The invention is to shoulder pads having arches that are pivotably connected to the chest and back portions of the pads to give an increased range of motion for a user. The arch is connected with a single pivoting connection on the chest portion and a single pivoting connection on the back portion so that the arch pivots relative to the chest and back portions of the shoulder pads. The arch portions of the pads are manufactured by injection molding so that the arches maintain their arch shape without the need for structural components to maintain its shape. The invention also includes a buckle system for shoulder pads that provide an easy mechanism for a user to adjust and to take the pads on and off. The buckle system provides a generally flush mount which reduces and preferably eliminates any grab points.