Shin Guards

MMA shin guards have to work both standing up and on the mat. They take kicks in striking exchanges, then have to stay in place through scrambles and ground work. Most cover the shin and the top of the foot. They come in three designs: sleeves that pull on like a sock, strap-on guards held with straps, and hybrids that combine elements of both.

Hayabusa's guide to the two main styles recommends slip-on guards for mobility while grappling. It says they give a locked-in fit but notes they are less easy to adjust. Strapped guards, it says, can be adjusted and suit kick-heavy sparring, but their straps can shift if they are not tightened correctly. If your classes mix striking and grappling, that trade-off is the main choice to make.

Measure before you buy. Hayabusa suggests measuring shin length from the top of the foot to just below the kneecap, and calf circumference at its widest point, then matching the maker's size chart.

If you plan to compete, check the event's rules first. IMMAF's January 2021 amateur rules prefer a tight-fitting pull-on sock or neoprene guard and forbid Velcro-type strap fasteners (section 15). UWW's amateur MMA rules allow no loose straps or Velcro and prohibit Muay Thai and kickboxing shinpads (Article 1.3). At IMMAF tournaments, the shin guards are issued to competitors.