Muay Thai Gear: The Complete Guide
Whether you're just starting Muay Thai or you've been training for years, getting the right gear matters. The wrong gloves slow your development. The wrong shin guards leave you battered. The right kit lets you focus on training, not on what's on your hands or legs.
This guide covers every piece of Muay Thai equipment you need — what it does, how to choose it, which brands to trust, and what to buy at each stage of training. All gear stocked and shipped from Perth, Australia.
In this guide:
- Muay Thai Gloves
- Shin Guards
- Head Gear
- Elbow Pads
- Hand Wraps
- Ankle Supports
- Muay Thai Shorts
- Mouth Guards
- Brands: Which to Buy and Why
- Starter Kit: What to Buy First
- FAQ
Muay Thai Gloves
Gloves are the foundation of your kit. Everything else is secondary.
Muay Thai gloves are built for stand-up striking — punching, pad work, bag work, and sparring — but unlike pure boxing gloves, they're also designed for clinch transitions, catching kicks, and the defensive blocking that's central to Muay Thai technique. The shape is generally rounder and the wrist more flexible than a traditional boxing glove.
What weight do you need?
Glove weight is the most common source of confusion for beginners. Here's how to think about it:
- 12oz — bag and pad work for lighter fighters (under 60kg)
- 14oz — general training, suitable for most body weights
- 16oz — the sparring standard in most Australian Muay Thai gyms; required by many coaches regardless of size
- 18oz — heavy sparring for fighters over 85kg or those wanting maximum protection for their partners
If you're buying one pair and you plan to spar, 16oz is the safest starting point. That said, some clubs are fine with 14oz depending on your size and experience — speak to your coach before buying, as their call takes priority over any general guide.
Always check with your coach first. Gym requirements vary and their word takes priority over any guide.
Leather vs microfiber
Leather gloves mould to your hand over time and have a traditional feel experienced fighters love. They require conditioning to prevent cracking and are more sensitive to moisture — something worth knowing in the Perth heat.
Microfiber (synthetic leather) is easier to maintain, more resistant to sweat, and a more practical starting point for beginners or fighters training at high frequency. It holds up well under daily use.
For most beginners: start with microfiber. Switch to leather once you know how to look after your gear properly.
Muay Thai gloves we stock
Fairtex BGV1 — $199.99
The benchmark Muay Thai glove. Handcrafted in Thailand, genuine leather, used at professional level worldwide. The BGV1 is an all-round training glove designed to last years with proper care. The natural choice for serious Muay Thai training.
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves — $144.99
Venum's most popular training glove. Handmade in Thailand, synthetic Skintex leather, solid foam core. Trusted by MMA and Muay Thai fighters globally and a step up from entry-level gear without the premium price. Available in black/black and black/white.
Venum Thunder Dragon Boxing Gloves — $149.00
The boldest glove in the Venum range. The Thunder Dragon features a distinctive snakeskin textured outer in black/grey/copper — hard to miss on the mat. Underneath the look it's a serious training glove: triple density foam for superior shock absorption, perforated palm for ventilation, reinforced seams, and a large hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit. Based on Venum's bestselling Impact Evo model. Suitable for boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai at regular training frequency (3–4 sessions per week). Available in 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz.
Venum Contender 1.5 XT — $89.99
A reliable mid-range option for fighters who want Venum quality at a more accessible price point. Good construction, solid padding — a practical starting glove.
Venum Challenger 2.0 — $99.99
The entry point of the Venum range. Well-made for the price, popular with beginners who want a reputable brand without the upfront investment.
Arwut BG1 Boxing Gloves — $159.99
Built from 100% genuine leather — unusual at this price point, where most brands use synthetic. Multilayer foam padding, secure hook-and-loop closure, and a comfortable hand compartment designed for clinch work, catching kicks, and heavy bag sessions. A strong option for fighters who want a leather glove at a price well below the Fairtex BGV1. Available in 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz.
→ Browse all Muay Thai & Boxing Gloves
For a full breakdown including how to size gloves and a brand comparison table, see our complete Muay Thai gloves buying guide.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are the second piece of gear most fighters buy — and one of the most important for sustainable training. Without them, hard sparring grinds your shins down fast and makes regular training painful.
Muay Thai shin guards cover the shin and instep and are built for kicking, blocking leg kicks, and clinch work. They're the same guards used for MMA striking training — the "MMA" vs "Muay Thai" label is mostly marketing. See our full shin guards comparison for a detailed breakdown.
What to look for
Padding thickness — thicker padding absorbs more impact during hard sparring. If you're training at intensity, don't go for the lightest guard on the shelf.
Strap security — guards that shift mid-round are worse than useless. Look for a double-strap system that locks the guard in place.
Fit — measure your shin length (top of foot to just below the knee) to find the right size. When in doubt, go up a size rather than down.
Competition legality — if you're training toward your first amateur fight, check that your guard has no metal loops. Most training guards do; the Fairtex SP5 specifically doesn't, making it competition-legal.
Shin guards we stock
Fairtex SP5 Competition Shin Guards — $159.99
The gold standard in Muay Thai shin guards. Handmade in Thailand using Syntek synthetic leather, double-layer high-impact foam, stitch-free open system to prevent foot irritation, and no metal loops for amateur competition legality. Designed to sit as close to the shin as possible — experienced fighters notice the difference immediately. The pick for Muay Thai-focused training at any level.
Arwut SG3 Shin Guards — $159.99
Also handmade in Thailand, at the same price as the Fairtex SP5. Thick front padding built for heavy sparring, secure strap system, holds its shape well over time. Popular with Muay Thai fighters who want Thai-made quality without paying for a legacy brand name. A genuine alternative to the Fairtex at the same price point.
Venum Elite Standup Shin Guards — $179.99
The premium Venum option. High density foam, anatomical fit, two large Velcro straps plus elastic foot strap for a no-slip hold. Handmade in Thailand. The most protective guard in the range and a strong choice for fighters who train across both MMA and Muay Thai.
Venum Challenger Standup Shin Guards — $139.99
The entry point of the Venum shin guard range. High density foam, good instep coverage, lightweight and reliable. One of the best sellers across the range for beginners who want a solid guard without spending premium prices.
Head Gear
Head gear is for sparring — specifically for protecting against cuts, reducing the impact of punches to the head, and keeping your training partners from doing accidental damage during technical rounds.
It won't fully protect against a concussion from a heavy shot — no head guard does — but quality head gear meaningfully reduces the accumulation of damage across hundreds of sparring sessions.
What to look for
Coverage — a good Muay Thai head guard covers the cheeks and chin, not just the top and sides. Open-face guards offer visibility; full-face guards add chin protection at the cost of sightlines.
Padding quality — the density and distribution of foam matters. A well-padded guard absorbs impact rather than compressing immediately.
Fit and stability — head gear that shifts during a round is worse than distracting. Look for adjustable chin straps and a close, secure fit.
Head gear we stock
Fairtex Super Sparring Headgear HG10 — $199.00
Fairtex's top sparring head guard. Full coverage, dense padding, and the same build quality as the rest of the Fairtex range. The choice for fighters who spar regularly and want proper protection.
Venum Elite Headgear — $159.99
High density foam, wide cheek padding, secure fit. Venum's premium head guard — well suited to Muay Thai and MMA sparring. A strong mid-range option that provides solid protection without the top-tier price.
Venum Challenger 2.0 Headgear — $129.99
A reliable entry-level option with good coverage. Popular with beginners who are starting to spar and need basic protection at an accessible price.
Top Ten FIGHT Headguard — $175.00
WAKO-approved and widely used in kickboxing competition. Solid protection and a competition-legal design for fighters training toward events under WAKO rules.
SMAI Triple Black Boxing Headguard — $89.99
An affordable starting option. Basic coverage and reliable build for fighters who need to start sparring without a large upfront cost.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads are sometimes overlooked, but in Muay Thai — where elbows are one of the eight weapons — they're essential for responsible sparring. Unpadded elbows in sparring cut training partners. Elbow pads allow you to practice elbow techniques at training speed without causing unnecessary injuries.
Elbow pads we stock
Fairtex Elbow Pads EBE1 — $49.99
The standard Fairtex elbow pad. Secure fit, good coverage, built for regular Muay Thai training use.
Venum Kontact Elbow Protector — $44.99
Lightweight and comfortable. A practical option for fighters who want elbow protection during sparring without bulk or restriction.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are not optional. They protect the small bones in your hand, compress and support the wrist, and absorb the majority of sweat before it reaches your gloves — extending their life significantly.
Always wrap before putting on gloves, no matter what you're doing. Bag work, pads, sparring — wraps go on first. Every time.
Ankle Supports
Ankle supports are one of those pieces of gear that most people don't buy until they roll their ankle mid-session — and then immediately wish they'd had them earlier. In Muay Thai, where you're constantly pivoting, kicking, and absorbing leg kicks, the ankle takes a lot of stress. A decent ankle support braces the joint, reduces the risk of rolling, and helps manage existing soreness without restricting movement.
They're also worth wearing if you're returning from a previous ankle injury or training on uneven mats where the surface shifts underfoot.
Ankle supports we stock
Venum Kontact Ankle Support Guards — $35.00
High-quality elasticated cotton with reinforced seams that conforms to the ankle shape for a customised fit. Provides solid ankle stability and compression without limiting kick range or footwork. Designed specifically for combat sports — Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, BJJ — and suitable for all levels. Sold in pairs. Available in S, M, L, and XL.
At $35 for a pair, ankle supports are one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to your training kit relative to what they protect.
→ Browse all Protection and Accessories
Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai shorts are cut wide through the hips and upper thigh for maximum kick range. The cut is deliberately different from standard athletic shorts — it's designed around the mechanics of Muay Thai movement and shouldn't be swapped out for board shorts or MMA shorts during training.
Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is essential for any contact sparring — it protects your teeth, cushions your jaw from impact, and reduces the risk of lip cuts. It's also one of the cheapest pieces of gear you'll buy relative to what it protects.
Boil-and-bite guards are the standard entry option; custom-fit guards (available through dentists) offer the best protection but at a higher cost.
Brands: Which to Buy and Why
At MASA, we stock four brands across the Muay Thai range. Here's where each one sits:
Fairtex — Thailand's original Muay Thai equipment brand, founded in 1971. Used at professional level worldwide including Glory Kickboxing and international Muay Thai competition. Every piece is handcrafted in Thailand. The benchmark for serious training — and priced accordingly.
Venum — One of the most widely recognised combat sports brands globally, trusted by UFC fighters and seen across Muay Thai gyms worldwide. Strong across both MMA and Muay Thai. The most practical choice for beginners and fighters who train across disciplines.
Arwut — A newer Thai brand founded in 2015 by combat sport practitioners. Thai-made quality at a mid-range price. Official gear partner of WBC Muay Thai. A strong option for fighters who want authentic Thai gear without the legacy brand premium. Read our full Arwut review.
Twins Special and Top King — Two of the most respected names in traditional Muay Thai alongside Fairtex. Coming soon to MASA.
Starter Kit: What to Buy First
If you're new to Muay Thai, here's what you actually need to start — in order of priority:
1. Gloves (14oz–16oz)
Your first purchase. 16oz if you'll be sparring, 14oz if you're focused on bag and pad work initially. Venum Contender 1.5 XT ($89.99) or Venum Challenger 2.0 ($99.99) are sensible starting points. Step up to the Venum Elite ($144.99) or Fairtex BGV1 ($199.99) when you're training consistently.
2. Hand Wraps
Cheap, essential, non-negotiable. Buy two pairs so one is always dry.
3. Shin Guards
Buy these as soon as you start any kicking or sparring. The Venum Challenger ($139.99) is a solid beginner option. The Fairtex SP5 ($159.99) or Arwut SG3 ($159.99) are the picks if you're serious about training long-term.
4. Mouth Guard
Before you spar. Non-negotiable.
5. Ankle Supports
Cheap and easy to overlook until you need them. The Venum Kontact ($35.00) is an easy add — worth having from the start rather than after your first rolled ankle.
6. Head Gear
Once you start sparring regularly. The Venum Challenger 2.0 ($129.99) covers the basics. Step up to the Venum Elite ($159.99) or Fairtex HG10 ($199.00) once you're training at volume.
7. Elbow Pads
When you start working elbows in sparring. The Venum Kontact ($44.99) is a practical choice.
8. Muay Thai Shorts
Technically not gear, but your standard shorts will get in the way of kicks faster than you'd expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Muay Thai gear do I need as a beginner?
Start with gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouth guard. That covers the basics for most beginner classes. Add head gear once sparring begins, and elbow pads when elbow technique is introduced.
What size Muay Thai gloves should I get?
Use your body weight as a starting point: under 60kg go 12–14oz, 60–80kg go 14–16oz, over 80kg go 16–18oz. Always check with your gym — sparring requirements vary and your coach's guidance takes priority.
Are MMA shin guards the same as Muay Thai shin guards?
Essentially yes — the same design, the same protection, often the same products sold under different labels. The real difference is which brands each training community tends to buy. Read our full MMA vs Muay Thai shin guards guide for the full breakdown.
Which brand is best for Muay Thai gear?
Fairtex is the traditional gold standard for serious Muay Thai training. Venum is the most practical all-rounder for beginners and fighters who also train MMA. Arwut offers authentic Thai-made quality at a more accessible price point. All three are legitimate options — the right one depends on your budget and where you are in your training.
Do I need Muay Thai-specific shorts?
Yes, once you're training properly. The cut is designed specifically for the leg and hip movement Muay Thai requires. Standard shorts restrict kick range in ways you'll notice quickly.
Can I use boxing gloves for Muay Thai?
Yes — for bag work, pad work, and boxing-style sparring. For clinch work and full Muay Thai sparring, a glove designed for Muay Thai gives you more flexibility and palm coverage. See our gloves comparison guide for a full breakdown.
Shop Muay Thai Gear at MASA
All gear stocked and shipped from Perth, Australia — flat rate delivery $10 anywhere in Australia, $30 to New Zealand.
- Full Muay Thai Gear Collection
- Muay Thai & Boxing Gloves
- Shin Guards
- Head Gear
- Elbow Pads
- Hand Wraps
- Muay Thai Shorts
- Shop Fairtex
- Shop Venum
- Shop Arwut
Not sure what to buy? Get in touch — we train too and we're happy to help you find the right kit for where you're at.