A protective shin guard includes a floating knee section attached to a shin section, both sections being formed of a hard outer shell overlying a non-rigid inner padding layer. The hard outer shell of the shin section is defined by a unique pattern of flexible hinges. An alternate embodiment that uses pliable transition inserts is also described. In addition, the shin guard is attached to the leg by a novel strap system including two elastic calf straps and one greater-than 360 degree behind-the-knee compression strap that combine to provide maximum protection to the user's shin and knee while maintaining flexibility.