Things To Consider Before Purchasing Muay Thai Shin Protectors

If you are not familiar with the term “Muay Thai”, it is a full-contact competitive martial art that ranks among the most dangerous violent sports. It is the most effective of striking sports, with a history of bloody carnage in tournament fights across the world. The leg, especially below the knee, gets regularly battered during fights due to knee strikes featuring prominently in every fighter’s arsenal.

Shin protectors are a fighter’s best friend in the ring. With hundreds of choice options in protective equipment, it is essential to know which one will be the most effective in absorbing those high-impact strikes to your leg. Here are the top 5 tips on choosing good Muay Thai shin protectors for your daily practice.

Choose The Material That Suits You Best

There are generally two types of Muay Thai shin protectors available in the market. The leather variants with Velcro straps are thicker and more protective in nature, letting you spar very hard without feeling much pain. However, they have a notorious tendency to move around on your leg and create impedance to the fluid motion required while sparring. So, you get better protection at the cost of mobility.

On the other hand, we have a cotton variety that is to be worn like a sock. It covers the leg below your knee while being very comfortable in the dojo. Since they are secured well, they feel like an extension of the leg. The problem lies in the fact that cotton isn’t as protective as leather, leading to higher levels of pain to be endured. As a result, you get more agility and superior mobility at the cost of protection.

Check Whether It Is Wide Or Narrow

Muay Thai shin protectors can either be narrow or wide and your skin protector buying preference should be based on your body structure in general. Short and stocky fighters usually prefer wider shin guards, while thin and tall competitors choose the narrower ones. It is best to consult your instructor to decide which variety you must avail of.

Does It Protect The Toe And The Ankle?

Muay Thai shin protectors usually come with toe and ankle guards. This helps you kick harder without worrying about causing severe damage to your digits. However, it is often seen that these toe guards are abrasive on the inside, rubbing against the skin and causing damage. This makes fighters lose their toe skin on a regular basis. It is best to check out the different varieties available in the market, along with their contact surfaces, before you go ahead and get one for yourself.

Size Does Matter Here

Choosing Muay Thai shin protectors in the right size range are where most fighters face a significant challenge. A shin guard of the wrong size can be loose or constrictive, compromising on your fighting abilities.

To ensure that you get the right size, you must get your foot measured out beforehand. Generic protectors might be a lucrative choice for their low cost. However, they are usually much smaller than what you might require. Personalized protectors that are not available ready-made should be your go-to option. Also, Velcro strapping is also a major issue. Some shin protectors are seen to be uncomfortable due to the straps coming off repeatedly while fighting. That is why buckled straps or crisscrossed straps are a better option.

Is The Leather Synthetic Or Real?

For leather protectors, the question of their authenticity is significant. This is because synthetic leather cracks under a high impact load. Authentic leather is much more durable in nature, letting you absorb a higher impact without much damage. Authenticity is the key when choosing suitable Muay Thai shin protectors.

We hope that these above-mentioned factors will help you purchase good shin guards for all your Muay Thai practice needs.