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Best Shin Instep Guards
Updated September 2021
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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 TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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51
Models
Considered
207
Consumers
Consulted
18
Hours
Researched
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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.

Our Top Picks
Fairtex
Best of the Best
Fairtex
Competition Shin Guards
Bottom Line
With extended instep protection, these synthetic leather guards give solid protection during both sparring and bagwork.
Shop Now
RDX
Best Bang for the Buck
RDX
Shin Guard MMA Instep Leg Pads
Bottom Line
These higher-quality shinguards are a good pick for taller martial artists.
Shop Now
Pro Force
Top Pick
Pro Force
Cloth Shin Instep Guard for Sparring
Bottom Line
These guards are a good choice for light-to-medium contact sparring.
Shop Now
Meister MMA
Top Pick
Meister MMA
Elastic Cloth Shin & Instep Padded Guards
Bottom Line
Heavier foot padding makes these guards a better choice for mixed martial arts than for kickboxing or Muay Thai.
Shop Now
Venum
Top Pick
Venum
Challenger Standup Shinguards
Bottom Line
These intermediate-quality guards provide non-slip protection across the spectrum of martial arts sports.
Shop Now