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11 Best Muay Thai & MMA Shin Guards

mma shin guards

(Meister)

If you are into MMA, kickboxing or Muay Thai, a pair of shin guards should certainly be something on your shopping list. After all, sparring with a partner or kicking a heavy bag can be painful. So what are the best MMA shin guards available right now? We compiled a list below of some of the most popular and effective shin guards to help make your decision easier. Take a look and see which pair suits you best. And if you need other gear, check out our picks for the top MMA gloves.

What are the Best MMA Shin Guards?

venum elite standup mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Durable
  • High-density foam
  • Embossed label
Price: $119.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
meister edge mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Gel padding
  • Ergonomic design
  • Cowhide leather construction
Price: $49.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
rdx mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Shock dispersing
  • 5-layer design
  • Hook-and-loop closure
Price: $42.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
fairtex mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Unique detachable design
  • Reinforced padding
  • Expanded side protection
Price: $89.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
venum predator mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Heavily padded
  • Lightweight
  • Durable leather construction
Price: $64.61 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
combat sports mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Ideal for sparring
  • Thick foam protection
  • Durable leather
Price: $51.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
hayabusa t3 striking shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Flexible
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
Price: $149.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
sanabul Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Triple-stitching
  • Good value
Price: $35.48 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
rdx s3 mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Extra knee padding
  • Breathable
  • Shock dispersing
Price: $49.44 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
top king superstar shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Extra knee padding
  • Lightweight
  • Multiple colors available
Price: $87.97 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
elite sports mma shin guards Amazon Customer Reviews
  • High-density foam
  • Lightweight & flexible
  • Good value
Price: $21.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Constructed of 100 percent Skintex leather for extra comfort and durability
    • High-density foam padding provides excellent protection and shock absorption
    • There are 2 large velcro straps and elastic bands under the foot and heel for a custom fit
    Cons:
    • A bit on the pricey side
    • Some users felt the upper velcro strap was a little uncomfortable
    • Some users felt they were too rigid in the ankle area

    The Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards are known for their long-term durability, extra protective foam padding, secure fit, and stylish appearance.

    Made of 100 percent Skintex leather, these MMA shin guards are built to last and supply maximum comfort. The high-density foam and the additional shinbone and instep padding provide excellent protection and shock absorption. The two large velcro straps and elastic bands under the foot and arch ensure a custom, secure fit.

    The Elite Shin Guards are available in multiple colors and feature an embossed Venum logo.

    Take a look at our recommendations for the top Muay Thai heavy bags, which are ideal for kicking, punching, knee/elbow strikes and more. 

  2. 2. Meister Edge MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Ergonomic design has the guards follow the contour of your legs for a custom, comfortable fit
    • There is a slight curve on the inside which is design to allow them to mold to your instep
    • High-density foam and Gel padding on top of the foot provides excellent protection
    Cons:
    • Supplies might be limited
    • Only 1 color scheme available
    • Some users felt the strap underneath the foot slipped too easily

    If protection is what you’re looking for, then the Meister MMA Edge Shin Guards could be what you need as they feature high-density foam and shock-absorbing Gel-Padding on the tops of the feet.

    Made of 100 percent Cowhide leather, the shin guards are designed to follow the contour of your legs and they have a slight curve on the inside which allows them to mold to your insteps. There are three foot bands and two leg straps that hold the guards in place. These all combine to get you a comfortable custom fit. 

    There are rubber dots on the bottom strap to provide extra protection for the ball of your foot.

    Check out the Century Wavemaster XXL and take your home workouts to another level.

  3. 3. RDX MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Mayahide leather construction is lightweight yet very durable
    • Shell Shock is strategically placed and offers consistent shock absorption
    • 5-layer construction includes outer layer, shock dispersion sheet, EVA-lution foam layer, blacktop laminated fabric, and moisture-wicking QD-1 liner
    Cons:
    • Some users felt the foot area was a bit uncomfortable
    • Some users felt they weren't suitable for very short people
    • Some users experienced durability issues too quickly

    The RDX Shin Guards are highlighted by 5-layer construction and innovative technology designed for maximum performance.

    The 5 surfaces are the outer lightweight and durable Mayahide leather, the shell shock gel infused dispersion sheet, the EVA-lution foam layer, the blacktop laminated spongy fabric sheet, and the moisture-wicking QD-1 lining.

    Other features include MMT ventilation technology, flat lock seam stitching, hook-and-loop closure, and in step elastic straps.

    Get a full workout and training session in at home with our choices for the top grappling and punching dummies.

  4. 4. Fairtex SP7 MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Detachable shin and foot protectors make the guards more versatile
    • The front shin has reinforced padding for more protection
    • Shin and toe protectors can be adjusted 180 degrees for comfortable, custom fit
    Cons:
    • Some users felt they were too bulky
    • Some users might not like the detachable, 2-piece design
    • Some users said they took longer to put on than traditional 1-piece shin guards

    These MMA shin guards, the Fairtex SP7, are unique in that they have detachable shin and foot protectors making more versatile for other styles of martial arts training.

    The shin and toe protectors can also be adjusted (up/down, left/right) 180 degrees for a customizable fit. There’s reinforced padding in the shin area and expanded side protection. 

    There is no stitching between the shin and toe protector and that helps alleviate pressure. There are adjustable velcro straps to fit users of all sizes.

    Free standing punching bags can be used for a variety of Martial Arts styles, including Boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai and more.

  5. 5. Venum Predator Standup Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Constructed of Skintex and Buffalo leather for added durability
    • Thick foam padding for extra protection for the shin and instep
    • Lightweight, yet strong, construction promotes more mobility and speed
    Cons:
    • On the pricey side
    • Some users felt the straps were a bit uncomfortable
    • Some users felt they didn't run true to size

    Lightweight, yet strong and durable, the Venum Predator Standup Shin Guards promote maximum mobility and better speed.

    Made of a blend of Skintex and Buffalo leather, the guards have high-density foam and extra padding in the shins and insteps for even more protection and shock absorption.

    Other features include velcro straps so you can get a comfortable, custom no-slip fitting and an embossed label with stylish graphics.

    For more training and conditioning, check out our picks for the top speed bag platforms for home gym use.

  6. 6. Combat Sports MMA Training Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Thick foam adds excellent protection for the shin and instep
    • A neoprene sleeve fits snug to the leg, keeping the guards in place during even the most intense training sessions
    • Durable leather striking surface covers the entire guard -- shin, ankle, and foot
    Cons:
    • It's an older model, so quantities might be limited
    • Some users said they aren't easy to put on or take off
    • These are best suited for training/sparring sessions, not competitions

    The Combat Sport MMA Training Shin Guards are ideal for sparring sessions from bag striking to intense practice.

    There’s a neoprene sleeve that fits snug to your leg, helping the shin guard stay in place during more intense sessions. The thick foam padding provides maximum protection for both the shin and instep. The guards are made of durable leather and offer protection for the ankles and feet, as well.

    Want to do more work on your core? If so, take a peek at our picks for the best ab rollers and machines on the market right now and turn your space into the ultimate home gym.

    And check out more Combat Sports MMA Products for other options and products.

  7. 7. Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • There are hundreds of silicone beads in the lining designed to prevent sliding and movement
    • Multi-layer foam padding contours to your leg shape and offers maximum protection and shock absorption
    • Made of super strong Vylar engineered leather for extra durability
    Cons:
    • On the pricey side
    • Some users felt they didn't run true to size
    • Some users didn't think the silicone beads were as effective as they should in preventing slipping

    Highlighted by the two adjustable straps with hundreds of sillicone beads to limit slipping and movement, the Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards offer a comfortable, custom fit.

    Made of Vylar engineered leather, the shin guards have pre-curved, multi-layer padding that molds to the contour of your legs. It offers full protection from the knee to the foot. There are also heel and instep elastic supports.

    Check out more Hayabusa MMA gear and equipment for other options.

  8. 8. Sanabul Essential Hook & Loop MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Hook and loop design has double strap fasteners to help minimize movement and slippage
    • Features a one-piece high-impact foam for maximum shin protection
    • Ergonomic in-step padding designed to mold to the contours of your feet for a custom fit
    Cons:
    • Some users felt they didn't fit true to size
    • Some felt they were best suited for beginners and not advanced users
    • Some users felt they didn't offer as much protection as other models

    The Sanabul Essential Hook and Loop Shin Guards won’t break the bank and are designed to provide a comfortable, non-slip fit.

    The hook and loop design has double strap fasteners to help limit movement during training sessions. There is a one-piece high-impact foam pad for maximum shin protection, while the padding for the in-step is designed to mold to the contours of your feet for a custom fit. These MMA shin guards are triple-stitched for added durability.

    Are you looking to add to your home gym? If so, check out our recommendations for the top jump ropes for killer cardio workouts.

  9. 9. RDX S3 MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Supremo-Shock foam in the knee offers plenty of protection and shock absorbancy
    • EVA padding is shock dispersing and helps protect the shin
    • Quick-EZ hook and loop closure provides a secure, non-slip fit
    Cons:
    • Some users they were best suited for casual training and not official tournaments
    • Some users might not prefer shin guards with extra knee padding
    • Some users felt they didn't run true to size

    If you’re looking for MMA shin guards with extra knee padding, then you’re in the right place as the RDX S3 Guards feature Supremo-Shock foam, which is designed to absorb shock in the knee cap while in defense.

    Made of durable lightweight woven carbon fiber fabric, they have an extra layer EVA padding for maximum shock dispersion in the shins. The foot instep provides added protection. The fabric wicks away moisture and is very breathable, while the Quick-EZ hook and loop system and strap closures provide a custom, comfortable, non-slip fit.

    Browse the entire RDX Store for more options and other products, including punching bags, gloves, protective gear, and much more.

  10. 10. Top King Superstar MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • Hook and loop closure gets you a secure and comfortable fit
    • Extra padding in the knee area offers excellent protection
    • Very lightweight, durable, and flexible
    Cons:
    • Some users felt they were too bulky
    • Some users felt they didn't run true to size
    • Quantities might be limited

    The Top King Super Star Shin Guards are highlighted by extra padding in the kneecap area for maximum protection.

    These MMA shin guards feature a hook and loop closure system with two velcro straps so you can get a comfortable, custom fit. Very lightweight and durable, they offer protection from knee to foot. 

    Are you also into boxing? If so, then take a look at our recommendations for the top boxing gloves on the market right now.

  11. 11. Elite Sports MMA Shin Guards

    Pros:
    • High-density impact foam offers excellent protection
    • Lightweight and flexible, you'll have full range of motion and speed
    • Easy slide on and off design
    Cons:
    • Some users felt they weren't very durable
    • Some users felt there wasn't enough protection in the ankle area
    • Some users felt too much of their feet were exposed

    The Elite Sports MMA Shin Guards feature high-density, shock-absorbing impact foam for extra protection.

    Lightweight and flexible, they’re designed to give you full range of motion and quicker kicks and strikes. The design makes them easy to slip on and off. The stretchable strap will conform to the contour of your legs and limit slipping and movement. Ideal for all martial arts, the shin guards clean easily and quickly.

    Check out a wider selection of Elite Sports MMA Products for more options and gear.

What are the Best MMA Shin Guards Under $50?

There are a number of high quality options for shin guards under $50, but if you want to listen to the people and their reviews, you can't go wrong with the RDX Shin Guards

SATRA and SMAAF (Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation) approved, these MMA shin guards are made of durable Maya Hide leather with a nylon inner fabric. 

They consist of 5 layers -- 1) the Maya Hide leather outer, 2) an infused shock dispersement sheet, 3) an EVA-Lution foam cushioining for maximum protection, 4) a spongy blacktop fabric, and 5) a QD-1 lining, which is designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool and dry.

Other features include the Quick-EZ hook and loop closure for a comfortable, custom non-slip fit, flat-lock seam stitching, and MMT ventilation technology.