Thai pads
- Typical price
- €70–200
The primary tool of the Dutch pad method and the reason it works. Thai pads absorb full-power kicks and knees while letting the holder move, counter and present reactions — none of which a heavy bag can do. A gym without good pads cannot run the method properly.
What to look for
Leather with dense multi-layer foam. Curved pads suit kicks and knees; flat pads give better feedback on punches. Two straps hold the pad against a hard kick where one does not. They wear out from the inside — a pad that has gone soft transmits impact into the holder’s forearm and should be replaced rather than persevered with.
At a glance
- Absorb full-power kicks and knees while the holder moves
- Curved for kicks, flat for punch feedback
- Two straps, not one, for hard kicking
- Replace once the foam has compressed — it hurts the holder