Best Skateboard Knee Pads (Things to Consider When Choosing)

Published on: March 11, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Knee pads are used for various sports and activities that require extra protection. But knee pads that need to be used during riding a skateboard are one of a kind. These pads need to be flexible enough to let you do your tricks and hard enough to save you from knee injuries. Any random knee pads may not provide those qualities you need while skateboarding. 

Here, we have picked the top 10 knee pads of different sizes, qualities, materials, and specialties so that you can decide easily. Some of those are multipurpose, some are better for cycling than skating. Choose one that fits your size and demand. Hopefully, the buying guide at the end of this article will help you to carefully judge every model you like.

The Things to Consider in Knee Pads 

Size chart

Finding the right size is the most crucial part of buying knee pads online. Different manufacturers use different methods to find the right size for their customers. Body weight and leg circumference are mostly used methods. Finding the right pairs using the circumference of your leg around the knee is the best option to choose a knee pad that will never disappoint you. 

Take time in this part as improper measuring may lead you to get a pair of pads that are too tight to move or too loose to stay put. 

Close

The protection you are getting from a pair of knee pads highly depends on the closer system. For tricky skateboarding, look for pads that have velcro along with a gasket for adjustment. Only velcro straps are suitable for bicycling, rollerblading and other medium-level sports, not for someone who is a master at skating. 

Ventilation

You will not be able to wear the pads for too long if it is not well-ventilated. Poor ventilation of knee pads can make your knee areas get warm and sweaty. This will lead to skin rashes and discomfort. So, knee pads with ventilation channels will be better for prolonged use. 

Materials

Breathable material for the knee pad, a hard yet flexible knee cap cup, and a well-gripped closer altogether are important to choose knee pads for any purpose. Materials like vinyl and EVA are good for the hard cap; these make the cap protective yet flexible.

Sponge or rubber padding is mostly used around and underneath the hard cap. Both are fine but the sponge lining is more breathable. For straps, plastic snap closer and velcro closer with or without a gasket is available. Poor-quality velcro may give up too quickly. 

Protection

The level of protection of knee pads depends on all the above parameters. Take time to check out all of those and choose one depending on your needs. If you want knee pads for safe commuting on a regular basis, then there is no need to invest in highly protective pro-quality pads because they are the most pricey ones. 

Maintenance

The longevity of knee pads totally depends on how frequently they are used and how they are taken care of. Avoid unnecessary washing of the knee pads. Wash those manually with mild detergent and lukewarm water. Never ever throw them in the washing machine even if the instruction says they are safe. Machine washing makes the pads lose their flexibility and shape quicker. 

After each use, use a wet wipe to wipe off the dirt from the pads and hang those to air dry the wetness from the wipes and sweat. Avoid storing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards in a sealed container, it will develop fungus if left like that for a long.

Editors Recommended Skateboard Knee Pads-

G-Form Pro-X Knee Pads(1 Pair) – Youth and Adult

• Material: RPT (Reactive Protection Technology);
• Available colors: black, black/red, black/yellow & black/teal;
• Size available for youth and adults;
• Breathable, lightweight, seamless.

Other than being considered a sport, skateboarding, bicycling, and inline roller is a fast and inexpensive modes of transportation. For daily commuting safely, there is no alternative to using safety gear that is protective, comfortable, and lightweight. This pro-X series from G-From are made with all those features that you look for in a knee pad for daily use. 

It is so flexible that you can literally fold it and keep it in your jeans pocket. No need to carry around a bag to hold bulky pads. This pad adjusts according to your knee joints protecting the knee cap. The back part hugs the pad perfectly to the knee but does not feel tight upon bending. The best thing is, you can even wear these under your pants, no one can tell you are wearing them. 

The ventilation process of these pads works as you bend your leg. So, it doesn’t make your knee joints sweat. However, to make it flexible and comfortable, the pad is made less sturdy. So, my opinion is this is not the best choice for use in a skateboard circuit where you can get hurt badly. The sizing guide is more appropriate than other brands as they mention the size according to the size of the legs, not body weight. 

Pros

• Flexible;
• Low profile;
• Suitable to wear under clothing.

Cons

• Pricey;
• Not highly protective against hard falls.

Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads

• Material: ABS shield, EVA foam, lycra, and velcro;
• Available colors: black only;
• Size available for youth and adults;
• Secure fit and comfortable.

Pro-Tec knee pads are a wonderful choice to find protection on a budget. Its front part is basically a shield, made of ABS plastic material. Underneath the shield, there is EVA foam padding to make it shock resistant.

This combination gives these pads a superior shock resistance quality. The back part is lycra, to make it flexible so that moving on the skateboard will be easier. The velcro straps are adjustable and stay put nicely. 

The size guide of these knee pads is somewhat hilarious to me. All the users have been warned to be careful while selecting the right size. That’s because the knee cap shield is not adjustable, so it is important to find one that fits your kneecaps.

I suggest you order at least two sizes bigger than your requirement, you shouldn’t have any problem fitting in it. Another tip is, while pulling the straps, make the upper one tighter than the lower one. This way you will get a secure grip but yet will be flexible enough to do tricks on the skate park. 

Pros

• Suitable for professional skateboarding;
• Support against hard falls;
• Secure grip;
• Reasonable price.

Cons

• Inappropriate size guide.

Triple 8 KP 22 Knee Pads

• Material: hard cap, EVA foam with neoprene straps;
• Available colors: black only;
• Size available for children, youth, and adults;
• Secure fit.

There is no need to be confused with inappropriate size charts when you can order from Triple 8. Their k-22 knee pads are awesome because of their well-defined size guide. It is easy to find which one will fit you most. Besides, the quality, support, and fit are also as good as high-quality knee pads. 

The hard caps are attached to the EVA worth reinforced rivets. This unique attachment makes the caps hold for a long time, and won’t budge even after numerous falls. At the back, there is a neoprene butterfly closure to make the closure secure yet flexible.

The only problem I can state about these pairs is, it gets steamy when you have to wear it for a long time. It will vary from person to person depending on how much you sweat and the weather. If that is not something that bothers you, then you should definitely go for these knee pads. 

Pros

• 2 types of closure ensure a secure placement;
• Provides well support upon heavy fall;
• Well-defined size chart.

Cons

• It May feel hot upon wearing it for a long time.

PEEPYPET Skateboard Knee & Elbow Pads  for Kids 3-10 Kids

• Made of high-strength silicone, bushings & textile cloth combined with memory elastic foam;
• Suitable for skateboarding, mountain biking, BMX bicycle, riding， Inline skating, roller skating, or cycling;
• Include a double-designed microfiber bag, 2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads & 2 wrist pads.

Finally, you have found a pack of 4-in-1 protective materials gear for your future skate hero kid. In a draw-string bag, you will get a pair of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guard-all at one-third of the price of the adult knee pads. The good thing is, these are available in vibrant colors, even in pink for barbie lover little girls. 

The knee cap is made of flexible and soft EVA which will provide enough protection without cracking up and will never feel uncomfortable. The inner side and the back are well-padded and ventilated so that the kids will not whine if they have to wear them for long. 

While shopping for the first skateboarding, mountain biking, BMX bicycle, riding， Inline skating, roller skating, or cycling, don’t hesitate to buy this pack for your beloved kid. This can be a great birthday or Christmas gift they won’t ever forget. 

Pros

• Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards all in one;
• Fits a wide age range;
• Cheap price.

Cons

• Nothing.

JBM Adult and Child 3-in-1 Protective Gear Set

• Material: hard cap, EVA foam with neoprene straps;
• Available colors: black, blue, pink, red, and yellow;
• Size available for youth and adults;
• Secure fit.

The good thing about this model is, it has three basic categories that fit children, adolescents, and adults. Besides, the size chart is made based on the circumference of the knee and elbow, not weight or height, or age. So, it is easier to find the right size for anyone. The super stretchy material at the back and adjustments make sure it will never slip off unless you want to. 

It is available in borders with different striking colors in contrast with black. You will have options to match the protective pads with your helmet, skateboard, bicycle, or your outfit. For kids, these are the safest gear because it doesn’t get damaged even during hard falls. 

These pairs may seem pricier to you, but three pairs complete the set and save you from purchasing separately. I think that pays off the price, needless to say, the protection and security you get from it are unbeatable.  

Pros

• Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guard;
• Fits young to adults;
• Reliable size chart.

Cons

• None.

 Gonex 3 in-1 Skateboard Knee & Elbow Pads for Adult & Children

• Comes with 1 pair of elbow pads, 1 pair of knee pads, & 1 pair of wrist pads;
• Double-side twill elastic strap;
• Made of 600D high-density oxford cloth, thickened & tough PP curved shell.

Let me assure you one thing, these pairs of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are not for someone you are prone to hard falls during rollerblading or skating. Because the knee shell is thin and flexible, will not provide enough protection from injuries and bruises upon hard falls. 

There is only one color available for these protective gears and that is, boring black. Besides, there is no size chart given. Despite that, I find it relatively easy to choose the right fit, because the measurement of all three sizes is given on the labels and online pages. You just need to figure out which one you want. 

To be honest, the price of these pads and the materials used are quite cheap. It will best suit cyclists who ride bikes for daily commuting and moderate-level sports use. 

Pros

• Thickened & tough curved shell;
• Thin, lightweight, and flexible;
• High-density oxford fabric.

Cons

• No size chart.

HEROBIKER Moto Knee Pads Protective Guards

• Material: EVA hard cap, sponge with velcro straps;
• Available colors: black;
• Small, medium, and large sizes are available;
• Lightweight.  

It is basically made for bikers. For that purpose, these knee pads are made thin, lightweight, well-ventilated and easy to wear, and easy to remove. There is no harm in using these for other sports activities like rollerblading, skating, and so on. 

These pairs are mainly nylon material with sponge lining. The top cap is EVA, so it is protective over falling. The straps at the back are velcro, which is easier to put on and adjust compared to nylon straps, but I doubt how secure they will fit. It is obvious that these pairs will give out quicker than nylon straps as velcro loosens faster. This is the only flaw in this pair. 

However, despite the flaw, it is still a good option for enthusiasts who are on a budget to purchase protective gear for sports. There are two variations available; this one is the improved version, which provides a more secure fit. It is perfect for skateboarding. The slightly older version is, on the other hand, easier to wear and perfect for bikers only. Choose yours considering your requirements. 

Pros

• Suitable for multi-sports;
• Easy to wear, adjust and remove;
• Breathable.

Cons

• The velcro straps may weaken over time. 

187 Killer Pads Pro Skateboard Knee Pads

• Material: Plastic;
• ‎X-Large size available;
• Type skateboarding, Outdoor Lifestyle;
• The removable foam allows for easy washing.

Don’t go by the looks of these knee pads; they are not as small as they seem in the photos. In fact, the wide-size variety is praiseworthy because you will never have a problem getting a pair of knee pads that perfectly fits you. From X large sizes available, you can choose yours no matter if you are small or largely you are built. 

The pads are slightly contoured so that a gap remains right under the hard cap to keep your knees well protected. The back is left open so that you will never feel sweaty even after wearing it for a long time. The inner lining is made of foam. Everything is secured with an industrial-grade stitch.

So, no matter how hard you fall or how frequently you fall, these pairs will stay intact for longer. You may have to pay some extra bucks to own these, but who won’t pay for the protection they need at the skateparks?

Pros

• Fit even extra-large people;
• Pro-quality pads;
• Suitable for professional skateboarders.

Cons

• One size is available.

Alta FLEX Knee Pads

• Material: rubber cap with Cordura nylon;
• Available colors: brown;
• Only one adjustable size is available;
• Soft.     

These nude-colored pads come in one size only. So, if you are an average person, you can absolutely give this pair a try. The nude color is better than the black one because it doesn’t look dirty even after covering it with dirt and mud. On the other hand, black knee pads need to be washed or cleaned after every use because it gets white while covered in dirt. 

I don’t recommend it to anyone who wears extra small or 3XL size pants. Because in those cases the straps may ensure the knee pads are securely fit, but the hard knee cap protector itself can be too small or too big to provide necessary coverage. 

Besides, the snap-style nylon straps cut into the skin if it is too tight or it will come loose if it is not tight enough. For a moderate level of activity, these pads are okay to use. 

Pros

• Don’t need to be washed often;
• Well-built plastic snap and straps;
• Flexible.

Cons

• Straps dig down;
• Gets sweaty.

Tuffroo Work Knee Knee Pads for Men & Women

• Material: Polyester, Nylon, Foam;
• Available colors: black; 
• Always get the perfect fit.

What if I say these knee pads will give you the freedom to wear them during DIY projects, construction works, gardening, and of course, skating? Doesn’t it sound great?

Yes, these inexpensive knee pads can save you from purchasing different pairs to do the same job during different tasks. These have all the goodness you want in skateboard knee pads with an added benefit. These are easier to use and put on. A ventilated bag is provided with this pair to store and air dry after use and wash. 

The top cap is a polyvinyl cap with a silicone gel cushion underneath. The gel cushion is soothing when you have to remain to kneel for a long time. You will barely feel any hard surface under the knees. 

The straps at the back ensure a well-secured placement. The top strap has a gasket to adjust the lower strap is a simple velcro strap. With one investment in this pair, you will do a lot; simply worth every penny. 

Pros

• Stay Safe & Comfy;
• Use anytime & anywhere;
• Adjustable Straps.

Cons

• None.

Read more: Top 5 Skateboard Video Cameras

Conclusion

The performance you show in the skatepark reflects your confidence in yourself. You will not ever be able to be confident unless you are well prepared with your knee pads on as a soldier prepares with his armor before the battle.

Now you have all the information to look for a pair of knee pads that will work best for you. So, don’t be late, follow our instructions, check out our top picks, and order a pair for yourself.

You Might Also Like:

• 10 Best Ripstik for Beginners – How to Ride