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The 8 Best youth football shoulder pads of 2025

Are you trying to find youth football shoulder pads among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling youth football shoulder pads on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 23 hours of research and did 27 youth football shoulder pads tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best youth football shoulder pads you can buy today

No. 1
CHAMPRO Youth Scorpion Shoulder Pad, Black, Blue, 100-130lbs (FSP5)
  • DURABLE: Cantilever design disperses impact and shock, maintaining the pad’s shape and structural integrity. High impact polyethylene construction increases the arches’ strength and durability.
  • SECURE FIT: Sliding 1-inch wide elastic straps offer easy adjustment of the pad’s tightness for a comfortable fit. Players will feel secure with pads that conform to their chest and also allow freedom of breath and movement.
  • EASY UNHOOKING: The easy release system helps players unhook the straps, so they can get the pads on and off without assistance.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE: Pre-drilled holes allow players to customize the pads with attachments, such as backplates and neck collars (available separately).
  • SIZE OPTIONS: Available in 7 sizes, the Scorpion shoulder pads are built to fit young players up to 180 pounds.
  • Included components: 1 (ONE) Set of Shoulder Pads
SaleNo. 2
Riddell Surge Youth Shoulder Pad, Small, Black/Volt
194 Consomer Reviews
Riddell Surge Youth Shoulder Pad, Small, Black/Volt
  • Youth shoulder pad with built-in back plate
  • Flat pad design sits low across the player's shoulder, minimizing interference with the rotational range of the helmet
  • PVC adjustable belts secure the shoulder pad to maintain protective placement for a proper fit
  • Velvet collar for comfort
  • Removable/adjustable bodies
No. 3
Battle Sports Defender Football Shoulder Pads with Aerospace Grade Materials, Ventilation System, Removable Sternum Protector, Foam Neck Roll
  • CONSTRUCTION: Engineered with aerospace-grade materials that deliver maximum durability while maintaining exceptional flexibility for elite performance
  • VENTILATION SYSTEM: Innovative airflow design reduces heat buildup during intense gameplay, keeping players cool and focused
  • PROTECTION FEATURES: Includes foam neck roll, removable sternum protector, and contoured epaulette for comprehensive impact protection
  • MOBILITY DESIGN: Articulating chassis combined with biothane straps ensures full range of motion without compromising security
  • SECURE FIT: Articulating belt system and adjustable straps provide a locked-in feel for confident play during high-intensity situations
No. 4
Battle Sports Phantom Football Shoulder Pads, Youth Size, Lightweight Design with Impact Protection (Youth Medium)
  • IMPACT PROTECTION: Features innovative leaf spring technology that absorbs shock from hits in all directions, providing comprehensive protection for young athletes
  • CHEST PROTECTION: Equipped with a raised, molded chest plate and permanent sternum protector for enhanced front impact defense
  • NECK PROTECTION: Wide-coverage foam neck roll design safeguards developing neck and collarbone areas while ensuring player comfort
  • SECURE FIT: Adjustable belt system with integrated strap management slot allows for easy fitting and adjustment by parents and coaches
  • YOUTH-SPECIFIC DESIGN: Lightweight construction with extra-wide internal cushioning provides unrestricted movement while maintaining maximum side impact protection
No. 5
Riddell Pursuit Youth Shoulder Pad, Large , Blue/Gray
  • Youth shoulder pad
  • Flat pad design sits low across the player's shoulder, minimizing interference with the rotational range of the helmet
  • Integrated deltoid pads
  • Z-fit belting System uses high strength nylon clips to increase the ease of putting on and securing a shoulder pad
  • This is an O. E. M. part
No. 6
CHAMPRO Gauntlet 1 Football Shoulder Pad, Medium Black
  • LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile cantilever design with 3D steel arch spring creates and maintains a secure, superior fit during gameplay.
  • EXTRA PADDING: Integrated deltoid pads provide extra padding.
  • SHOCK RAIL DESIGN: The Shock Rail system disperses energy impact through its unique shoulder corrugation ridges.
  • SECURE FIT: Adjustable 1” wide elastic straps with T-hooks offer easy adjustment, so athletes can customize their fit for maximum comfort.
  • ADJUSTABLE PADS: Hook-and-loop attachment system allows for adjustment of pads and easy removal for cleaning.
SaleNo. 7
Schutt Y-Flex Youth Shoulder Pads
  • A lightweight, all-purpose design with varsity-level protection for youth athletes
  • Sleeker arch design to enhance range of motion
  • Wider neck opening/relief allowing for better pre-snap head positioning and making line calls
  • Equipped with a T-hook strap for a secure, snug fit
  • Designed for youth athletes and all positions on the field
No. 8
Schutt Y-Flex 4.0 Shoulder Pads, Football, Black, Small
  • A lightweight, all-purpose design with varsity-level protection for the youth athlete
  • Extra protection with extended pad length
  • Designed for all positions on the field
SaleNo. 9
Franklin Sports Kids Costume Football Shoulder Pads - Lightweight Dress Up Shoulder Pads for Youth + Toddlers - Perfect for Halloween Football Costumes
  • Perfect for Costumes: These lightweight youth shoulder pads make the perfect accessory for costumes and best fit ages 5 to 7, One Size - Youth
  • Comfort Fit: With comfort first and foremost, see for yourself how our football shoulder pads provide the most realistic sports shoulder pads for dressing up in costume. Non-performance foam and plastic shoulder pads
  • Authentic Look and Feel: While these football shoulder pads should not be used as protective equipment for football or other sports, they are designed to provide a realistic look for a football uniform Halloween costume
  • Game Day Ready: Support your favorite team with a lifelike youth shoulder pad set. Kids will love looking and feeling like their favorite athletes as they cheer them on from the couch
  • Perfect for Kids: Kids will love how authentic these look, and how they can wear shoulder pads just like their favorite players and team, they will love dressing up as the athletes they look up to for a costume or just for fun
No. 10
Schutt T-Flex Youth Shoulder Pads,Black/Blue
  • A lightweight, all-purpose design with varsity-level protection for youth athletes
  • Sleeker arch design to enhance range of motion
  • Wider neck opening/relief allowing for better pre-snap head positioning and making line calls
  • Equipped with a durable belt loop strap for a secure, snug fit
  • Designed for youth athletes and all positions on the field
SaleNo. 11
Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate,Black/Red
19 Consomer Reviews
Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate,Black/Red
  • Integrated RipKord Technology
  • STAC Shoulder Pad System
  • Riveted Back Plate
  • Air Management Liner System
  • Removable adjustable channels
No. 12
CHAMPRO Gauntlet Skill Shoulder Pad, Medium
  • SKILL PADS: The Guantlet Skill pads are designed with specially sized arch plates to allow for extended arm mobility, perfect for skill position athletes who need a greater range of motion.
  • LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile forward cant design creates a superior fit, with sleek arch plates that reduce weight and increase mobility.
  • AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Air management removable liner system evenly distributes impact force, resulting in optimal protection.
  • SHOCK RAIL DESIGN: The Shock Rail system disperses energy impact through its unique shoulder corrugation ridges.
  • SECURE FIT: Heavy duty 1.5” wide belt and buckle hookup system with rib pads allows for a customized secure and comfortable fit.
No. 13
CHAMPRO Gauntlet 3 Football Shoulder Pad, Medium,Black
  • MATTE FINISH: The Gauntlet III's premium matte finish marks it as a high-quality product ideal for high school athletes.
  • LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile cantilever design creates a superior fit, with sleek arch plates that reduce weight and increase mobility.
  • AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Air management removable liner system evenly distributes impact force, resulting in optimal protection.
  • EXTENSIVE PADDING: Built-in rib pads and padded epaulets are designed to maximize cushioning, while the impact-control dual deltoid pads can be adjusted for comfort or removed.
  • FLEXIBLE: Swivel front and back connectors allow the shoulder pads to move with the player for a more natural feel.
SaleNo. 14
Sports Unlimited Xcalibur Youth Football Shoulder Pads, Youth Shoulder Pads for Football
  • Uniquely design arch cut to keep arms free from plastic shell. Designed for all positions on the field.
  • Biothane straps in the front and back of the pad for a compact, secure fit
  • Angled corrugations to allow more natural movement
  • Spacer mesh air management foam provides superior protection for youth football pads
  • Elastic belts for flexibility and ease of movement
No. 15
CHAMPRO Boys' Safety Integrated Football Practice Pant with Built-in Pads, Black, Small
  • DURABLE: Made of 100% Polyester Dyno-Stretch double-knit fabric for durable, flexible construction.
  • SEWN-IN PADS: Hassle-free, factory-installed pads come already sewn in to reduce prep time so athletes can get ready for practice quickly.
  • BUILT-IN BELT: A built-in, full-length covered web belt takes the fuss out of securing the pants.
  • SIZE AND COLOR OPTIONS: Available in Youth sizes XXS-2XL and Husky (listed as "One Size") in Black or White.
  • machine washable
No. 16
TAG Youth Football Shoulder Injury Pad, Protective Support for Sports Injury
  • Size: Youth (14 1/2" Width x 9" Length)
  • Molded light weight design, with heavy nylon mesh reinforcement.
  • Two pieces combined with lacing thru loops and adjustable straps.
  • 1/2" thickness.
  • High quality EVA foam.
No. 17
Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool 2.0 JV / Youth Football Shoulder Pads - All Purpose
  • Patented Z-COOL system pulls cool air in and forces hot air out while wicking moisture from the body
  • AC joint notch-out with AC cradle pads provides expanded protection without putting direct pressure on the joint
  • Adjustable clavicle pad system with fixed cap
  • 1 1/2" belts with non-cut buckles
  • Recommended for youth, middle school and JV players
No. 18
Champro Gauntlet II Football Shoulder Pads, Small,Black
  • LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: Low-profile cantilever design creates a superior fit, with sleek arch plates that reduce weight and increase mobility.
  • IMPACT DIFFUSION: The impact diffusion system disperses impact on direct hits.
  • EXTENSIVE PADDING: Built-in deltoid pads and padded epaulets are designed to maximize cushioning.
  • FLEXIBLE: Swivel front and back connectors allow the shoulder pads to move with the player for a more natural feel.
  • ADJUSTABLE PADS: Hook-and-loop attachment system allows for adjustment of pads and easy removal for cleaning.
No. 19
Douglas JP24 Youth Football Shoulder Pad Large
  • Junior all-purpose football shoulder pads
  • Great for any field position
  • Light weight, streamline design
No. 20
XTECH X2 Football Shoulder Pads - All Positions - Advanced Lightweight Pad with Mens and Youth Sizes (Skill, Medium: 18-19""), Grey
  • Medium + Skill Combination: Configured with - Skill Arch, Skill Epaulets, Skill Cups, and a Standard 1/2” Shoulder Foam. Each shoulder pad and size combination is uniquely configured by our experts to ensure maximum safety and performance for your exact needs on the field.
  • Pad of the Pros: More than 80% of pro football players and the majority of D1 programs wear XTECH performance enhancing pads on game day
  • Performance Enhancing Technology: The X2 leverages 11 patents, advanced plastics, XRD foam production technology, and over a decade of working with the game’s most elite athletes to deliver unmatched safety and performance in a lightweight, breathable, flexible, water-resistant, and comfortable pad that just happens to look amazing.
  • Safety & Performance: Advanced lightweight materials and patented design allow for maximum safety on impact without sacrificing mobility whether its for the most elite or high school players
  • Made in the USA: Designed, manufactured, and assembled by our X TECH expert craftsmen with more than a decade of experience right here in the USA

How to choose a good youth football shoulder pads

Does the idea of finding a fantastic youth football shoulder pads make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in youth football shoulder pads. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top youth football shoulder pads products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top youth football shoulder pads on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top youth football shoulder pads brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top youth football shoulder pads based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the youth football shoulder pads were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good youth football shoulder pads, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your youth football shoulder pads.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting youth football shoulder pads for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our youth football shoulder pads. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what youth football shoulder pads should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on youth football shoulder pads.