Gear foreverysnap.
Buying guides and reviews for helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, gloves, footballs and flag football gear, sized for youth, high school and adult players.
Gear up by format
Tackle, flag and 7v7 need different gear. Start with the format, then size it to the player and position.
Fit, sizing and rules
What you need for flag football: flag belts and flag styles, molded cleats, mouthguards, soft-shell headgear where allowed, gloves and the right ball size.
Flag football, tackle football and 7v7 compared on contact, team size, positions, equipment and cost, so families can choose the right format.
How to choose football cleats: low, mid and high cuts by position, molded vs detachable studs, turf shoes, fit, and league rules on cleats.
Football Gear questions, answered
Do you need cleats for flag football?
Molded cleats help on grass. Many leagues ban metal or detachable studs.
Read: Flag Football Gear Guide →Is 7v7 football contact?
7v7 is a passing game without linemen or tackling. Leagues set the exact contact rules.
Read: Flag vs Tackle vs 7v7 Football →Can I wear soccer cleats for football?
Some players do, but soccer cleats lack a toe stud and often the support linemen want. Check league rules.
Read: Football Cleats Guide →How often do football helmets need recertification?
Follow the maker's schedule. Many schools and leagues have helmets reconditioned and recertified by a licensed reconditioner every year.
Read: Football Helmet Buying Guide →How do I measure for football shoulder pads?
Measure around the chest under the armpits, and shoulder width if the maker asks. Use their chart.
Read: Football Shoulder Pad Sizing →What size football for a 10-year-old?
A Junior ball is typical for ages 9 to 12. Check your league's game ball rule.
Read: Football Size by Age →Straight answers about football gear
Every recommendation starts with the format (tackle, flag or 7v7), the player's size and position, and the league's equipment rules.
Each review says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
The football gear index
- 01Protective gearFootball helmets, shoulder pads, girdles, mouthguards and accessories.2 pages
- 02Cleats & glovesFootball cleats and receiver, lineman and youth gloves.2 pages
- 03Footballs & trainingFootballs by age, kicking tees, sleds, agility gear and training aids.1 page
- 04Flag & 7v7Flag football belts and flags, 7v7 soft-shell headgear, and non-contact gear.2 pages