Whether you’re an expert skateboarder or a beginner roller skater, knee pads are an essential piece of equipment to staying safe. This protective gear is important for all ages and can help prevent serious injury when participating in extreme or action sports. With so many different kinds out there, it can be hard to know which kind is best for you and your sport.
If you’re looking for a good all-around pair of knee pads, the best is 187 Killer Pads Skateboarding Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, and Wrist Guards, Six-Pack Pad Set.
Knee pads are safety accessories that protect your knees. Sold in pairs, they’re designed to slip on or secure to your legs with straps. They either have a hard or soft shell that covers your kneecap, and additional padding for comfort.
When worn correctly, knee pads can help prevent skinned knees as well as impact damage to your patella, which is a particularly vulnerable, floating bone. In addition, knee pads can help lessen the risk of major ligament damage by adding a supportive brace around this sensitive area.
Athletes use knee pads for all sorts of indoor and outdoor sports. The most popular are extreme sports such as skateboarding; rollerblading or skating; snowboarding and biking. But knee pads can also be worn for sports such as volleyball, handball, wrestling and other activities that risk high-impact injuries. Football, for example, even integrates pads into their pants.
Depending on your activity, you’ll want to consider adding a few other pieces of protective equipment for maximum protection:
Sizing knee pads requires taking a couple of measurements. This can be difficult as every brand will differ, but there are two generic criteria that can help get a sense of what will fit.
Which you choose between these two kinds of padding depends on the level of protection you want. Soft-shell pads provide less than hard shells. But with enough foam padding, and a tight enough strap, these can still take a beating. Their lightweight makes them a good choice for sports such as volleyball or snowboarding where impacts are less severe or further cushioned by the snow.
Hard shells are made from ergonomically molded, smooth plastic. These offer maximum protection, but can be bulky and uncomfortable. You’ll definitely need them for skateboarding and hardcore cycling.
Slip-on knee pads have the protective barrier sewn into a sleeve made of stretchy fabric such as spandex. They’re more comfortable and lightweight than strap-on pads and are popular for indoor sports or work. Though they stretch, slip-ons don’t accommodate growing legs as well as adjustable-straps.
Adjustable-strap knee pads, meanwhile, use either velcro or clips and bands, and they are the best solution for over-the-pants protection. Adjustable straps not only allow for a more flexible fit, but also make for easy removal to cool off between sessions. The straps can move around, requiring frequent adjustment, and the various enclosure designs can be uncomfortable if worn improperly.
Slip-on, soft shell pads run cheaper than hard shells at around $10-$30 a pair. More durable pairs can run as much as $25-$85.
A. Pro athletes aren’t always the best role models, especially when it comes to safety. It’s no secret that pads aren’t considered cool in the action sports community. But looking cool won’t prevent a trip to the hospital. As with any sport, your risk of injury is always a matter of personal boundaries and assessment. Be sure to supervise and pad-up any kids who participate in these sports. And if you’re an adult action-sports enthusiast — seasoned or novice — err on the side of caution. Your bones and joints will thank you later in life.
A. Many hard-shell knee pad brands let you replace the kneecap pads if they become scuffed or cracked from a major fall. You should be sure to replace the caps if they are damaged — any major deformations beyond normal wear and tear can compromise the protective capacity of your pads.
187 Killer Pads Skateboarding Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, and Wrist Guards, Six Pack Pad Set
What you need to know: A hardcore set of pads, these are perfect for roller skaters, bladers and skateboarders who like to go all out.
What you’ll love: With edgy branding on all black padding, you’ll look cool while staying safe. Not only do you get two hard-shell, adjustable knee pads, but you also get matching wrist and elbow pads, making this set a great value. If black isn’t your thing, there are a ton of colorful options for retro and extreme-sport styling. You have the full range of size options from junior to extra large.
What you should consider: These come in size ranges so go with the smaller option — you want them to be snug, and they’ll stretch the more you use them.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
BoneShieldz Youth Cruiser 3000 Multisport Protective Set
What you need to know: These are the perfect pads for adventurous little ones.
What you’ll love: Featuring a striking red, black and steel-gray color scheme, the BoneShield pads will have younger skaters feeling like superheroes. They’re hard-shelled and adjustable, meaning they’ll offer maximum support for big spills, and their Velcro straps enable no-fuss adjustments for little fingers.
What you should consider: Some users report that these can break from big falls.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Asics Ace Low-Profile Knee Pads
What you need to know: Made for total free-range movement, these unisex knee pads are great for indoor sports, work or even snowboarding.
What you’ll love: Lightweight and small, these soft-shelled Asics pads are spandex and slip-on, allowing for maximum flexibility. They’re one-size-fits-all with a pretty broad range of satisfied users from volleyball to work around the house. The foam padding is comfortable and thin enough that it doesn’t feel bulky.
What you should consider: Because they’re one-size-fits-all, these pads are a little too big for kids younger than high school age.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
