Why Bother With Custom Shin Pads?
Off-the-shelf shin pads are built for nobody in particular. Generic size, generic look, no personality. Custom shin pads flip that entirely — every element, from the carbon fibre shell to the printed design, is built around you specifically.
At Strapzy's Shinnies, we've made custom shin pads for players across Europe, from academy footballers in the Netherlands to professionals representing their country at international level. The most common thing we hear after someone receives their first pair? "I didn't realise they'd look this good."
"I was surprised by how easy the whole process was. Sent my details, got a mockup the next day, approved it and they were on my doorstep by the weekend." — Strapzy's customer, Belgium
What Can You Put On Custom Shin Pads?
Before walking through the steps, it helps to know what's actually possible. At Strapzy's, every element below can be customised:
The Step-by-Step Design Process
Here's how the process works from start to delivery — no design experience needed.
Choose Your Size
Strapzy's shin pads come in three sizes. Small (55×110mm) is a mini pad for players who want a minimal, low-profile feel. Medium (69×140mm) is our most popular size. Large (83×170mm) gives the most coverage. Choose by how much protection you want, not by age: our Small can feel too small for young children, who are often better off in a Large. See the full size guide.
Design It in 3D
On the Customise page you design your pair yourself in our 3D studio. Add your name, squad number and nationality flag, pick your colours, and upload a club badge or any artwork you want included. Drag everything into place and your pads update in 3D as you go.
Check Every Detail
Spin the 3D preview and check both pads before you order: the layout, colours, spelling, text positioning and any artwork. What you see is what we print, so this is your chance to review everything carefully. You can save your design and come back to it later on the same device.
Add to Cart and Check Out
Happy with how it looks? Add your pair to the cart and check out. Your print-ready design goes straight to our workshop, so there's no waiting for proofs. There are no change fees, no rush charges, no hidden costs.
We Build Your Pair
Once you've ordered, your shin pads go into production. The carbon fibre shell is cut and formed, then your design is printed and finished by hand. The entire process takes 3–5 working days in production before handing over to Pudo for delivery.
Delivery to Your Door
Your custom pair is sent with Pudo to anywhere in South Africa — to a Pudo locker near you or to your door. You'll receive your waybill number the moment it leaves us, and Pudo usually delivers within 2–4 working days of dispatch.
Tips for Getting the Best Design
After making thousands of pairs, here's what separates a good design from a great one:
- Keep it simple. The best-looking pairs tend to use 2–3 colours maximum. Too many colours can look cluttered on a small surface.
- Use high-contrast combinations. Dark background with a bright name (like black and lime) reads clearly from a distance. Matching colours can make text hard to read.
- Send a high-resolution badge. If you're including a club crest, send the highest quality image file you have — PNG with a transparent background is ideal.
- Think about the back too. The back panel is where your name and number sit most prominently. Make sure that's where you put the most important information.
- Don't overthink it. Our design team works with your brief to make it look right. If you're unsure, just tell us the vibe you're going for and we'll handle the rest.
Club & Team Orders
Designing for a full squad? Strapzy's Club Service is built for exactly that. Every player gets their own individual design — name, number and flag — while the club sets the overall colour scheme and badge. Prices drop significantly on squad orders, from R350 per pair down to as low as R215 per pair for squads of 50 or more.
Club orders are managed through a single point of contact, with all designs handled in one batch. Most clubs have their full squad's pairs delivered within two weeks of placing the order.
Professional clubs and academies across Europe use Strapzy's for kit day, pre-season shoots and match wear. If your squad is ready to look the part, get in touch for a club quote.
READY TO BUILD
YOUR PAIR?
Start your design now in our 3D studio and see your pair before you order.
Start Customising →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I put my name and number on shin pads?
Yes. Every pair from Strapzy's Shinnies is fully personalised with your name, squad number, nationality flag and club colours. You can also add custom artwork or a club badge.
How long does it take to make custom shin pads?
From order to delivery, expect 7–10 working days in total: production in South Africa, then Pudo delivery. You design and check your pair in 3D before you order, so there's no waiting for a mockup.
What size shin pads do I need?
We offer Small (55×110mm), a mini pad; Medium (69×140mm), our most popular size; and Large (83×170mm) for maximum coverage. If you're between sizes, go larger — you can always trim the ankle sleeve, but you can't add coverage.
Can I design shin pads for my whole team?
Absolutely. Our Club Service handles full squad orders with individual designs for each player. Prices go down to R215 per pair for large squads. Contact us for a custom club quote.
What can I put on custom shin pads?
Name, squad number, nationality flag, club colours, a club badge or crest, and any custom artwork or imagery you provide. If you can describe it or send us an image, we can work with it.