Whether you practice kickboxing, MMA, or Muay Thai, a good pair of shin guards is an essential part of your gear. During training and sparring, your shins take a lot of impact from repeated kicking and blocking. Without proper protection, you're at risk of painful injuries such as bruises, contusions, or even shin fractures.
The right shin guards not only allow you to train longer and more intensely, but also let you spar more safely without taking unnecessary damage. They help you throw combinations and block kicks with confidence, without putting too much stress on your shins. This contributes to better technique, more endurance, and ultimately, faster progress in your sport.
But how do you choose the right shin guard size? Just like with boxing gloves or other protective equipment, it’s important that your shin guards fit well and offer enough protection without limiting your mobility. A pair that’s too small won’t give enough coverage, while a pair that’s too large can slide around and interfere with your training.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right size and fit—so you can train comfortably and stay fully protected.
To ensure your shin guards provide optimal protection and comfort, choosing the right size is essential. Size affects not only coverage and protection but also your freedom of movement and training performance.
Below is a handy size chart that serves as a guideline to help you select the right size shin guards based on your height and body type:
| Size | Height |
|---|---|
| XXS | 80–110 cm |
| XS | 110–150 cm |
| S | 150–170 cm |
| M | 170–180 cm |
| L | 180–190 cm |
| XL | 190+ cm |
Note: This table is only a guideline. As with all sports gear, fit may vary depending on the model and brand. Some shin guards run tighter or looser depending on the design and materials used. That’s why trying them on is always recommended to make sure they fit well and stay in place during training.
In addition to the size chart, here are a few key factors that determine whether your shin guards fit properly:
Shin guards should stay firmly in place without cutting off circulation or feeling uncomfortable. A good shin guard fits securely and provides enough stability during training, without shifting or causing pressure points.
Your shins and insteps should be fully protected. A proper pair of shin guards offers sufficient coverage to shield you from heavy kicks and impacts:
Your shinbone should be completely covered to protect the sensitive bone structure.
Your instep (top of the foot) should also be well protected so you can kick safely without risking painful injuries.
Choosing shin guards with proper coverage ensures a safer, more comfortable training experience and prevents vulnerable areas from being left exposed.
Good shin guards stay in place and don’t slide around during training. To check the fit, test them out by moving and throwing kicks:
Do they stay secure when you kick? If not, they may be too big or the wrong shape for your legs.
Do you constantly have to readjust them? Shin guards that slip or twist can disrupt your training and fail to offer adequate protection.
Testing before training ensures they’ll perform well and keep you protected with every movement.
Your shin guards should be lightweight and flexible so they don’t hinder your speed or mobility. Heavy or stiff guards can slow down your kicks and negatively affect your performance.
Lightweight materials allow for quick, fluid movement so you can kick and defend without resistance.
Flexibility is key for moving comfortably and naturally, without the gear getting in your way.
Choosing guards that are both sturdy and lightweight helps you maintain your speed and agility during training and sparring.
The right shin guards can make a huge difference in your training and performance. Use the size chart as a guideline, but always try them on when possible to find the perfect fit. Invest in quality gear and train with confidence.
Looking for the best shin guards?
Explore our latest collection at Joyagear and protect yourself to the fullest!
Curious about the different shin guards we offer?
0 comments
