Shin Pads for Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a contact sport classified as a striking art, though some people group it with the mixed martial arts. Kickboxing athletes throw kicks and punches at each other to score points. Participants wear boxing gloves and other protective equipment during practice and matches to prevent injury. Shin pads, also called shin guards, protect the shinbone.

  1. Anatomy

    • The shinbone, otherwise known as the tibia, is the long, large bone in the lower leg. The shinbone carries most of your body's weight and supports the ankle and knee joints. Unlike the fibula, the other lower leg bone that is situated toward the back of the leg, the tibia is not padded by large muscles. The bony nature of the tibia makes the shin vulnerable to injury.

    Protection

    • Shin pads are used for protective purposes in the sport of kickboxing. Tibia fractures are common in sports when someone falls or when a direct blow and twisting force are combined in a collision between two competitors. Shin pads or guards give the tibia more padding to help prevent injuries stemming from a misplaced kick. Pads may also be used to help acclimate beginning kickboxers to the direct contact with the shins. Light pads not only protect against injury, they also protect the shins when the unaccustomed contact with the leg is uncomfortable. Pads shield your leg from pain, and as you become used to the contact of your opponent's foot against your leg, you may no longer experience as much discomfort.

    Requirements

    • Peter Belmar, author of "Thai Kickboxing for Beginners," explains the requirements for shin pads in different forms of kickboxing. American Kickboxing in the United States requires the use of shin pads during all competitive matches. American Kickboxing is also known as Full Contact in Britain. The requirements for wearing protective gear and the number of kicks performed per round differ between American Kickboxing and Thai Boxing. Thai Boxing or Muy Thai, is older than the more modern American Kickboxing. Muy Thai athletes may also use shin pads during practice but are not necessarily required to wear them during competition.

    Types and Fit

    • Shin pads are soft and strap on the leg with buckles or a hook-and-loop tape closure. The inner padding of kickboxing shin guards is made of foam. The outer covering may consist of a wide range of materials, including vinyl, leather or cotton cloth. The type of shin pad you wear depends on personal comfort. For best results, make sure the pad covers your entire shin from ankle to knee.