Shin Guards for Kickboxing

Under WAKO rules, shin guards are required in every fighting discipline, but the shape depends on the discipline (WAKO Rules 2022, Art. 2.3.1.9). In the tatami disciplines (point fighting, light contact and kick light) and in full contact, the guard covers the shin only. It runs from under the knee to the top of the foot and is worn with separate foot guards. In low kick and K1 Style it covers the shin and the instep.

WAKO requires shin guards to be fixed on the calf with two self-adhesive strips, and bans sock-type guards in low kick, K1 Style and full contact (Art. 2.3.1.9; Chapter 7, Art. 5.1.1). Every guard listed here covers both the shin and the instep. The hybrid and cotton designs are for class training and lighter sparring.

None of these guards is described by its maker as WAKO-approved or WAKO-labelled. WAKO events require WAKO-labelled shin guards, so all are listed for training and sparring. None is the shin-only style WAKO pairs with foot guards. If you train for a tatami discipline or full contact, see our Foot Guards and check your club's kit list.