Jock straps are a piece of equipment used in many different sports, including ice hockey. They are worn by almost every hockey player and come in a few different varieties. You certainly would not want to play hockey without a jock strap.
See Ice Hockey Jock Straps
Table of Contents
- What are ice hockey jock straps used for?
- Things To Consider
- Types of Hockey Jocks
- Considerations
- What are the best hockey jockstraps?
- FAQ
What are ice hockey jock straps used for?
Jock straps are undergarments used to hold a cup that protects the groin area of a hockey player.These do not provide much protection alone and often require a plastic cup to be inserted into a pocket covering the groin. While jock straps are not talked about as much as other hockey equipment, it is just as important and protects one of the most sensitive areas of the body.They come in a few different types in order to accommodate different comfort levels for each player.
Most jock straps will also have velcro or hooks on the bottom in order to attach to hockey socks.Certain types can also be used as the player’s underwear for a game. While jock straps are not necessarily required in all levels of hockey, it is much more common for an athlete to wear one than to not.
Things To Consider
When looking for a jock strap, you'll want to consider the following:
- What size jock strapdo you need?
- What position do you play?
- How much do you want to spend on a jock strap?
- What kind of jock strap do you find most comfortable?
Types of Hockey Jocks
The three different types of hockey jocks are jockstraps, jock shorts, and jock pants.
Jockstrap
Jockstraps are the most traditional form of hockey jocks. They feature a thick waistband with a cup holder attached to it. It also will have two elastic bands to wrap around the thighs. This style of jock is the lightest but also usually requires another undergarment to be worn over it.
Jock Shorts
Jock shorts are a pair of compression shorts that have an insert for a cup to be placed. This style of jock serves three functions, as it holds the cup for protection, helps hold up hockey socks, and provides the benefits of compression shorts. It can also be used as the sole undergarment for a hockey player. Many people prefer this style due to its utility and more natural feel.
Jock Pants
Similar to jock shorts, jock pants are a type of compression pants that have a slot for a cup to be placed. This style of jock can also be used as a player’s undergarment and is preferred by people who like compression pants over shorts.
Considerations
When deciding which hockey jock to buy, always consider the durability, cost, and comfort.
Durability
Hockey jocks will typically last a long time. Similar to most other undergarments and compression clothes, if washed regularly and taken care of, jocks can last many years. Cups may need replacing every now and then as they can become ruined by moisture and sweat.
Cost
In terms of cost, jockstraps will usually be the cheapest type of hockey jock. Most jockstraps can be found for less than $30. Jock pants and shorts will usually be more expensive as they also feature compression technologies and can be worn alone. These types will typically cost anywhere from $30 to $80.Some jocks may come with a cup included while others may not. Buying a cup separately will add around $10-$20.
Comfort
Jockstraps are usually less comfortable than jock shorts and pants. Since it has thin elastic bands that compress tightly, jockstraps may feel unnatural and somewhat constraining. However, jock shorts and pants usually feel similar to regular compression shorts, which are more comfortable and natural.
What are the best hockey jockstraps?
- Shock Doctor Adult Compression Short with Bio-Flex Protective Cup
- Bauer Men's Core Mesh Jock Shorts
- Shock Doctor Men’s Loose Hockey Shorts Supporter with BioFlex Cup
- GYM Men’s 3" Wide Band Classic Athletic Supporter
- Shock Doctor Women’s Core Loose Hockey Shorts with Pelvic Protector
- Bauer Hockey Essential Compression Jock Pant
- Mueller Sports Medicine Athletic Supporter with Flex Shield Cup
- Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Supporter Jockstrap w/ Ultra Cup
- COOLOMG Men Sliding Shorts with Protective Cup
- Shock Doctor Compression Hockey Pant W/Bioflex Cup
1. Shock Doctor Adult Compression Short with Bio-Flex Protective Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $20.54-$34.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
When looking for a jockstrap, there is no company better than Shock Doctor. Though they began at the forefront of mouthguard technology, Shock Doctor has become a global leader in sports protection and performance gear.Two things especially set this particular jockstrap apart. The first thing is Shock Doctor’s patented Bio-Flex Cup. Its venting and rigidity help optimally protect key areas without restricting the user’s movement, comfort, or airflow to the affected area.Secondly, thanks to its bio-design, positioning the lower third of the cup into a more natural position allows for a perfectly comfortable fit that also allows a maximum range of movement while skating. This breathable but tough piece of gear will move with a hockey player’s body while eliminating sweat and offering multi-pronged ventilation for long-term use.
2. Bauer Men's Core Mesh Jock Shorts
Specifications:
- Price: $25.99-$29.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Bauer
Since 1927, Bauer has been America’s premier purveyor of ice hockey equipment and protective gear.While many jockstraps are designed for the highest professional usage and maximum movement during the game, Bauer Men’s Core Mesh Jock Shorts offer an experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. Thanks to Bauer’s patented THERMO MAX+ fabric, these shorts absorb and release moisture, so it is never in a player’s way.Additionally, the secure socks on either side allow a reinforced 3-D hook and loop sock adjuster with grip tabs so that adequate protection is met with a very adjustable structure. Finally, an included cup provides a final layer of protection. Combined with the easy adjustment, the breathable mesh, and the compression layer within, these shorts are perfect for any hockey player who wants a looser outer short without sacrificing protection or personalized fit.
3. Shock Doctor Men’s Loose Hockey Shorts Supporter with BioFlex Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $18.15-$34.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
As previously mentioned, there is no company better at providing sports protection and performance gear than Shock Doctor. The only thing more recommended than their infamous mouthguard is their series of jockstraps.There are a few things that particularly set this particular unit apart. The first thing is Shock Doctor’s Bio-Flex Cup. Its breathability and strength help optimally protect areas without blocking airflow or blood flow to the appropriate area.In addition, these shorts are specifically designed for hockey players that seek a more comfortable, looser feel. This feel is accomplished through a roomier design and hyper-ventilated mesh fabric makeup. With the high shield and transfer qualities as well as the relaxed fit and design, these jock shorts allow hockey players to have a protective piece of mind while optimizing their comfort.
4. GYM Men’s 3" Wide Band Classic Athletic Supporter
Specifications:
- Price: $12.49
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: GYM
A novel brand that was only started in 2017, GYM Jockstraps is a brand designed to fill a void in the online jockstrap market with a return to classic style and comfort.While other brands may focus on high-tech and patented layers of protection, this GYM athletic supporter is designed to simply support a sensitive area with an old-fashioned style and design that has protected hockey players for almost a century. The waistband and leg straps are a flexible blend of polyester and rubber, the protective pouch is a comfortable and adjustable blend of nylon, cotton, and rubber, while the overall material is a high-nylon fabric blended with smaller portions of rubber and cotton.Rather than strive for new ways of doing things, gear like this GYM Classic Athletic Supporter knows that sometimes old ways are the best and most comfortable way to play the game.
5. Shock Doctor Women’s Core Loose Hockey Shorts with Pelvic Protector
Specifications:
- Price: $19.99-$29.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
When looking for a jockstrap, no one is more personalized or stronger than Shock Doctor. Shock Doctor is known worldwide for its protection and performance gear while also offering a highly personalized sports experience.Like any Shock Doctor protective piece, it boasts the core flex pocket design and integrated cup lock structure while opting for a loose fit design and a mesh fabric that allows for maximum ventilation. The biggest thing that sets this particular pair of hockey shorts apart from others is that it is designed for female athletes.Rather than using their patented Bio-Flex cup, these hockey shorts come with a Pelvic Protector shaped and designed to protect the vital areas of a woman rather than a man. The gel permitted pad allows for perfect movement and comfort while keeping the area clear and free from shock damage. As a result, there is no better jockstrap on the market for a female hockey player.
6. Bauer Hockey Essential Compression Jock Pant
Specifications:
- Price: $64.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Bauer Hockey
For almost an entire century, Bauer has been a national leader in both ice hockey equipment and protective gear.Firstly, its form as a compression pant allows for maximum blood flow for the entire area from waist to feet. On top of this stretchy and comfortable layer, there is an internal sling and elastic suspension system that keeps the cup in place while maintaining a desirable and adjustable fit.Along both legs, there are strategic mesh inserts for added ventilation, while flatlock seams are implemented for reduced chafing. This piece also comes with a standard Mueller protective cup that is 91% Polyester and 9% Spandex and has six key holes for breathability and a natural shape to fit any hockey player. Though it comes at a hefty price, there is no better jockstrap system for a professional hockey player than the Bauer Hockey Essential Compression Jock Pant.
7. Mueller Sports Medicine Athletic Supporter with Flex Shield Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $16.99
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: Mueller
Since they first opened their doors over sixty years ago, Mueller Sports Medicine has been a leading name in American sports medicine.This Mueller Sports Medicine Athletic Supporter is perfect for a hockey player who wants an affordable, high-quality traditional jockstrap. Since the primary objective of a jockstrap is to protect, this piece is personally sized for each player and comes with a shield cup that blocks vital areas from intense and sudden force.In addition, it is made with a moisture-managing fabric and ventilated surface that allows for easy cleaning and a superior cooling experience. Thanks to these attributes, the Mueller Sports Medicine Athletic Supporter is a flexible, effective, and worthwhile purchase for any hockey player.
8. Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Supporter Jockstrap w/ Ultra Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $23.38-$36.21
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
Shock Doctor is a world-leading sports gear brand because of how individualized and well-made their equipment is, and the Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Supporter Jockstrap is no exception.As with other jockstraps from this premium brand, this piece comes with breathable and stretchy mesh that keeps out unwanted odors and sweat, as well as a micro-knit waistband that optimizes a player’s comfort. What sets this jockstrap apart are two vital aspects. The first is its tight structure. Unlike pants or shorts, this jockstrap follows a classic design that does not allow for anything but a controlled fit with no loose flexibility.Also, it comes with Shock Doctor’s Ultra Carbon Flex Cup, a multi-layered plastic protective wear that rigorously protects crucial areas while complimenting the jockstrap’s inflexible fit. Between its defensive power and tight comfort, the Ultra Pro Supporter Jockstrap is a great choice for hockey players that want a rigid and comfortable piece of protective wear.
9. COOLOMG Men Sliding Shorts with Protective Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $23.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: COOLOMG
COOLOMG is a company that specializes in producing unique and fashionable compression wear suitable for a variety of sports.As sliding shorts, this piece is constructed to keep out moisture with its non-wicking material while maximizing healthy blood flow during arduous physical activity.Thanks to their special ergonomic design, these shorts also help relieve muscle fatigue and prioritize comfort by being both tight and very adjustable. Lastly, as the most important part of a jockstrap, the protective cup is lightweight and contoured in a way that it both shapes and fits in a natural position against the body. In addition, the protective cup comes with six airflow ports that allow for simple ventilation and cooling.
A special bonus unique to COOLOMG is that the company has an automatic care plan. If the customer has any problem with the item they receive, the company will happily send the same item for free once visual proof of error is sent.
10. Shock Doctor Compression Hockey Pant W/Bioflex Cup
Specifications:
- Price: $44.98-$54.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
Shock Doctor has become a global leader in sports protection and performance gear.Two things that set their compression jock pants apart from other jockstraps, even ones made by their parent brand. The first thing is Shock Doctor’s protective Bio-Flex Cup. Its miniature venting system, packaged with powerful plastic gear, protects a hockey player’s most sensitive area without forfeiting ease of movement or blood flow.The second is that these hockey pants allow for full leg coverage from waist to ankle. Thanks to a four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric design, this product allows a hockey player to skate around the ice without worrying about interference with their mobility or the potential mess of sweat. Running small to assure a tight and secure fit, Shock Doctor Compression Hockey Pants are the best way to cover your lower half while maximizing gameplay.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a jock strap in hockey?
The main purpose of jock strapsis to protect the groin region from injuries that can be caused by contact during a hockey game.Jock shorts and pants, however, also provide the additional benefit of typical compression gear, such as reduced muscle fatigue and injury prevention.
How much does a jock strap cost?
Jock straps vary in price. Jock straps are usually the cheap type and will cost anywhere from $10 to $30.Jock shorts and pants usually can be found for under $80. Buying a cup separately from a jock strap will usually add less than $20 to the total cost.
What are the different kinds of ice hockey jock straps?
There are three kinds of hockey jock straps: jock straps, jock shorts, and jock pants.Jock straps are elastic waistbands connected to a cup holder with a few supportive bands around the legs. Jock shorts are compression shorts that have a cup holder attached to them. Jock pants are similar to jock shorts, except that they extend all the way to the ankle.
