Short answer. Thai pads are bought by the person who holds them. The usual pick is a curved leather pair such as the Fairtex KPLC2 (38 × 20 × 10 cm, 2.5 kg per pair), with smaller, thicker and longer sizes in the same series. For occasional home use a synthetic curved pair is enough. If you train alone, buy a heavy bag instead.
Who needs Thai pads?
Thai pads (kick pads) are held by a coach or partner so you can kick, knee, elbow and punch at full power. They are bought by the person who holds them. If you train alone, a heavy bag is the better buy; if you train with a partner or coach someone, a pair of Thai pads is the most useful single piece of equipment you can own.
What to look for
- Curved or straight. Curved pads follow the holder's forearm. Fairtex says the curve reduces strain on the holder's arms and shoulders.
- Leather or synthetic. Leather lasts longer under daily kicking; synthetic pads cost less and suit occasional use.
- Thickness and weight. Thicker pads absorb more for the holder but are heavier to hold for a whole round.
- Handle and straps. A form-fitted handle plus padded forearm straps keep the pad from twisting on hard kicks.
The picks
1. Fairtex KPLC2
The standard size of Fairtex's curved pad series and a common sight in gyms.
- Genuine leather, curved design, multi-layer foam padding, adjustable straps (Fairtex)
- 38 × 20 × 10 cm, 2.5 kg per pair (Fairtex Store)
- Sold in pairs
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On Amazon, prefer the brand's official storefront or listings shipped and sold by Amazon, and compare the listing's specs with the maker's page to avoid fakes.
2. Other sizes in the same series
If the standard pad is too heavy for the holder, or not thick enough for a heavy kicker, the series comes in other sizes:
- KPLC1 small: 31 × 19 × 9 cm, 2.1 kg per pair
- KPLC3 extra thick: 40 × 21 × 11 cm, 3.4 kg per pair
- KPLC4 extra long: 43 × 21 × 12 cm, 3.4 kg per pair (all Fairtex Store)
3. Synthetic Thai pads
For a home setup where pads come out once a week, a synthetic pair is enough. Check for a curved shape, a solid handle and padded straps.
- Lighter on the wallet and usually lighter to hold
- Wear out faster under daily heavy kicking
Other pads worth having
Focus mitts are for fast hand combinations; a belly pad lets the holder take teeps and knees to the body. Neither replaces Thai pads, but both are common in Muay Thai pad rounds. See focus mitts vs Thai pads for which to buy first.
The striker still needs gloves and wraps for pad work.
Buying in the UK
Blitz, a UK store and one of our partner stores, sells its own Thai pads and focus mitts.
Buying in the US
Revgear, a US store and one of our partner stores, sells its own Thai pads and focus mitts.
FAQ
Are Thai pads sold as a pair?
Usually yes. Fairtex's KPLC pads are sold in pairs; check the listing, because some cheaper pads are sold singly.
Curved or straight Thai pads?
Curved pads follow the holder's forearm, which Fairtex says reduces strain on the arms and shoulders. Straight pads are the traditional shape and are usually cheaper.
Sources
- Fairtex, Curved Kick Pads KPLC2
- Fairtex Store, Muay Thai Curved Pads (KPLC1–4 dimensions and weights)
More buying guides
- Muay Thai starter kitWhat to buy first, in order, and what can wait.
- Boxing starter kitWhat to buy for your first boxing class, in order, with UK picks.
- Best Muay Thai gloves 2026Five leather Thai gloves by use, plus Fairtex and Yokkao size charts.
- Boxing vs Muay Thai glovesPalm, padding and cuff differences, one-glove options, and which to buy.
- Boxing glove size guide12 vs 14 vs 16oz: size charts by weight and use, and UK picks.
- Kids' boxing glovesWhat size gloves for children and juniors, 4oz to 10oz, and UK picks.
- Sparring headgear guideOpen-face vs cheek vs full face, a head-size check, and UK picks.
- Best Muay Thai shin guardsThai-style vs adjustable vs sleeve, size charts and a shin-length size check.
- Best heavy bag for homeHanging vs freestanding, how heavy, and how to set it up.
- Heavy bag workout for beginnersA 20-minute round-by-round plan, what you need, and UK picks.
- Muay Thai at home aloneA 35-minute solo round plan, with or without a bag, and what you need.
- Jump rope workout for boxingThe basic bounce, the boxer skip in five steps, a 15-minute round plan.
- Focus mitts vs Thai padsWhich pads to buy for boxing, kickboxing or Muay Thai, and UK picks.
- Hand wraps guide180 vs 120 inches, a length check, elastic vs cotton, and how tight to wrap.
- How to wrap your handsThe standard wrap step by step, a Muay Thai version, how tight, and washing.
- Groin guard guideCup types, the competition rules, Blitz's size table, and UK and US picks.