Shin guards are part of the basic equipment that everyone who practices kickboxing, thai boxing, muay thai, or MMA should have in their bag. They are used in almost every training session and are therefore at least as important as a good pair of boxing gloves. Choosing a good pair is therefore very important, and in this best-buy guide, we are happy to help you with that.
Why do you wear shin guards in kickboxing?
Shin guards are obviously meant to protect your shins (and feet) during training in kickboxing, thai boxing, or stand-up fighting (MMA). With good shin guards, you can train better and harder without getting injured.
Best-buy guide for kickboxing shin guards
Most people logically look for a shin guard for the most popular martial arts: thai boxing and kickboxing. This guide will focus on those. For semi-contact styles and martial arts such as Taekwondo and Karate, we have a separate category of shin guards.
Criteria for scoring shin guards*
When evaluating shin guards, we look at the most important features of shin guards: the fit, the level of protection, build quality, comfort, and price. We will 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. Here comes an important note: everyone’s legs are different, so personal preference or the length and thickness of your legs also play a role.
- Protection: Protection is the extent to which the shin guards do what they are intended for: primarily protecting the shinbone and also the feet. The level of protection partly depends 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. Usually, a balance is made between comfort and the level of protection. Not too hard padding, but not too soft either. The inside of a shin guard also determines how comfortable shin guards are to wear. 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 thai boxing (or any other form of stand-up fighting) is that it stays securely in place. We take this into account in our evaluation as well.
- Build quality: The materials used, finish, and sturdiness of the shin guards. Some details such as the elastic and hook & loop fasteners used are important here, as these are often the points where a shin guard breaks.
- Price: We have not made a subdivision into different price categories in this best-buy guide, so we include it as a scoring factor.
Fight2Win has a large collection of different shin guards for MMA, kickboxing, and thai boxing in its assortment. * The scores are based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, external product reviews, ratings, and our own expertise.
Top 5 shin guards for kickboxing (2025)
- 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 euro you invest in them. They are solid, nice, comfortable, and above all, very good shin guards.
The SGL7 is the successor to the original shin guards from Twins Special: the SG3. It has not been produced for years, but was so highly valued at the time that we still have customers asking for it. Don’t get confused by the codes. In Europe, Twins Special is marketed as SGL7 (Twins Special only has one model), but it is sometimes also listed as SGL10 on websites.
The Twins SGL7 is simply a very good quality shin guard of excellent class. They have everything you look for in a good shin guard: thick padding on the front, a comfortable footplate, good fasteners, sturdy elastics, and an extremely low weight.
The fasteners meet all your wishes: adjustable with a hook & loop system for the best possible fit and two elastics to keep them even better in place.
Fit Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the Twins SGL7 can simply be called phenomenal. The model clearly stands out from budget shin guards due to the perfectly fitting design. The part that protects the shins follows the contours of your legs excellently, and the footplate is large enough but not so large that it becomes a hindrance.
The hook & loop fasteners and two elastics (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further improve the fit, making you barely notice that you are actually wearing shin guards.
Protection Twins SGL7 (Score: 7/10)
The protection of the Twins SGL7 is good. The padding of the entire shin guard is of excellent thickness and the filling used feels firm yet soft enough. There is extra thickening in the middle of the front side. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also sufficiently protected by the shape of the shin guards and the footplate.
The shin guards from Twins offer sufficient protection for both recreationalists and advanced users for training and sparring. However, they do not provide the maximum protection you might want in preparation for a competition when you absolutely cannot afford (even minor) injuries. In that case, you might want to look at the King SG2 models.
Comfort & ease of use Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The ease of use of the Twins shin guards is almost perfect. You first put your foot through the elastic intended for the Achilles tendon, then the elastic under your foot also fits into place. Then you fasten the two straps behind your legs yourself, and you are ready to start.
The lining of the Twins is made of a pleasant material that does not cause irritation. However, the biggest plus of the SGL7 is the extremely low weight. This gives you great freedom of movement and allows you to kick without carrying extra weight.
One of the nicest things about this shin guard from the Thai brand is perhaps how well it stays in place during use. Thanks to the good closures, elastics, and fit, the Twins shin guards succeed enormously in this.
Build quality Twins SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The build quality of the SGL7 is more than satisfactory. We know this from experience. We have been selling this model from Twins Special for many years, and there are almost NEVER any manufacturing defects. The elastics are well stitched, the Velcro is of solid quality, and the seams are always in order.
Despite the light weight, the shin guards feel robust, and you can see that this is top quality. You might have doubts precisely because of this light weight, but this is proven to be a top-class shin guard.
Price Twins SGL7 (Score: 7/10)
The Twins shin guards fall into the higher price category, hence the slightly lower score. However, they are more than worth the amount, as you will have a lot of fun during training. Consider it a valuable investment in your sports enjoyment and health.
As mentioned above, we included price as a scoring factor because we compare the 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. 500 g (per pair) |
| Colors | Black, white, green, red, and gray |
Advantages:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Extremely lightweight
Disadvantages:
- 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 SGL7 from King Pro are made in Thailand, as is the sister brand Twins Special. There are also many similarities, as you can see at first glance. However, there are some (small) differences.
The King Pro SGL7 are absolutely fantastic shin guards for kickboxing, thai boxing, and MMA. They are sturdy, pleasant, comfortable, and above all, very good shin guards.
They are solidly built and have a very pleasant anatomical design that follows the lines of your legs well. The padding is thick and extra on the front in the middle. The footplate is comfortable, and two elastics and two hook & loop fasteners are used.
The closures are exactly how we like them: tightenable with a hook & loop system for the best possible fit and two elastics to keep them even better in place.
Fit King Pro SGL7 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the King Pro SGL7 is exceptionally good. The model clearly stands out from shin guards in a lower price range due to the wonderfully snug fit. The part that protects the shins follows the contours of your legs excellently, and the footplate is also large enough and nicely shaped.
The hook & loop fasteners and two elastics (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further improve the fit. They keep the shin guards firmly in place during training.
Protection King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The protection of the King Pro SGL7 is very good. The padding of the shin guard is of a good thickness all around, and the filling used feels firm. There is extra thickening in the middle of the front side. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than sufficiently protected by the shape of the shin guards and the extra footplate.
The King shin guards offer more than enough protection for both recreationalists and advanced users for training and sparring. However, if you are looking for maximum protection, for example in preparation for a competition and absolutely want to avoid (minor) injuries, you might want to consider the King SG2 models.
Comfort & ease of use King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The ease of use of the King shin guards is very satisfying. You first put your foot through the elastic intended for the Achilles tendon, then the wider elastic under your foot also fits into place. Next, you fasten the two straps behind your legs yourself, and you are ready to start. These straps are slightly shorter in size L than those of, for example, the Twins and sometimes seem to fit better when we look at people who come to try them on in our showroom.
The lining of the King Pro is made of special material that does not cause irritation and also ensures that the shin guards do not slip due to sweat on your legs.
A very nice feature of these shin guards is how well they stay in place during use. Thanks to the double closures, elastics, and fit, the King shin guards excel in this regard.
Build Quality King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The build quality of the SGL7 is excellent. The material feels robust and sturdy. The elastics are well stitched, the hook and loop fastener is of excellent quality, and the seams are all in order and neatly finished.
The shin guards feel sturdy, and you can see that this is quality. They weigh a bit more than the comparable Twins Special, which may also give the impression that they are even sturdier.
Price King Pro SGL7 (Score: 8/10)
The King shin guards fall into the higher price category but are worth every penny. You will enjoy training with these kickboxing shin guards. It is an excellent investment in the essential items of your kickboxing gear.
Features King Pro SGL7:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. 800 g (per pair) |
| Colors | Black |
Advantages:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Solid appearance
Disadvantages:
- 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 a few years now as the flagship model of XPRT Fight Gear. Over the years, the Pro V3 has been continuously improved, and small imperfections from the past have been eliminated.
The XPRT Pro V3 are very good and affordable shin guards for kickboxing, thai boxing, and MMA. They are sturdy, pleasant, comfortable, and above all very affordable shin guards.
They are solidly built and have a good design that follows the lines of your legs. The padding is very thick and extra thick in the middle of the front. The footplate is comfortable, and two elastics and two Velcro closures are used on the back.
Fit XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the XPRT Pro V3 is more than sufficient. The model clearly stands out from budget-class shin guards due to the improved fit. The part that protects the shins follows the contours of your legs, and the footplate is also large enough and nicely shaped.
The double Velcro closures and two elastics (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) further improve the fit. They keep the shin guards in place during training. The XPRT shin guard succeeds well in this, but cannot compete with true top models like the King and Twins SGL7.
Protection XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 8/10)
The protection of the XPRT Pro V3 is better than expected. The padding of the shin guard is thick all around, and the filling used feels very sturdy. There is extra thickening in the middle of the front where the shin guard is used the most. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than adequately protected by the shape of the shin guards and the extra footplate.
The XPRT Pro V3 shin guards offer more than enough protection for both recreationalists and semi-advanced users during training and sparring. However, if you are looking for maximum comfort and a truly phenomenal fit, you might want to consider the Twins or King Pro. These are, of course, significantly higher in price.
Comfort & ease of use XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 6/10)
The ease of use of the King shin guards is perfectly fine. You first put your foot through the elastic meant for the Achilles tendon, then the second elastic under your foot also comes into place. Then you fasten the two Velcro closures behind your legs yourself and you’re ready to start.
Because the XPRT Pro V3 uses regular Velcro closures, you don’t have to worry about them being too short or too long. They fit almost always! The downside of this system is that you can’t adjust it as precisely as a hook & loop closure.
The lining of the King Pro is made of comfortable polyester material that does not cause irritation and also ensures the shin guards don’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 good. The material feels robust and sturdy. The elastics are well stitched and improvements have been made compared to earlier models.
The shin guards feel sturdy and you can see these are serious shin guards. However, don’t expect the finish quality of shin guards in the very highest price range.
Price XPRT Pro V3 (Score: 9/10)
The XPRT shin guards fall into the lower price category and score extra points for that. They simply offer a lot of value for the money. They do what they need to do. If you just want a lot of shin guard for not too much money, the XPRT V3 is the choice!
Features XPRT Pro V3:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Velcro (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. 730 g (per pair) |
| Colors | Black |
Advantages:
+ Very competitive pricing
+ Good protection
Disadvantages:
- Not the same fit as true top models Twins and King Pro SGL7
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4. Hayabusa T3
The Hayabusa T3 shin guards are the flagship of the innovative top brand Hayabusa. They are substantial shin guards intended for the higher segment, advanced users, and professionals. On Instagram, we have even seen photos of Verhoeven and N'Gannou wearing these guards during a training session.
The Hayabusa T3 shin guards are definitely of the type: you hate it or love it. Due to the fit and unique design, they are not shin guards that suit everyone. Especially if you have slimmer legs, it’s best to leave these shin guards alone.
If they do fit you, the T3's are fantastic shin guards of the highest level. They are extremely sturdy and have details that have been thought through extensively. This is evident in the unique silicone in the lining and the finishing touches, such as how the elastic under the foot is attached with an extra piece of material.
Fit Hayabusa T3 (Score: 5/10)*
The fit of the Hayabusa T3 is exceptionally good... if they fit you. The fit of the Hayabusa is very difficult for us to score in this test.
* The Hayabusa are large shin guards and very suitable for people with big legs. However, for many people, this type is not very suitable.
The hook & loop fasteners and two elastics (behind your Achilles tendon and under your foot) improve the fit. They keep the shin guards firmly in place during training.
Protection Hayabusa T3 (Score: 9/10)
The protection of the T3 shin guards is phenomenally good. The padding of the shin guard is of good thickness all around and the filling used feels firm. The shin guards have solid padding over the entire surface. The sides of the lower legs and feet are also more than sufficiently protected by the shape of the shin guards and the extra foot section.
The model clearly stands out from other shin guards due to the unique left and right shape. They also provide unique protection for the outside of your legs and knees.
The Hayabusa shin guards offer maximum protection during training and sparring sessions for both advanced users and professionals. 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 closing system. What is very nice is the extra piece of material where the bottom of the shin transitions into the foot section. Pleasant fabric is used here, whereas most shin guards have sharp stitching edges.
The lining is extremely luxurious and also features unique silicone dots that we don’t find in any other brand. These silicones provide extra grip even when the legs are very sweaty.
A very nice feature of these shin guards is how well they stay in place during use (if they fit you). Thanks to the double closures, elastics, and fit, the Hayabusa shin guards excel at this.
Build Quality Hayabusa T3 (Score: 9/10)
The build quality of the Hayabusa T3 is unreal. The material (Vylar-2) feels robust and solid. The elastics are well stitched, the hook and loop fastener is of excellent quality, and the seams are all in order and neatly finished. Moreover, the usual elastic underneath is housed in an extra piece, which further increases durability.
The shin guards feel sturdy and you can see that this is top quality. It almost seems impossible to imagine that this piece could break.
Price Hayabusa T3 (Score: 5/10)
The Hayabusa shin guards fall into the highest price category but are worth the amount for every serious fighter. You will train with full confidence with these kickboxing shin guards and dare to go all out. It is an excellent investment in one of the most essential items of your kickboxing gear.
Features Hayabusa T3:
| Material | Vylar-2 |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), elastics (2x) |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. 750 g (per pair) |
| Colors | Black, Black-gold, White-black, Brown |
Advantages:
+ Excellent fit due to hook & loop closure and elastics (2x)
+ Solid appearance
Disadvantages:
- Considerable 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 alongside the more expensive lines from King Pro Boxing. Revo is the economy line of King Pro Boxing and is largely designed in Thailand but made in China. That is why these shin guards can be offered at sharper prices than those from Thailand.
The products from the Revo line of King Pro Boxing are intended as entry-level models for beginners and recreationalists. For advanced and more demanding athletes, there are the products from the A-line, all manufactured in Thailand.
The King Pro Revo are absolutely great shin guards for kickboxing and thai boxing considering the low price. They are pleasant, comfortable, and sharply priced protectors.
Fit King Pro Revo (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the King Pro Revo is more than adequate. The model clearly stands out from shin guards in lower price ranges due to the better fit. The part that protects the shins follows the shape of your legs excellently. The footbed could have been a bit larger.
The two hook & loop closures, the Velcro behind the Achilles tendon, and the elastic under your foot further improve the fit. They keep the shin guards sufficiently in place during training.
Protection King Pro Revo (Score: 6/10)
The protection of the King Pro Revo is adequate for beginner kickboxers. The padding of the shin guard provides enough protection for an entry-level model. However, do not expect protection against the hardest kicks.
The King shin guards offer sufficient protection for recreationalists during training and sparring. However, if you are looking for more protection, you should consider shin guards from 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 ease of use of the King shin guards is fine. The closure system does require some getting used to. While most brands opt for elastic behind the Achilles tendon, the King Pro Revo features an additional Velcro closure. It works, but we are not really fans of it ourselves.
You first put your foot through the elastic meant for under the foot, then the velcro goes behind the Achilles tendon. Then you fasten the two straps behind your legs yourself and you’re ready to start. Once on, they offer a good fit, but it takes a little getting used to.
Build quality King Pro Revo (Score: 6/10)
The build quality of the Revo is sufficient, but it doesn’t feel very convincing. The material feels a bit too plastic and cheap. Not surprising given the price range of these shin guards. We must mention that this is really a bestseller for us and there are very few complaints about the quality.
The shin guards feel fine and you can see they are meant for real kickboxing training.
Price King Pro Revo (Score: 9/10)
The King shin guards fall into the lower price category and naturally score a lot of popularity there. It is an excellent choice to start with. Especially if you don’t use shin guards every training session, as is often the case in MMA. You will enjoy training a lot because you have your own set handy without it costing an arm and a leg.
Features King Pro Revo:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closure | Hook & loop (2x), velcro, elastic |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | approx. 540 g (per pair) |
| Colors | Black, Green, Black-gold |
Advantages:
+ Sharp pricing
+ Good fit
Disadvantages:
- Does not feel very sturdy
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SCOREBOARD*:
| 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 | Construction | 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 |
* The scores are based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, external product reviews, ratings, and our own expertise.
CONCLUSIONS
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Twins Special SGL7 |
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Score: 41/50 |
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| Price indication: | €130 - €150 |
| Advantages: | Perfect fit, extremely light, top quality |
| Disadvantages: | Higher price |
| Best choice for: | Athletes who like light materials and perfect fit |
| Shop now | |
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King SGL7 |
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Score: 41/50 |
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| Price indication: | €120 - €140 |
| Advantages: | Excellent fit, sturdy, top quality |
| Disadvantages: | Slightly heavier |
| Best choice for: | Fighters who like solid shin guards |
| Shop now | |
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XPRT Fight Gear Pro V3 |
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Score: 37/50 |
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| Price indication: | €60 - €80 |
| Advantages: | Lightweight, affordable, good protection |
| Disadvantages: | No hook & loop, slightly less fit |
| Best choice for: | Price-conscious athletes who weigh price against quality |
| Shop now | |
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Hayabusa T3 |
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Score: 36/50 |
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| Price indication: | €160 - €230 |
| Advantages: | Extremely sturdy, many innovations, good protection |
| Disadvantages: | Large, expensive |
| Best choice for: | Athletes who love innovative materials and technology |
| Shop now | |
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King Pro Boxing Revo |
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Score: 34/50 |
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| Price indication: | €60 - €80 |
| Advantages: | Good fit, affordable |
| Disadvantages: | Not very sturdy, less protection |
| Best choice for: | Price-conscious recreationalists who weigh price against protection level |
| Shop now | |
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 mainly protect the shin itself and usually also the feet via a separate foot section. The shin guards should therefore reach approximately just below your knee.
They should preferably fit snugly around your legs so they can slide as little as possible during sparring and/or training sessions. When in doubt, choose a size smaller rather than larger.
What is better: a regular Velcro fastening or a hook & loop fastening?
Normally, we prefer a hook & loop fastening because these are usually easier to tighten than a regular Velcro fastening (which closes in only one direction).
However, it is impossible to make a hook & loop fastening that fits everyone perfectly. One person has thicker or thinner lower legs than another. Your build therefore plays a role in this.
Are leather shin guards better than synthetic leather or PU shin guards?
Almost all shin guards for kickboxing and thai boxing 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 nowadays have almost the same positive qualities as genuine leather (and sometimes even better).
How does a shin guard for kickboxing stay securely in place?
One of the most important aspects of a good shin guard for kickboxing and thai boxing (or any other form of stand-up fighting) is that it stays firmly in place. This is largely determined by the (anatomical) shape of the shin guard and the way it fastens. That is why almost all good shin guards use multiple fastenings combined with (multiple) elastics.
How can I best maintain my shin guards?
Make sure to take your shin guards (just like the rest of your sports equipment) out of your bag immediately after each training session at home. Let them air out and store them in a dry and naturally ventilated place.
After use, wipe them with a lightly damp clean cloth to remove sweat and other dirt residues resulting from training. Optionally use an antibacterial spray - such as Sukkiri spray or FreshKO - against bad odors.
NEVER put them in the washing machine!
Osu! And lots of kickboxing fun! Keep kicking!
