Are you looking for new shin guards for kickboxing but aren't quite sure what matters? Material, closure, size and fit make the difference between a shin guard that slips during sparring and one that simply works. In this article we explain what you need to know before buying shin guards.
Which material is right?
As you browse, you'll quickly come across different materials. The three most common are cotton, synthetic leather and genuine leather, and they differ in purpose and quality.
Cotton
Cotton shin guards are softer and often not pre-formed. They're suitable for children and light punching bag training, but offer less stability and protection during sparring.
Synthetic leather
Shin guards made from synthetic leather, also known as PU or synthetic, is the most commonly used material for shin guards in kickboxing and martial arts. Robust, easy to care for and available at many price points. The right choice for sparring and hard contact training. Quality differences exist here too – pay attention to the construction and the padding behind it.
Genuine leather
Leather shin guards are more durable and adapt better over time, but have become rarer. The difference to high-quality synthetic leather is minimal in everyday use for most athletes. Those who train intensively and daily will benefit from leather in the long term, for everyone else good synthetic leather is perfectly adequate.
Which closure is better: hook-and-loop or slip-on?
Shin guards are available with hook-and-loop fasteners or as slip-on models that you pull on like a sock.
Slip-on shin guards are suitable for punching bag training or as an additional protective layer; they're not suitable for sparring as they don't offer enough hold.
Shin guards with hook-and-loop fasteners sit more securely, stay in place even during intensive contact and offer significantly more protection. For kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA sparring they're the standard. Make sure the hook-and-loop fastener is wide enough and closes cleanly – a fastener that opens during training is a safety issue.
What size do you need?
The right size of shin guards depends on the length of your shin and the length of your foot. Measure both values and compare them with the table below.
|
Size |
Shin length |
Foot length |
|
XS |
under 32.5 cm |
under 14 cm |
|
S |
32.5–34.5 cm |
14–15.8 cm |
|
M |
34.5–37 cm |
15.8–17 cm |
|
L |
37–39.5 cm |
17–18.3 cm |
|
XL |
over 39.5 cm |
over 18.3 cm |
Please note: Sizes may vary slightly between brands. Always check the size chart of the respective manufacturer – a size M from Venum can differ from a size M from Booster or Twins. Not sure? Our team will be happy to help.
How should shin guards fit?
A well-fitting shin guard protects reliably, a poorly fitting one is at best uncomfortable and at worst dangerous. Here's what you should look out for:
The guard should completely cover the shin and reach just below the knee. It mustn't be too short, otherwise the top of the shin is unprotected, but also not so long that it restricts mobility in the knee. During kicks, blocks and in the clinch it must stay in place without slipping or tilting. If the hook-and-loop fastener sticks out significantly or the side edges press, the size is wrong; in such cases a narrower or thinner model may be the solution.
Which shin guards for which purpose?
The right choice depends on how and how intensively you train.
Shin guards for punching bag training
For punching bag training, a lighter model with hook-and-loop fastener is sufficient. It's important that the instep is also covered; kicks on the bag stress the entire front of the foot. Cotton or light synthetic leather are adequate here.
Shin guards for sparring
For sparring you need more. Pre-formed shin guards made from synthetic leather or leather with multi-layer padding and a stable hook-and-loop fastener are essential here. They protect not only you, but also your training partner. Shin guards suitable for martial arts means: secure fit, complete coverage and sufficient cushioning on direct contact.
Professional shin guards
Those who train daily or take part in competitions need professional shin guards at the highest level. Multi-layer padding, ergonomic fit, best-quality closure and complete toe protection aren't extras here, but basic requirements. Brands like Venum, Booster, Twins and Fairtex are the first choice in this segment.
Frequently asked questions about shin guards
How do you choose shin guards for kickboxing?
That depends mainly on your training purpose. For punching bag training a lighter model with hook-and-loop fastener is sufficient. For sparring you need pre-formed shin guards with multi-layer padding and a stable fastener. Also pay attention to the right size – the shin must be completely covered.
What size for kickboxing shin guards?
Measure the length of your shin and your foot and compare with the size chart of the respective manufacturer. As a starting point: the guard should completely cover the shin and reach just below the knee. If in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Why do you wear shin guards in kickboxing?
In kickboxing, the shin is the primary tool for low kicks and mid-kicks and at the same time one of the most injury-prone body parts during sparring. Shin guards protect when blocking and when striking and are mandatory during sparring and in competition. Without protection you risk bruising, swelling and in the worst case bone fractures.
How should shin guards fit for kickboxing?
Snug, but not cutting in. The shin must be completely covered, the guard mustn't slip or tilt during kicks. The hook-and-loop fastener should close cleanly and hold even during intensive contact. If the guard slips downwards or presses on the sides, the size or model isn't suitable.
How do I care for shin guards?
Allow them to air out well after training, don't leave them in the sports bag whilst still damp. Wipe down with a damp cloth when needed. Most synthetic leather models can be kept in good condition this way for a long time. No washing machine – that damages the material and the padding.
Buy shin guards at The Fight Company
You'll find the complete range of shin guards for kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA in our online shop, with fast delivery from our own warehouse in Groningen, the Netherlands, directly to Germany. Questions about the right size or suitable model? Our team will be happy to help.