Karate Shin & Instep Guard

Name: Karate Shin & Instep Guard
Brand: Everstar Sports
SKU: ES-0003
Price: 550 ZAR
Availability: InStock

In stock — ready to order

R550

Reliable karate shin and instep guards designed to protect legs and feet during training and sparring. Available in multiple sizes for juniors and seniors. Affordable protective gear for karatekas across South Africa — buy online or enquire now to place your order.

Available Sizes

Available Colours

Red Blue White

Enquire Now to Place Your Order Or call 083 563 2999

Buying for a club, school or gym? Ask about wholesale pricing

Tale of the Tape

SKUES-0003
DivisionKarate
SizesSmall – Extra Large (4 options)
ColoursRed · Blue · White
PriceR550
BrandEverstar Sports
DeliveryNationwide — South Africa

About the Karate Shin & Instep Guard

The shin has almost no soft tissue covering it, which is why a clean shin-to-shin clash is one of the more memorable experiences in martial arts. Shin and instep guards are mandatory for sparring in most karate associations, and for good reason.

This guard covers the full shin and wraps over the instep in one piece, with dense foam padding inside a durable outer and elasticated straps behind the calf. Sizes S to XL.

Sizing

Sizing is based on the length from just below the knee to the ankle:

Small — approx. 28–32cm shin length. Juniors and smaller teens.
Medium — approx. 32–36cm. Teens and smaller adults.
Large — approx. 36–40cm. Most adults.
Extra Large — approx. 40cm and above.

The guard should cover from just below the knee to the ankle joint with the instep flap sitting flat over the top of the foot. A guard that stops short of the ankle leaves the most commonly struck part of the lower leg exposed.

Fitting and keeping it in place

Guards that rotate during sparring are worse than useless, because the padding ends up on the side of the leg rather than the front where the impact lands.

Fasten the straps firm but not tight enough to restrict circulation, and check the position again after your warm-up — sweat makes everything slip. If your guard rotates repeatedly despite correct tension, it is one size too large.

Cotton or padded?

Some associations require the traditional cotton shin and instep, which is lighter and lower-profile. Others require or permit this heavier foam-padded style, which offers considerably more protection.

Check your association's competition rules before buying for a tournament, since the two are usually not interchangeable in graded competition. Complete your sparring kit with karate mitts, a gum guard and groin protection.

Common questions

What size shin guards do I need for karate?

Measure from just below the knee to the ankle. Roughly 28-32cm takes a Small, 32-36cm Medium, 36-40cm Large and 40cm or more Extra Large. The guard should cover the full shin down to the ankle joint with the instep flap flat over the top of the foot.

Are shin guards compulsory for karate sparring?

In most karate associations, yes. Confirm with your dojo which style is required, as some associations specify traditional cotton guards while others require or permit foam-padded guards.

Why do my shin guards keep rotating?

Usually because they are one size too large, or because the straps loosened after your warm-up when you started sweating. Re-check the tension after warming up. If they still rotate, size down.

What is the difference between cotton and padded shin guards?

Cotton guards are lighter and lower-profile, and some traditional associations specifically require them. Foam-padded guards offer considerably more protection. They are usually not interchangeable in graded competition, so check your association's rules.