Best Shin Instep Guards

Updated October 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Fairtex Competition Shin Guards
Fairtex
Competition Shin Guards
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Bottom Line

With extended instep protection, these synthetic leather guards give solid protection during both sparring and bagwork.

Pros

Lightweight and durable. Provides complete protection for shin and instep. Hook-and-loop pull strap. Durable synthetic leather shell. Shock-absorbing, high-density foam core. Extended instep for greater foot protection. Handmade in Thailand. Great value for the price. Easy to take on and off. Stiff, light and don't impede movement.

Cons

Some experience rubbing issues at the heel or in the "hinge" between the arch pad and upper shin.

Best Bang for the Buck
RDX Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads
RDX
Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads
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Bottom Line

These higher-quality shinguards are a good pick for taller martial artists.

Pros

Moulded design with padding. Moisture absorbing. Dual-padding built with Shell-Shock gel and Supremo-Shock Foam. Lightweight with nylon based Nylastic outer cover. Hook-and-loop closure with dual cross straps. Well-made and durable. Protect the legs well.

Cons

Individuals who are under 5'5" may have trouble finding a size that doesn't block knee movement.

Pro Force Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring
Pro Force
Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring
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Bottom Line

These guards are a good choice for light-to-medium contact sparring.

Pros

Offer light protection for sparring practice or for injured and sensitive areas. Covers entire kicking area from instep to top of shin. Cloth material holds up to regular use and washing. Comes in a variety of sizes. Pads can be removed for washing. Can be worn over shoes.

Cons

Stitching on the bottom of the foot can bunch up during a long sparring session.

Meister MMA Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards
Meister MMA
Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards
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Bottom Line

Heavier foot padding makes these guards a better choice for mixed martial arts than for kickboxing or Muay Thai.

Pros

Comfortable for sparring and even heavy bag kicking. Stay in place. Padding is ideally sized and positioned for maximum contact protection on shins and top of feet. Full elasticated body. Hook-and-loop strap secures top of guard. Padding retains your individual leg form throughout workout.

Cons

Bulky. May run small.

Venum Challenger Standup Shinguards
Venum
Challenger Standup Shinguards
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Bottom Line

These intermediate-quality guards provide non-slip protection across the spectrum of martial arts sports.

Pros

Made of durable synthetic leather. High density foam with additional padding across the shin and instep. Lightweight design provides unrestricted mobility and speed. Large hook-and-loop straps for no-slip fit. Stay in place, no matter how sweaty you get.

Cons

Hook-and-loop straps are too short for some, so be sure to measure carefully when ordering.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

51 Models Considered
10 Hours Researched
2 Experts Interviewed
145 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Shin instep guards help safeguard your ankles during sparring and training sessions. Some guards are designed for heavy bag kicking, too. Shin instep guards feature an ergonomic shape, and as such, conform to the ankles. Guards include high-density foam padding for maximum safety, and they may feature an extended instep for added foot protection. Furthermore, guards are lightweight and durable, and they often include a synthetic leather shell. Guards may come with a hook-and-loop pull strap to ensure they stay in place consistently. They are also sold in a variety of sizes and styles. Additionally, guards can typically be worn over the shoes, and they are intended for use by both adults and children.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Venum
Kontact Shin And Instep Guards
FARABI
Kids Shin Instep Pads
FitsT4 Sports
Cloth Instep Padded Elastic Training Shin Guards
RIMSports
Premium Shin Guards
DEFY Sports
Shin Instep Guard
Sanabul
Shin Guards
RDX
Shin Guards
Meister MMA
Shin And Instep Padded Guards
Meister MMA
Leather Instep Shin Guards
Fairtex
Muay Thai Shin Guards
Century
Shin Instep Guards
Elite Sports
MMA Kickboxing Shin Guards
Combat Sports
Instep Padded Shin Guards
Pro Force
Cloth Shin Instep Guard
Combat Sports
Training Instep Shin Guards
Long Life Products
Cloth Shin And Instep Guard
CL CARBONLIFE
Carbon Fiber Shin Guard
Victory Martial Arts
Martial Arts Shin Guards
adidas
Shin And Instep Protector
PROFORCE
Cloth Shin Instep Guard
WINDY
Shin Instep Guard
Fairtex
Shin Instep Guard
Verus
Shin Instep Guards
Title Boxing
Shin And Instep Guards
Brutul Fight
Cloth Shin And Instep Padded Guards
Venum
Charger Instep Shinguards
Farabi Sports
Kids Shin Pads
RAD The Ultimate Strength
Elastic Cloth Shin And Instep Padded Guards
Tiger Claw
Cloth Shin Instep Guard
Mytra Fusion
Crossfit Shin Guards
See more
×

Pro Force

Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring

Pro Force

Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring

These guards are a good choice for light-to-medium contact sparring.

$13
×

Meister MMA

Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards

Meister MMA

Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards

Heavier foot padding makes these guards a better choice for mixed martial arts than for kickboxing or Muay Thai.

$17
×

Venum

Challenger Standup Shinguards

Venum

Challenger Standup Shinguards

These intermediate-quality guards provide non-slip protection across the spectrum of martial arts sports.

$69
×

RDX

Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads

RDX

Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads

These higher-quality shinguards are a good pick for taller martial artists.

$46
×

Fairtex

Competition Shin Guards

Fairtex

Competition Shin Guards

With extended instep protection, these synthetic leather guards give solid protection during both sparring and bagwork.

$94

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Our Top Picks
Fairtex Competition Shin Guards
Best of the Best
Fairtex
Competition Shin Guards
Shop Now
RDX Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads
Best Bang for the Buck
RDX
Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads
Shop Now
Pro Force Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring
Pro Force
Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring
Shop Now
Meister MMA Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards
Meister MMA
Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards
Shop Now
Venum Challenger Standup Shinguards
Venum
Challenger Standup Shinguards
Shop Now