Best American Football Shoulder Pads of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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American Football Shoulder Pads are essential protective gear for football players. Designed to protect the shoulders, collarbone, and upper chest, these pads are made from durable materials and come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different players' needs. They are an important investment for any football player looking to minimise the risk of injury during games and training sessions. With proper use and care, these shoulder pads can help stabilise the upper body and provide the necessary support to play confidently on the field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HAND Men’s White Canvas Shoulder Pads Cover #TOP 1
HAND Men’s White Canvas Shoulder Pads
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dunzy Silver Shoulder Pad T Hooks (12 Pack) Cover #TOP 2
Dunzy Silver Shoulder Pad T Hooks (12 Pack)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Viper TACTICAL V-Cam Shoulder Comfort Pads Cover #TOP 3
Viper TACTICAL V-Cam Shoulder Comfort Pads
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 American Football Shoulder Pads

#TOP 1

HAND Men’s White Canvas Shoulder Pads

HAND
White
HAND Men’s White Canvas Shoulder Pads Cover
HAND ® Men’s Canvas Lined Shoulder Pads White, Style O2-2 Pairs

The HAND Canvas Shoulder Pads are designed with a classic shape, making them perfect for men's tailoring. With a thickness of 15mm, these shoulder pads provide the support you need for a structured look. Measuring 15cm in width and 29cm in length, they offer a comfortable fit, ensuring you feel confident while wearing them. The white colour adds a clean and stylish touch, making these pads a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

What We Like
Classic design for tailored looks
15mm thickness for added support
Comfortable fit with generous dimensions
Stylish white colour
#TOP 2

Dunzy Silver Shoulder Pad T Hooks (12 Pack)

silver
1.5 Inch
Dunzy Silver Shoulder Pad T Hooks (12 Pack) Cover
Dunzy Shoulder Pad T Hook Football Pad T Hook, Silver (12 Pieces, 1.5 Inch)

The Dunzy T Hooks come in a pack of 12, providing ample replacements for your shoulder pads during training or matches. Made from quality steel, these hooks are designed for durability, resisting deformation, rust, and corrosion, ensuring they withstand intense activity. Each hook measures 1.85 x 1.2 x 0.24 inches, fitting most shoulder pads with ease. Their lightweight design allows you to carry them effortlessly, whether attached to your gear or stored away. Plus, installation is a breeze with no additional tools required, saving you time and hassle.

What We Like
Ample quantity for replacements
Durable steel construction
Lightweight and portable
Easy installation without tools
#TOP 3

Viper TACTICAL V-Cam Shoulder Comfort Pads

VPADSHVCAM
V-cam
One Size
Viper TACTICAL V-Cam Shoulder Comfort Pads Cover
Viper TACTICAL Shoulder Comfort Pads V-Cam

The Viper TACTICAL Shoulder Pads offer exceptional comfort with their fully padded removable straps, protecting you from irritation, pain, and fatigue on your shoulders. They are designed to be compatible with 1.5" shoulder straps, transforming most non-padded straps into a comfortable carrying option. Even when carrying heavy loads, these pads remain comfortable, thanks to the triple hook-and-loop binders that secure them in place. Additionally, the highly breathable mesh lining enhances ventilation, ensuring you stay cool during your activities.

What We Like
Fully padded for comfort
Compatible with various straps
Ideal for heavy loads
Breathable mesh for ventilation
#TOP 4

Riddell SPORTS Back Plate for Shoulder Pads

8046878
Grey
One Size
Riddell SPORTS Back Plate for Shoulder Pads Cover
Riddell SPORTS Back Plate Gray, One Size

The Riddell SPORTS Back Plate offers essential lower back protection when used with shoulder pads. Its universal fit means you can easily attach it to most shoulder pads, providing convenience and versatility for your gear. The included hardware ensures a straightforward installation process, so you can quickly get back to playing. As an O.E.M. part, you can trust its quality and compatibility with your existing equipment.

What We Like
Additional lower back protection
Universal fit for most pads
Easy installation with included hardware
Trusted O.E.M. quality
#TOP 5

BARNETT VISION II Football Shoulder Pad for QBs and WRs

VISION II
royal blue
BARNETT VISION II Football Shoulder Pad for QBs and WRs Cover
BARNETT VISION II Football Shoulder Pad, QB-WR-DB, Size L

The BARNETT VISION II Shoulder Pad is designed for American football positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. It features nylon and PVC materials, offering excellent shock absorption with its dual-density foam, helping to protect you during gameplay. The heavy-duty anti-microbial treatment keeps the pads fresh and hygienic, which is vital for long-term use. With great freedom of movement and secure fitting provided by two elastic bands, you can focus on your performance without restriction. Additionally, shoulder reinforcement enhances your protection on the field.

What We Like
Excellent shock absorption
Anti-microbial treatment
Freedom of movement
Secure fitting
Shoulder reinforcement
#TOP 6

BARNETT B01 American Football Back Pads Black

4350265100
Black
standard size
BARNETT B01 American Football Back Pads Black Cover
BARNETT B01 American Football Back Pads, Colour: Black, One Size

The BARNETT B01 Back Pads provide comfortable and durable extra protection for your shoulder pads, ensuring that your back is effectively shielded during play. With a design focused on maximum shock absorption, these pads are ideal for both training and competition. Their lightweight construction enhances comfort, allowing you to move freely without feeling weighed down. Made with a 100% nylon lining, they promise a soft feel against your skin, making them a great choice for prolonged use.

What We Like
Comfortable and durable
Effective back protection
Maximum shock absorption
Lightweight design
100% nylon lining
#TOP 7

Champro Adult Medium Football Rib Protector

FRPAM
Black
Adult M
Champro Adult Medium Football Rib Protector Cover
Champro Football Rib Protector Adult Medium by Champro

The Champro Rib Protector is designed for adult players weighing between 100 and 160 lbs. Its wrap-around design offers extra protection to your ribs and back, ensuring you stay safe during intense gameplay. The protector easily attaches to your shoulder pads using the included hardware, making it convenient to wear. With its adjustable hook and loop front closure, you can achieve a custom fit that enhances comfort while you play. The high-impact plastic outer layer provides added durability, helping to withstand the rigours of the game.

What We Like
Extra rib and back protection
Easy attachment to shoulder pads
Custom fit for comfort
Durable high-impact material
#TOP 8

Medium-Large Raglan American Football Shoulder Pads

993885
White
One Size
Medium-Large Raglan American Football Shoulder Pads Cover
Raglan Shoulder Pads - Medium - Large

The Prym Raglan Shoulder Pads are designed for American football players seeking comfort and protection on the field. With a pack size of two, you can easily have a spare pair ready for use. The white colour offers a classic look, allowing you to match your team's uniform effortlessly. These medium-large pads provide ample coverage, ensuring you feel secure during gameplay. With these features, you can focus on your performance without worrying about your gear.

What We Like
Comfortable fit for players
Two pads included in pack
Classic white colour
Good protection during games
#TOP 9

Riddell Chrome Universal Back Plate

8055699
Chrome
Riddell Chrome Universal Back Plate Cover
Riddell Chrome Back Plate

The Riddell Chrome Back Plate is designed to enhance your protection during American football games. With a universal fit, it can be easily attached to your shoulder pads, offering additional lower back support. The sleek chrome finish not only looks great but also provides durability. You’ll find that this back plate comes with all necessary hardware, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have extra protection where it matters most.

What We Like
Universal fit for easy attachment
Stylish chrome finish
Enhanced lower back protection
Includes all necessary hardware
#TOP 10

Naroote Thickened Guitar Shoulder Pad

Shanryaw0a6bgmc591802-11
Black
32 * 9 * 1cm
Naroote Thickened Guitar Shoulder Pad Cover
Guitar Strap Pad, Guitar Shoulder Pad, Widened Thickened Padded Shoulder for Guitar (Oxford cloth-black)

The Naroote Guitar Shoulder Pad offers exceptional comfort and support for musicians. Made from durable 600D oxford cloth, it features a thick EVA inner layer that ensures a soft fit without feeling restrictive. Its widened and thickened design helps to distribute the weight of your guitar evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders. You can easily adjust the shoulder pad's position for optimal comfort, and its non-slip layer provides added stability, making it ideal for long practice sessions or performances.

What We Like
Durable oxford cloth material
Weight distribution for comfort
Adjustable for personalised fit
Non-slip design for stability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What shoulder pads do NFL players wear?

What shoulder pads do NFL players use? NFL players wear a variety of different shoulder pads. They will usually use the type of shoulder pads that correlates to their position. While any brand of shoulder pad is allowed, XTech shoulder pads are popular amongst NFL players.

2. What shoulder pads do NFL QBS use?

Billick says XTECH's technology instantly dissipates the force of the impact, absorbing up to 90% of its energy, and forms a comfortable protective shell that shields and protects the body. 70% of NFL football players wear them.

3. Why are shoulder pads used in American football?

The pads at the shoulders are strung on tight webbing and deform on impact, and (2) they distribute the shock through a larger pad that is designed to regulate players' body temperatures during games and practices and protects against injury.

4. Why were NFL shoulder pads so big?

“Guys were even cutting out the pockets in their uniforms where the pads are meant to go so they could be more form fitting.” It was Watson's first N.F.L. culture lesson. Excess padding was a sign of weakness; a skimpy layer of protection shouted an air of toughness.

Editor's Notes

During our american football shoulder pad research, we found 111 american football shoulder pad products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,482 customer reviews through our big data system to write the american football shoulder pads list. We found that most customers choose american football shoulder pads with an average price of £18.57.

The american football shoulder pads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of american football shoulder pads, including HAND, Dunzy, Viper TACTICAL, Riddell, BARNETT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 75 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.