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Not every shin guard is made for everyone and you probably ALSO have your own preferences when it comes to the design of the guards.
I guess these Joya Fight Fast shin guards on because of their reputation and price/quality ratio. Maybe not the very best protection like the Hayabusa T3, but enough for most and super light with adjustable straps with Velcro closures that have never come off on me.
I've created this top picks and buying tips guide to help you find the best kickboxing shin guards to choose based on your needs and preferences.
I will first list the top 8 choices here in a quick overview, after that you can also read on for a comprehensive review of each of these models:
Best overall professional kickboxing shin guards
Excellent fit, lighter than you might think and excellent protection. They stay in place and fit perfectly.
Best value for money
Narrower padding on the raised layer provides minimal protection for improved mobility.
Best Muay Thai Shin Guards
As far as sparring leg protection goes, this is the creme de la creme. When you wear these it feels like you are wearing a harness.
Best MMA Shinguards
The SP6 is designed for MMA and grappling, but can also be used for Muay Thai sparring.
Best fit also for ladies
Perfect fit, suitable for almost everyone, light with enough protection.
Best leather shin guards
Like the popular Venum Elite boxing gloves, these shin guards are proudly made in Thailand for the best assured quality, using a premium leather.
Best Cheap Kickboxing Shin Guards
If you're looking for an inexpensive solution to your light sparring needs, these affordable RDX shin guards might be what you're looking for.
Best mobility
The Hybrids combine the secured comfort of mma guards with the protection offered by the Muay Thai / Kickboxing shin guards.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Kickboxing Shin Guards Buying Guide
After you've trained kickboxing for a few months, your instructor will usually give you the go-ahead to join the sparring, once you're familiar with the basics of kickboxing.
Kickboxing sparring is usually performed with proper protective equipment to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Aside from a pair of sparring gloves, the list of protective gear includes mouth guards, groin guards, and in some gyms, headgear for added protection.
And of course, the essential part of your equipment is a real pair of shin guards. The best kickboxing shin guards, if possible.
Before we dive straight into the actual recommendations, it is helpful to know some of the different features and differences in order to choose the best kickboxing shin guards or thai boxing shin guards for your sparring.
There are no perfect shin guards, just one that fits your needs. Often it is a design of balance and compromise.
But whether you're a professional fighter or martial arts enthusiast, the physical pain of being injured is actually just as bad as the pain of not being able to train because of an injury.
For you and everyone else, shin guards are usually an obligation in sparring.
Protection and mobility
Technically, the wider the shin guards, the more protection they have, as they cover a larger area of your legs.
The compromise is that they are bulkier and will slow your movements to some degree. Conversely, the narrower the shin guards, the lighter they are and so your movements will be faster.
The downside is that you're more likely to bruise on the uncovered part of your legs.
In terms of protection, this also extends to your sparring partners. A thicker shin guard feels less unbearable on your sparring partner's ribs than a thin one.
This concept works the same way as using heavier gloves for sparring: the thinner the padding, the more effective your shins will feel to the opponent.
Sizing and Fit
Shin guards usually have an overall size of small/medium/large/X-large. So, the bigger you are, or the bigger your calves are, the bigger size you need.
If your shin guards are too big, they will shift a lot while sparring and you will have to adjust them constantly. If they are too small, they may not provide adequate protection; connecting too tightly; and can be uncomfortable to wear.
The fit of shin guards also varies from brand to brand. For the same size, Brand X can be wider than Brand Y.
At the same time. If you want shin guards that are just right for you, it is imperative that you try a few brands to find one that you like.
Kickboxing and Thai boxing vs MMA grappling shin guards
MMA shin guards are designed with the head in mind so they tend to be less bulky compared to kickboxing shin guards.
MMA guards usually come in sock-like sleeves to keep the guards in place during intense scrambling and rolling on the floor.
In kickboxing and Thai boxing, the protectors are held around your leg with straps and are not practical under such circumstances.
As a result of this compromise on mobility, MMA guards don't protect as much as the front kickboxing.
There is much more focus on punching especially with legs in kick and Thai boxing and you need to provide adequate protection when blocking and controlling your sparring partner's kicks.
Also read: the best boxing gloves for Muay Thai and kickboxing
Best martial arts kickboxing shin guards reviewed
Now that you have some pointers on how to choose shin guards, keep in mind that your final choice will depend on what you're looking for.
Ask yourself if you're looking for the best overall protection, lightweight (for mobility), attractive aesthetic design, or a price tag that fits your budget.
Here's my pick of the best models to help you narrow your options further:
Hayabusa T3
- Lightweight with adequate protection
- Thick shin and foot padding
- Synthetic leather
As for overall protection, these Hayabusas are up there with the very best.
The Hayabusa T3 is the latest upgrade from the Tokushu Regenesis model that was also recommended in the previous edition of this manual.
With the update, the T3 shin guards offer a number of useful features. These shin guards are lighter than before and offer the best balance between protection and mobility.
The straps are wide and comfortable and there is a non-slip inner liner for extra safety against shifting during intense spars.
The best part is the inclusion of an antimicrobial technology for the liner that helps extend the life of the shin guards, keep them clean and smelling fresh.
The foam padding is thick on both the shin and foot padding (which covers all the way over the toes) and you'll feel indestructible with your sparring partners during your fights.
Like most Hayabusa gear, these feature a engineered (synthetic) leather that has been proven through their tests to last longer than regular leather.
Prices run a little higher than the other choices here, but worth it for the excellence in the overall design.
User feedback
- “Excellent fit, lighter than their size could suggest and excellent protection. They stay in place and fit as advertised. “
- “They are comfortable, durable and do not slip when defending against kicks.”
Hayabusa T3 vs Venum Elite Shinguards
Venum Elite's shin guards are a good quality choice for amateurs and novice fighters. They protect your shins when kicking, punching, knees or elbows in Muay Thai Kickboxing competition, just like the Hayabusa T3 shin guards which also have a unisex design but with shorter legs than the Venums. The dedication to craftsmanship is more evident in the T3's high-quality construction, which will see you through many battles against tough opponents!
T3s are also a lot more expensive than the Venum Elite, but will last longer.
Jewel Fight Fast shin guards
- Narrower padding for increased mobility
- Good price / quality
- Looks may not be for everyone
- They don't offer the best protection
Whether you're training or competing, with these shin guards you don't have to worry about the pain of an opponent's knee hitting your leg when you knock them down!
The Joya Fight Fast shin guards have all the benefits of the Elite model with a few subtle design differences.
The first difference is the use of a narrower padding on the raised layer, but not so much to have a functional effect on protection.
The more obvious difference, of course, is the sleek, glossy surface that is also used on the Fight Fast line of boxing gloves.
This unique aesthetic touch will appeal to some, but may be too bizarre for more conservative tastes.
These shin guards are very competitively priced. Basically, it all comes down to pure appearances. The Fight Fast model is available in aged green.
User feedback
- “they offer quality, durability, visually great.”
- “Love this one and I recommend this to all my friends”
fairtex SP7
- Maximum protection
- Soft padding for leg comfort
- Mobility is somewhat restricted
- bulky
As far as sparring leg protection goes, this is the creme de la creme.
These are appointed by the Thai trainers in my gym for the ultimate protection to keep them safe in their treacherous work.
The SP7 covers as much of your lower legs as possible without limiting your Muay Thai kicks.
Your feet, shin and ankles (almost to the knees) are fully padded for maximum protection and safest sparring experience.
When you have these on, it feels like you are wearing a harness.
These are very comfortable in every way and the removable shin and foot design allow for the most natural range of leg movements.
The super thick padding is excellent and can withstand even the hardest kicks. As synthetic gear, these hold up to other genuine shin guards on the market and live up to the brand name reputation.
Granted, they're bulkier than other options, but are surprisingly lighter than you'd expect. For the best overall protection, these are my first picks.
User feedback
- “They are innovative yet work as advertised. Loyal to the western size”
- “I recommend it to anyone looking for superior comfort, protection”
Fairtex SP5 vs SP6 vs SP7 vs SP8
Fairtex has four versions of shin guards, each with a different height at the knee.
- The SP5 sits higher and closer to your thigh,
- while the SP7 rests lower by your calf muscle, but still high enough that it doesn't swing around in an uncomfortable spot
- the SP6 is more of a shin guard for the front of your shin and is better suited for MMA than kickboxing (more on that below)
- and finally there is the latest model: Fairtex Shin Guard 8 (SP8) that offers all-round protection for any fighter who wants to protect their entire leg from kicks or punches
The SP7 offers the best balance of stiffness and mobility you want for Muay Thai.
Also read: Muay Thai as one of the top 10 best self-defense sports
fairtex Neoprene SP6
- Good mobility
- Perfect for grappling
- Fit very small
- Difficult to put on
- Minimal protection
The SP6 is designed for MMA and grappling, but can also be used for Muay Thai sparring.
There are some different pros and cons to this style of shin guards.
These guards differ from the usual kickboxing guards in the way they are worn. They are worn over your calves like sleeves instead of the usual Velcro Velcro. Such a design makes them less likely to shift when sparring and is a valued advantage.
The biggest gripe with these is that the sizing is a bit small which also makes them a little harder to put on or get up compared to the usual Velcro straps.
The snug fit is bordering on a little tight, so it's recommended to get 1 to 2 sizes up. The other major drawback is that the padding covers the shins just enough, leaving much of the inside and outside of the calves and ankles unprotected.
In that regard, less protection is not always a bad thing and helps condition the shins, if you look at it more positively. However, for great mobility and stability, these are unmatched.
User feedback
- “I like it because while sparring they don't fall and they don't go from one side to the other.”
- “Great padding for spruce but they run VERY small. “
Twins Special Classic
- Fit perfectly around your leg
- Lightweight with nice protection
- No nonsense
- Can be very stiff
I feel the urge to add these Twins classics to the list because they were my very first experience with shin guards and sparring.
These were my gym's shin guards for the trainers and they were free to use for anyone to spar.
Also because the different sizes and perfect fit make them suitable for almost everyone, including women.
While I left with bad thigh bruises from some brutal low kicks on my first spar, my shins stayed intact from the session, thanks to these SGMG-10s.
Unfortunately they cover below the knees like most shin guards and I was also blessed with a few knee bruises.
The thing I like the most about Twins shin guards compared to Top King and Fairtex is that they are lighter but still provide adequate protection.
As with all Twins gear, these cowhide leather shin guards are high quality and extremely durable. The fact that they are still being used and abused after so many years in my gym is a real testament to their durability.
Aesthetically, the stock SGMG-10s are really simple and plain, but they come with more fancy designs under a different model code (FSG).
The SGMG-10 has been around for a while, so its looks and ergonomics seem dated compared to more modern designs.
But this is old school workhorse gear that serves their purpose of protecting your shins and your partners while sparring.
No fancy patterns or advanced technology. Just a good old pair of thick cushions to protect your shins. As they say, ain't nothing like the old school.
User feedback
- “I've been using these for Muay Thai and kickboxing for almost four years and they are great”
- “They fit really well and stay put while sparring.”
Twins Special vs Fairtex SP7 Shinguards
What I like most about the Twins shin guards is that they are lighter but still offer sufficient protection, which gives them the perfect fit also for women, where it is sometimes difficult to find the right shin guards. Like all Twins gear, these cowhide leather shin guards are of high quality and extremely durable, as you would expect from the best protective equipment manufacturer in Thailand!
The SP7's do offer a little better protection around the leg and are made a bit more sturdy, but will not fit everyone perfectly or offer sufficient mobility for every fighting style.
Venum Elite
- Good sturdy closure
- Very durable
- Quite pricey
If bright colors are your thing, then Venum is our top recommendation.
Venum is best known for their striking aesthetics, but they also make some pretty good fighting gear.
The Elite model is a step up from Challenger's shin guards.
Like the popular Venum Elite boxing gloves, these shin guards are proudly made in Thailand for the best assured quality, using a premium leather.
The lightweight design offers unrestricted mobility, while the dense double-layer foam padding provides protection from the heaviest of impacts.
There is also padding on the foot for more well-rounded protection.
To complete the package, the extra wide double Velcro fasteners provide a sufficiently secure fit.
They are priced on the higher side, but you get good durable quality gear for what you pay. The Elites come in neons, all black, and a standard design.
As an added benefit, pair these with your Elite gloves and your sparring partners can just be blinded by the flashing neons and won't see your strikes coming.
User feedback
- “These shin guards are amazing!! So lightweight and very comfortable. “
- “Good protection, clearly high quality, pricey but you get what you pay for.”
Venum Elite vs Challenger Shin Guards
The Venum Challenger Shinguards are the entry level, but still a quality product. They are light and strong; ideal for those new to the sport and sparring but still want protection from opponent kicks or blocks.
The shin guards use a Skintex leather construction in triple strapping systems, non-leather materials protect you even better! Padding is applied to both your shins and your instep, so that shocks that hit them are absorbed quickly and painlessly without injuring other parts of the body! For those wanting more than an 'entry level' pair of shin guards, there's also Venum Elite, which offers an upgrade to higher-end premium skintex leather, while retaining the lightweight design while still offering better impact protection.
I would definitely opt for the Elite, which are already cheap enough but still a nice upgrade from the Challenger series.
RDX MMA
- Well priced
- Gel and foam combination absorbs well
- Only suitable for light sparring
- Neoprene material is light but does not last very long
If you're looking for an inexpensive solution to your light sparring needs, these affordable RDX shin guards might be what you're looking for.
With double padded shock absorbing gel and foam, you can rest assured that your shins are well protected while sparring.
These pads are made of neoprene material, which makes them very light.
A special feature of these RDXs is the use of a moisture-wicking liner to keep the wearer dry and reduce the chances of the guards slipping off due to sweat.
The calf straps seem to run a little short so if you have muscular calves they may not be fully or securely wrapped.
However, the instep guards run a bit long and there are reviews of little toe/feet discomfort.
Overall, these shin guards provide decent protection and are a cost-effective solution.
For casual sparring and light use (or maybe shone conditioning), the RDX gets the job done.
User feedback
- “Pretty good for the money”
- “Too thin for heavy sparring and checking. Good for light kicks and checks”
Adidas Hybrid Super Pro
- Good protection for this weight
- Neoprene slip-on
- Good fit and stay put
- Only suitable for light sparring
A new addition to this year's recommendation list. This is another option for the budget conscious.
Adidas Hybrid is one of many MMA brands offering high-quality, affordable training gear and equipment for martial arts Offer.
The Hybrids combine the secured comfort of mma guards with the protection offered by the Muay Thai / Kickboxing shin guards.
Very light and mobile, yet offer amazing shin protection.
The neoprene slip-on, combines with a mid-calve closure to keep the shin guards in place during intense sparring without the need for constant adjustment.
Foam padding is adequate but certainly not up to par with the big boys – you get what you pay for.
Like the RDX above, these are ideal for light sparring or shin conditioning.
User feedback
- “The perfect combination of comfort, fit, function and durability. We love them and cannot recommend them enough. “
- “Very good and safe. Because of the sleeve of the leg, they don't slide back like some other designs. Just a bit difficult to get in and out. “
Krav Maga Shin Guards
Believe it or not, shin guards could be your most important and overextended investment to hit with the shin (and blocking leg kicks).
Obviously, shin guards are meant to protect the shins when defending a kick with a shin. But the truth is that shin guards do much more than protect the shin.
Two serious and potentially career-ending injuries that can occur during a tibia include
- an ankle fracture and/or damage to the connective tissue of the ankle
- severe damage to the kneecap and connective tissue.
Both injuries can likely be prevented with high-quality shin guards that include:
- Great construction and materials to absorb powerful kicks
- Super fit and finish for overall comfort and protection
- Strategically placed reinforced padding at the ankle and knee
- Smart modules that protect and anchor the shin guard (non-slip features are a must)
- Designs that allow full range of motion and rotation
Shinguards for Krav Maga serve the same purposes as kickboxing, protecting and impacting your opponent. You can therefore use this list for Krav Maga to base your choice on.
Real leather vs synthetic leather
As with boxing gloves, real leather is still the most popular choice when it comes to buying shin guards. In most cases, they last longer than other materials, such as plastics.
However, high quality synthetic leather can sometimes match the durability of real leather. You can also get more options with plastics in terms of flash designs and colors. If you are a vegan, synthetic leather is also the only way to go.
Tips for choosing shin guards for kickboxing
If you want to get your shin guards from online stores now, don't be too quick to decide. Ideally, you should know the model and size before hitting the “buy” button. Here are some tips for choosing the right model and size:
- Type 1 – Your martial arts school is the best and first place to be. Ask your instructors or gym mates if you can try out their shin guards to check the fit. There are a large number of brands, models and sizes carried in your gym so you can try them all out. It's also a good way to make more friends at the gym and don't forget to ask for sparring tips while you're at it.
- Type 2 – If your gym is of a decent quality, it is likely that they carry their own fighting gear or even some of the more popular brands. The best thing about buying from the gym is that you can try them out first and often get a discount as a member. However, prices are usually higher than what you can buy online for the same items.
- Type 3 – Chances are you can find at least one martial arts store in your town or city. If you're not feeling shy, go down to check out the selection and try it on for size before making an online purchase. Due to rental and other operating costs of a brick and mortar store, prices will usually be higher than the online store's price tags. However, if you are able to maintain a good relationship with your local martial arts store, you may be able to get some good deals or discounts. There's nothing like feeling/trying out the gears in real life and rubbing in with fellow combatants.
Also read: these are the best kick box kick pads
Latest tips when buying your martial arts shin guards
If your shin pads tend to shift easily during training, it can be quite irritating. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Wrong sizing: This is most likely if your shin pads are a size too big. You can try to tighten them down, but this can get uncomfortable. You're better off getting a size smaller.
- Wrong sides:. Some shin guards have left/right marked so if you put them on wrong they can tend to shift. Check before turning them on.
- Poor mounting design: You'd think it's just a matter of velcros, but some brands do it better than others. You may want to consider having yours replaced with a better model.
Conclusion
Sparring is fun and it's where you learn the most in terms of improving your game. You now have the chance to put all the techniques into practice.
However, rinse only with proper protective equipment to avoid unnecessary injury.
The right shin guards go a long way in improving your performance and fun while minimizing sparring injuries.
And this goes for experienced hunters and total noobs. Train hard, train safely.
If you want to practice your kicks more, check it out to these pads for thai boxing
