Shin guards are a basic piece of kit that everyone who practices kickboxing, Muay Thai, Muay Thai, or MMA should have in their kit bag. They're used in almost every workout and are therefore just as important as a good pair of boxing gloves. Choosing the right pair is therefore crucial, and we're happy to help you with that in this best-buy guide.
Why wear shin guards in kickboxing?
Shin guards are, of course, intended to protect your shins (and feet) during kickboxing, Thai boxing, or stand-up combat (MMA) training. With good shin guards, you can train better and harder without risking injury.
Best Buy Guide for Kickboxing Shin Guards
Most people (logically) look for shin guards for the most popular martial arts: Muay Thai and kickboxing. That's what we'll focus on in this guide. We have a separate category of shin guards for semi-contact styles and martial arts, such as Taekwondo and Karate.
Fight2Win offers a wide selection of shin guards for MMA, kickboxing, and Thai boxing. From this selection, we'll select the top 5 based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, and our own expertise.
Shin guard scoring criteria
When evaluating shin guards, we look at their most important features: fit, level of protection, build quality, comfort, and price. We'll score the shin guards based on these criteria.
- Fit: By fit, we mean how well the shin guards conform to the shape of your lower legs. However, an important point to note is that everyone's legs are different, so personal preference, including the length and width of your legs, also plays a role.
- Protection: Protection is the degree to which the shin guards perform as intended: primarily protecting the shin and also the feet. The level of protection also depends partly on the fit, as these properties influence each other.
- Comfort & Ease of Use: Comfort during use is also a determining factor when choosing a shin guard. This is usually a trade-off with the level of protection offered. You don't want rock-hard padding, but you don't want it to be buttery-soft either. The inside of a shin guard also determines how comfortable it is to use. We also consider how heavy/light or bulky the shin guards are. One of the most important aspects of a good shin guard for kickboxing and Muay Thai (or any other form of standing combat) is its fit. This is also taken into account in our assessment.
- Build quality: The materials used, the finish, and the durability of the shin guards. Some details, such as the elastic and Velcro straps, are important, as these are often the areas where shin guards fail.
- Price: We haven't broken down the price ranges in this best-buy guide, so that's why we're including it as a scoring factor.
Best Buy: Top 5 Shin Guards for Kickboxing (2025 Edition)
- Twins SGL7
- King Pro SGL7
- XPRT Pro V3
- Hayabusa T3
- King Revo
1. Twins SGL7
The Twins Special SGL7 shin guards have been our absolute favorite for years. These shin guards are worth every penny you invest. They're durable, comfortable, and above all, excellent.
The SGL7 is the successor to Twins Special's original shin guards: the SG3. It's been out of production for years, but it was so popular back then that we still have customers who request it. Don't get confused by the codes. In Europe, the Twins Special is marketed as the SGL7 (Twins Special only has one model), but it's sometimes also listed as the SGL10 on websites.
The Twins SGL7 is simply a top-quality shin guard of exceptional quality. They have everything you need in a good shin guard: thick padding on the front, a comfortable foot, good closures, sturdy elastics, and an extremely low weight.
The closures meet everything you could wish for: adjustable with a hook & loop system for the best possible fit and two elastics to keep them in place even better.
Fit Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the Twins SGL7 is simply phenomenal. This model clearly distinguishes itself from budget shin guards with its perfect, secure fit. The shin guard section perfectly follows the contours of your legs, and the foot is large enough, but not so large that it becomes a hindrance.
The hook and loop closures and two elastic bands (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further improve the fit and make you notice as little as possible that you are actually wearing shin guards.
Protection Twins SGL7 (Score: 7/10)
The Twins SGL7 offers excellent protection. The padding throughout the shin guard is of good thickness, and the padding feels firm yet soft. There's additional padding in the center of the front. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also adequately protected by the shape of the shin guards and the foot piece.
Twins shin guards offer sufficient protection for both recreational and advanced players, whether training or sparring. However, they don't offer the maximum protection you'd want, for example, in preparation for a match, and you definitely don't want to risk (minor) injuries. In that case, you might be better off looking at the King SG2 models.
Comfort & ease of use Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The Twins shin guards are almost perfectly easy to use. You first slip your foot through the elastic for your Achilles tendon, and then the elastic for the underfoot also slides into place. Then you fasten the two straps behind your legs, and you're ready to go.
The Twins' lining is made of a comfortable, non-irritating material. The SGL7's biggest advantage, however, is its extremely low weight. This gives you incredible freedom of movement and allows you to pedal without carrying any extra weight.
Perhaps one of the best things about this shin guard from the Thai brand is how well it stays in place during use. Thanks to the secure closures, elastic, and fit, the Twins shin guards excel at this.
Build quality Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The build quality of the SGL7 is excellent. We know this from experience. We've been selling this Twins Special model for many years, and we've almost NEVER had any issues with manufacturing defects. The elastics are securely stitched, the Velcro is of solid quality, and the stitching is always perfect.
Despite their light weight, the shin guards feel robust and clearly demonstrate top-quality. While you might have some doubts about their light weight, these are proven to be top-notch shin guards.
Price Twins SGL7 (Score: 7/10)
The Twins shin guards are in the higher price range, hence the slightly lower rating. However, they're more than worth the price, as you'll have a lot of fun with them during training. Consider them a valuable investment in your sports enjoyment and health.
As mentioned above, we included price as a scoring factor, because we are comparing shin guards in one category.
Features Twins Special SGL7:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. g |
| To colour | Black, white, green, red and gray |
Pros:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Extremely light weight
Negatives:
- Slightly higher price
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2. King Pro Boxing SGL7
The King Pro SGL7 shin guards have been on the market for a few years now, alongside the well-known SG1 and SG2. The King Pro SGL7 are made in Thailand, as are their sister brand Twins Special. There are many similarities, as you can see at first glance. However, there are some (minor) differences.
The King Pro SGL7 are absolutely fantastic shin guards for kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. They're sturdy, comfortable, and above all, excellent.
They're sturdily built and have a very comfortable anatomical design that follows the contours of your legs. The padding is thick and extra thick at the front, in the middle. The footrest is comfortable and features two elastic bands and two hook-and-loop Velcro closures.
The closures are just the way we like them: a hook and loop system for a snug fit, and two elastic bands to keep them in place even better.
Fit King Pro SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the King Pro SGL7 is exceptional. This model clearly stands out from shin guards in a lower price range thanks to its incredibly secure fit. The shin guard perfectly follows the contours of your legs, and the foot is also sufficiently large and comfortably shaped.
The hook-and-loop closures and two elastic bands (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further enhance the fit. They keep the shin guards securely in place during training.
Protection King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The King Pro SGL7 offers excellent protection. The shin guard's padding is of good thickness all around, and the padding feels firm. There's additional padding in the center of the front. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than adequately protected by the shape of the shin guards and the additional foot piece.
King shin guards offer ample protection for both recreational and advanced users, whether training or sparring. However, if you're looking for the maximum protection you need, for example, in preparation for a competition, and you absolutely don't want to risk (minor) injuries, you might be better off looking at the King SG2 models.
Comfort & ease of use King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The King shin guards are incredibly easy to use. You first slip your foot through the elastic designed for your Achilles tendon, and then the wider elastic for the underfoot also comes into place. Then you fasten the two straps behind your legs, and you're ready to go. These straps are slightly shorter in size L than those of, for example, the Twins, and sometimes seem to fit a little better when we look at people who come to our showroom for a fitting.
The King Pro's lining is made of a special material that doesn't cause irritation and also ensures that the shin guards can't slip due to sweat on your legs.
A great feature of these shin guards is how well they stay in place during use. Thanks to the double closures, elastic, and fit, the King shin guards achieve this exceptionally well.
Build quality King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The build quality of the SGL7 is excellent. The material feels robust and sturdy. The elastic straps are well-stitched, the Velcro is of excellent quality, and the stitching is neat and tidy throughout.
The shin guards feel sturdy and you can tell they're high-quality. They weigh a bit more than the comparable Twins Special, which might give the impression they're even sturdier.
Price King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The King shin guards are on the higher end of the price scale, but they're definitely worth it. You'll enjoy training with these kickboxing shin guards. They're an excellent investment in the essentials of your kickboxing equipment.
Features King Pro SGL7:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. g |
| To colour | Black |
Pros:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Solid appearance
Negatives:
- Slightly heavier than other shin guards, such as the Twins SGL7 and King Revo
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3. XPRT Fight Gear Pro V3
The Pro V3 shin guards have been on the market for several years now as XPRT Fight Gear's flagship model. Over the years, the Pro V3 has been continuously improved, and minor imperfections from the past have been addressed.
The XPRT Pro V3 are excellent and affordable shin guards for kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. They are sturdy, comfortable, and above all, very affordable.
They're sturdily built and have a good design that follows the contours of your legs. The padding is very thick and extra thick at the front, in the middle. The footrest is comfortable and features two elastic bands and two Velcro closures at the back.
Fit XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the XPRT Pro V3 is more than adequate. This model clearly distinguishes itself from budget-class shin guards thanks to its improved fit. The shin guard contours to your legs, and the foot is also large enough and comfortably shaped.
The double Velcro closures and two elastic bands (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further enhance the fit. They keep the shin guards in place during training. The XPRT shin guards do a great job in this regard, but can't compete with true top models like the King and Twins SGL7.
Protection XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 8/10)
The XPRT Pro V3's protection exceeds expectations. The shin guard's padding is thick all around, and the padding feels very firm. There's additional padding in the center of the front where the shin guard is used most. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than adequately protected by the shin guard's shape and the additional foot piece.
The XPRT Pro V3 shin guards offer ample protection for training and sparring, whether you're a beginner or intermediate user. However, if you're looking for maximum comfort and a truly phenomenal fit, you might want to consider the Twins or King Pro. These are, of course, considerably more expensive.
Comfort & ease of use XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 6/10)
The King shin guards are very easy to use. First, you slip your foot through the elastic band designed for your Achilles tendon, and then the second elastic band for the soles of your feet is also in place. Then, you fasten the two Velcro straps behind your legs, and you're ready to go.
Because the XPRT Pro V3 uses standard hook-and-loop closures, you don't have to worry about them being too short or too long. They almost always fit! The downside of this system is that it's less adjustable than a hook-and-loop closure.
The King Pro's lining is made of comfortable polyester material that doesn't cause irritation and also ensures that the shin guards can't slip due to sweat on your legs.
Build quality XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Pro V3 is simply excellent. The material feels robust and sturdy. The elastic straps are well-stitched, and these have been improved over previous models.
The shin guards feel sturdy, and you can tell these are serious shin guards. However, don't expect the same level of finish as shin guards in the very highest price range.
Price XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 9/10)
The XPRT shin guards fall into the lower price range, which scores extra points for them. They simply offer excellent value for money. They do what they're supposed to do. If you simply want a lot of shin protection for a reasonable price, the XPRT V3 is the perfect choice!
XPRT Pro V3 Features:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Velcro (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. g |
| To colour | Black |
Pros:
+ Very competitive pricing
+ Good protection
Negatives:
- Not the same fit as the real top models Twins and King Pro SGL7
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4. Hayabusa T3
The Hayabusa T3 shin guards are the flagship product from the innovative top brand Hayabusa. They're substantial shin guards designed for the higher-end, advanced, and professional segments. We even saw photos of Verhoeven and N'Gannou wearing them during a training session on Instagram.
The Hayabusa T3 shin guards are definitely one of those "love it or hate it" types. Due to their fit and unique design, they're not a one-size-fits-all shin guard. If you have slightly slimmer legs, you're best off skipping these shin guards.
If they do fit you, however, the T3s are fantastic, top-notch shin guards. They're incredibly durable and feature meticulously thought-out details. This is evident in the unique silicone lining and in the finishing touches, such as the elastic underfoot secured with an additional piece of material.
Fit Hayabusa T3 (Score: 5/10)*
The fit of the Hayabusa T3 is exceptionally good... if they fit you. It's very difficult for us to give the Hayabusa a rating in this test.
* The Hayabusa are substantial shin guards and are ideal for people with large legs. However, for many people, this type is not ideal.
The hook-and-loop closures and two elastic bands (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) improve the fit. They keep the shin guards securely in place during training.
Protection Hayabusa T3 (Score: 9/10)
The protection of the T3 shin guards is phenomenally good. The padding is thick all around, and the padding feels firm. The shin guards have solid padding across the entire surface. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than adequately protected by the shape of the shin guards and the additional foot piece.
This model clearly distinguishes itself from other shin guards thanks to its unique left and right shape. They also offer unique protection for the outer sides of your legs and knees.
Hayabusa shin guards offer maximum protection during training and sparring sessions for both advanced and professional athletes. They are unmatched in this regard.
Comfort & ease of use Hayabusa T3 (Score: 8/10)
The Hayabusa T3 are easy to put on and have an excellent closure system. A particularly nice feature is the extra piece of material where the bottom of the shin transitions to the foot. This is made of comfortable fabric, unlike most shin guards with sharp stitching edges.
The inner lining is incredibly luxurious and features unique silicone beads that we don't find on any other brand. This silicone provides extra grip, even when your legs are sweaty.
A great thing about these shin guards is how well they stay in place during use (if they fit you). Thanks to the double closures, elastic, and custom fit, the Hayabusa shin guards achieve this brilliantly.
Build quality Hayabusa T3 (Score: 9/10)
The build quality of the Hayabusa T3 is incredible. The material (Vylar-2) feels robust and sturdy. The elastics are well-stitched, the Velcro is of excellent quality, and the stitching is neat and tidy throughout. Moreover, the usual elastic is housed in a separate piece underneath, further increasing durability.
The shin guards feel sturdy and you can tell they're top-notch. It seems almost impossible to imagine them breaking.
Price Hayabusa T3 (Score: 5/10)
The Hayabusa shin guards are in the highest price range, but they're worth it for any serious fighter. You'll train with confidence and feel confident in these kickboxing shin guards. They're an excellent investment in one of the most essential pieces of kickboxing equipment.
Features Hayabusa T3:
| Material | Vylar-2 |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. g |
| To colour | Black, Black-gold, White-black, Brown |
Pros:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Solid appearance
Negatives:
- Big price
- Very large and wide
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5. King Pro Revo
The King Pro Revo shin guards have been on the market for a few years now, alongside King Pro Boxing's more expensive lines. Revo is King Pro Boxing's budget-friendly line and is largely designed in Thailand but manufactured in China. Therefore, these shin guards can be offered at more competitive prices than those from Thailand.
The King Pro Boxing Revo line is designed as entry-level products for beginners and recreational athletes. For advanced and more demanding athletes, there are the A-line products, all of which are manufactured in Thailand.
The King Pro Revo are absolutely fantastic shin guards for kickboxing and Muay Thai considering their low price. They're comfortable, well-made, and competitively priced.
Fit King Pro Revo (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the King Pro Revo is simply more than adequate. This model clearly distinguishes itself from lower-priced shin guards with its better fit. The shin guard perfectly conforms to the shape of your legs. The foot could have been a bit larger, though.
The two hook-and-loop closures, the Velcro strap behind the Achilles tendon, and the elastic under your foot further enhance the fit. They keep the shin guards securely in place during training.
Protection King Pro Revo (Score: 6/10)
The King Pro Revo's protection is sufficient for beginning kickboxers. The shin guard's padding offers sufficient protection for an entry-level model. However, don't expect protection from even the hardest kicks.
The King shin guards offer recreational users sufficient protection for training and sparring. However, if you're looking for more protection, you might want to consider shin guards in a higher price range or the XPRT Pro V3, which are thicker and sturdier.
Comfort & ease of use King Pro Revo (Score: 6/10)
The King shin guards are easy to use. The closure system does take some getting used to. While most brands opt for elastic behind the Achilles tendon, the King Pro Revo has opted for an additional Velcro closure. It works, but we're not really fans of it.
You first put your foot through the elastic band intended for the sole, and then the Velcro strap behind the Achilles tendon. Then you fasten the two straps behind your legs, and you're ready to go. Once they're on, they offer a great fit, but it takes a little getting used to.
Build quality King Pro Revo (Score: 6/10)
The Revo's build quality is adequate, but it doesn't feel particularly convincing. The material feels a bit too plasticky and cheap. Not surprising, considering the price range of these shin guards. We should add that these are a real top seller in our shop, and there are very few complaints about the quality.
The shin guards feel great and you can see that this is meant for real kickboxing training.
Price King Pro Revo (Score: 9/10)
King shin guards are in the lower price range, and naturally, they're very popular. They're an excellent starting point, especially if you don't use shin guards every workout, as is often the case in MMA. You'll enjoy training because you have your own set at hand without it costing an arm and a leg.
King Pro Revo Features:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), velcro, elastic |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. g |
| To colour | Black, Green, Black-gold |
Pros:
+ Competitive pricing
+ Great fit
Negatives:
- Doesn't feel very sturdy
View in webshop:
SCOREBOARD: Shin guards for kickboxing
| Model | Fit | Protection | Comfort |
| Twins SGL7 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| King SGL7 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| XPRT Pro V3 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Hayabusa T3 | 5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| King Revo | 7/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Model | Build | Price | OVERALL |
| Twins SGL7 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 41/50 |
| King SGL7 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 41/50 |
| XPRT Pro V3 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 37/50 |
| Hayabusa T3 | 9/10 | 5/10 | 36/50 |
| King Revo | 6/10 | 9/10 | 34/50 |
View all shin guards for MMA, kickboxing and Thai boxing in our webshop: shin guards >> shin guards for kickboxing & Thai boxing
Essential information and questions about kickboxing shin guards
How should a shin guard for kickboxing fit?
Kickboxing shin guards should primarily protect the shin itself and usually also the feet with a separate foot pad. The shin guards should therefore reach approximately just below your knee.
They should ideally fit snugly around your legs to minimize slippage during sparring and/or training sessions. Therefore, if in doubt, it's best to choose a size smaller rather than a size larger.
What's better: a regular Velcro closure or a hook and loop closure?
We normally prefer a hook and loop closure, as these are usually easier to tighten than a regular Velcro closure (which closes in one direction).
However, it's impossible to make a hook and loop closure that fits everyone. Some people have thicker or thinner lower legs than others. Your posture certainly plays a role in this.
Are leather shin guards better than synthetic leather or PU shin guards?
Almost all shin guards for kickboxing and Muay Thai are made of synthetic materials. Nevertheless, the better shin guards last a long time (generally much longer than your gloves).
Skintex, PU, or synthetic leather shin guards are therefore an excellent choice. These materials also offer almost the same positive qualities as genuine leather (and sometimes even better).
How do kickboxing shin guards stay in place?
One of the most important aspects of a good shin guard for kickboxing and Muay Thai (or any other form of standing combat) is its secure fit. This is largely determined by the (anatomical) shape of the shin guard and how it fastens. That's why almost all good shin guards use multiple closures combined with (multiple) elastic bands.
How can I best maintain my shin guards?
Make sure you take your shin guards (just like your other sports gear) out of your bag immediately after each workout. Let them air out and store them in a dry, naturally ventilated place.
After use, wipe them with a slightly damp cloth to remove sweat and other dirt from training. If necessary, use an antibacterial spray—such as Sukkiri spray or FreshKO—to prevent odor.
NEVER put them in the washing machine!
Osu! And have lots of fun kickboxing! Keep kicking!
