How to Stop Getting Pedal Shinners MTB (Shin Guards + Flat Pedal Setup)

If you ride flat pedals and you’ve ever tried to bunnyhop, jump, manual, or do any kind of rear wheel lift… you’ve either taken a pedal to the shin already, or you will eventually.

And honestly, this is one of those “small” injuries that isn’t serious… but hurts like hell.

Most pedal shinners happen on jumps when you slip a pedal for a split second and your other pedal comes around and smacks you right in the shin. It happens fast, and when it happens once, you immediately understand why people wear shin guards.

And don’t even get me started on the old school bear claw pedals. If you know, you know.

One interesting thing I’ve noticed over the years is it’s usually (not always, but usually) the foot you ride forward that gets destroyed the most. For me that’s my left foot, so my left shin takes the beating.

Shin pads are a simple fix.

Quick story: when I was learning to jump and riding BMX tracks and trails after school, we used to share shin pads and just wear one pad on whichever foot we rode forward. I still remember the most popular brand back then: Lizard Skins.

In this post I’ll show you how to stop getting pedal shinners, what actually causes them, and the best shin guards and setup changes that make a huge difference.

What Is a “Pedal Shinner” (and Why It Hurts So Bad)

A “pedal shinner” is when a flat pedal hits your shin, usually:

• the pedal pins dig in

• it scrapes a line down your shin

• sometimes it punches you dead center on the bone

Even if it is not a serious injury, it can hurt more than you would expect because your shin has very little padding.

And if you ride a lot, these can build up into bruises, scabs, and that constant sore feeling in the same spot over and over.

Why Pedal Shinners Happen (Most Common Causes)

Pedal shinners usually happen from one of these situations:

1) Your foot slips off the pedal during takeoff

This is the most common one on jumps.

Your foot slips off, the opposite crank keeps rotating, and the other pedal comes around and nails your shin.

2) Your pedals do not have enough grip

Cheap pedals often have:

• weak pins

• rounded pin shape

• small platform

• no concave shape

That makes it easier for your foot to slide.

3) Shoes with bad grip (or worn out shoes)

If your shoes are:

• too soft

• too hard

• worn out

• not a flat pedal MTB shoe

then the pedal pins do not bite well and you slip easier.

4) Poor foot position on the pedal

If your foot is too far forward or too far back, you get less control and stability.

This is common when you are learning jumps or bunnyhops and your body is tense.

5) Learning new skills (this is normal)

When you are pushing your riding:

• hops

• manuals

• jumping

• drops

• pumping hard

you will slip pedals sometimes. It is part of the process.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is reducing the frequency and protecting yourself while learning.

How to Stop Getting Pedal Shinners (3 Fixes That Work)

Here are the 3 main things that prevent pedal shinners.

Fix #1: Wear shin guards (best and simplest)

This is the best solution, especially if you ride flats and jump a lot.

If you are learning:

• bunnyhops

• manuals

• drops

• jumps

shin guards will save you a ton of pain and keep you riding consistently.
➡️ Shin guards for MTB and BMX
➡️ Budget shin guards

Fix #2: Better shoes for flat pedals

This is the “hidden” one that many beginners do not realize.

Good flat pedal shoes will:

• grip the pedal pins better

• reduce slipping

• improve control

• make you more confident

The difference between normal sneakers and MTB flat pedal shoes is massive.

Affiliate link spot:
➡️ Best flat pedal MTB shoes
➡️ Budget flat pedal shoes

Fix #3: Better flat pedals (more grip, bigger platform)

A good set of pedals can literally change your riding.

Look for:

• strong metal pins

• large platform

• slight concave shape

• replaceable pins

If your pedals feel slippery, you are going to keep getting hurt.

Affiliate link spot:
➡️ Best flat pedals for grip
➡️ Best budget flat pedals under $50

The Best Shin Guards for Pedal Shinners (What to Look For)

You basically have 3 options for shin protection.

Option 1: Basic shin guards (lightweight)

This is the simple one.

Pros:

• cheap

• light

• breathable

• easy to throw on

Cons:

• less coverage than full knee/shin combo

Best for:

• trail riding

• skill sessions

• BMX track style riding

➡️Basic shin guards

Option 2: Knee + shin combo pads (most protection)

These are like full pads that cover your knee and shin.

Pros:

• maximum protection

• best for downhill / park days

• protects your knee too

Cons:

• bulky

• hotter

• more expensive

Best for:

• bike park

• downhill

• dirt jump sessions where crashes happen

➡️ Knee + shin combo pads

Option 3: Soccer style shin guards (cheap and works)

This is what a lot of us used back in the day.

Pros:

• cheap

• surprisingly effective

• super easy

Cons:

• can slip around

• not designed for MTB specifically

Best for:

• beginners

• budget setup

• learning phase

➡️ Soccer style shin guards

How to Set Up Your Pedals to Reduce Slipping

If you want fewer shinners, do this:

1) Check pin height

Some pedals let you adjust pins.

If your pins are worn down or too short, grip suffers.
➡️ Replacement pedal pins

2) Clean your pedals and shoes

Mud, dust, and sand reduce grip.

3) Replace worn shoes

If the sole is worn smooth, you will slip more.

Foot Position Tips (So You Don’t Slip Off Jumps)

Here is the simplest foot tip I can give:

✅ Keep the ball of your foot slightly forward of the pedal axle, but not way forward.

If your foot is too far forward:

• it becomes unstable

• easy to bounce off

If it is too far back:

• you lose leverage

• harder to control the bike

Also, once your feet are set on the pedals, avoid constantly repositioning right before takeoff. It usually leads to mistakes.

What to Do If You Just Got a Bad Shinner

If you already got one, here is the common sense care:

• wash it well

• apply antibiotic ointment if needed

• cover it if your pants rub it

• let it breathe at home

If it is deep or swelling badly, keep an eye on it. (Not medical advice, just basic life advice.)

Final Thoughts

If you are getting pedal shinners, do not take it as a sign you suck at riding.

It usually means the opposite. It means you are pushing skills like jumping, bunnyhops, and manuals.

The goal is simple:

• protect your shins

• upgrade grip where it matters

• keep riding consistently

Once you fix shoes and pedals and add shin guards, shinners go from a regular problem to an occasional “yeah that happens” thing.

Quick Recommended Gear List (Easy Shopping)

Here is the quick list if you want the fast answer:

• Shin guards:

• Knee + shin combo pads:

• Flat pedal MTB shoes:

• Flat pedals for maximum grip:

• Replacement pedal pins:

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