Best Hockey Shoulder Pads

From the new skater joining their first hockey league to the seasoned veteran looking for their next shoulder pad, we are here to help you find the shoulder pad that suits your skill level! Each category has the best pick for 'Overall Performance', which is chosen purely on tech and spec. The other pick is based on 'Best Value', giving players a shoulder pad with budget in mind.

$199.99 MSRP for Junior (MD, LG)
$229.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

CCM delivered an incredible Tacks line this year and the CCM Tacks XF Pro Shoulder Pads have set the bar for coverage and protection. While you may think that more protection means less mobility, that's quite the opposite regarding the XF Pro. CCM's FlexMotion in the front and rear panels provide strategic flex points, allowing all the protection to easily follow your movements so you have unrestricted mobility in every play. Plus, with the use of compress-molded foams, the XF Pro still provides a lightweight fit.

What sets the XF Pro apart from the competition is the use of D3O Foam in multiple areas including the sternum, spine, shoulders, and AC joints. Rather than just one area, these six areas receive incredible impact protection so players can confidently play a physical game to get the puck in the back of the net.

Its performance doesn't stop there either, as CCM's Zotefoam and AER-TEC Suspension System deliver moisture control and breathability. Zotefoam is used in the panels to act as a barrier against sweat while AER-TEC found in the bicep guards increases air circulation to keep you cool. It also comes with a ton of adjustability through the straps and protection, allowing players to customize their coverage like never before.

$159.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$179.99 MSRP for Senior (XS, SM, MD, LG)

The Warrior Alpha Pro Shoulder Pads usher in a ton of value for the elite-level, 200-foot player. With a price tag that's easier on the wallet, these are a more budget-friendly option for players wanting to obtain maximum coverage and protection. Warrior's Impax Foam is used in the shoulder caps and sternum guard so you can dish out big hits and battle with confidence in the corners. Two-piece torso panels along with perforated foams help the Alpha's stay lightweight and breathable. They have premium odor control through Polygiene Technology, which eliminates bacteria that develops from sweat and moisture for the entire lifespan of the pads.

For the quick and agile player who is involved in every play, the Sherwood Code Encrypt 1 Shoulder Pads are a standout choice. Mobile, lightweight, and packed with specs, these offer elite-level performance and a great price. They have amazing protection in the shoulder caps, premium odor technology, and the most comfortable fit from Sherwood to date.

The CCM JetSpeed FTW Women's Shoulder Pads have an amazing design for female hockey players of all skill levels. They have incredible adjustability and a female-specific shape to offer comfort, performance, and protection that women and girls can rely on. A three-way customizable chest panel delivers premium adjustability, regardless of body type or size. Finally, female hockey players can enjoy shoulder pads that properly fit without sacrificing protection or coverage.

$109.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$129.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

For the competitive player seeking high-end performance and features without spending a fortune, they can rely on the CCM Tacks XF 80 Shoulder Pads. While there isn't D3O Foam throughout the construction like the XF and XF Pro, these offer compress-molded foams and plastics to give great protection for a variety of skill levels. The collarbone and shoulders have fantastic mobility to ensure you have a full range of motion and the pads themselves are lightweight and offer great coverage for the physical player.

The Warrior Alpha Lite Shoulder Pads are the younger sibling to the Alpha Pro's and a stellar budget-friendly option. They include Impax Foam in the sternum guard to safeguard this important part of the body and then feature a protection package that still allows for physical gameplay. A two-piece front panel ensures great upper body mobility while Warrior's strapping system excels at staying low against the Velcro landing pad to prevent unwanted snagging of the hockey jersey.

Sherwood first introduced the Rekker SWD and has now added the Sherwood Rekker SWD Lite Women's Shoulder Pads to the lineup. For those who don't need the Viconic Impact Protection found in the SWD, the Lite model provides a more affordable protection package for recreational and competitive play but features the exact same incredible fit found in the SWD. Sherwood's innovative AIZ design and Customizable Impact Protection offer the best anatomical fit and coverage for female hockey players, regardless of body shape.

$79.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Sherwood 9950 HOF Shoulder Pads offer some of the best protection for the price, giving the recreational hockey player a ton of value. Its two-piece front and rear panels provide awesome mobility and help contour the body for a comfortable fit. Plus, length-adjustable bicep protection allows players to customize their coverage while MicroBan Technology was included in the liner for premium odor control.

$59.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG)
$69.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Winnwell Q5 Shoulder Pads are light, mobile, and perfect for players seeking upper body protection without breaking the bank. The protection package is best suited for casual play and comes with Cleansport NXT Technology in the liner, a premium feature found at this price point. Rather than just masking odors, Cleansport actually eliminates the bacteria and stays active throughout the entire lifespan of the pads.

The Warrior Rise Shoulder Pads are a stand-out choice for the recreational or brand-new player. With a lightweight fit, they come built with impact protection in key areas such as the sternum, shoulders, biceps, and spine. Offering excellent coverage for casual play, they have great mobility to ensure you have a fun experience. Plus, it's offered in sizes that range from Youth to Senior players.

For players interested in the Winnwell Q5 but looking for a few added features, the Winnwell Q7 Shoulder Pads offer a couple of upgrades without a huge price jump. It features length-adjustable bicep guards and a removable belly guard for personal customization.

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!