Layered foam is stacked in graded densities from front to back, so the shield absorbs the shock of a full-power kick before it reaches the holder's forearms — a detail that matters more at higher order volumes where coaches hold pads for hours daily.
Muay Thai gyms and MMA camps running heavy-bag-style kick conditioning are the typical buyers, with the three-handle design chosen specifically so one shield can be held several ways depending on the drill.
Store shields flat rather than leaning them against a wall for long periods, since sustained pressure on one edge can compress the foam unevenly over months of storage.