How to Choose Leg Guards

You'll find two basic types on the market: shin guards (which cover only the front of the shin) and shin and instep guards (combined protection for the entire lower leg). The vast majority of modern models protect both areas at once, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

Neoprene / Foam – lightweight, breathable, slip-on. Ideal for beginners and lighter sparring sessions. Easy to put on and take off, with an excellent fit. The downside is lower durability during hard contact.

Leather / Super-Skin – premium material offering enhanced protection. Suitable for advanced athletes and competitive use. Longer lifespan, better shock absorption, certified for official competitions.

Combined (ConVEX / Maya Hide leather) – the most durable option with a reinforced layer and anatomical shaping. For intense training and competition.

Determine whether you're looking for protective gear for light training with mitts, sparring sessions, or competition use. Certified models are required for kickboxing (WAKO) or MMA (IMMAF) competitions.

The harder the contact, the thicker the padding you need. A good rule of thumb is the thickness of the foam layer—for competition models, it’s usually 25 mm or more.

Slip-on models (without Velcro) are more comfortable and quicker to put on, but they don't adapt as well to non-standard foot shapes. Models with Velcro or polyester straps provide a more secure fit during dynamic movement.

If you plan to compete, make sure the protective gear is approved by the relevant organization (IMMAF for MMA, WAKO for kickboxing). Certified models bear the CE or UKCA mark.

How to choose the right size? Measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point and the length of your shin from your ankle to your knee.

Tip: If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger one. A guard that’s too tight restricts movement and can cause uncomfortable pressure on the shin.

If you're just starting out or train only occasionally, you don't need the most expensive models. Look for solid, basic protection at a reasonable price.

We recommend:

RDX SIB HOSIERY SHIN INSTEP GUARD FOAM Shin and Instep Guards

RDX SIB shin guards certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

For athletes who train several times a week, a combination of good protection, comfort, and durability is ideal.

We recommend:

RDX Neoprene Shin and Instep Guards, IMMAF-Approved

RDX T1 KING Shin Guards

RDX KING T1 Shin and Instep Guards

RDX F6 KARA MMA Shin Guards

IMMAF-Approved RDX Neoprene Shin Guards

Anyone who trains intensively or is preparing for a competition needs models with greater durability, better shock absorption, and, as a rule, competition certification.

We recommend:

RDX T17 Aura Shin Guards

RDX T15 Nero Shin Guards

RDX T15 Shin Guards

Certified models are required for competition use. Check the rules of your organization—WAKO for kickboxing, IMMAF for amateur MMA.

We recommend:

RDX WAKO T1 Shin Guards

RDX WAKO SHIN INSTEP T1

RDX WAKO SHIN GUARD T2

Leg guards come into direct contact with sweat and therefore require regular maintenance. Neglecting their care leads to rapid material degradation and an unpleasant odor.

Basic rules:

✔ After every workout, take the shin guards out of your bag and let them air dry—never store them wet or crumpled in the bag. Direct sunlight and heat (tumble dryers, radiators) damage the material, so always dry them in the shade.

✔ Wipe the surface regularly with a damp cloth and a small amount of soap. For leather models, you can use a leather conditioner to maintain the material’s flexibility and extend its lifespan.

✔ Neoprene and foam models can be hand-washed occasionally in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. However, they should never be put in a washing machine or dryer.

✔ If an unpleasant odor develops on the inside, treating the bag regularly with an antibacterial spray for sports equipment or sprinkling it with baking soda overnight will help.