Foot Guards

Foot guards, often sold as "kicks" or kickboxing boots, are padded guards worn over the foot for sparring. WAKO describes the competition style as one piece covering the instep, both ankle bones and the heel. It has an open sole, covered toes, an elastic toe strip and a self-adhesive strap above the heel (WAKO Rules 2022, Art. 2.3.1.10). For the guards listed here, heel and sole coverage are not stated in text, so check the product photos. Boxing boots are not foot protection.

Whether you need them depends on the discipline. Under WAKO rules, foot guards are required in point fighting, light contact and kick light (the tatami disciplines) and in full contact, worn with shin-only guards. WAKO's low kick and K1 Style are fought without them, with optional foot wraps under an ankle support. Other organisations' rules differ. For example, ISKA Europe's 2018 rules allow foot pads in full contact but not in K-1 matches. So check your club's kit list and your event's rules.

From 1 January 2025, WAKO permits only WAKO-approved safety equipment at its international and national events (WAKO Labels document, rev. 4). The same document lists foot protection among the items that must carry the WAKO label. WAKO Europe says that from 1 January 2026, equipment at WAKO competitions at every level must be WAKO-labelled. We never describe a foot guard as WAKO approved ourselves. Instead, each product page records whether WAKO's 2022 Equipment Book names the model, or whether the maker or a retailer makes the claim. Check the label on the pair you receive.