7 Best Skateboard Knee Pads in 2024 – Tested & Reviewed By Experts

Whether it is pool skating or freestyling, knee pads are a must-have for all skaters, as they help protect them from intense impact and severe injuries. Sadly, most new and mid-level skaters don’t have any clue about the best skateboard knee pads and how to choose the right ones. As a skater, you need to understand that it is an active and thrilling sport that comes with a lot of accidents, pain, and injuries.

When it comes to buying a suitable pair, you have to look into things like fabric, coverage, padding, enclosure, and money. Still, if you are confused then don’t worry as for our readers we tested a few pairs of knee pads and have reviewed the top skateboard knee pads available on the market here. So, let’s dive right into it and choose wisely after reading the reviews of these pairs.

Best Skateboard Knee Pads – Reviews

Image	Product	Features	Price
	187 Killer Skateboarding Knee Pads	Contoured form-fitting design cradles knee Superior foam system absorbs hard impacts Streamline shape and design to increase mobility Seamless interior finish provides ultimate comfort Size-specific caps create close contact with the pad to minimize bulk	Check Price
	Pro-Tec Street Knee Pad	Neoprene backing for riding comfort Full wrap hook and loop fasteners for a secure fit CE certified to standard Most stylish protective gear on the market Stretch lycra interior with upper and lower support straps	Check Price
	JBM Kids Knee Pads and Elbow Pads	Suitable for kids aged 3-8 years old. Multiple adjustable elastic straps Made of tough and durable PP, PE materials Appropriate for Roller skating, inline skating and other sports	Check Price
	Triple Eight Street Knee Pads	Pair of multi-sport knee pads for kids and youth Ideal for skateboarding, roller skating, and biking Ergonomically designed for comfort Available in multiple sizes	Check Price
	Retrospec Knee Pads	Premium padding set made for comfortable Maximum protection against injuries Each pad comes with adjustable elastic straps The padding can be worn directly on the skin Great for skateboarding, longboarding, extreme sports	Check Price
	Rollerblade Skate Knee Pads	Durable construction at a value price Protective caps with left/right specific form Pads stay securely in place, with additional sock liner Perforated, padded lining	Check Price
	Franklin Sports Knee Pads	Offer premium protection for skaters Specially designed with a breathable liner Designed with multiple adjustable elastic straps Come with a carry bag Fully adjustable and fits most consumers	Check Price

1. 187 Killer Skateboarding Knee Pads

I am starting my list of the best skateboard knee pads with the infamous 187 Killer pads. What makes them stand out is their contoured design and thick cushioning that prevents injuries and keeps you warm and away from frequent joint aches. I have used them for extensive and intensive practice sessions, and they are worth the money.

First of all, these pads are made up of nylon, which is highly comfortable and has a decent level of air passing through them. It is further accompanied by a contoured form-fitting design that completely wraps around your knees and keeps you at ease despite active movement. After using them constantly, I never found them slipping down the knees.

Now, let us talk about padding and protection. The manufacturers have used extra thick padding according to the industry’s standards, making them highly protective and supportive, even for professional field tournaments. However, I would say the extra foam can add to the weight of the pads, which might make it difficult for beginners to move freely.

Finally, if you are planning to invest in a quality pair of knee pads for the long term, these 187 Killer Pads are the best. Everything from the contoured design to the cushioning and construction quality makes them stand out in the crowd. That said, if you are a new skater, you should take them for a test match before buying.

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2. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads

These Pro-Tec street knee pads are famous for their ergonomic design and above-average support, which makes them suitable for extended matches. They are made according to industry standards and are CE-certified. Moreover, their stylish and multipurpose designs work excellently for outdoor activities like skating, biking, and other action sports.

Starting with the design, these pads are made up of stretchable nylon fabric, which is durable and offers breathability, making them suitable for long skating issues. This fabric is comfortable for the skin, so you can also opt to wear them under the clothing. It is further accompanied by velcro, which adjusts according to your size and does not dangle around.

Another good thing about these skateboard knee pads is the superior EVA foam padding. Not only this, but it is also full-coverage, which completely wraps your knees and prevents injuries. I had severe joint aches during the early days of my skating, and using these pads helped me keep my knees warm throughout.

Wrapping up, these street knee pads from Pro-Tec are yet another quality pair for beginners and professionals. Their long-lasting and supportive construction makes them value for money. What I like about these pads is that they have quality velcro, preventing them from getting loose or dangling.

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3. JBM Adult and Kids Knee Pads

If your kid has just started skating and you need something protective to help them stay away from injuries, I would recommend these JBM knee pads. Even better, they are lightweight and multipurpose, so you can use them for any active sport, including riding scooters and bikers. Their full-coverage design also prevents them from slipping down.

First of all, these pads are made up of polypropylene with plastic cups. My daughter has been using them for two years, and we have not noticed any sign of wearing or tearing. For protection, the manufacturers have used EVA padded cups, which are highly supportive and ideally help you avoid severe injuries.

Now, speaking of their weight, the pads are only 7.3 ounces, which is pretty comfortable for kids and teenagers. It is further accompanied by adjustable elastic straps, easy to handle, and highly stable, so you don’t have to bother pulling them every time. Moreover, even a small kid can put them on and off.

Final thoughts: these JBM knee pads are an excellent way for kids to kick-start their skateboarding journey. A friend recommended them to me for my daughter, and investing has been the wisest decision. The best part is that they are comfortable and your kid can easily grow them till teenage.

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4. Triple Eight Street Knee Pads

Coming from Triple Eight, these knee pads are a value-for-money alternative for intense in-line skating sessions. They are specially targeted toward all age groups, all credit to their thick and supportive padding. In addition, these pads come in four different sizes, so you have a variety of options to choose from.

Let us start this review with the construction quality. These pads are equipped with polyethylene caps that are durable and last for a long time. Similarly, the manufacturers have used thick EVA foam, which is contoured specifically to the knee caps, keeping you warm and preventing joint and muscle aches.

Finally, speaking of the closure system, these knee pads have adjustable straps with butterfly closing, perfect for kids and adults alike. They are non-slippery and don’t dangle despite rough movement. My daughter uses these currently, and it is incredibly easy to put these knee pads on.

In essence, these Triple Eight Score knee pads are my all-time favorite for outdoor activities, be it skating, riding bikes, or scooters. They have an adjustable strap mechanism, which is effortless to put on and off, even for kids. Moreover, the EVA padding is adequate to protect against injuries and relieve muscle pain.

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5. Retrospec Knee and Elbow Pads For Skating

Here comes yet another pair of the best knee pads for skating from Restrospec for their superior protection and ergonomic design. After using them for two months straight, I can guarantee that they prevent joint pain, support muscle movement, and keep you warm. Plus, they are incredibly easy to put on.

The first thing I would like to appreciate about these elbow/ knee pads is that they are made up of imported plastic, making them perfectly suitable for prolonged use. Similarly, the manufacturers have used thick EVA foam for inner cushioning, so you feel at ease during intense and challenging movements. Despite such good quality, they don’t feel heavy or bulky.

They are made up of a breathable material, so you can choose to wear them under or over the clothing at your convenience. Lastly, the pads are equipped with adjustable elastic velcro straps, making them easy to put on and off. Unlike other affordable options, they do not slip away while you are jumping on the field.

In essence, the Retrospec Store knee and elbow pads combo is a great alternative for anyone who is short on money and does not want to compromise. They are durable, comfortable, and protective enough to facilitate a freestyling or cruising session. The fact that they wrap around your knees significantly reduces the joint aches.

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6. Rollerblade Skate Gear Set of Pads

Rollerblade is a highly reputable brand when it comes to skating for its quality and features. This set of skateboard protective gear is no different and is designed for professional skaters. Their thick and supportive construction prevents intense injuries and keeps you warm through intense training matches.

Their durability is attributed to the imported fabric used in the construction, which is long-lasting and can be worn directly in contact with the skin. Moreover, the plastic caps are designed to keep the human anatomy in mind, helping you with additional comfort on challenging terrains. Also, the thick padding is highly protective against severe injuries.

Lastly, let us talk about the closure system. It comes with an easy-strap function that is incredibly easy to put on and does not take more than a second. Moreover, each pad is underlined with mesh that not only helps you with better airflow but also makes sure they don’t slip when you are performing challenging tricks.

If you are a professional and need absolute protection during intense matches and practice sessions, these Rollerblade pads are a suitable option. What makes them stand out among competitors is the fact that they are designed specifically for your anatomy. Also, the thick cushioning prevents severe injuries to a great extent.

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7. Franklin Sports Adult Knee Pads Protective Set

Last but not least on my list of the best skateboard knee pads are these Franklin pads. Despite the low price, their supportive padding and durable knee guard protection helped me a lot on challenging terrains. Even better, they are lightweight and allow free movement, making them appropriate for professionals and newbies.

To start with the design, the protective set includes elbow and knee pads, each made up of polyester and plastic. The material used in the construction is industry standards and passes the CE certification. The manufacturers have also added an inner mesh lining that guarantees breathability and promotes airflow despite heavy sweating.

Another thing I like about these pads is that they come with adjustable straps, so the entire fit is in your hands. After using them for intense and long practice sessions, I never find them slipping down or dangling. Finally, it is worth noting that these pads come in different sizes for adults and kids.

Wrapping up, this gear set from Franklin is a must-have for skaters to prevent joint pain or severe injuries. The pads included in the set are highly supportive and durable, making them suitable for long matches. Similarly, the wide array of sizes and lightweight construction further add to their value.

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Factors to Consider When Buying The

Best Skateboard Knee Pads

Choosing a pair of skateboard knee pads can be a challenge for new and casual skaters, especially when they have no clue about their specifications. However, a little research and an idea of what you need can help you find the right pair. To help you with this, here is everything you need to look into before making a buying decision.

Fabric Material

The first and foremost thing you need to look into while buying knee pads is the construction quality, particularly fabric. Across the market, you will find numerous options like nylon, PE, and polypropylene, all of which are durable and do not tear away easily. However, whatever you go for, make sure it is comfortable when in direct exposure to skin.

This takes us to the next requirement, which is breathability, as you will be using these knee pads for long and intense training sessions. However, if you are unable to find a breathable fabric, you should go for an inner mesh lining. It helps you with moisture and keeps the pads from slipping.

Cap Material

Moreover, the cap material is equally significant when it comes to skateboard knee pads. Typically, plastic and polyethylene are the two most used materials, which are great for rugged and challenging terrains like streets, ramps, and even pools. And it is even better if the caps are full-coverage, as it helps you with above-average impact resistance.

Cushioning or Padding

When it comes to padding, there is a wide array of protective padding available in the market, which puzzles new skaters about which one to buy. Well, the right selection of padding comes down to your skill set, comfort level, and preferences.

Typically, these pads can be categorized as soft, hard, and hybrid, each catering to the needs of different skaters. For instance, if we talk about soft pads, are designed for new skaters who are interested in freestyle skating or cruising. On the contrary, the hard pads are targeted toward professionals who usually prefer in-line skating, pool skating, or ramp skating.

However, if you are not sure about the style of your skating and have no clue whether to buy hard or soft knee pads, it is better to stick to hybrid pads. They give you the best of both and words adequate for all age groups. Whatever you go for, make sure that the foam used in the pads meets the CE industry standards.

Closure Type

In addition, the wrap type or closure type also needs to be addressed before buying the knee pads for skateboarding. There are several options across the market, and the selection directly comes down to what you feel comfortable with. But before you choose one, it is better to make sure the closure is adequate to not slip with active movement.

To give you an idea, let us discuss some popular closure types. First of all, you have hook and loop closure, which is just a fancy term for velcro and straps, and they are the most loved for their ability to adjust according to your skeletal structure. Moreover, the full sleeves work like a pair of socks and are used primarily by professionals.

Sizing

Last but not least, sizing is yet another thing you need to consider before jumping to the buying decision, and surprisingly, most skaters ignore this aspect. You need to understand that this is different from the closure. The closure type deals with the fit of the pads, whereas sizing is determined based on the skaters’ age group.

Now, coming to the point, the size of your kneecap is the circumference above and below the knee. Ideally, the knee guards come between 18 cm and 44 m (above) and 14cm and 41m (below) the knees. You can measure this size at home with a measuring tape and compare it with the size chart given on the manufacturer’s website.

FAQs

Do I need knee pads for skateboarding?

Yes, you need knee pads for skateboarding, whether you are a kid, teenager, or adult. This is because they help you reduce the impact and intensity of injuries due to accidents and falling. Similarly, for serious skaters, knee pads keep the knees warm and prevent joint pains to a great extent.

Are all skateboard knee pads the same?

No, not all skateboard knee pads are the same, and each is designed to cater to the needs of a particular style of skating and skill set. For instance, knee pads with soft padding and EVA cushioning may work best for freestyle skaters or cruisers. In contrast, hard padding and full-coverage pads are suitable for professional pool and ramp skaters.

What are the best skateboard knee pads?

187 Killer Pads store knee pads are one of the best and work best for all age groups. They are made up of industry-standard plastic and nylon, along with a contoured form-fitting size that completely wraps around your knees. Moreover, the thick dual-layer padding protects skaters from severe impact or injuries.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, having a knee pad can help you reduce joint and muscle pain and reduce the impact of injuries. And if you are planning to invest in them, know that finding the right one is not as challenging as it seems if you have a clear idea of what you want. But if you are still confused and need help, here are some of my all-time favorites from the list.

• Rollerblade Skate Gear, a Set of Pads, is designed according to the human anatomy and has superior padding for protection.
• JBM Adult and Kids Knee Pads are popular among freestyle skaters and cruisers for their durable, lightweight, protective, and breathable construction.
• Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads have superior EVA padding, full-coverage design, and an adjustable strap mechanism for ease.

Finally, I hope this guide has helped you in finding the right pair of knee pads for your thrilling skateboard endeavors.