We often get asked in our store what the best shin guards are for kickboxing. There's no straightforward answer to that question.
Factors such as age, frequency of training, and training intensity are important. The purpose of a shin guard is to protect your shin and instep.
When you start kickboxing, you'll often experience pain in your shin. This is because your shin needs time to adjust to the impact of the kicks and blocks you're making.
The nerves on the surface of your shin slowly die off, so you feel less and less pain. However, if you stop training, these nerves become active again and you will feel everything normally again.
However, you can't just start pedaling like an idiot if you don't feel anything anymore. For example, you could get periostitis, and that's no fun!
An ideal shin guard therefore provides sufficient protection but also allows you to feel when you deliver a kick or a block.
Best kickboxing shin guards for kids
For children aged 5 to 8 years, we always recommend a shin guard in sock form. Children can put these shin guards on themselves, which is very convenient for parents and coaches. These shin guards stay in place well and never twist.
Children can move around well and participate well in the training. This allows them to first learn the technique of kicking properly and later, if necessary, make the switch to a harder shin guard.
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Best kickboxing shin guards for adults
There is a wide selection of kickboxing shin guards for adults. Prices range from €30 to €200. In short, there is a large price difference between the cheapest and the most expensive.
This certainly doesn't mean that the cheapest shin guard is not good! For example, the cotton shin guard from XPRT is ideal for adults who train once a week and kick infrequently.
This cotton protector is also ideal for teenagers who are starting to learn kickboxing. The price is good, and you can still feel the impact of a kick with this protector.
For adults who train 2 to 3 times a week, it is recommended to wear a pre-shaped shin guard. Besides extra comfort, you're simply better protected. You still need to go to work the next day and maybe take your children to school.
Almost 90% of what we sell is a pre-shaped shin guard, and they are always made of Skintex, a super strong synthetic leather. Men and women can all wear the same shin guards; they are unisex.
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Our preferences
We think the Twins Special SGL-7 is a fantastic shin guard. It's lightweight, comfortably shaped, and proven to be incredibly durable. This model has been a favorite for years and is, of course, made in Thailand.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, we highly recommend the V3 Midnight from XPRT. Sturdy, lightweight, and reasonably priced.
If you have relatively strong lower legs, then both the King SG models and the Hayabusa T3 are excellent choices for you. These are both substantial shin guards that offer a great deal of protection.
Our top 5 shin guards for kickboxing and Muay Thai:
- Twins SGL-7 series
- King SGL-7 series
- XPRT Pro V3 Midnight
- King Revo series
- Hayabusa T3 series
