3 Best Martial Arts Kick Shields (Tested and Reviewed)

Are you wondering what the best martial arts kick shields are?

In this article, we’ll look at the 3 best martial arts kick shields by going over their pros and cons.

Best Martial Arts Kick Shields

Kick shields are an invaluable tool in a martial artist’s training arsenal, providing a sturdy and responsive target for honing powerful kicks and strikes. 

They’re essential for developing accuracy, power, and technique in a variety of martial arts disciplines.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your basic kicks or an experienced fighter preparing for competition, the right kick shield can make a significant difference in your training.

So, let’s take a look at the 3 best martial arts kick shields, starting with the best.

1. Best Martial Arts Kick Shield Overall

Windy Curved Kick Pad (Shield 7)

>Dimensions: 28″ tall x 15.5″ wide x 5.5″ thick

>Handcrafted in Thailand for superior quality

>Large striking surface to accommodate full power

>Extremely durable and comfortable handles for complete control and stability

First made available in March 2013, the Windy Curved Kick Pad (Shield 7) is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and durability that stands unrivaled as the best martial arts kick shield on the market in 2023. 

Since its debut, this shield has set the standard for quality and performance.

The shield is handcrafted with the utmost care in Thailand, a nation revered for its martial arts heritage and equipment excellence, each Windy Shield is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that goes into its creation.

The kick shield is made of synthetic leather, which offers durability and a professional feel when striking.

The ingenuity of the Windy Shield lies in its curved design, a deliberate choice that enhances mobility and invites a diverse range of offensive maneuvers. 

This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for practitioners of various striking techniques, from the powerful Muay Thai roundhouse to the precision of a Taekwondo front kick.

Its substantial size, measuring 28 inches in height, 15.5 inches wide, and 5.5 inches thick, provides a large striking surface that accommodates powerful kicks and punches. 

This makes it ideal for both individual practice and group training sessions. Also, the size of the shield ensures it can safely absorb the impact from athletes of all sizes, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for full-force training.

Equipped with three durable rear handles, the Windy Shield ensures that the holder has full control.

These handles are extremely comfortable and provide stability and safety during the most intense training sessions.

This level of control is crucial for both the novice learning the ropes and the seasoned pro honing their skills.

While other retailers such as Combat Sports International list it between $162 and $175, savvy shoppers will find it on Amazon for the unbeatable price of $134, though it’s wise to keep an eye on fluctuations.

While Windy hasn’t spent a lot of time marketing this kick shield, they haven’t needed to as the Windy brand carries with it a reputation of trust and excellence within the martial arts community.

Windy’s equipment withstands the test of time and combat, and choosing Windy means investing in a product that will endure countless sessions and help martial artists reach their full potential.

In conclusion, the Windy Curved Kick Pad (Shield 7) isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your martial arts journey. 

With its unparalleled blend of durability, design, and value, it’s no wonder that it has a 5-star rating on Amazon and claims the top spot as the best martial arts kick shield available.

2. Best Martial Arts Kick Shield (Value for Money)

Combat Sports Shield 5 (Big Pad)

>Dimensions: 24″ tall x 17″ wide x 5.5″ thick

>Wide striking area

>Perfect balance between quality and affordability

>Ambidextrous riveted handles provide a secure and comfortable grip

First available in December 2010, the Combat Sports Shield 5 is the ultimate value-for-money choice in martial arts kick shields.

Boasting a generous 24 inches in height and 17 inches in width, the Shield 5 presents a large striking target, especially in terms of width compared to other kick shields on the market.

Its substantial size and 5.5-inch thickness also increase safety. It excels in absorbing the energy from off-target push kicks and knees, ensuring the striker and holder are protected during vigorous training sessions.

Crafted from synthetic leather and densely packed with 5.5 inches of firm foam padding, the Shield 5 is built to withstand the most powerful of kicks. 

It has solid stitching and the padding is designed to be firm yet forgiving. 

It provides a satisfying impact feel without the pain, ensuring you can train longer and harder without the fear of injury – even when connecting with the foot.

This feature allows for accurate strikes, enhancing your technique with every hit.

Weighing in at a solid 8 pounds, the weight contributes to its ability to absorb kicks, simulating the resistance of a heavy bag.

This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to practice powerful kicks with the assurance of a firm and well-constructed pad that shows minimal wear and tear after many months of heavy use.

The contouring of the striking surface is meticulously designed for precision, with a slight curve that adds a touch of finesse to your training.

For the holder, the Shield 5 is nothing short of brilliant. It’s equipped with three ambidextrous riveted handles, including a top handle and two mid handles, offering versatility in grip and technique practice.

The ergonomic design of the contour and handle placement makes it easy for novices to hold the shield correctly, providing excellent balance, control, and a shorter learning curve.

Each handle, crafted from rope and covered in leather, is anchored with three rivets, ensuring sturdiness and comfort. 

The handles are designed to be soft on the skin and flexible, preventing discomfort during extended training sessions.

The Combat Sports Shield 5 also comes with the assurance of a 120-day warranty, giving you the confidence to train without worry.

If the shield doesn’t meet your expectations, you have the option for a replacement or a full refund.

The Shield 5 has garnered an impressive 4.8 overall rating from 400 Amazon reviews, with 88% being 5-star.

This speaks volumes about its quality and the satisfaction it brings to users.

On the other hand, some customers believe the handles could benefit from additional grip support to help during intense workouts. Others say the Shield 5 can be quite hard to break in, taking several months.

However, these are minor considerations compared to the overall robustness and functionality of the shield. Also, its extended break-in period may be seen as a positive for those looking to condition their shins.

Overall, the Combat Sports Shield 5 (Big Pad) is a heavyweight in the world of martial arts kick shields.

Its combination of size, durability, and ergonomic design makes it a top contender for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

3. Best Martial Arts Kick Shield (Lightweight & User Friendly)

RDX 60CM Large Curved Kick Shield

>Dimensions: 24″ tall x 14″ wide x 5″ thick

>Steel buckles for excellent durability

>Adjustable straps cater to the user’s needs and body type

>SpongEX and Denzo Tron padding for superior shock absorption, allowing for full-force strikes with confidence

Made available in July 2017, the RDX Kick Shield rounds out our list as a top contender for those seeking to enhance their training with a focus on precision and power. 

With its expansive 60CM x 36CM striking area, this large, heavy curved pad is tailored for the martial artist dedicated to perfecting the art of striking in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, MMA, and taekwondo.

Its significant size is matched by a thoughtful design that naturally conforms to the holder’s body, offering a more effective and anatomically friendly training experience.

The RDX shield’s construction is especially durable. The 13cm thickness, fortified with advanced SpongEX and Denzo Tron padding, is engineered to absorb and diffuse the energy of each strike. 

This attention to detail ensures the striker and holder can train at full intensity without the discomfort of harsh impact. 

The shield’s grip stability is another highlight, featuring three padded handles, including lower straps padded with SpongEX and Maya Hide leather, and a top PVC reinforced handle that promises resilience through the most rigorous of training sessions.

The RDX shield also has a robust hook and loop mechanism ensuring the shield stays put, no matter the force of the blows it receives. 

Reinforced cross stitching on the straps adds to the shield’s endurance, ready to withstand the demands of intense, sweat-inducing workouts.

Also, the integration of steel buckles on the straps is a standout feature, offering unmatched durability and security. 

These robust buckles ensure the shield remains firmly in place, even under the duress of the most powerful kicks and strikes, providing a consistent training experience without the interruption of equipment shifts. 

The straps are also adjustable, allowing users to customize the fit to their specific needs.

Feedback from users underscores the shield’s high-quality, high-density construction. It has been lauded for its firmness, which provides a solid striking surface while remaining manageable for the holder. 

Its lightweight nature, coupled with substantial padding, has made it a favorite for practitioners to safely practice their most powerful strikes. 

The concave shape and adjustable straps offer a variety of holding positions, adding to the shield’s versatility and appeal.

While the RDX Kick Shield has garnered much praise, it’s not without its critiques. 

The shield has a raised logo in the center and slightly rough corners, which can both be uncomfortable and annoying for some.

Also, the pad’s firmness, while beneficial for seasoned martial artists, might be daunting for beginners.

However, the RDX 60CM Large Curved Kick Shield is a standout product for those looking to push their training boundaries. 

Its impressive 4.8/5 rating from over 800 Amazon customer reviews reflects a community of martial artists who trust in its ability to elevate their practice.

The Bottom Line

The Windy Curved Kick Pad (Shield 7), Combat Sports Shield 5 (Big Pad), and RDX Large Curved Kick Shield are the 3 best martial arts kick shields on the market in 2023 and beyond.

There are many great options for martial arts kick pads on the market, but they don’t offer the same quality, durability, comfort, feel, value, and overall package that the above 3 offer.

If you’re still undecided, here’s another great kick shield that would’ve made the list had it been longer.