The 14 Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads for Men and Youth on the Market

#1. Unequal Lacrosse Player CC Shoulder Pads - Best protection

What’s so special about the Unequal Technologies lacrosse shoulder pads?

First, the pads are ideal for all players since they offer NOCSAE, FDA, IFU, and similar health certificates for effectiveness and protective use. In addition, the pads are also verified by the Tufts Medical Center for safe and secure use for an extended period.

Thanks to the HART protection zone, the lacrosse pads surround the center and the left side, as well as the right side, so the whole front chest part and the back of the body will not suffer any pain, pressure, or discomfort when hit by the hard balls, fast balls, or checks.

The CC lacrosse shoulder pads use the patented four-layered composite materials, full of Acceleron, ImpacShield, aramid fiber, and similar materials, such as Airilon. Unlike regular pads, these are more advanced, as they absorb, dissipate, and disperse any impact energy better than the typical foam and plastic pads. So, you can use them for tougher playing conditions and more robust use.

Thanks to the moon-restrictive narrow design, the lacrosse shoulder pads will not limit your movements on the field. As a result, you can easily have the full range of motion when using the lacrosse pads for an extended period. The design was suggested by Brian Dougherty, a Hall-of-Fame lacrosse goalie.

You can find all sizes from S to L and armor yourself better while on the lacrosse field. In addition, the three adjustable straps easily fasten with a loop and hook design for the best coverage without restricting movements.

#2. STX Shadow Pro Lacrosse Shoulder Pads - Most effective

The STX Shadow pro lacrosse pads meet and exceed all NOCSAE performance and safety standards. The lacrosse pads will offer you maximum standards, and you can wear them for an extended period, even for more boost use.

The lacrosse rib pads will protect you from all hard and fast balls, and various checks. So they will prevent different severe injuries.

Moreover, the lacrosse shoulder pads are removable, and you can manage and maneuver them as you like.

You can add or remove the biceps pads, making the construction more manageable, and the adjustable design will help you wear them better. They will also fit you better, be stable and firmer while wearing them, and you can wear them freely; there won’t be any limit to your movement.

Thanks to the seven-point stretch zone, the lacrosse shoulder pads will provide you with a full range of motion, and you can efficiently perform different operations on the field.

The lacrosse shoulder pads will not limit your movement; you can also perform various actions without being repressed. The pads will only keep you safer and more protected.

As the STX lacrosse shoulder pads use the low–profile design created to provide maximum freedom of movement and not restrict you, you can wear them for an extended period.

The lightweight design will only be more durable and reliable for an extended time, so there will not be any pressure, pain, or discomfort while wearing the pads.

#3. Maverik MX EKG Lacrosse Shoulder Pad - Perfect for Beginners

Here we have another incredible model from Maverik's EKG Line, the Maverik MX EKG. Youth is thrilled with this product, claiming it offers just the right combination of flexibility and protection, guards all the critical areas, and allows undisturbed movement.

Being an EKG Shoulder Pad, this model also has a special cardiac shield that complies with the latest NOCSAE Performance Standard-ND200. It actually addresses commotio cordis, a rising issue in all contact sports, and strives to prevent heart failure.

What is more, these pads include the removable bicep pads that could prove essential for some players suffering hard checks and unforgiving actions.

This model is almost identical to Maverik MAX EKG Speed, yet it costs significantly less, and it's more of an entry-level piece of lacrosse gear. It's super-lightweight and mobile, and you can still get top dodges and flawless shots with these.

They have a bit different shoulder caps, more closed and, I would say, more secure than the MAX Speed model does. And the entire chest area seems more flexible on the MX EKG model than the MAX Speed pads.

MX EKG also has a ventilated liner on the inside, offering air circulation and an overall pleasant feeling during the game. It doesn't retain heat or cause uncontrollable sweating, which is essential.

The price is accordingly lower than the price of the MAX Speed. With that in mind, this model is more accessible and affordable to high school players and beginners.

#4. STX Cell V Men's Lacrosse Shoulder Pad - Best for youth players

The STX Cell V men’s lacrosse shoulder pads are ideal for all-power players. The GeoFlex II serves as flexible protection for all athletes since the lacrosse shoulder pads cannot restrict and limit your movement and overall performance on the lacrosse field.

In addition, you can easily perform different actions, making the lacrosse shoulder pads versatile, manageable, and easily adjustable for more robust use. Hence, you will not feel any pressure, pain, or discomfort while using them.

The STX lacrosse shoulder pads meet all NOCSAE, SEI, and other similar regulations and standards. So, the lacrosse shoulder pads are ideal for extended use and will serve well in tougher gaming conditions.

You can easily adjust them to your needs and keep your chest optimal for hard and fast balls and different checks. In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads will save you from different push actions and prevent severe injuries to your outer and inner organs.

As the lacrosse shoulder pads come with the T.A.C. system, they will also ensure increased adjustability for a comfortable, locked-in fit. So, you can easily adjust and manage the lacrosse shoulder pads, making them ideal for optimal use and for an extended period. Thus, they will serve you well for an extended period and be optimal for tougher conditions.

As the lacrosse shoulder pads offer seven-point pinch zones for a full range of mobility, you can manage and adjust them to fit your needs and body.

#5. Maverik M5 EKG Lacrosse Shoulder Pads - The best reliable construction

The M5 EKG lacrosse shoulder pad is ideal for all youth players and those wearing the S size. The construction was made for smaller sizes so that you can use it for tough conditions during the junior games.

Thanks to the Maverik’s External Kardiac Guard - EKG, the lacrosse shoulder pads feature both arm and shoulder protection. Thus, the pads keep the little ones optimal, protected, and secure while on the field, and you can easily adjust them to your needs. Additionally, you can add the biceps pads to ensure maximum comfort and protection.

As the lacrosse shoulder pads use the NOCSAE performance standards - ND200, they will help manage the commotio cordis better.

In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads will cover the chest and the back, so no balls, checks, and similar tough contact can cause severe injuries to your body. For this reason, you can manage them well, ensuring maximum safety standards for your body. Thus, the lacrosse shoulder pads are reliable, safe, and secure while wearing them.

You can adjust the pad straps and ensure the lacrosse shoulder pads fit your body shape and size. There won’t be sliding down or slipping of the armor, and you can easily manage the design to match your standards.

In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads are lightweight, so they will not create any extra weight, pressure, or discomfort while wearing them. You will have a full range of movement as they will not restrict you.

#6. STX Lacrosse Stallion 400 Shoulder Pad - Best for intermediate players

The STX Lacrosse Stallion 400 shoulder pads are ideal for their safety standards and the different protective elements they offer the users - middle and high school lacrosse players.

The lacrosse shoulder pads are also excellent for sturdy and reliable design, offering a higher level of protection from hard and fast balls and keeping you intact and safe when performing the checks.

The lacrosse shoulder pads use flexible and comfortable padding, meeting the NOCSAE standards for chest protection - patent-pending. Nothing will go wrong with your safety and security while wearing the lacrosse shoulder pads. So you can freely wear them, and there will not be any issues with the safety standards.

The lacrosse shoulder pads provide form-fitting, adjustable shoulder caps for a custom fit, ensuring you’re always wearing maximum protection on the field.

In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads will not slip away or slide down while wearing them, and you can ensure maximum comfort without restrictions or similar issues while playing.

The strategic lacrosse shoulder pad will also easily break for increased mobility, comfort, and similar advantages.

The main benefit is that the lacrosse shoulder pads will not restrict your moves, and you can easily adjust them to fit your needs while on the field. Also, the lacrosse pads will offer an adjustable overlapping strap system for adjustable comfort and fit.

Finally, the durable and sturdy materials offer a light design, so the lacrosse shoulder pads will not cause extra pressure, discomfort, or pain.

#7. Maverik Max EKG Speed - External Cardiac Protection

Known for its supreme lacrosse equipment, Maverik never fails to deliver. When it comes to shoulder pads, their EKG line is especially interesting for it complies with the newest NOCSAE performance standard ND200, offering an external cardiac guard.

What you need from a shoulder pad is protection that doesn't compromise your mobility. That being said, the pads should cover the shoulder area, chest, ribs, and biceps without being too heavy. The Maverik Max EKG shoulder protection has it all.

The first advantage you get with these shoulder pads is the traditional design that offers a perfect fit. It's produced in a medium and large size, and you can adjust the comfort fit arch to customize the fit, coverage, and drape.

Next off, it includes the durastretch panels across the torso area. And these panels move with your body offering a great range of motion. It also has anaform chest and spine plates, designed to endure high-velocity impacts.

On top of everything, this shoulder protection has a QuickDry lining that absorbs moisture and allows air circulation for cool, dry skin.

Players like that these shoulder pads offer great protection without restricting your movement. However, I've noticed a goalie report with a negative review of the thickness of the pads in the shoulder area, so it's something that Maverik could improve.

Overall, it's a decent product for the price, definitely not the most protective gear you can find, but it does offer a cardiac guard, rib protection, and doesn't restrict your mobility.

#8. Warrior Evo Lacrosse Shoulder Pads - Best comfort benefits

The lacrosse shoulder pads will wow you as they offer the new NOCSAE performance standard, ND200. Thus, the shoulder pads are ideal for extended use, and you can quickly wear and adjust them to meet your needs and demands on the lacrosse field.

In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads use the new design with an impact sternum for maximum protection, comfort, and movement. So they will reduce the discomfort, pressure, and pain caused by tougher playing conditions.

Due to the compression molded sternum, the lacrosse shoulder pads will dramatically reduce weight and discomfort while providing increased protection. Thus, you don’t need to worry about robust uses, and you can play the best lacrosse once you step onto the field.

In addition, the Warrior lacrosse shoulder pads will also show increased comfort features while wearing them, and they will not create additional weight or pressure on discomfort to your body.

Thanks to the fully adjustable and customizable fit with the managing sternum straps, the lacrosse shoulder pads will perfectly fit your body and size.

In addition, you can easily manage the straps to ensure the pads are tight enough - but only sufficiently to ensure you have free movements during different actions to provide the best performance on the field.

Thanks to the inner foam liners and breathable materials, the lacrosse shoulder pads will provide the best comfort features with maximum ventilation.

In addition, there won’t be pressure on your body and chest while wearing the pads. Instead, they will keep you cool, calm and relaxed.

#9. Warrior Burn Lacrosse Shoulder Pads - The most manageable model

The Warrior lacrosse shoulder pads are ideal for players wearing S size.

The shoulder and chest pads adjust your body fit, making the lacrosse equipment easily wearable and adjustable to your needs. Also, you can manage the design and tighten or loosen the straps to match your body shape and size. So, there won’t be any issues with the structure.

In addition, the Warrior lacrosse shoulder pads meet and exceed all NOCSAE performance standards for commotio cordis. The design is specific as it prevents pressure, pain, or discomfort while using the lacrosse shoulder pads.

The construction will be ideal, reliable, and stable, thanks to the new-impact sternum system for extra comfort, protection, and movement. Besides, the compression-molded ImpaxLT shoulder caps use a lightweight feel and supreme protection to ensure the best safety standards for your needs.

The shoulder system is excellent for its primary and secondary shoulder caps, collapsing quickly into themselves, providing extra stability and security while using them.

The shoulder caps will also offer additional flexibility and will not restrict your movement. So, you can wear the pads for an extended period comfortably, without any pressure.

The LoPro construction ensures the low-profile pad with powerful impact-protection and extra support for the best use and performance of the lacrosse shoulder pads.

Also, the lacrosse shoulder pads use adjustable straps for full adjustments and offer the most fitting standards for your body and size.

#10. True Temper Zerolyte Lacrosse Shoulder Pads - Best Advanced Design

Finally, we're closing our reviews with the True Temper lacrosse shoulder pads.

The construction will offer brand-new ZRB technology for elite-level protection. Thus, the lacrosse shoulder pads meet the NOCSAE commotio cordis performance standards - ND200, so it’s suitable for more extended use and rough game conditions for lacrosse.

The bicep pads and shoulder caps are adjustable, and you can adjust or remove them for optimal fit and different protection standards.

The pads will provide the necessary fit and comfort since the adjustable construction easily fits your body shape, size, and overall standards required for lacrosse players. Thus, the True Temper lacrosse shoulder pads offer maximum protection and improved design for more robust use. Hence, you can easily wear and adjust them for maximum safety standards.

Due to the super lightweight, minimalist construction with low-profile shoulder protection, multiple pad breaks, and strategic spandex stretch zones, the lacrosse shoulder pads will naturally form the body shape, providing unrestricted motion and increased comfort while wearing them. Thus, the pads won’t create extra pressure, discomfort, and pain while wearing them.

The lacrosse shoulder pads are also ideal for moisture management. The pads ensure you will be calm, cool, and relaxed while in the play, making you dry for an extended play.

In addition, the True Temper pads will also keep you optimal in the play, and you can easily adjust them to your needs. So you will have maximum comfort without any pressure and discomfort.

#1. STX Lacrosse Stallion 75 Shoulder Pad - Best overall protection

Why should you choose the STX lacrosse youth shoulder pads? The STX uses the ultimate protection for beginner players, meeting the NOCSAE standards for 2022.

In addition, the lacrosse shoulder pads provide adjustable chest and shoulder protection on the lacrosse field. Thus, the shoulder pads provide an optimal coverage area to protect players and offer maximum safety standards.

Thanks to the adjustable straps and overall expanding system, the lacrosse shoulder pads will quickly adjust to a wider range of lacrosse players and different sizes. As a result, the lacrosse players can also find maximum comfort, keeping them comfier, cool, and relaxed on the lacrosse field.

In addition, the players will not feel any pressure, pain, or discomfort while wearing the chest and shoulder pads, and they can only protect the players better.

Due to the modular biceps pads and their custom fit, the shoulder and arm guards will be adjustable for multiple uses, and you can easily adjust them to meet your standards and body needs. So you can easily wear them, ensuring proper wear and comfort for your playing needs.

You can also find the size chart and adjust your chosen models according to your body shape and size. So, you can easily find the proper models even if you’re in between, offering the best comfort features and correct wearing of the shoulder pads.

Children will not feel any pressure, pain, or discomfort while armored with the STX shoulder pads, and you can find the best model for your needs.

#2. TRUE TEMPER Cadet Youth Boys Lacrosse Shoulder Pad - Best for security features

The True Temper lacrosse shoulder pads will wow you as the unit provides superior protection and safety standards for your needs.

The lacrosse shoulder pads meet and exceed all commotio cordis ND200 performance standards, ensuring the best lacrosse models for your needs and demands while on the field for an extended period. No hard, fast balls or checks can hurt you, and you will keep the overall performance optimal for further use.

The True Temper lacrosse shoulder pads will also provide various pad breaks and a flexible shoulder system created for maximum freedom of motion, so there are no restrictions and limits to the overall performance and use of the lacrosse shoulder pads.

In addition, you will easily scoop, catch, pass, throw, or even shoot while using the True Temper lacrosse shoulder pads.

You can operate on the field for an extended period more robustly, and the lacrosse shoulder pads will not create any additional pressure, pain, or discomfort. On the contrary, the lightweight yet durable and reliable design will offer the best protection on the field, whatever position you play.

Due to their specific design, the lacrosse shoulder and sachet pads will be ideal for all playing positions.

The materials are composite but lightweight, ensuring maximum protection and safety features on the field, so no external forces, pressure, or impacts can harm your body. The materials will keep you optimal and safe on the field.

Finally, you can operate on the field better.

#3. STX Lacrosse Stallion 200+ - Optimized Youth Shoulder Pads

As a young player, you are probably looking for affordable shoulder pads made of hard plastic that won't break under pressure and will provide the necessary protection. STX designed the best shoulder pads for you.

STX Lacrosse Stallion 200+ is like a more affordable version of STX Lacrosse Stallion 500. On the other hand, it definitely reminds me of Maverik's EKG line, because just like their models, it meets the NOCSAE standard for cardiac protection implementing the external sternum plate.

Once again, I'd like to emphasize how important this is for a young player who is not entirely ahead of the game yet and can easily be injured.

Next off, this model includes the shoulder caps made of hard plastic; hence the chances for shoulder injuries are minimized. Unlike hybrid models, these heavy-duty shoulder pads did not reduce the amount of coverage to optimize the weight; you are fully covered.

The STX Lacrosse Stallion 200+ lacrosse pads integrate pinnie holders and removable biceps pads that you can adjust and customize to create the ultimate comfortable fit. Also, as you gain weight, you can adjust them to follow your physique adequately.

Especially added for young players, these pads include the ID label to ensure you don't mix up your gear with someone else's.

The price is very affordable and, I can say with certainty, adequate for the quality you get. Plus it is available in the widest range of sizes on the market.

#4. Warrior Burn Next Youth - Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads for The Price

What we have here is the most budget-friendly product today, the Warrior's Burn Next Youth Shoulder Pads, first released in 2018. At first glance, I can tell this is a heavy-duty set of padding that will create an impermeable shield over your upper part and guard you against those heavy checks.

The first thing I find worth mentioning is that these pads include pre-formed shoulder caps and floating external sternum plate, or pad, as Warrior puts it. Critical points in the shoulder and sternum area are reinforced with polyurethane for best protection and resistance.

Throughout the entire structure, Warrior placed dual-density foam that offers comfort and keeps you safe. And the fully-adjustable straps enable you to find just the right fit and have enough freedom in movement during games.

Another great addition is the built-in rib pads. These, together with the dual-density foam, provide young players with maximum protection and the best lacrosse performance.

Just like the STX Stallion 200+, Burn Next is available in a wide range of sizes, being suitable for lacrosse players of all ages and builds. It features an all-black design that looks very elegant and high-end, despite the incredibly affordable price.

I couldn't find any negative reviews; therefore, I would recommend these shoulder pads for entry-level players who are just getting used to lacrosse.