To provide a shock absorber compact and not obstructive in a normal state and capable of sufficiently absorbing a shock when dropping articles.

This shock absorber comprises an elastic body plate 1 foldable at both side portions 11, a holder 2 for holding the both side portions of the elastic body plate in a bent state, and a release means 3 releasing the holder. Thus, since both side portions are bent and the elastic body plate held in this bent state is installed on the ground-contact side of a dropped article, when the bent state is released at the time of dropping, a large dimension is produced, shock absorption is improved. In a normal state, the device is folded compact and not obstructive.