Key takeaways
- Pros: classic shape, leather cover, solid foam, well suited to repeated roundhouse and teep kicks.
- Cons: weight, and the leather needs a short break-in period before the pads feel fully comfortable.
The best Muay Thai kicking pads for most gyms and home trainers are the Fairtex KPLC2 for classic curved leather, the Fairtex KPLC5 for lighter pads that reduce holder fatigue, and the Hayabusa PTS3 for a modern five-layer foam build. If you want to absorb full-power roundhouse kicks from a heavy hitter, step up to a kick shield such as the Hayabusa PTS3 Kickshield or the Venum Giant, which give a much larger target.
Kicking pads are different from the small focus mitts and boxing pads used for punches. They are built to be strapped to the forearms and held against the body, so the key questions are how big the target is, how much shock reaches the holder, and how long the strap and foam last under repeated kicks. This guide compares seven current options, shows how to match a pad to the kicker’s power and the holder’s body, and explains the wear and care issues that decide whether a pair lasts two years or twelve months. Specifications come from manufacturer pages and retailer listings, and where listings disagree the range is shown.
Our top picks
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Quick Comparison of the Seven Picks
| Pick | Style | Approx. size | Approx. weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairtex KPLC2 Curved | Curved leather | about 38 x 19-20 x 10 cm | about 2.2-2.65 kg per pair, listings vary | All-round gym use and classic feel |
| Fairtex KPLC5 Lightweight | Curved, microfiber cover | about 38 x 20.5 x 6 cm | about 2.0-2.2 kg per pair | Long pad sessions, lighter holding |
| Hayabusa PTS3 Thai Pads | Pre-curved, five-layer foam | about 14 x 8 x 3.5-4 in | about 2.7 lb per pad on the maker’s page | Moderate to hard kickers, coaches |
| Twins Special KPL10 | Slightly curved leather | about 37 x 19 x 10 cm | about 3.2-3.5 kg per pair | Traditional Thai build, heavy use |
| Venum Giant Kick Pads | Large semi-leather pad | Oversized target | Heavier than Thai pads | Power kickers, big targets |
| Hayabusa PTS3 Kickshield | Single large shield | about 53 x 44 x 13 cm | Heavier, single piece | Full-power kicks, class drills |
| Sandee Curved Thai Pads | Curved cowhide | Multiple sizes | Mid weight | Value pair with strong stitching |
How to Choose Kicking Pads
Choose on three variables in this order: the power of the person kicking, the size and strength of the holder, and how often the pads will be used. Everything else, from cover material to colour, is secondary.
Curved Thai pads versus kick shields
Curved Thai pads, such as the Fairtex KPLC series, Twins KPL10 and Hayabusa PTS3, are worn like arm guards. The holder keeps both hands free to move and can hold two separate targets, one on each forearm. Their curved face matches the arc of a roundhouse kick and sits flat against the holder’s body. A kick shield is a single large pad held with one or both arms. It spreads the force of the kick over a bigger area, which makes it more forgiving to hold and easier to hit for beginners, but it limits the combinations a holder can call.
Match the pad to the kicker
| Kicker profile | Pad type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner or fitness-class student, light to moderate power | KPLC5 or a mid-weight curved pad | Lower weight, enough padding for light kicks |
| Intermediate fighter, regular sparring partner | KPLC2, Hayabusa PTS3 or Twins KPL10 | Dense foam and leather cover hold up to weekly rounds |
| Heavy hitter or competitor preparing for a bout | Kick shield (PTS3 Kickshield or Venum Giant) | Larger area and thicker foam protect the holder |
| Coach holding for back-to-back rounds | KPLC5 or PTS3 | Lighter pads reduce shoulder and forearm fatigue |
| Home trainer with a partner of different size | Adjustable-strap pads such as the PTS3 | Wide straps adapt to different arm sizes |
Foam, covers and straps
Dense multi-layer foam is what keeps the holder’s forearm and ribs safe. Hayabusa lists five layers of foam in the PTS3, while Fairtex relies on dense cut foam wrapped in cowhide or microfiber. Leather is the traditional cover. It is more durable, stretches slightly with use and keeps the pad’s shape. Microfiber covers weigh less and resist sweat. Straps and handles are where most failures happen. Look for riveted or double-stitched handles, padded forearm sections and enough adjustment for different sleeve sizes.
Some pads use metal buckles and rivets, which add strength but can bruise if the holder’s arm slips. Twins describes its KPL10 straps as metal-free, and the pad has ventilation holes for airflow. Whichever you choose, check the strap padding thickness and make sure the buckles sit away from the forearm bone.
A worked example: holder load over a class
Imagine a coach holding for ten rounds of three minutes, with the kicker throwing about 40 kicks per round. That is 400 kicks per class. If each kick transfers even a fraction of its force to the holder, a pair that weighs about 2 kg instead of 3.2 kg saves roughly 1.2 kg of carried load per class, and the lighter pair is also less tiring to raise to target height. For a coach who holds five classes a week, that difference compounds. This is why lightweight pads such as the KPLC5 often suit coaching better than the heavier traditional pad, even though the heavier pad is more durable.
Best Overall: Fairtex KPLC2 Curved Kick Pads
The Fairtex KPLC2 is the standard reference for curved Thai kick pads. It uses cowhide leather over dense foam and a curved face that fits the shape of a roundhouse kick. Listings give a size of about 38 cm long by 19 to 20 cm wide and 10 cm thick, and a pair weight of roughly 2.2 kg, although some retailers list a higher figure of around 2.65 kg.
Who it is for: Gyms, coaches and training partners who want a dependable pad for daily use and are comfortable with a slightly heavier build.
- Pros: classic shape, leather cover, solid foam, well suited to repeated roundhouse and teep kicks.
- Cons: weight, and the leather needs a short break-in period before the pads feel fully comfortable.
Best Lightweight Pick: Fairtex KPLC5
The Fairtex KPLC5 keeps the curved design but swaps the leather cover for microfiber and trims the foam depth. Fairtex’s own store and other listings give about 38 cm long, 20.5 cm wide and 6 cm thick, at around 2.2 kg a pair. Another retailer lists a thicker 10 cm profile and about 2 kg, so verify before you buy. Each pad is described as roughly 100 g lighter than the KPLC2.
The lighter build makes it the comfort pick for long sessions. Reviewers note that the cover feels comfortable from the first use and that the wedge between the wrist and the strike zone helps protect the holder’s arm.
Who it is for: Coaches and training partners who hold for many rounds, and lighter or newer holders.
- Pros: lower weight, easy to maneuver, comfortable immediately, wide colour range.
- Cons: thinner padding for very heavy kickers, and the microfiber cover is less durable than full leather over many years.
Best Modern Foam Design: Hayabusa PTS3 Thai Pads
The Hayabusa PTS3 uses a pre-curved shape, five layers of foam, reinforced handles, dual straps and a non-absorbent shell that wipes clean easily. The maker lists a height of 14 inches, width of 8 inches, depth of 3.5 inches and a weight of about 2.7 lb per pad, while a UK retailer lists roughly 1,100 g and a 4-inch depth, so expect small variation by batch and seller.
Do not confuse these pads with the PTS3 Kickshield, a separate large strike shield. The Thai pad is the one worn on the forearm in the classic style, with a lower profile than a shield.
Who it is for: Moderate to hard kickers, coaches who want a modern pad that is easy to clean, and gyms that prefer a non-leather surface.
- Pros: layered foam, easy cleaning, wide straps, modern look.
- Cons: shorter than some traditional pads, and the shell is firmer than aged leather early on.
Best Traditional Build: Twins Special KPL10
Twins Special is one of the best-known Thai equipment makers, and the KPL10 is its slightly curved leather kick pad. Several retailers list a size of about 37 cm long, 19 cm wide and 10 cm deep, and a pair weight of 3.2 kg, though one UK seller lists 3.5 kg. The cowhide cover is handmade in Thailand, with ventilation holes and metal-free straps designed to reduce pressure points on the holder’s arm.
Who it is for: Traditionalists, gyms that run heavy pad work and holders who do not mind extra weight in exchange for durability.
- Pros: robust leather, deep padding, comfortable straps, trusted Thai brand.
- Cons: the heaviest of the Thai-style pads on this list, and the leather takes time to soften.
Best Large Target: Venum Giant Kick Pads
The Venum Giant is a large, semi-leather pad with multi-density foam intended for heavy impacts. Its oversized surface gives a forgiving target for powerful kicks, and extra arm padding and reinforced seams add comfort for the holder. Because it is bigger and more padded than a curved Thai pad, it is less agile when calling quick combinations.
Who it is for: Hard kickers, heavy-weight sparring partners and instructors who hold for beginners who miss the target often.
- Pros: big strike area, strong impact absorption, supportive arm padding.
- Cons: bulkier to carry and slower for fast pad drills.
Best Full-Power Shield: Hayabusa PTS3 Kickshield
For full-power kicks and knees, a shield is easier on the holder than any pair of curved pads. The Hayabusa PTS3 Kickshield is listed at about 53 x 44 x 13 cm. The wide surface gives a large target, and the depth soaks up heavy hits. It is held with straps on one arm or both arms, and it suits class drills where several students rotate.
Who it is for: Competitors working on power, group classes with mixed skill levels and any holder who gets sore ribs from heavier kickers.
- Pros: very forgiving target, strong protection, good for knees and body kicks.
- Cons: one target only, which limits combination work, and it takes up more storage space.
Best Value Curved Pad: Sandee Curved Thai Pads
Sandee builds curved Thai pads from genuine cowhide with layered webbing, high-density latex foam, a thick padded handle and stainless steel rivets at stress points. Multiple size options are offered. They are a practical choice for a gym that wants leather pads without paying premium-brand rates.
Who it is for: Smaller gyms, home trainers and anyone who needs a durable curved pad for frequent use.
- Pros: reinforced construction, sizes to suit different holders, effective impact absorption.
- Cons: less brand recognition and fewer colour options than the Fairtex range.
How to Hold Kicking Pads Safely
Good holding is a skill. A kicker can only throw hard if the holder is stable, and the holder only stays healthy if the pads are positioned correctly. Follow these steps with the reason for each.
- Strap the pads high on the forearm, near the elbow, so the impact lands on the padded centre rather than the wrist. This protects the joint and gives better leverage.
- Stand with one foot back and the knees slightly bent. A stable base absorbs force through the legs instead of the arms.
- Tuck the pad against the body at the moment of impact, with the elbow close to the ribs. This stops the pad from flying back into your face.
- Tilt the pad slightly toward the kicker so that the shin lands flat. An angled pad reduces glancing blows and ankle injuries for the kicker.
- Call combinations clearly and move your feet. A moving target teaches distance and timing.
- Stop if you feel numbness in the forearm and ask a coach or health professional if it persists.
Durability and Ownership Realities
- Handles and straps are the first parts to fail. Check them monthly and re-stitch or replace the pad at the first sign of fraying.
- Foam flattens over time. If the pad no longer rebounds quickly after a firm press, the protection has dropped and the holder will feel more impact.
- Sweat damages leather. Wipe the covers after each use, dry them in open air and condition leather every few months with a suitable conditioner.
- Do not leave pads in a hot car or beside a heater. Heat dries leather and warps foam.
- Store them flat or hanging, not compressed under heavy bags, which accelerates foam fatigue.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Buying the biggest shield for a class that needs fast combinations. A shield suits power work, but a pair of curved pads lets the holder call kicks, knees and punches in sequence, which is most of what pad rounds are for.
- Judging a pad only by weight. A very light pad can feel pleasant for the first month and then bottom out under a heavy kicker, so compare foam depth as well as pair weight.
- Ignoring holder size. A slim holder with short arms may find a deep, wide pad awkward to control, and a tall holder may find a short pad leaves the ribs exposed.
- Skipping the strap check. Adjust the straps while wearing a long-sleeve training top, since a strap set for bare arms can feel too tight over fabric.
- Mixing very different pads in one pair. Two pads with different foam density will move differently on each arm and make timing harder for the kicker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Thai pads and kicking pads?
The terms overlap. Thai pads usually refer to the long, curved pads worn on the forearms and used for punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Kicking pads often refers to the same curved pads, or to larger shields built mainly for kicks. Check the dimensions in the listing to see which one you are buying.
Are curved or straight kicking pads better?
Curved pads fit the natural arc of a roundhouse kick and sit more comfortably against the holder’s body, so most Muay Thai gyms prefer them. Straight pads are easier to find and suit simple drills, but they present a flat face that can let the shin slide across the surface.
Do I need a kick shield as well as Thai pads?
Not at first. Many gyms own both because shields help with heavy kicks and beginners, while Thai pads allow fast combinations. If you only buy one item, choose Thai pads unless your main goal is power development.
How heavy should kicking pads be?
Most curved pairs weigh between about 2 and 3.5 kg. Lighter pads are better for coaches who hold for long sessions, while heavier pads add durability and padding. Match the weight to the strength of the holder.
Can children use kicking pads?
Yes, under supervision, but pad size and the kicker’s power should suit the child. Use smaller pads or a shield held by an adult, and keep contact light until technique is sound.
How long do kicking pads last?
With regular gym use, a quality leather pair can last two to five years. Lighter microfiber pads may need replacing sooner. The condition of the handles and the rebound of the foam are better indicators than age alone.
Final Recommendation
For a single pair that works in nearly every situation, buy the Fairtex KPLC2. If you hold for many rounds, choose the lighter KPLC5. If you need a modern, easy-clean build with layered foam, pick the Hayabusa PTS3. Add a kick shield when your kickers outgrow the pads or when you teach groups.
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