Boxing gear on clearance

Open helmet, semi-full or bar: protecting the face

The open helmet protects the forehead, temples, ears and chin while leaving the field of vision clear: it's the format used in amateur competitions, like the adidas helmet approved by the IBA, the international boxing association. The semi-full helmet Metal Boxe adds reinforcements on the cheekbones and absorbs better the hooks during sparring. The bar-front models protect the nose from straight punches, at the cost of reduced vision. The Leone DNA, made of leather, targets regular practitioners looking for a precise fit. In 2013, the international federation removed the helmet requirement for male senior boxers in competition, while keeping it for women and youth.

The other clearance items

The boxing clearance also includes:

• Gloves.
• Shoes.
• Textiles.
• Accessories, bandages and skipping ropes.

All the clearance items are gathered on the boxing page.

Men's and women's cups: protecting the lower abdomen

The cup protects the lower abdomen from low blows, which can be accidental in boxing and more common in kick boxing or Thai boxing, where knees and kicks come high. The men's version usually features a hard shell slipped into a support brief, like the Metal Boxe Oko; the adidas Pro is another version. The women's cup, flatter in design, covers the pubic area and is worn under the shorts, held in place by an elastic band. In all cases, it must stay in place during movement: it is chosen based on hip measurements, not too tight so as not to hinder breathing, nor too loose to not move during the first impact.

Shin guards and foot guards: kick boxing, Thai boxing and MMA

As soon as the legs hit, the shins clash: shin guards become essential. The EVA foam models from adidas, lightweight and rigid, cover the shin and sometimes the instep in one piece; those made of elastic cotton from Metal Boxe slide on like a sock and stay in place. In full contact and kick boxing, the foot guards adidas Full Contact or Kwon Phantom cover the top of the foot and the heel, leaving the sole free for support. In MMA, shin guards, like the Booster Fight Gear for kids, are thinner and fit closely to the leg to prevent slipping during ground grappling phases.

Formable mouthguard: adjust in just a few minutes

The mouthguard is the smallest piece of protection and one of the most important: it absorbs shocks to the jaw and prevents teeth from cutting the lips. Formable models, like the Nike Alpha, soften in very hot water for a few seconds; they are then placed on the upper arch by biting and sucking, so they fit the shape of the teeth. When well adjusted, it stays in place without clenching the jaws and allows breathing through the mouth. Rinse it after each session, store it in an aerated box, and replace it as soon as it deforms or punctures, or when a child's teeth change.

Frequently asked questions

What size boxing helmet should I choose?

Measure the head circumference above the eyebrows and ears, then refer to the brand's guide. The helmet should fit snugly without moving when you shake your head, without compressing the temples or coming down over the eyes.

Do you need shin guards for boxing?

No, boxing only allows punches: shin guards are only used in kick boxing, Thai boxing, full contact, and MMA. For boxing, a helmet, mouthguard, and cup are sufficient.

Are protective gear mandatory in amateur competition?

Yes, a mouthguard is required everywhere, and a helmet, cup, or shin guards depending on the discipline, age, and level. The relevant federation's regulations specify the exact list and sometimes the approved models.

How do you maintain foam shin guards?

Wipe them down after each session with a damp cloth and a mild disinfectant, then let them air dry, away from the bag. Fabric models often go in the washing machine at thirty degrees, in a laundry net.

At what age should you wear a cup?

As soon as a child practices fighting or partner exercises with strikes, the cup becomes useful, regardless of age. There are children’s sizes, which should be chosen fitting snugly to stay in place during movements.