Here are the best MMA shin guards to buy in 2024 for your ultimate protection and comfort!
Among the essential gear for any MMA practitioner are shin guards. These guards not only shield your shins from impact but also provide stability and support during intense workouts and sparring sessions. With different options available in the market, finding the perfect pair can be difficult.
Fear not, because in this article we have compiled a list of the top best MMA shin guards out there while rating them based on price, durability, and comfort.
So, whichever product you decide to go for on this list, you are sure to get good value for your money!
Let’s begin!
Top Picks for MMA Shin Guards
- Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards (Overall Pick)
- Fairtex SP5 Shin Guards
- Top King New Pro Leather Shin Guards for Muay Thai
- Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards
- FIVING MMA Martial Arts Shin Guards
- RDX shin guards
- Venum Kontact Shin Guards
- Elite Sports Muay Thai Protective Shin Guards
- Sanabul Essential Sleeve Kickboxing Shin Guards
Best Shin Guards for MMA
What Are the Best MMA Shin Guards?
Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards (Overall Pick)
These shin guards stand out as the overall pick for the most expensive option, and rightfully so.
Venum’s Elite Standup Shin Guards offer top-tier protection and comfort for serious MMA practitioners.
I have a pair of these myself, and the first thing you would notice while unboxing them is how light they are!! So much lighter than some other shin guards but they also have good padding as well. They look and fit great too, and the foot protection doesn’t dig into your foot or restrict mobility.
I really should have bought these from the start of my MMA journey as I prefer these to Fairtex, Sanubul, or Topking shin guards (which are also great options but not as good).
If you are worried about the ankle strap irritating you then wear spats underneath these.
While they come with a higher price tag, the quality and performance of the Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards make them a worthwhile investment for dedicated fighters.
Fairtex SP5 Shin Guards
These SP5 Shin Guards, also known as the Fairtex “Competition Shin Guards” are a fantastic product for athletes of any level.
Although they look bulky in the photos, they’re very tight-fitting & slim; while still having ample protection. You will surely feel very safe with these on while sparring.
Sure, you get the occasional brawler that will kick with the power of 7-suns, but for the average spar & pad work, these are perfect!
If you’d like, you can opt for the SP7, which offers a little more protection but with notable bulk, but since you plan on doing MMA work, you shouldn’t go larger than the SP5.
NOTE: the “SP” stands for “Shin protection”; the higher the numbers, the greater the protection.
This is indeed a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced fighters alike.
Top King New Pro Leather Shin Guards
Top King Shin Guards are favored by many professional fighters and are a solid choice for those looking for reliable protection in their MMA training.
These shin guards offer excellent protection for both the shins and insteps, making them suitable for intense sparring and training sessions.
The dense padding effectively absorbs impact, reducing the risk of injuries during high-impact strikes.
The secure closure system ensures a snug and comfortable fit, while the durable construction ensures longevity even with frequent use.
Note: Top King Pads are bulky, but that’s the tradeoff for more protection.
However, they’re still very easy to maneuver in, they just feel a bit odd at first until you get used to them.
Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards
Hayabusa’s T3 Striking Shin Guards is definitely one of the best in the market!
They offer great protection in terms of padding and cover most of your shin all the way up to the bottom of the knee.
They fit well and never slide around so you will not have to worry about adjusting them after they are on.
The only time they may not be ideal for MMA sparring is when you will be grappling on the ground as they are one of the most bulky shin guards out there.
For MMA sparring sessions where grappling on the ground occurs, it’s best to wear a pair of shin guards that you slide on and wrap around your whole leg and foot, like fabric shin guards.
FIVING MMA Martial Arts Shin Guards
FIVING’s MMA Martial Arts Shin Guards stand out as Amazon’s Overall Pick for a reason.
These shin guards offer solid protection at an affordable price point, making them accessible to a wide range of fighters.
The lightweight design and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable and secure fit, while the impact-absorbing padding provides adequate protection during training sessions.
While they may not have the same premium features as some higher-end models, FIVING’s shin guards offer decent performance for casual practitioners or those on a budget.
RDX Shin Guards
RDX Shin Guards also provide a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
These are amazing. I competed and sparred in these hundreds of times and never had a single issue.
Had these shin guards for a year and they finally broke during some hard sparring due to someone grabbing the heel strap but they are solid quality!
While they may not offer the same level of premium features as more expensive models, RDX Shin Guards provide good value for money for those looking for reliable protection without breaking the bank.
Venum Kontact Shin Guards
Venum is a popular brand known for its quality MMA gear, and the Kontact Shin Guards are no exception.
These shin guards offer reliable protection for the shins and insteps, with a lightweight design that allows for unrestricted movement.
The hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit, while the synthetic leather construction ensures durability.
While they may not have the same level of padding as some other models, Venum Kontact Shin Guards are a solid choice for casual practitioners or those looking for a trusted brand.
Elite Sports Muay Thai Protective Shin Guards
These are a huge bang for your buck. Right out of the box, the quality is immediately evident.
The stitching is great, and the materials feel both durable and lightweight. Fit and comfort are top-notch.
The Velcro straps provide a secure fit without feeling restrictive, and the padding is substantial enough to absorb heavy kicks but not so thick that it hampers mobility.
You can wear these for extended training sessions and sparring rounds, and still stay in place without any adjustments needed.
Protection is outstanding. You can take and deliver some heavy blows, and these shin guards would absorb the impact phenomenally, leaving you without the usual aches and pains. The added instep protection is a big bonus.
Another feature I love is how easy they are to clean. A quick wipe down and they’re good as new, ready for the next session.
I highly recommend these shin guards. They’re worth every penny!
Sanabul Essential Sleeve Kickboxing Shin Guards
Sanabul’s Essential Sleeve Kickboxing Shin Guards offer a simple yet effective solution for MMA practitioners in need of reliable protection.
The sleeve design ensures a secure fit, while the lightweight padding provides adequate protection for the shins and insteps.
I once purchased these for my student for his MMA sparring classes and I must say they’re great for the price.
This is a great choice even if you have bigger calves. The size s/m should fit your snug (not so snug that you can’t move, but enough so they don’t slip around).
And if you have smaller calves, the straps will be more useful for a secure fit.
The padding is also great, so I recommend these to anyone sparring in MMA.
How Do I Choose MMA Shin Guards?
Choosing the right MMA shin guards involves considering several factors to ensure they provide adequate protection and comfort during training or competition.
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Type of Training
Consider the type of training you’ll be doing. Are you primarily sparring, doing bag work, or focusing on grappling?
Different types of shin guards offer varying levels of protection and mobility to suit different training needs.
Protection Level
Look for shin guards with sufficient padding to protect your shins and feet from impact during training or fights.
The padding should be thick enough to absorb strikes without causing injury but not too bulky to hinder your movement.
Fit and Comfort
Proper fit is crucial for comfort and performance.
Ensure the shin guards are snug but not too tight, as this can restrict blood flow and movement. Look for adjustable straps or closures to customize the fit to your legs.
Material
Shin guards are typically made from synthetic leather, genuine leather, or a combination of both.
Synthetic leather tends to be more affordable and easy to clean, while genuine leather offers durability and a premium feel.
Choose the material that best suits your preferences and budget.
Size and Weight
Consider the size and weight of the shin guards, as heavier guards may provide more protection but can also be cumbersome during training.
Opt for a size that covers your shins adequately without restricting your movement.
Ankle Support
Some shin guards come with built-in ankle support or extra padding around the ankles.
If you’re prone to ankle injuries or want additional support, consider opting for shin guards with this feature.
Brands and Reviews
Look for reputable brands known for producing quality MMA gear.
Read reviews from other users and seek recommendations from experienced fighters or trainers to gauge the performance and durability of the shin guards.
Budget
Set a budget based on your needs and preferences. Keep in mind however that investing in a durable and high-quality pair of shin guards can provide long-term savings by avoiding frequent replacements.
Luckily for you, we considered the factors above when drawing up our list of the best MMA shin guards for 2024.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best MMA shin guards, prioritize protection, comfort, mobility, and versatility.
Invest in quality gear that not only safeguards your shins but also enhances your overall performance and training experience.
By considering these factors and exploring top-rated options, you can equip yourself with the ultimate defense for your MMA journey.
Hi, my name is Godwin. I am a passionate martial artist with black belts in Taekwondo and Karate. I have over 15 years of martial art experience. I created this platform to enable me to help you learn martial art the right way.
