The top new football padded shirts from Nike, Under Armour and McDavid

It’s never a good time to get injured, especially at the beginning of the season.

It’s important to protect yourself this fall with a football padded shirt. These shirts feature tough, lightweight pads woven into the fabric to provide you with additional protection on your shoulders, ribs and back.

That makes padded shirts especially important for running backs, wideouts, special teams players or anyone who sees their share of high-speed collisions on the field.

These shirts fit comfortably under your shoulder pads and don’t restrict your movement.

Here’s a look at three of the newest football padded shirts to hit the shelves.

Nike Adult Pro Combat Hyperstrong 5-Pad Compression Shirt ($74.99)

Provides lightweight protection with ergonomically designed Deflex floating foam technology and moisture wicking fabric. ($74.99)

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Under Armour Men’s MPZ 5-Pad Armour Shirt ($69.99)

Built for Football with MPZ shoulder, rib and spine pads. The ArmourGrip on chest, shoulders and back keeps your shoulder pads in place. Strategic vent zones keep you cool, dry and comfortable. ($69.99)

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McDavid Adult HexMesh Black Sleeveless Shirt ($74.99)

The HexMesh on the shoulders provides maximum ventilation, while the HexPads provide extra protection to the shoulders, ribs and spine. ($74.99)

Related: Browse our entire selection of football padded shirts.

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Footwear Friday: Taking a look at some of the lightest football cleats on the market

The best teams in football these days are the ones that can put the most speed on the field.

It’s all about defensive linemen getting into the backfield before the QB can finish his drop. It’s about receivers who are untouchable in footraces, running backs who can break ankles with razor-sharp cuts and defenders who can make game-breaking plays.

Speed doesn’t come easily. It takes intense training — and some good genes — to develop into a fast, talented football player.

It also takes the right gear. Even the fastest players can be slowed down by poorly-fitting equipment or heavy cleats, and that’s why we’re taking a look at some of the lightest football cleats on the market today.

They’re listed below.

Nike Speed TD Black Low Molded Football Cleats ($84.99)

Weight: 10.5 ounces.
Info: Molded speed outsole for a lighter, traction control system. Sidewall shovel cleats enable quicker, stronger edge movements ($84.99).

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Adidas Adizero 5-Star Low Molded Football Cleats ($99.99)

Weight: 6.9 ounces.
Info: Single-layer synthetic upper reduces shoe weight while providing support and durability. New Traxion stud outsole provides maximum traction on all surfaces ($99.99).

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Under Armour Blur II Low Molded Football Cleats ($109.99)

Weight: 9.8 ounces.
Info: Footbed forms to foot, reducing cleat pressure and providing comfort. Molded TPU outsole consists of a fiberglass center chassis that provides mid-foot structure and forefoot flex ($109.99).

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Adidas Scorch Superfly Low Molded Football Cleats ($84.99)

Weight: 9.6 ounces.
Info: Features a Pebax outsole with SuperFly plate for lightweight strength and durability. Additional synthetic leather overlay provides protection over toes and sides of foot ($84.99).

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Nike Speed TD Black Low Molded Football Cleats ($129.99)

Weight: 10.5 ounces.
Info: Includes a Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit and an injected vapor outsole. The inner-sole Pebax frame with carbon fiber insert provides extra support ($129.99).

Related: Shop our entire selection of lightweight football cleats.

Stay cool this summer with an Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression T-Shirt

The compression fit, ergonomic cut and moisture-wicking fabric all come standard on Under Armour’s Men’s HeatGear Compression T-Shirt.

Wear it under your pads to stay cool at summer workouts and later this fall. The football shirt’s HeatGear moisture transport system keeps you cool by making your sweat evaporate. The compression fit increases bloodflow to your muscles, improving your performance on the field.

You’ll love the new ergonomic fit — designed for football movements — and your teammates will appreciate the anti-odor fabric.

Get one for $24.99 at Football America.

Related: See our entire stock of football performance shirts.

On sale: Get an Under Armour Endzone Grippy Shirt for $34.98

Keep your pads locked in place with Under Armour’s Endzone Grippy Shirt.

This football undershirt has Armour Grip technology to help your pads stay put. The raglan sleeves provide increased mobility, and flatlocked seams mean there won’t be any chafing.

Under Armour’s Endzone Grippy Shirt also helps you stay cool. The strategic ventilation zones help regulate body temperature.

These shirts usually retail for $49.99, but you can get one for $34.98 at Football America.

Related: Shop our selection of football performance apparel.