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Muay Thai Essentials

muay thai essentials

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Over the past few years, Muay Thai has been gaining some serious mainstream popularity. The unique training and fighting style has attracted many enthusiasts to visit and train in Thailand.

Just like any other combat sport, Muay Thai also requires a variety of training equipment to help you stay safe and progress in a quicker manner. Read below to learn all about the Muay Thai gear essentials, and their importance.

Did you know that you can get a 90-day visa to stay in the country just to learn Muay Thai in Thailand? The news, just broke that Thailand increased the amount of time people are allowed to stay in the country from 60 to 90 days and it’s tempting to go out there to learn in the motherland.

Here is a list of the 17 Best Muay Thai Camps: when you take your trip, you only go with the best!

muay thai, combat sport, gyms in thailand

Muay Thai Essentials: Item Round-Up

muay thai essentials
Credit: David Picton

Must-Have Muay Thai Training Equipment [List]

Gloves

Gloves are essential when it comes to Muay Thai training gear. A good pair of gloves will play a crucial role in protecting your hands and wrists from injuries while also safeguarding your training partner during intense sparring sessions.

When choosing sparring gloves for Muay Thai training, it’s important to look for a pair with good padding to absorb impact well. You should also look for a secure wrist closure for stability, and that the gloves fit snugly. If your gloves are too tight they will restrict hand and finger movement, if they are too loose they will move around during combat.

Muay Thai gloves are usually made of durable leather or synthetic leather, and some pairs even have mesh panels for better breathability.

Unlike boxing gloves, Muay Thai gloves have an open palm and open finger design for a better range of motion. They also have a thinner wrist closure so the wrists are not restricted, whereas boxing gloves have longer and thicker cuffs.

Best Training Gloves [List]

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Muay Thai Shorts

Muay Thai shorts are a must-have piece of training equipment. These shorts are specially designed with Muay Thai in mind to provide comfort, protection, flexibility, and freedom of movement during training sessions and fights.

These shorts are typically made from lightweight and durable materials like satin or nylon, allowing for ease of movement and breathability in the ring. Muay Thai shorts feature a wide elastic waistband and high-side slits to ensure unrestricted knee strikes and kicks.

Additionally, these shorts come in vibrant colors and unique designs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of this Thailand-originating sport.

Best Muay Thai Shorts

  • These are traditional mid-thigh Muay Thai shorts made for Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA practitioners of any level. The Hayabusa Falcon Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA shorts fit and feel great and will give you the full range of motion you need for Muay Thai training.

  • Fairtex Muay Thai Shorts are made from high-quality satin for durability and a sleek, professional look. These shorts feature a traditional Muay Thai design with intricate embroidery and detailing. The elastic waistband and drawstring ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

  • Venum Classic Muay Thai Shorts are a must-have for all Thai Boxing practitioners looking for shorts with great value! Made in Thailand, these Venum Thai Boxing Shorts have been crafted from a lightweight and flexible polyester to leave you free to move.

    • Light and Flexible
    • Specifically designed to increase your mobility in the ring.
    • Wide traditional belt with a tightening cord: for optimal support of the shorts around the waist.

These are traditional mid-thigh Muay Thai shorts made for Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA practitioners of any level. The Hayabusa Falcon Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA shorts fit and feel great and will give you the full range of motion you need for Muay Thai training.

Fairtex Muay Thai Shorts are made from high-quality satin for durability and a sleek, professional look. These shorts feature a traditional Muay Thai design with intricate embroidery and detailing. The elastic waistband and drawstring ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Venum Classic Muay Thai Shorts are a must-have for all Thai Boxing practitioners looking for shorts with great value! Made in Thailand, these Venum Thai Boxing Shorts have been crafted from a lightweight and flexible polyester to leave you free to move.

  • Light and Flexible
  • Specifically designed to increase your mobility in the ring.
  • Wide traditional belt with a tightening cord: for optimal support of the shorts around the waist.

Train Jiu-Jitsu, Muay-Thai, MMA, Boxing, or just go for a plain run, these polyester built shorts with heavy-duty microfibers promises max results and utility! 

Shin Pads

In Muay Thai, shin pads are an important piece of training equipment to protect your shins and lower legs, during sparring and training sessions. There is a lot of kicking involved in Muay Thai, why is why shin pads are essential for reducing the risk of injuries like bruising, cuts, and even fractures.

They are usually made with durable materials like synthetic leather or foam padding to provide enough protection without compromising mobility. Some shin pads may have additional features like adjustable straps for a secure fit, reinforced padding for extra protection, and ventilation channels to keep your legs cool and comfortable during intense training sessions.

Best Shin Pads

Best Overall
  • Venum Elite shin guards are skillfully handmade in Thailand to provide our elite fighters with the best fighting equipment. Made with 100% Skintex leather, our elite standup shin guards combine comfort and great durability at an affordable price.

    • Premium skintex leather construction
    • High Density foam with additional padding for enhanced shock Absorption
    • Lightweight design
Best Design
  • Take your training to the next level with T3 Full Back Shin Guards. Its multi-layered padding conforms to your leg, delivering remarkable impact absorption and protection when you throw a powerful kick. Secured in place with a breathable stretch sleeve, these shin guards provide the ultimate locked-in fit for rigorous training.

    • Durable, lightweight, and comfortable
    • Breathable sleeves conform to your calves making them extremely comfortable
    • Deliver full coverage protection with a pre-curved design
Best Budget Brand
  • Level up your shin protection with the RDX AURA Plus T-17 Shin Instep. CE and UKCA certified, it offers cushioned support, comfort, and breathability for both your shins and instep. Trusted by millions of martial artists around the world

    • Made with leather for superior durability
    • Adjustable EZ Hook and Loop strap system for a secure and stable fit
    • Highly absorbent moulded foam for unbeatable protection
  • Essential Hybrid Shin Guards are designed to serve as either MMA or kickboxing shin guards. Less Adjusting, More Training. Neoprene sleeve design with top leg fastener and proprietary mid leg fastener means you won’t break your rhythm to readjust every few minutes

    • Leather construction
    • Durasoft impact-protection foam
    • Comfortable fit and easy to train in
    • Lightweight
Best Overall

Venum Elite shin guards are skillfully handmade in Thailand to provide our elite fighters with the best fighting equipment. Made with 100% Skintex leather, our elite standup shin guards combine comfort and great durability at an affordable price.

  • Premium skintex leather construction
  • High Density foam with additional padding for enhanced shock Absorption
  • Lightweight design
Best Design

Take your training to the next level with T3 Full Back Shin Guards. Its multi-layered padding conforms to your leg, delivering remarkable impact absorption and protection when you throw a powerful kick. Secured in place with a breathable stretch sleeve, these shin guards provide the ultimate locked-in fit for rigorous training.

  • Durable, lightweight, and comfortable
  • Breathable sleeves conform to your calves making them extremely comfortable
  • Deliver full coverage protection with a pre-curved design
Best Budget Brand
  • Constructed of Premium Leather with velcro strap
  • Pre-curved, flexible and lightweight for optimal mobility with a secure fit
  • Perfect choice for MMA shin guards, kickboxing shin guards, and Muay Thai shin guards
  • Affordable Priced Gear

Level up your shin protection with the RDX AURA Plus T-17 Shin Instep. CE and UKCA certified, it offers cushioned support, comfort, and breathability for both your shins and instep. Trusted by millions of martial artists around the world

  • Made with leather for superior durability
  • Adjustable EZ Hook and Loop strap system for a secure and stable fit
  • Highly absorbent moulded foam for unbeatable protection

Essential Hybrid Shin Guards are designed to serve as either MMA or kickboxing shin guards. Less Adjusting, More Training. Neoprene sleeve design with top leg fastener and proprietary mid leg fastener means you won’t break your rhythm to readjust every few minutes

  • Leather construction
  • Durasoft impact-protection foam
  • Comfortable fit and easy to train in
  • Lightweight

Hand Wraps

Wearing a good pair of hand wraps under your gloves is crucial in Muay Thai. They provide crucial support and protection to your knuckles, fingers, and wrists during intense training sessions and fights.

The wraps are typically made from a blend of cotton and elastic materials, offering a comfortable and secure fit. By properly wrapping your hands you can help prevent injuries such as sprains, fractures, and tendon damage.

Additionally, hand wraps also help distribute the impact of punches evenly which reduces the strain on your hands and wrists. They come with thumb loops for easy and tight wrapping and Velcro closures for a customizable fit.

Best Hand Wraps [List]

  • Perfect for any workout routine or training session, the smooth fabric conforms to your hands for a comfortable, non-restrictive wrap every time. Complete with a starter thumb loop and reinforced rubberized wrist tab to guarantee a secure fit. Elevate your boxing training equipment today with these top-tier boxer wraps.

    • Comfort, protection, and support
    • Perfect Stretch Fabric
    • Long Lasting
  • These hand wraps for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and contact sport training offer incredible support for your wrist, whilst ensuring maximum comfort for a successful workout. Small & Medium sized hand gloves are only recommended for 10 - 14 year olds

Perfect for any workout routine or training session, the smooth fabric conforms to your hands for a comfortable, non-restrictive wrap every time. Complete with a starter thumb loop and reinforced rubberized wrist tab to guarantee a secure fit. Elevate your boxing training equipment today with these top-tier boxer wraps.

  • Comfort, protection, and support
  • Perfect Stretch Fabric
  • Long Lasting

Smaller Hands Or Lighter Wrap. 180 inches vs 120 inches. People with smaller hands, kids, women, or simply those who just want a shorter length prefer 120” bandage hand wraps

These hand wraps for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and contact sport training offer incredible support for your wrist, whilst ensuring maximum comfort for a successful workout. Small & Medium sized hand gloves are only recommended for 10 - 14 year olds

Mouth Guard

Mouthguards are a must-have for Muay Thai fighters. They are responsible for protecting your teeth, gums, and jaw from impact during sparring and fights.

They are typically made from durable materials like silicone or EVA, which provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption to reduce the risk of any dental injuries. These mouthguards can be custom-made to fit your teeth for a more comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to breathe better and speak easily while wearing them.

Some mouthguards also have unique aspects like ventilation channels for improved airflow and antimicrobial properties to prevent bacteria growth.

Best Mouthguard

  • Impact Mouth Guards [Only Recommendation]

Our Pick
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Ankle Wraps

Ankle wraps hold their fair share of importance in Muay Thai training. They provide extra support and stability to your feet and ankles, reducing the chance of injuries like sprains and twists during intense sparring sessions.

Ankle wraps are mostly crafted from elastic and neoprene materials, which allows them to offer a snug and comfortable fit while allowing for unrestricted flexibility and movement. Their sole purpose is to compress the ankle joint, this reduces the risk of overextension and providing extra reinforcement during pivots and quick movements in the ring.

Some ankle wraps come with features like adjustable straps for a personalized fit and moisture-wicking properties to keep your ankles dry and comfortable.

Best Ankle Wraps [List]

Gym Bag

As a Muay Thai athlete, or someone who seriously participates in combat sports, you are bound to have a variety of training equipment. This is why having a good-sized gym bag is important, it should contain everything you need for a full-range training session.

Although you could get a normal gym bag with one big pocket, you could also get one with a specific zipper to keep your shoes. Some bags even have a waterproof zipper inside to keep your phone, wallet, keys, or earbuds safe from moisture.

Head Gear

Headgear is a crucial piece of training equipment, especially for Muay Thai beginners. It plays a vital role in protecting your head, ears, jaw, and face from impact during sparring and training sessions.

Made of durable synthetic leather or foam padding, headgear provides cushioning and shock absorption to reduce the risk of head injuries. It is designed to cover the top of your head, cheeks, chin, and ears, offering full protection while maintaining visibility and breathability.

Some headgear also comes with adjustable straps for a secure fit, ear guards to prevent injuries, and lightweight but padded designs for enhanced comfort during long training sessions.

Best Protective Headgear [List]

  • The best headgear in the world is now handcrafted with the finest quality leather. Designed with you in mind, Hayabusa Headgear offers low-profile, full-face protection with a broad field of vision. Vented mesh ears and an open top keep you cool and comfortable while you spar so that you can keep your head in the game.

    • Handcrafted with the finest quality leather
    • Low profile design maximizes strike deflection
    • Soft thermal lining helps to regulate your temperature
  • Pre-curved technology allows your protective head guard to naturally fit the shape of your head, regardless of your head size & shape. Ultra-lightweight allows for you to increase the speed of your head movements.

    • Fits well to your head
    • Lightweight for increased speed and head movements
    • Affordable Price
Best For Amateur Fights
  • Crafted from natural grain cowhide leather, available in multiple colors, it ensures unmatched protection and visibility. The innovative design includes padding around ear channels for added safety.

    • IBA Approved for amateur competitions
    • Natural grain cowhide leather in blue and red
    • Designed for optimal protection & visibility
  • Designed in Thailand and constructed with 100% Skintex leather. The ultra-lightweight headgear allows for improved head movement and visibility of your opponent. Keep your head in the game with the Venum Challenger 2.0 headgear.

    • Ultra lightweight
    • Triple density contoured foam
    • Flexible two way Velcro closure

The best headgear in the world is now handcrafted with the finest quality leather. Designed with you in mind, Hayabusa Headgear offers low-profile, full-face protection with a broad field of vision. Vented mesh ears and an open top keep you cool and comfortable while you spar so that you can keep your head in the game.

  • Handcrafted with the finest quality leather
  • Low profile design maximizes strike deflection
  • Soft thermal lining helps to regulate your temperature

Pre-curved technology allows your protective head guard to naturally fit the shape of your head, regardless of your head size & shape. Ultra-lightweight allows for you to increase the speed of your head movements.

  • Fits well to your head
  • Lightweight for increased speed and head movements
  • Affordable Price

Whether it’s Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai or any other contact sport, Essential Head Gear provides excellent full-face coverage and protection while training or sparring

  • Highly Functional Design
  • Versatile Boxing Head Gear: For multiple striking sports
  • Affordable Price
Best For Amateur Fights

Crafted from natural grain cowhide leather, available in multiple colors, it ensures unmatched protection and visibility. The innovative design includes padding around ear channels for added safety.

  • IBA Approved for amateur competitions
  • Natural grain cowhide leather in blue and red
  • Designed for optimal protection & visibility

Designed in Thailand and constructed with 100% Skintex leather. The ultra-lightweight headgear allows for improved head movement and visibility of your opponent. Keep your head in the game with the Venum Challenger 2.0 headgear.

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Triple density contoured foam
  • Flexible two way Velcro closure

Groin Guard or Cup

In combat sports, there is a huge risk of getting hit in the extremely painful crotch area, this is where a groin guard comes in. They provide essential protection for the groin area, safeguarding against accidental hits and strikes during training sessions and fights.

These groin guards are mostly made from sturdy materials like synthetic leather or hard plastic, offering impact resistance and shock absorption to reduce the risk of serious injuries. Designed to fit securely and comfortably for every athlete, groin guards ensure freedom of movement while ensuring maximum protection.

Groin guards also come with a few unique features like adjustable waistbands for a personalized fit, ventilation panels for better breathability, and ergonomic designs for enhanced comfort.

Hayabusa Pro Boxing Groin Protector

The Hayabusa Pro Boxing Groin Protector is a top-notch piece of gear. It’s designed to offer the maximum protection needed for the groin area during intense training and fights.

It is crafted from high-quality materials like durable synthetic leather and multi-layer foam padding. This offers superior impact resistance and shock absorption to keep your crotch area safe from unexpected hits. This Groin Protector features a sleek and ergonomic design for a comfortable and secure fit, without compromising on protection.

It also comes with adjustable straps for a personalized fit and enhanced stability. Overall, this groin protector is a must-have for any serious Muay Thai enthusiast looking for reliable protection in the ring.

  • Developed alongside first-class boxers, the Pro Boxing Groin Protector perfects a traditional design that boxing purists love. Sleek, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable, this groin guard delivers professional protection with a reinforced padded cup and full coverage padding to shield your hips and kidneys. Protects your balls from getting kicked so yeah, don't want that to happen...

  • The lightweight groin protector is designed to provide extended coverage to the lower abdomen along with serving its core purpose of protecting your crown jewels. Don't take the risk of never having lineage coming from your genes... it's probably smart to buy this.

Developed alongside first-class boxers, the Pro Boxing Groin Protector perfects a traditional design that boxing purists love. Sleek, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable, this groin guard delivers professional protection with a reinforced padded cup and full coverage padding to shield your hips and kidneys. Protects your balls from getting kicked so yeah, don't want that to happen...

The lightweight groin protector is designed to provide extended coverage to the lower abdomen along with serving its core purpose of protecting your crown jewels. Don't take the risk of never having lineage coming from your genes... it's probably smart to buy this.

muay thai essentials
Credit: David Picton

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start Muay Thai with no experience?

You can definitely start Muay Thai with no prior Martial arts experience. Many gyms and training centers offer classes that cater to beginners, where experienced instructors will teach and guide you through the basics and help you gradually build your skills and confidence.

Starting from scratch is a great way to learn the fundamentals of Muay Thai, improve your fitness, and develop basic skills and techniques.

Should I do Muay Thai with or without shoes?

Your priority should always be to train safely. If you do not wear shoes, you will get better grip and develop a better mind-muscle connection with the ground. This will allow you to get a more natural feel for the sport and progress quicker.

However, some gyms may have policies regarding bare-foot training, so make sure to ask a trainer what they recommend for you.