When you are an experienced kickboxer and you train hard, you need good equipment. Quality kickboxing equipment will give you safety and comfort, and help you train and fight more professionally. For intermediate and professional athletes, buying good, quality equipment is worth it, as it provides better protection and lasts longer.
Kickboxing Gloves
Kickboxing gloves are the most essential piece of equipment for any kickboxer. They protect your hands and wrists and reduce the impact on you and your opponent. Modern gloves are padded and usually made of durable leather or high-quality synthetic materials that absorb the punch's force. They range in weight from 8 to 16 ounces. Lighter gloves are used for speed or competition, while heavier gloves are used for punching bag training and fighting.
Training vs. Competition Gloves: What's the Difference?
It is always essential to have a good pair of gloves. They should feel comfortable around your wrists and knuckles and should not be tight when you put them on. Having several pairs of gloves can help you make your training more intense. Many professional kickboxers use heavier gloves (14 to 16 ounces) for daily training to increase their endurance, and wear lighter gloves for real matches.
Remember, high-quality gloves usually provide better wrist support and padding and last longer. Especially important when you're throwing harder punches. In short, kickboxing gloves are a significant investment in protecting your hands and improving your punching technique.
Kickboxing Shin Guards
Shin guards protect your legs, one of the most essential tools in kickboxing. You'll be kicking a lot in training and competition, so you must protect your shins and upper legs well. The best kickboxing shin guards are filled with foam padding that absorbs the impact when kicking or blocking an opponent's kick, keeping your legs from getting bruised and sore. These are essential for training with opponents and in competitions.
Most kickboxing shin guards are made from lightweight Muay Thai pads and usually cover the entire shin length from below the knee to the top of your leg. They attach with secure straps or hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures to keep them in place during training.
The shin guards must fit properly - if they slip, you'll be distracted or could get injured.
Types of Shin Guards and Their Use Cases
There are several styles of shin guards. Leather strap-on shin guards are popular because they stay in place and provide good protection. They are widely used in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Sleeve-type shin guards (cloth guards that you slip on like a sock) are lighter and better suited for light drills or fitness kickboxing. Intermediate and advanced kickboxers usually prefer strapped leg guards for more intense training, as they offer more padding and stability.
Choosing Tips
When choosing shin guards, look for a model that fits your foot well and has extra padding on the ankle and top of the foot for complete protection. Good leggings will give you the confidence to kick and block punches without fear of injury, which means you can train harder and better.
Hand Wraps
A Hand wrap may seem like a simple piece of cloth, but it's a small device that makes a big difference. These wraps, which are worn under gloves, help keep bones and tendons in place, strengthen wrists, and prevent injury when throwing hard punches.
Every seasoned kickboxer knows that you shouldn't forget wraps. Although beginners sometimes overlook this, this protective layer protects your wrists and knuckles.
Material, Length, and Proper Wrapping Technique
Standard kickboxing Hand Wraps are usually made of cotton or semi-elastic fabric and are about 4.5 meters (180 inches) long. This length lets you tightly wrap your wrist, thumb, and knuckles. Maintains alignment in the wrist joint and compresses the tissues of the hand, meaning you can punch harder and more comfortably.
Hand wraps do more than prevent injury. They absorb sweat from your hands, which helps keep your gloves drier and less smelly. They also fill your gloves so they fit better. Get into the habit of wrapping your hands before every workout—you'll thank yourself later!
Kickboxing Shorts
Kickboxing shorts are special sports shorts that allow you to move freely and easily perform kicks, knees, and foot movements. You'll recognize these shorts if you've ever done Muay Thai or seen Muay Thai fighters. They're usually short and have slits on the sides to give your legs plenty of room to throw long kicks without getting in the way.
Kickboxing shorts usually have a stretchy, elastic waistband (often wide) to secure them firmly around your waist without the need for a belt or drawstring. They're made of lightweight, cool fabrics like satin or polyester that won't weigh you down when you sweat and keep you comfortable during strenuous workouts.
In addition to functionality, many athletes also like the look of their shorts. Muay Thai shorts are known for their bold, beautiful designs, sometimes featuring Thai writing or symbols. Kickboxing shorts have a similar cut and function, but are usually simpler. If you’re into bright designs, you can go for colorful shorts, but many professional kickboxers in the US opt for simpler or solid-colored shorts that match their gym style or personal taste.
Your shorts mustn’t restrict your movement. Comfort and flexibility are paramount. A good pair of kickboxing shorts will help you move freely, stay cool, and train without distractions.
Gear Maintenance
Taking care of your kickboxing gear is very important Proper maintenance of your kickboxing gear will not only extend the life of your gear (saving you money in the long run) but also keep everything hygienic and pleasant for you and your training companions.
Start with daily habits: After each training session, air out your gloves and leggings – don’t throw sweaty gear straight into your gym bag. Wipe the inside of your gloves and leggings with a clean cloth or disinfectant wipe to kill bacteria, and consider using a deodorizer or spray to combat odor. Handkerchiefs should be washed regularly (ideally after each use) because they absorb much sweat. Use a laundry bag to avoid tangling in the wash, and let them air dry.
A little maintenance will keep your gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, and other gear in great condition—and your gym mates will thank you for not bringing smelly gear to class!
