming onto the soccer scene last year, Storelli Sports has become known for its line of protective gear for both outfield players and goalkeepers.

The latest innovative product from the firm for players in any position on the field is the BodyShield LegGuard (available at storelli.com). Storelli describes it as:

Offering players the ultimate lower leg protection and flexibility, the Storelli BodyShield LegGuard is the first of its kind specifically designed to hold shin guards and socks comfortably in place throughout all 90 minutes of play.

The additional protection from kicks and hard surfaces comes from the flexible, breathable layer of extreme-protection foam on the side of the leg and ankle — allowing players to focus on what matters most without the fear or threat of injury.

Product Benefits:
– Use of moisture-wicking fabric to optimize comfort and breathability
– Poron XRD polyurethane foam provides maximum in protection
– Advance anti-microbial treatment reduces risk of infections

We’ve had a chance to trial the Storelli BodyShield LegGuard over the past couple of weeks. Here are out thoughts.

Fit and Comfort
Unsure of how they would fit, we asked Storelli to send us over sizes Medium and Large of the BodyShield LegGuard. What we found was that they fit true to size when compared to other shin guard sleeves and compression calf sleeves (or tights if you prefer) on the market.

They took a bit getting used to when pulling them over the heel area but once on the lower leg felt very much like compression sleeves from other sportwear companies (Skins, Zensah and Nike come to mind). Very little time was required to get used to wearing them and you can forget that you’re even wearing something protective unless it’s extremely hot.

In Game Performance
The Storelli BodyShield LegGuard readily accommodates and works best with slip-in or lite shinguards / shinpads. There is a pocket on the front the sleeve (not unlike those that come with some of the more expensive slip-ins on the market) that allows you to easily slip them in.

However, if you have a strapped shinguard or one with an ankle sock, the BodyShield LegGuard won’t work well. Even if you can detach the ankle sock, the straps will get in the way when putting the shinguards into the compression sleeve. Don’t even think about wearing a strapped shinguard with an ankle sock over them. The resulting combination is too bulky.

On the legs and in game action the BodyShield LegGuard does provide a good degree of ankle and outer and rear calf protection. It reduces the impact of blows that you may receive to these areas by what we estimate to be about 35%. As a result, the BodyShield LegGuard will definitely help with injury protection.

We recommend them for players who may have a very physical game and for those who may be the subject of or deliverers of many tackles during a match. Defenders and defensive midfielders should definitely give them a look!