Exploring the best MMA Shin Guards for enhanced protection and performance

Exploring the best MMA Shin Guards for enhanced protection and performance

Kevin Omuya
June 30, 2023 at 10:06 AM

The rising popularity of MMA can be attributed to notable UFC figures such as Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva. In the context of Mixed Martial Arts, it is imperative to prioritise using body protection gear to mitigate the risk of sustaining severe injuries, despite the sport's commonly perceived aggressive nature. This article will delve into the top-rated MMA Shin Guards that offer superior protection and optimise performance.

Best MMA Shin Guards
Best Shin Guards for MMA. Photo: Murray
Source: Getty Images

MMA shin guards are an essential component of any gym bag's equipment. There exists a wide array of models available in the market. However, all options must provide sufficient defence while minimising restrictions on movement. While investing in higher-priced MMA equipment is generally advisable, the decision-making process can sometimes be more intricate.

What are the best MMA Shin Guards?

Although individual preferences may vary, there are several highly regarded options for shin guards in mixed martial arts. These choices consistently receive praise from both competitors and coaches alike. This resource compiles ten highly recommended MMA shin guards currently available.

1. Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guards

What size MMA Shin Guards do i need?
Fairtex Competition Muay Thai Shin Guards SP5 (Red, Small). Photo: Amazon.com
Source: UGC

They function as a model for the 8-limbed martial art. The design elements are well-suited for mixed martial arts as well. Thai boxing is renowned for its powerful kicks, leading to the development of thicker pads. Fairtex utilises traditional guards extending to the knee to enhance the effectiveness of checking low and mid-range kicks.

Pros

  • Good variety in colours and sizes
  • Handmade in Thailand
  • Thai style shape, but with less bulk
  • High-quality materials

Cons

  • Too bulky for some, especially the extended instep
  • On the expensive side

2. Revgear Superlite Shin Guards

Best MMA Shin Guards Reddit
Revgear Defender Gel Heavy Hitter Shin Guards with gel padding, extra comfortable, pre-curved, extra Cushion and great fit. Photo: Amazon.com
Source: UGC

They are both extremely lightweight and provide exceptional protection. The guards include a second layer at the shin to absorb the force of powerful kicks. However, the instep is lower and constructed from three different sections to ensure possible foot mobility, which is essential in ground combat.

Pros

  • Ideal for MMA sparring
  • Excellent shin protection at a very lightweight
  • Good value for the quality and versatility
  • High-quality materials and production quality

Cons

  • Not that good for heavy kicking and striking sparring.

3. Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards

Best MMA Shin Guards
Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards. Photo: Carousell
Source: UGC

The T3 shin guards achieve this by extending laterally to shield the side of the knee, frequently struck by low kicks. They have multilayered padding that absorbs impact without adding unnecessary bulk.

Pros

  • Great quality and durability
  • Side extension protecting the side of the knee
  • Amazing protection
  • Open back design with two secure straps

Cons

  • Very bulky, not suitable for grappling at all
  • Quite expensive

4. Combat XMartial Shin Guards

Best Shin Guards MMA
Combat XMartial Shin Guards. Photo: Roninwear
Source: UGC

The straps, by extension, and the comfort are the best feature of these shin guards. Because of the buckles, the straps may be adjusted to the desired tightness, significantly reducing the possibility of them shifting to one side. The only drawback is that they are thin, making them unsuitable for mighty kickers. However, this makes them ideal for mixed martial arts (MMA), where bulky shin protectors are counterproductive while grappling.

Pros

  • Excellent strapping system
  • Very comfortable
  • A good variety of sizes
  • Good value

Cons

  • Too little padding for heavier fighters

5. Venum Elite Shin Guards

How to wash MMA Shin Guards?
The Venum Elite Shin Guards with additional padding for protection and enhanced shock absorption. Photo: Roninwear
Source: UGC

The company manufactures high-quality products that excel in various aspects, such as quality, affordability, and style. The Elite line of products is specifically designed to meet the needs of athletes who subject their equipment to intense strain during training. These shin and instep guards are lightweight and provide exceptional protection, making them an essential accessory for athletes.

Pros

  • Killer design
  • Great multi-layered protection
  • Ergonomic fit
  • Handmade in Thailand
  • Very durable

Cons

  • On the expensive side
  • Some users have complained about unpleasant rubbing

6. Sanabul Essential Hybrid Shin Guards

How should MMA Shin Guards fit?
Sanabul Essential Hybrid Kickboxing MMA Shin Guards. Photo: Amazon.com
Source: UGC

The Sanabuls shin guards are a hybrid design combining Muay Thai and mixed martial arts elements. They feature a hook-and-loop strap and a slip-on sleeve, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The model incorporates enhanced cushioning in strategically targeted areas, ensuring that safety remains uncompromised.

Pros

  • Amazing value for money
  • A snug and comfortable fit
  • Good variety of sizes and colours
  • Good levels of protection

Cons

  • Not as durable as more expensive models
  • Some people say that they are too snug for big calves
  • Less than-perfect stitching

7. Venum Challenger Shin Guards

What size MMA Shin Guards do i need?
Venum Contender 2.0 Shin Guards Black-Red. Photo: Roninwear.com
Source: UGC

Specific mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes prefer the Challenger model due to its superior lightweight construction and enhanced manoeuvrability compared to the Elite model. While the Elite and Predator models exhibit a certain level of refinement, these shin guards surpass them in overall excellence.

Pros

  • Very competitive price for the quality
  • Remarkable durability
  • Good variety of sizes and colours

Cons

  • Velcro straps can be better
  • Too light for heavier fighters

8. Top King Pro Leather Shin Guards

What are the best MMA Shin Guards?
Top King Shin Guards are perfect for kickboxing and Muay Thai. Photo: Fightstore
Source: UGC

Top King, a prominent Thai company, has yet to receive recognition in the Western market. The traditional design incorporates supplementary cushioning at the shin and foot ridges. Top King manufactures these products using authentic leather materials at an affordable price.

Pros

  • Real leather
  • Amazing protection
  • Classic Thai design
  • Made in Thailand

Cons

  • Too bulky for MMA

9. RDX Maya Hide Leather Shin Guards

Best MMA Shin Guards Reddit
RDX Shin Guards Muay Thai leg instep protector with MMA kickboxing martial arts pads. Photo: eBay
Source: Depositphotos

RDX is a reputable British producer that offers a range of high-quality products at competitive prices. Both the SATRA and SMMAF have granted their approval to the high-quality Maya hide leather products. The use of elaborate terminology frequently characterises RDX's innovations. The RDX model is competitively priced, providing ample safety, comfort, and durability.

Pros

  • Maya hides leather
  • Extra-long instep for protection of the fingers
  • five layers of protection
  • Swedish MMA Federation certification

Cons

  • Too long for shorter-legged fighters
  • Quality is not on par with more expensive models

10. Meister MMA Cloth Shin Guards

How should MMA Shin Guards fit?
Meister Elastic cloth shin and instep guards - Muay Thai MMA Taekwondo leg pads. Photo: eBay
Source: UGC

Textile shin guards are commonly utilised in amateur MMA and Muay Thai competitions. Compared to solid counterparts, lighter and thinner options are less obstructive during striking or grappling activities while providing relatively lower levels of protection.

The textile shin guard manufactured by Meister is unparalleled in quality. The shoes are easily worn, and a strap across the top ensures their security.

Pros

  • Very cheap
  • Perfect fit due to the top strap
  • Cool design

Cons

  • Not a lot of protection
  • Run a bit small

What size MMA Shin Guards do I need?

When shopping for shin guards, it is essential to consider the trade-offs involved. A more robust design offers enhanced protection. Nevertheless, this directly impacts an individual's freedom of movement. Specific fitness centres may have regulations regarding the permissible types of shin guards that can be worn.

How to wash MMA Shin Guards?

A moistened towel can effectively remove dirt and sweat from MMA shin protectors. To effectively clean, use a small amount of detergent or soap combined with warm water. You can apply this solution using a fresh sponge or cloth.

Wash and rinse your body using clean water. It is recommended to provide sufficient time for the items to dry entirely before their subsequent use.

How should MMA Shin Guards fit?

Please provide the measurements of your shins because it needs to be utilised more in conjunction with the manufacturer's sizing chart. To ensure the straps remain in place while walking, please fasten them securely. One can assess the range of motion and protective capabilities by testing the space for kicking and kneeling.

Best MMA Shin Guards as per Reddit

On Reddit, the most widely recognised shin guards include Fairtex, Top King, Twins, and Venum. According to rankings by Reddit users, the following brands have been identified as the top choices for shin guards in the context of mixed martial arts;

  1. Fairtex (Usually SP5)
  2. Top King
  3. Twins Special
  4. Hayabusa (Usually T3)
  5. Venum
  6. Yokkao
  7. Windy
  8. RDX
  9. Sanabul
  10. Title

If you are looking for the best MMA shin guards, any of the top recommendations will do the trick. The top pick is the Fairtex competition model; the Hayabusa T3 and the Venum Elite are highly recommended. Which solution is ideal depends on the level of security desired, the total size, and the budget.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
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