Aside from the American football helmet, shoulder pads are the most important piece of protective equipment an American football player wears. Shoulder pads absorb the force of tackles and collisions, shielding the shoulders, chest, collarbone and upper back from injury. Choosing the wrong pair can leave you exposed on the pitch or restrict your mobility/range of movement when you need it most. For whatever standard of American football you play, our guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying American football shoulder pads.
When you're done, be sure to browse our full range of American football shoulder pads at EP Sports.
Why Position Matters When Choosing Shoulder Pads
Not all shoulder pads are created equal. The level of padding, the cut of the arch, the weight and the range of motion vary depending on the position the pad is designed for. A quarterback needs something completely different from an offensive lineman, and wearing the wrong type can hurt both your performance and your safety.
At youth level, pads tend to be one-size-fits-most designs. Once you move into adult football, however, pads are purpose-built for specific position groups. Here is what to look for at each position.
QB/WR Shoulder Pads
Suitable for: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Punters and Kickers
QB/WR shoulder pads are built around one core priority: maximum mobility with reliable protection. Quarterbacks need a full, uninhibited range of motion to throw accurately, while wide receivers need the freedom to accelerate, change direction, and make catches at full stretch. Punters and kickers have similar requirements — they're rarely involved in heavy contact, so comfort and freedom of movement take precedence over bulk.
These pads sit low-profile on the body and are significantly lighter than all-purpose or lineman pads. You'll typically find a flat, streamlined epaulette that doesn't interfere with the throwing motion, along with additional chest and rib protection to guard against the hits quarterbacks do take in the pocket. For wide receivers, the lightweight construction helps maintain top-end speed without any restriction to the arms or shoulders.
Key features to look for
- Lightweight, low-profile design.
- Unrestricted arm and shoulder movement — ideal for throwing and catching.
- Enhanced chest and sternum protection.
- Minimal bulk to preserve speed and agility.
- Removable or adjustable back plates for added customisation.
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Skill Position Shoulder Pads
Suitable for: Running Backs and Defensive Backs (and some Wide Receivers)
Skill position pads strike the balance between agility and impact protection. Running backs run directly into contact play after play, putting their shoulders down to drive through tackles, while defensive backs need to close quickly on receivers and make open-field tackles without being slowed down by heavy equipment. Some wider-framed wide receivers who take more contact than average also benefit from this category over the QB/WR style.
Compared to QB/WR pads, skill position pads offer a more robust build with greater shoulder cup coverage and extra cushioning in high-impact zones, while still remaining noticeably lighter than all-purpose pads. The fit is designed to stay locked in place during physical play rather than shifting around when you're fighting through contact.
Key features to look for
- Low-profile but with fuller shoulder cup coverage than QB/WR pads.
- Extra cushioning in impact zones to absorb tackles.
- Snug, locked-in fit that stays in place during contact.
- Untied hitting flaps for a full range of arm motion.
- Durable materials that withstand repeated high-impact use.
Shop Skill Position Shoulder Pads
- Vicis ARC_V1 Varsity Skill Shoulder Pads
- Warrior Shield Skill Position Shoulder Pads
- Browse all Skill Position Shoulder Pads
All-Purpose Shoulder Pads
Suitable for: Full Backs, Tight Ends and Linebackers (and some Defensive Linemen)
All-purpose shoulder pads are the workhorses of the position pad range — offering a solid blend of protection and mobility suited to players who face heavy, sustained contact but still need to move freely. Full backs and tight ends block at the line and take big hits, but also need the movement to run routes or lead through gaps. Linebackers need to shed blocks, blitz, and tackle across the width of the field, demanding pads that are tough but not restrictive. Some lighter-build defensive linemen who value mobility may also find all-purpose pads a better fit than full lineman pads.
These pads are heavier and more reinforced than skill position pads, with broader arches and more substantial shoulder cups, but without the extreme bulk of dedicated lineman pads. The plated front provides added security during blocking situations, while the construction still allows enough lateral movement to perform effectively in space.
Key features to look for
- Heavier construction with broader arch and fuller shoulder cup.
- Plated or reinforced front for blocking protection.
- Snug, secure fit that won't shift under pressure.
- Greater impact absorption than skill pads, without sacrificing all mobility.
- Suitable for versatile players who both block and move in open space.
Shop All-Purpose Shoulder Pads
- Champro Gauntlet III Shoulder Pads
- Xenith Pro All-Purpose Shoulder Pads
- Vicis ARC_V1 Varsity All Purpose Shoulder Pads
- Browse all All-Purpose Shoulder Pads
Offensive and Defensive Lineman Shoulder Pads
Suitable for: Offensive Linemen and Defensive Linemen
Offensive and defensive linemen face more collisions than any other position, so they need the heaviest, most reinforced shoulder pads on the field. These pads are built to handle repeated, high-impact hits at the line of scrimmage on every single play.
Key Features to Look For
- Extra padding across the chest and shoulders for maximum protection.
- Cantilever or flat arch construction that absorbs and disperses the most energy from hard hits.
- Minimal exposed straps, so opponents have less to grab during play.
- Built-in space to add rib protectors or back plates for extra protection where you need it most.
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How to Measure for Shoulder Pads
NOTE: Sizing in our product guides is meant for guidance only. Be sure to visit the actual products to find more specific sizing information.
Getting the right size American football shoulder pads is essential. Pads that are too large will shift during contact; on the other hand, pads that are too small will leave your collarbone and sternum exposed. Here’s how to find your perfect fit:
- Measure your shoulder width – Stand tall and have someone measure across the widest part of your shoulders, from the tip of one shoulder bone to the other.
- Measure your chest – Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest.
- Check the sizing chart – Brands vary slightly, but here's a general guide: a Medium typically fits a 17–18" shoulder width and 38–40" chest.
Try-On Checklist
Once you put on your shoulder pads, make sure:
- The arch sits flat on your shoulders without digging in.
- The sternum plate fully covers your chest.
- The pad edges don't extend past your shoulder tips.
