The Best Krav Maga Shin Guard Protective Gear

Believe it or not, shin guards could be your most important and over-looked investment for striking with the shin (and blocking leg kicks).

Obviously, shin guards are meant to protect the shins when defending a leg-kick with a shin block. But, the truth is, shin guards do much more than protect the shin. Two serious and potentially career ending injuries that can occur during a shin block include (1) an ankle fracture and/or damage to the ankle’s connective tissue, and (2) serious damage to the knee cap and connective tissue.

Both injuries can likely be avoided with high quality shin guards that feature:

1. Great construction and materials to absorb powerful kicks
2. Super fit and finish for all-around comfort and protection
3. Strategically located re-enforced padding at the ankle and knee
4. Clever modules that protect and anchor the shin guard (non-slip features are a must)
5. Designs that allow full range of motion and rotation

Be careful when evaluating protective equipment – particularly shin guards. Often, the equipment is made overseas to save money, but this also implies that the brand in question likely doesn’t have any innovative patents or features (as the risk of overseas patent infringement or knock-offs often keep the most innovative players out of these OEM markets).

Krav Maga Shin Guard Protective Equipment Review

If budget is a non-issue, I’d strongly recommend Hayabusa. I specifically like the Mirai Series, the Kanpeki Elite series, and the Tokushu series shin guards. I own a pair, and I’m happy to utilize all the features and benefits every time I block a shin kick.

If you are looking for a good pair of shin guards for under $100/pair, I’d recommend RevGear’s Thai Destroyer ($79.99) or Suneate ($89.99) shin guards. For a few dollars less, go with the Defender Gel shin guards ($69.99).

Title Boxing carries a good number of shin guard makes and brands, just use the criteria provided here to assess each pair before buying. Better yet, if you have the opportunity, try on several styles and brands before you make a decision (even try a few shin kick blocks for a quick test drive).

Krav Maga Training Safety Shin Guards

Keep in mind, shin guards are a vital investment in your training safety. Often, new students move into a striking class where shin guards are required, and due to a lack of understanding about their importance, cheap, ineffective shin guards are purchased. That’s a bad idea on all fronts. Do yourself a huge favor – buy the best shin guards you can afford. Your leg, ankle, and knee will thank you for it!