whistlekick Karate Sparring Foot Gear for Karate/Taekwondo Martial Arts Industry Best Warranty - No Toe Strap

I have used many brands of sparring boots over my 30+ years in the martial arts. My students also like to bring me their sparring gear for review, so I have seen most of what is out on the market. I was a big fan of the company in Oklahoma that starts with a “C”. I also used several boots from the Philadelphia company called Asian World of ______. These Whistlekick boots are far and away the best boots I have seen. For starters, these boots are THICK. The foam in them is not a cheap camping foam, but a high quality, very dense foam. I would imagine the foam is close to ¾ of an inch think (if not more). Every detail scream quality (from the foam to the double stitching). I love the way the foot strap is used to form an “X” around the bottom of the foot. I recall one time, several years ago when I was much more flexible, I was in a tournament and threw a good, high sidekick. I slipped on the foot strap that was part of the boot near the pad of the foot. I fell down and hurt myself pretty good. These use the “X” strap near the ankle and make a nice, secure fit. Speaking of fit, they do run a bit on the small side. I wear a US Size 10 shoe. I ordered the XL (Extra Large) boot and it is a prefect fit. Just consult the size chart when ordering. Once my order was placed, I was contacted via email from Whistlekick. They just wanted to make sure I received my order and if I had any questions. This was great customer service, and I did not even ask for the help. I am 100% sure they would stand by their product with issues, returns, or exchanges. I love the color options. I will be ordering a red set so we can have a black vs red in our sparring matches. The color is Stealth Black so I guess my kicks will be invisible now (look out world). Push the button and get a pair of these boots. They are much better build quality than the other ones I have purchased in the past.

It does feel a little odd to have no straps by the toes... but they don't fall off. And even with straps near the toes you could accidentally get someone with your toe nails if you aren't careful. I'm women's US 9.5 and I got the Adult Medium. I wish they were very slightly larger, but they are the best choice for my size foot.

Having recently received my new Whistlekick sparring boots and used them several times in sparring, I must say that these are by far the best sparring boots I have ever owned. Having been a martial artist for over 10 years, I have tried many different styles and brands of equipment and so far these are my favorite. The build quality of these boots is excellent so I have no doubt that these boots will last through many many sparring sessions well into the future. The biggest annoyance I've had with other brands of sparring boots is the toe strap. With the toe strap I have found that it just tends to get in the way and can be an irritant. I really like the fact that the Whistlekick boot doesn't have the toe strap for this very reason. This boot fits very well and provides excellent mobility without the boot shifting or turning on the foot during intense sparring sessions. I would highly recommend this product and will be ordering more for myself in the future when the need arises.

I only gave them a 3 rating because they lack a fixed strap across the foot, so, even with the wraparound strap, they tend to slide up and expose the toes, at least for me. Other than that, they are durable and provide otherwise adequate protection.

The shoes have spots where holes have been made by some kind of machine or something on the bottom-and the quality is very poor. The plastic it is wrapped in is very thin and wouldn't last long at all. I'm sending this back and ordering Century instead. There is HUGE difference in the quality! I only ordered this brand because they had Prime shipping on it, but it wasn't worth it. I would only recommend this to someone who's kid is starting out and hasn't yet decided this is something they want to stick with-otherwise you'll be replacing this sooner than later.

Ok item but doesn't have the straps under your foot like other brands have causing them to flop more on certain kicks. Shipping was fast and rest of the item is as good as others.

I have been doing Taekwon Do for the last 14 years and have worn through numerous foot protectors. These fit great, are comfortable and are very easy to put on. The foam is sturdy and thick and it is absolutely exactly as advertised. Zero complaints. My only issue (and it is with all brands of protectors) is that they are listed as small, medium, large etc. There is no shoe size equivalent for each measurement. I initially ordered one size too small, however, I was able to immediately return and exchange them for the correct size. The order came fast as well. The guards are well priced and I can confidently recommend them.

I've only used these a few times so far, but absolutely NO Break-in time required which was always what stopped me from buying new gear and just sticking with duck tape repairs. The lack of toe strap almost stopped me from buying, but so glad I did. They definitely run small, so size up (size 10 women's, bought large, just fits). I look forward to using these more in the future. Really wish they came in White!!!

I use this foot gear for sparring in taekwondo and they are great! I used to always come home with bruises all over the top of my feet but not I can kick with confidence and not get hurt!

Hard time keeping it secure on my foot. Keeps sliding sideways when I kick. Sufficient padding when it stays in place though