Popular Football Shoulder Pads

Whether you’re an experienced football player or a beginner, our list of best-selling shoulder pads has something for everyone. We work with players and gear experts to review shoulder pads for protection (how well the pads protect against impacts), mobility (the pad’s freedom of movement), and comfort/fit (how well the pads fit a variety of body types). We update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.

Meet Our Experts

Devon Murray

Devon has been a football player his whole life. He played Wide Receiver for Linfield University in Oregon.

Xenith Flyte

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Protection

Mobility

Comfort/Fit

Perfect pads for:

Intermediate-level players that require unrestricted movement and protection.

The Xenith Flyte football shoulder pads are designed to deliver optimal protection without sacrificing mobility. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design and high-performance impact foam, these pads offer superior comfort and confidence on the field. The Flyte's versatile fit accommodates multiple positions, making it a great choice for young athletes looking to elevate their game. With a focus on both safety and performance, the Flyte provides protection while allowing players to move freely and make plays with ease.

“

The Xenith Flyte is a total game-changer for skill positions. It's insanely light but packs a serious protective punch. What sets it apart is how it fits like a glove without restricting movement. The ShockShield tech does a fantastic job of absorbing hits and distributing impact. You'll stay cool and comfortable even in the thick of things.

”

Devon Murray

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Riddell Power SPX

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Protection

Mobility

Comfort/Fit

Perfect pads for:

Linemen seeking maximum impact absorption or skilled players demanding unrestricted movement.

The Riddell Power SPX football shoulder pads offer protection and performance. Featuring the innovative Stac-Shoulder System, these pads provide a customized fit for optimal comfort and impact absorption. The low-profile, flat pad design maximizes coverage while allowing for unrestricted mobility, making the Power SPX ideal for players at all positions. With advanced features like an Air Management Liner System for cooling and swivel fronts for enhanced range of motion, these shoulder pads deliver performance on the field.

“

The Power SPX is a classic choice for a reason. It's tough, reliable, and offers great protection. The Shock Absorption System is a standout feature, soaking up big hits and keeping players safe. While it might be a bit bulkier than some newer options, it's a tried-and-true pad perfect for players prioritizing protection over pure mobility.

”

Devon Murray

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Schutt Y Flex

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Performance

Durability

Comfort

Perfect pads for:

Younger players that are looking for flexible and protective pads.

Schutt Y Flex Football Shoulder Pads are designed to provide varsity-level protection for youth athletes. The increased chest width accommodates larger players, while the T-Hook strap ensures a secure fit. The lightweight arch design enhances range of motion around the shoulders, facilitating catching and blocking. The wider neck opening allows for better pre-snap head positioning and improved line calls, making the Y Flex a top choice for young athletes seeking performance and protection.

“

The weight on the Y Flex is perfect. Not too heavy but still sturdy enough for tough games and hard hits. They are easy to adjust and provide a wider neck opening that allows a better pre-snap head position. Highly recommend these pads for all positions on the field.

”

Devon Murray

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Riddell Warrior IIx

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Protection

Mobility

Comfort/Fit

Perfect pads for:

Beginner and intermediate-level players in search of preserving range of motion and lightweight protection.

The Riddell Warrior IIx football shoulder pads deliver protection and comfort for young athletes. Featuring a flat pad design for a low-profile fit and extended arches for superior coverage, these pads offer reliable impact absorption. The Z-Fit easy-fit belting system ensures a secure and customizable fit, while the corrugated epaulets enhance mobility. Lightweight and breathable, the Warrior IIx prioritizes player comfort without sacrificing safety, making it an ideal choice for developing football players.

“

The Riddell Warrior IIx is a lightweight, comfortable pad that's great for skill players who prioritize mobility. The FlexTech material gives it a good balance of flexibility and protection, but some might find the protection a bit lacking compared to bulkier options. It's a solid choice for players who want to feel fast and agile, but durability and long-term protection might be concerns for some.

”

Devon Murray

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Riddell Pursuit

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Protection

Mobility

Comfort/Fit

Perfect pads for:

Younger players looking for a balance of protection and mobility.

Riddell Pursuit Shoulder Pads offer a lightweight and comfortable option for young athletes. The flat pad design and integrated deltoid pads provide essential protection without compromising mobility. The Z-Fit belting system ensures a secure and easy-to-adjust fit, while the removable/adjustable bodies allow for customization. With its blend of comfort, protection, and versatility, the Riddell Pursuit is a great choice for aspiring young football players.

“

The Riddell Pursuits are easy to get on and off and extra breathable. They have pulls for tightening the sides which helps youth players adjust the fit on the fly. If you're a competitive youth player who needs protection and mobility, the Pursuit is well worth it.

”

Devon Murray

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