Quick answer: Choose the type first: lightweight guards for fast technical sparring, full-coverage guards for hard sparring, slip-on guards for competition and mixed training. Then choose the size – most Thai brands make S to XL – so the guard covers you from just below the knee to the top of the foot and doesn't twist when you kick.
Shin guards are the first piece of protective gear most people buy once they start sparring. They protect your shins and the top of your feet when you kick and check kicks – and they protect your training partner. Getting the right pair comes down to three decisions: the type, the size and the closure.
Step 1: choose the type
| Type | Best for | Examples | Price range in our store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight / slim | Fast, technical sparring; people who dislike bulky guards | Raja Lightweight V4, Raja LS-2 Slim | ~$52–$73 |
| Full coverage | Hard sparring and heavier kickers; the most padding | Raja Standard, Arwut SG3, Sandee Cool-Tec Boot, Windy WSG3 | ~$73–$178 |
| Slip-on / elastic | Competition, light sparring, mixed training | Arwut SGE1, Sandee Slip-on Competition, BOON Competition | ~$40–$58 |
| MMA | Sparring with takedowns and ground work | Top King MMA | ~$90 |
If you are not sure, most people training Muay Thai two or three times a week are well served by a strapped Muay Thai guard – lightweight if you value speed, full coverage if your gym spars hard. The difference between Muay Thai and MMA guards is explained in Muay Thai vs MMA shin guards.
Step 2: get the size right
Most Thai brands size adult shin guards S, M, L and XL – Raja Boxing, Arwut, Fairtex, Thai Battle, Windy and Top King all use this range. BOON Sport also makes XXL, and some Sandee models come in M and L, or S/M and L/XL. Sizes are not identical between brands, so check the chart on the product page when the brand provides one.
The fit check is the same for every brand:
- Length: the guard covers your shin from just below the knee down to the top of your foot. It should not press into the knee when you bend your leg.
- Instep: the foot pad sits on top of your foot, not on the ankle joint.
- Width: the padding covers the front and the sides of the shin, where kicks land.
- Stability: with the straps fastened snugly, the guard does not twist to the side or slide down after a few kicks on the bag.
A guard that keeps twisting is usually too big; one that leaves the lower shin or the top of the foot exposed is too small. If you are between two sizes, ask us before ordering. Our sizing guide covers shorts, gloves and hand wraps too.
Step 3: check the closure and the instep
Strapped Muay Thai guards usually close with two or three velcro straps behind the calf. Fasten the lower strap first, then the upper one, snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Slip-on guards have no straps: they pull on like a sleeve and stay put because they fit closely, which is why they suit competition and mixed training. Whatever the closure, make sure the instep pad is attached firmly – the top of the foot takes a lot of impact when you kick an elbow or a checked shin.
Lightweight vs full coverage: the trade-off
Lightweight guards such as the Raja LS-2 Slim keep you fast and are comfortable for long sessions, but they have less padding. Full-coverage guards such as the Arwut SG3 or Sandee Cool-Tec Boot absorb more of a hard kick, and they are bulkier. Many people who spar regularly start with one pair of full-coverage guards; lighter fighters and technical sparrers often prefer slim guards. Raja Boxing alone makes more than 60 shin guard models in our store, so there is plenty of choice in both styles.
Kids' shin guards
- Sandee Kids Cool-Tec Boot and Sandee Kids Authentic Boot: Kids size for roughly ages 5–10, Junior for ages 10–15 or up to 5'5" tall.
- Fairtex SPK9 Kids: 8–10 Y and 10–12 Y.
- Thai Battle SKTB-B1 and Yuth Gold Kids: separate kids' sizes listed on each product.
Make them last
- Open the straps and air-dry the guards after every session – never leave them in a closed gym bag.
- Wipe the inside with a damp cloth to keep sweat and smell down.
- Close the velcro when you store them so it doesn't collect lint.
Find your pair
Browse more than 140 Thai-made shin guards, or shop by brand: Raja Boxing, Sandee, Arwut, BOON Sport. Complete your sparring kit with protective gear. We ship worldwide from Phuket, Thailand: allow 1–3 business days for us to source and pack your order; with Standard International Shipping, delivery takes 7–15 business days in total. See shipping & delivery for details.