The Best MMA Shin Guards

Buying Guide

As one of the most popular sports in the world, mixed martial arts has gotten plenty of attention. Known widely as MMA, the sport pulls in some of the best aspects of martial arts, including boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu and karate, making it particularly popular with younger athletes.

As with any sport based on fighting, though, MMA athletes suffer high rates of injuries. Trauma, particularly in the head, is common in the sport and often goes undocumented. Since players are kicking and punching, bones and muscles can be vulnerable, leading to short-term injuries. The good news is, there’s no evidence that MMA fighters are more likely to suffer long-term musculoskeletal or neurological injuries, so most of these injuries heal.

But if you don’t want to be temporarily sidelined, some good protective equipment is in order. The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports has strict regulations for apparel in competitions. Only trunks, a mouthpiece and gloves are allowed, with male fighters permitted to wear groin protection. Female fighters can wear a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt and/or sports bra, with no chest protection allowed. Hand wraps and sleeves to protect knees and ankles are permitted, though.

But these rules apply specifically to higher-tier competitions. For practice and some amateur matches, you can add other types of protection to that list. Some smaller competitions may even require them. Shin guards are among those useful items. They offer a layer of protection to your shins while you’re fighting, potentially preventing painful breaks and fractures.

There are some things to consider as you’re shopping for shin guards, though. First, there are likely regulations that apply to your practice session or competition. You’ll also need to choose shin guards that fit the particular activities you’re focusing on. If you’re strengthening your grappling skills, for instance, you’ll want a pair of guards that will protect while not inhibiting movement. If you’re boosting your Muay Thai or kickboxing skills, you’ll need heavy-duty protection in the shin area. Luckily, you can find shin guards for each of those needs.

• Sizing can vary widely from one shin guard to the next. You’ll find many come in sizes labeled extra small to large or extra large, but you should also pay attention to the measurements to make sure it will comfortably cover your entire shin.
• You’ll want your shin guard to offer shock absorption from the direct hits you may take in the ring. Foam is a popular material for this, but some shin guards build in gel for extra protection.
• Perspiration is an unavoidable part of practicing and competing. Look for shin guards with material that wicks moisture away from the skin to help keep you dry in the ring or on the mat.
• Some shin guards build in features like hook-and-loop straps designed to customize the fit. This can help you ensure you’re getting top protection while also staying as comfortable as possible.
• Top-notch protection doesn’t mean you have to weigh yourself down. You can find shin guards that are lightweight but also keep you safe.
• You’ll probably want to clean your shin guards between uses. Unfortunately, the foam that provides the protection you need might not allow for machine washing. For the utmost convenience, look for shin guards that let you remove the foam when you’re ready to toss them in the washer.
• With some shin guards, you get compression features. This provides a little extra support for comfort, and some experts believe compression garments help reduce the risk of injury.
• You’ll commonly see shin guards in black, but you can find other colors. White is a popular option, but some come in bright blues and reds to help you really make a statement.
• The foam padding in some shin guards can lose its shape over time, especially if you wash them. Look for shin guards with padding that’s meant to hold up.