10 Best Youth Football Shoulder Pads 2025 in the United States

The Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate in Black/Red is designed for youth football players, offering a blend of protection, comfort, and adjustability. The integrated RipKord Technology allows for quick removal in emergency situations, which is a significant safety feature. The STAC Shoulder Pad System and Air Management Liner System work together to provide ample padding and impact absorption, enhancing protection for young athletes.

The riveted back plate adds an extra layer of security for the spine and lower back areas, crucial for high-impact sports like football. At 1.77 kilograms, these shoulder pads are relatively lightweight, which helps maintain mobility on the field. The removable adjustable channels offer a customizable fit, accommodating various body shapes and sizes, making it easier to find a snug and secure fit.

Ventilation is also well-addressed, ensuring players stay cool during intense play. However, durability might be a concern as the material is primarily plastic, which may not withstand rough usage over extended periods. In summary, the Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate is a solid choice for young football players seeking a balance of protection, comfort, and adjustability, though potential buyers should be mindful of its long-term durability.

The CHAMPRO Gauntlet Youth Shoulder Pads are designed with young football players in mind. The low-profile cantilever design, combined with 3D steel arch spring, ensures a secure and optimal fit during gameplay, making these pads ideal for active youths who require consistent protection. Integrated deltoid pads offer extra padding, which is particularly beneficial for positions that require more shoulder impacts, like linebackers or running backs.

The Shock Rail system enhances the energy dispersion capabilities, reducing the risk of injuries from collisions. Adjustable 1” wide elastic straps with T-hooks enable players to customize the fit for maximum comfort, which is a significant advantage for growing athletes. The hook-and-loop attachment system also allows for easy adjustment of the pads and their removal for cleaning, adding to the practicality and hygiene of the equipment.

The pads, while durable, might feel slightly bulky due to their dimensions (24 x 14 x 12 inches), which could impact agility for some players. The weight, at approximately 1.29 kilograms, is manageable but could be a consideration for younger, smaller players. Despite these minor shortcomings, the CHAMPRO Gauntlet Youth Shoulder Pads, with their customizable fit and robust protection, are a solid choice for young football players, especially those engaged in positions requiring extensive shoulder protection.

The CHAMPRO Gauntlet 1 Youth Football Shoulder Pads are designed with a low-profile cantilever design and a 3D steel arch spring, ensuring a secure fit during gameplay. This design helps maintain comfort and mobility, crucial for youth players. The integrated deltoid pads offer extra padding, enhancing protection for the shoulder area, while the Shock Rail system disperses energy from impacts effectively to reduce the risk of injury.

These pads are adjustable with 1” wide elastic straps and T-hooks, allowing for easy customization to achieve a comfortable fit. The hook-and-loop system further aids in adjusting and removing the pads for cleaning, adding a layer of convenience. At a weight of approximately 1.24 kilograms, these shoulder pads are relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for young athletes who need to move quickly on the field.

However, the large size might not be suitable for smaller youths, and it's important to ensure proper fitting. The shoulder pads are made from plastic, which is durable but may not provide the same level of breathability and ventilation as other materials. These pads seem particularly well-suited for boys in youth football who need reliable, adjustable, and protective gear.