Last summer I got a real bad shinner. Then I hit again. And again. It wasn't healing because I kept hitting it in the same spot. Bone bruise or some shit. Then after I hit it hard the fourth time, I was like "Fuck this. I'm getting a shin pad for it." Wore it under my pants, and man, was it one of the best decision I ever made. I stopped wearing it after it healed up, but would not hesitate one second to break them out again if needed.