Wrist guards

Wrist guards for winter sports

Wrist guards are among the most important pieces of protective gear when you’re skating, snowboarding or skiing in the park. A fall on ice or hard ground can quickly cause sprains or fractures, and a good guard helps distribute impact and stabilise the wrist.

Here you’ll find a solid selection of wrist guards for both children and adults, from beginners to experienced riders. They can be worn on their own, or under or over gloves depending on the model and fit.

How to choose the right wrist guards

When choosing wrist guards, fit and support are essential for both comfort and safety. A good guard should fit snugly without pinching, allow natural movement while also limiting extreme wrist angles.

Pay particular attention to these points when comparing models:

• Size and adjustment: Choose your size based on the circumference around your wrist and hand, and check whether adjustable Velcro straps allow fine-tuning.
• Support splints: Many models feature splints on the palm and/or back of the hand, which distribute pressure when falling and protect against hyperextension.
• Padding and comfort: Soft padding and breathable materials reduce pressure points and make the guards comfortable to wear for several hours.
• Use with gloves: Check whether the guard is designed to fit over or under your regular winter gloves.
• Closure and security: Wide elastic straps and secure fastenings ensure the guard stays properly in place, even when you fall.

For children and beginners, it can be advantageous to choose a model with extra padding and clear, stable support. Experienced skaters can often go for more flexible models that offer greater freedom of movement without compromising on protection.

Use, skill level and practical tips

Wrist guards are particularly suitable for ice skating, snowboarding and freestyle skiing, where the risk of falling forwards or backwards is high and the surface is hard. They are also ideal for beginners learning to brake and turn, who therefore fall more frequently.

As a general guideline, you should choose:

For beginners: More rigid models with double splints and good padding to provide stable support. They help you build confidence and practise new movements safely.

For advanced riders: Lighter and more flexible guards that still have effective splints but allow freer wrist movement for tricks and faster riding.

Remember to try your wrist guards together with your gloves or mittens to ensure the combination works in practice. Adjust the straps so they fit firmly without cutting off circulation to your fingers, and regularly check that nothing has loosened during the day. Once your protection is properly in place, you can focus on technique and make the most of your time on the ice or in the snow.