Shop Football Shoulderpads
Football Shoulder Pads by Position, Size & Brand
The right football shoulder pads need to match your position, body measurements and movement requirements. In this category, you will find youth and adult shoulder pads for quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, linebackers, defensive backs, tight ends, and offensive and defensive linemen.
Choose from compact skill pads, versatile all-purpose and multi-position models, contact-oriented lineman pads and the modular 2in1 system. The most important factors are not simply the amount of padding or a particular brand, but the correct size, a secure fit and sufficient freedom of movement.
Shop by brand: 2in1 · Douglas · Riddell · Schutt · Xenith
Shop by position: Quarterback · Wide Receiver · Running Back · Linebacker · Defensive Back · Lineman
More ways to shop: Kids & Youth · Accessories · Buying Guide · Sizing & Fit Guide
Note: Below the offers you’ll find more information, tips & FAQs about this category – ideal if you’re still unsure which option to choose.
Choose Football Shoulder Pads That Match Your Game
Football shoulder pads differ in shell shape, padding, shoulder cups, profile, weight and freedom of movement. The right construction for you depends on more than your position alone. Body shape, contact level and your individual movement patterns are also important.
A quarterback, for example, needs an unrestricted throwing motion, while a lineman experiences repeated direct contact from a low stance at the line of scrimmage. Running backs, linebackers and tight ends often combine quick movement with regular contact and therefore frequently choose versatile all-purpose or multi-position pads.
For a detailed comparison of cuts, brands and model groups, visit our Football Shoulder Pad Buying Guide.
Football Shoulder Pads by Position
| Position | Important Requirements | Common Pad Type |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | unrestricted throwing motion, low profile and limited material beneath the arms | QB, skill or low-profile pad |
| Wide Receiver | arm mobility, overhead catches and quick changes of direction | lightweight skill or speed pad |
| Defensive Back | coverage, backpedaling and open-field tackles | skill or multi-position pad |
| Running Back | cuts, ball carrying, contact in traffic and pass protection | all-purpose, hybrid or RB pad |
| Linebacker | tackling, shedding blocks, blitzing and coverage | all-purpose, hybrid or multi-position pad |
| Tight End / Defensive End | catching, blocking and repeated contact | hybrid, multi-position or contact-oriented pad |
| Offensive / Defensive Line | compact fit, blocking stance and repeated contact | lineman, OL/DL or stable flat pad |
The position recommendation should be used as an initial guide. The final model also needs to match your body measurements, shoulder shape and actual movement requirements.
Skill, All Purpose or Lineman?
Skill Shoulder Pads
Skill pads often feature a compact cut, low-profile shoulder elements and plenty of room for arm movement. They are commonly designed for quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, kickers and other mobile positions.
Typical features include:
- low-profile construction
- compact epaulettes
- a narrower front section
- less material beneath the arms
- good mobility for throwing and catching movements
All-Purpose and Multi-Position Pads
These models combine mobility with somewhat broader coverage. They are a common choice for running backs, linebackers, tight ends, defensive ends and players who are used at multiple positions.
Multi-position pads can also be useful for beginners and clubs when a player’s final position has not yet been determined.
Lineman Shoulder Pads
Lineman pads are designed around repeated contact and movement at the line of scrimmage. Depending on the model, they may feature compact epaulettes, stable shoulder arches or a low-profile construction suited to a blocking stance.
A lineman pad does not necessarily need to be especially heavy or wide. What matters is that it remains stable in a two-point or three-point stance and does not interfere with arm extension during blocking.
Size and Fit
The size label alone is not enough to choose the right shoulder pads. A size M may fit differently across brands and model lines.
Depending on the manufacturer, sizing may use measurements such as:
- shoulder width
- chest circumference
- body weight
- body height
- a combination of several measurements
Measuring Shoulder Width
Measure the straight distance between the outer bony points of both shoulder joints. The measuring tape should not curve over the neck and upper back.
Measuring Chest Circumference
Chest circumference is normally measured horizontally around the upper body directly beneath the armpits. The tape should rest against the body without compressing the chest.
Use the Size Chart for the Exact Model
Do not automatically transfer a size you previously wore to another brand or product line. Always use the size chart provided in the individual product description.
You can find complete measuring and fitting instructions in our Football Shoulder Pad Guide.
How to Recognize a Proper Fit
Properly adjusted shoulder pads should sit securely and relatively close to the body. They should not bounce significantly with every step or rotate independently of the upper body.
Check that:
- the shoulder arches are centered
- the shoulder cups cover the intended shoulder area
- there is sufficient clearance around the neck
- the left and right straps are adjusted evenly
- normal breathing remains possible
- both arms can be raised fully
- the pad remains stable during sprinting, throwing, catching or blocking movements
- the helmet and shoulder pad do not continuously interfere with each other
Severe pain, numbness, pressure against the throat or noticeably restricted arm movement may indicate that the selected size or shell shape is unsuitable.
Football Shoulder Pad Brands and Systems
2in1 Shoulder Pads
The 2in1 system consists of a close-fitting compression vest and a polyethylene shell attached over it. Together, the vest and shell form the complete shoulder pad system.
Depending on the version, two different measurements are considered:
- chest circumference for the compression vest
- shoulder width for the shell
This modular construction differs significantly from traditional shoulder pads with permanently integrated interior padding.
Douglas Shoulder Pads
Douglas offers a range of skill, multi-position, line and specialist shoulder pads. Model codes often identify different position groups and cuts.
Riddell Shoulder Pads
Riddell offers different skill, all-purpose and lineman designs. Within the same product series, always check the exact designation such as SK, AP or Lineman.
Schutt Shoulder Pads
The Schutt range includes youth and position-oriented models with different shell, padding and strap systems.
Xenith Shoulder Pads
Xenith divides its shoulder pad range into categories including skill, all-purpose, lineman and youth models.
Shoulder Pads for Kids and Youth Football Players
Youth shoulder pads are not simply smaller versions of adult pads. Depending on the manufacturer, shell shape, cantilever construction, padding, size range and coverage may be designed differently.
For young players, it is particularly important to:
- use current body measurements
- avoid buying a significantly oversized pad to grow into
- check the position of the shoulder cups and neck opening
- test movement with the arms extended and raised overhead
- recheck the size after noticeable growth
Shop Kids’ and Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Back Plates, Rib Protectors and Other Accessories
Shoulder pad accessories can extend the coverage of a correctly fitted pad. Back plates add coverage to the lower back, while rib protectors cover areas around the sides of the torso and, depending on the model, a larger section of the lower back.
Before ordering, check:
- the brand and model of the shoulder pad
- available mounting points
- mounting-hole spacing
- required screws and brackets
- youth or adult version
- available space beneath the jersey
Not every accessory is compatible with every shoulder pad.
Shop Back Plates, Rib Protectors and Shoulder Pad Accessories
Buying Football Shoulder Pads Online
Before ordering, check more than just the size label. Also consider:
- youth or adult version
- recommended positions
- required body measurements
- shell design and pad cut
- included components
- accessories that may need to be purchased separately
- compatibility with a back plate or rib protector
After delivery, the pad should be fully fitted with correctly adjusted straps and tested during position-specific movements. It should also be checked with a football jersey and, where possible, together with the helmet you intend to use.
Care and Inspection
Remove the shoulder pad from your equipment bag after practice and games and allow it to air-dry completely. Loose dirt can be removed with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product.
Regularly inspect:
- the shell and shoulder arches for cracks or deformation
- shoulder cups and epaulettes for damaged connections
- padding for tears, open seams or severe compression
- straps and buckles for wear
- mounting points for back plates and other accessories
There is no universal fixed service life for every shoulder pad. A pad should be replaced or properly assessed when shell sections are cracked, structural connections are damaged, important padding sections are missing or straps no longer function reliably.
FAQ – Football Shoulder Pads
How do I find the correct shoulder pad size?
Measure your shoulder width and chest circumference according to the manufacturer’s instructions and compare the measurements with the size chart for the exact model. Sizes are not automatically comparable between brands.
Which shoulder pads are suitable for beginners?
A properly fitted all-purpose or multi-position pad is often a good choice for beginners. The correct current size, a stable fit and sufficient freedom of movement are the most important factors.
Which shoulder pads are suitable for quarterbacks?
Quarterbacks often choose compact skill, QB or low-profile pads designed to interfere with the throwing motion as little as possible.
Which pads are suitable for wide receivers and defensive backs?
Wide receivers and defensive backs often use lightweight skill pads with low-profile shoulder elements and good arm mobility.
Which shoulder pads are suitable for running backs and linebackers?
Many players at these positions use all-purpose, hybrid or multi-position pads that combine mobility with broader coverage.
Which shoulder pads are suitable for linemen?
Lineman pads should remain stable in a low stance, allow full arm extension and avoid excessive shifting during repeated contact.
What is the difference between skill and all-purpose shoulder pads?
Skill pads are often more compact and focused on arm mobility. All-purpose pads generally combine greater positional versatility with somewhat broader coverage.
What is special about 2in1 Shoulder Pads?
The 2in1 system consists of a separately sized compression vest and a shell attached over it. Depending on the version, chest circumference and shoulder width are used separately to determine the sizes of the two components.
Can I use the same shoulder pad size when changing brands?
Not without checking the size chart again. A size M may fit differently across Riddell, Douglas, Schutt, Xenith or 2in1 models.
Should a youth player wear oversized shoulder pads to grow into?
A significantly oversized pad should not be purchased for future growth. It may shift and position the shoulder cups, neck opening and other pad sections incorrectly.
Is a back plate included with football shoulder pads?
In many cases it is not. Check the package contents in the individual product description. Back plates, rib protectors and neck rolls are frequently sold separately.
Does every back plate fit every shoulder pad?
No. Mounting-hole spacing, attachment points, hardware and youth or adult sizing can differ.
Should I try on shoulder pads with my helmet?
Yes. This helps you check whether the helmet and shoulder pad continuously interfere with head or neck movement.
When should football shoulder pads be replaced?
A shoulder pad should be assessed or replaced when there are cracks, significant deformation, broken structural connections, missing padding, defective straps or a fit that can no longer be made secure.
How should I clean football shoulder pads?
Remove dirt with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product. Allow the pad to air-dry completely and always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Do football shoulder pads completely prevent injuries?
No. No shoulder pad can prevent every shoulder, collarbone, chest or back injury. Correct sizing, fit, equipment condition and proper playing technique remain important.
Shop Football Shoulder Pads
Start with your current body measurements and the size chart for the exact model. Then choose the cut that matches your position and the movements you need on the field.
Our Football Shoulder Pad Buying Guide helps you narrow down individual models. Detailed measuring and fitting information can be found in the Football Shoulder Pad Guide.
Shop the main categories:
- 2in1 Shoulder Pads
- Kids’ & Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Quarterback Shoulder Pads
- Wide Receiver Shoulder Pads
- Running Back Shoulder Pads
- Linebacker Shoulder Pads
- Defensive Back Shoulder Pads
- Lineman Shoulder Pads
- Shoulder Pad Accessories
Sizes, product ranges, package contents and availability vary by manufacturer and may change. Always refer to the current product description and size chart for the exact shoulder pad.
