Even though it is long, thick bone, the shin is a very fragile portion of the leg. If you are involved in any type of contact sport, wearing shin instep pads is a must for protecting this delicate area. Shin instep pads help prevent a blow to the shin from creating a possible fracture as well as protecting the area from pain. In addition, wearing shin instep pads helps to secure the shin and instep area during intense workouts and bouts. They are ideal for use in martial arts training such as Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Karate and the like. Wearing shin instep pads helps you develop your timing, kicks and overall technique without having to worry about damaging your legs or feet. Wearing shin instep pads not only helps to prevent injury, but also eliminates the need to tape the instep area as it is covered and protected in this all-in-one unit.
What to Look for
Shin instep pads come in several models, with sleeves made of cloth, stretch knit, vinyl or leather. Shin instep pads should include high density foam or contour molded foam pads that are pre-curved to conform to the shin and the instep. The model you buy should come with pockets that contain the protective foam pads, making it easy for them to be removed as needed during training and when the unit is ready to be washed. Some shin instep pads are made with a neoprene instep to provide further support to the ankle area. Look for shin instep pads that are fastened either with Velcro straps or with elasticized straps that come with hook fasteners. Make sure that you secure the pads firmly so that the unit forms a snug fit. If you are buying a cloth or knit sleeve, make sure it is machine washable.
Common Pitfalls
The sleeves on your shin instep pads should be made of materials that are treated to repel sweat to prevent disintegration. The sleeves should also be washed and thoroughly dried after each use. If you are buying a pair made of vinyl or leather, make sure you wipe them down and dry them completely before your next use to insure that mold and bacteria do not grow on the surface.
