Basketball knee pads are a vital part of a player's safety gear. Knee pads are a type of guard that protects the knees from injury while playing. There are many different kinds of knee pads, and if you are a new basketball player, you may be wondering which type will work the best for you.
Several factors come into play when selecting the best knee pads for basketball. Comfort usually comes first in the list of priorities. You will want knee pads that won't distract you from your game by causing discomfort. Depending on your height and size, having an ill-fitting knee pad can hinder your performance.
There are many kinds of knee pads. Some are placed around just the kneecap and provide a plastic knee cup for added protection. Some knee pads also cover the shin to help prevent burns and scratches on the rest of the leg.
Regardless of what kind of knee pad you wear, knee pads are vital when protecting yourself against sport-related injuries. But knowing which knee pad is best can be tricky if you are just starting. In this article, we take a look at some of the best basketball knee pads available on the market today.
- Best Overall Knee Pads
- Most durable option
- Compresses legs to reduce fatigue and cramping
- Best Knee Pads for Comfort
- Light design and soft material
- Latex-free neoprene provides thermal/compression therapy
- Best Shin Guard
- Anti-slip material
- Lightweight, breathable, very durable, and quick to dry
- Most Versatile Knee Pads
- 2 in 1 design - pads in the pants
- Good for sports, work out sessions, hiking, and other various activities
- Top Choice for Kids
- Can double as sleeve compressors for adults' arms
- Mosisture-wicking technology
Best Basketball Knee Pads 2021
The first product on the list is the McDavid Knee Pads, rated as the best overall and most durable knee pads in our review.
The slip-on knee pads are great for everyday play and practice. They come in various fun colors and designs, including white, pink, black, blue, and red. The extended design of the knee pads protects the shin as well as the knees.
Not only are the designs fun, but the knee pads themselves provide protection from scrapes, knicks, and bumps. The knee pads won't budge when you're wearing them, so you won't have to worry about adjusting them in the middle of practice or a game.
The Hex knee pads have moisture-controlling material to keep the legs dry and free of sweat. Pro athletes around the world widely use the material used to make the knee pads.
While protecting your knees, the McDavid knee pads also compress the legs to keep the muscles in good shape. Compressing the knees and legs helps prevent tired muscles and future cramping.
The knee pads come in sizes for both children and adults. While children's sizes are a 'one size fits all' method, adults’ sizes range from small to XXL.
If you are looking for a basketball knee pad covering more than just the knees, we recommend the REACHSTOP knee pads. These knee pads are our top pick for the best protection on the knees and the whole leg.
These knee pads are easy to slip on and off, like leggings. They provide durable cushions on the knees to protect against rough and tumble during high-contact sports. The REACHSTOP knee pads come in four different sizes, ranging from small to XL.
The fabric that makes up the REACHSTOP knee pads are breathable and elastic to allow maximum control over your body and won't constrict your movements.
The fabric includes 85% Chinlon, which is a high-quality form of polyester. The other 15% is made of Lyrca spandex. Both of these fabrics combined make for a comfortable and soft fit on the legs.
You can also use these knee pads to keep your blood circulating while playing sports. The extended leg protection can be worn under regular pants to warm up the body during the cold season.
The REACHSTOP knee pads can be worn by people of all ages and worn by players of all skill levels.
The ShinyPro knee pads are our recommendation for the most comfortable knee pads on the market. Like the product above, these knee pads stretch over the entirety of the leg. The light design and soft material make these enjoyable to wear.
The 3D Honeycomb knee pads bring protection to spots that are often missed when wearing typical knee pads, such as the ankles. When wearing these, you can rest assured knowing that you have proper protection all over.
The legging material of the ShinyPro is a compressing, form-fitting material that keeps the joints in place as you are playing. The pads themselves have a unique honeycomb design to prevent slipping and sliding while on the basketball court.
The ShinyPro knee pads rank as the top knee pads for comfort due to the lack of latex in the material and design. They come in five sizes, ranging from small to XXL, so people of almost all shapes and sizes will be able to wear them.
While the ShinyPro knee pads are great for basketball, they can be used regularly, everyday athletic activities. From casual sports playing to simple gardening, these knee pads will bring comfort and protection no matter what the occasion.
Unlike many other knee pads, the Kuangmi knee pads provide an extra guard on the shin to prevent injuries to another essential part of the leg. For this reason, the Kuangmi is our top pick for the best shin guard.
The Kuangmi knee pad sizes range from small to XXL for players of varying sizes.
The material that constructs the Kuangmi knee pad is lightweight, breathable, very durable, and quick to dry. While this particular knee pad is geared towards basketball, you can also use it for other contact sports.
The design for the Kuangmi knee pad is unique. There is anti-slip material at the top of the knee pad to prevent it from falling. Just below the knee pad is another, separate guard for the shin. This guard protects the shin without compromising the safety of the kneecap.
Because of the material used to make the knee pad, it is advised to handwash the kneecap instead of using a machine. Drying the knee pad in the shade is recommended overusing a dryer machine, as the material may become compromised due to the heat.
The Kuangmi knee pad comes in black or black and yellow, depending on which you prefer.
The READY PARD pants double as compression pants and knee pads. They allow you to wear them during sports, work out sessions, hiking, and other various activities. Because of this, we have picked them for the most versatile knee pads on the list.
The compression pants can be worn in almost every sporting situation, as well as regular athletic activities. The material that the pants are made of are gentle on the skin and comfortable. As well as being comfortable, they are incredibly durable and can withstand a lot before tearing.
READY PARD has knee pads within the pants themselves to avoid slipping.
If you are someone who has been injured during a sporting or athletic situation, compression pants are a great way to prevent further injury. The compression pants can also reduce swelling and ease any straining that might be occurring in the legs.
The READY PARD compression pants are available in sizes from small up to XXL. The pants can be worn by both men and women, teens and adults. You can get them in black or blue, depending on what style suits you.
If you are athletic on and off the basketball court, we recommend investing in them.
The Cantop knee pads are our top recommendation for kids. They are small enough to fit young children who may be just starting their basketball careers.
The knee pads can double as sleeve compressors for adults' arms but are mainly used as knee pads for children. The knee pads work as slip-on compressors that cover from the ankles to the leg’s mid-thigh area.
Like the product mentioned above, these knee pads have a material that prevents them from collecting too much moisture and getting damp. This material is also very comfortable and easy on the skin.
The knee pads themselves are great for protecting against injury during contact sports and can also be used as a compressor. These knee pad compressors can be used in a variety of different sports and outdoor activities.
Unfortunately, these particular knee pads come in only one size and color. The size is medium, and the color is white. While this may be good for small children, they are likely to grow out of them before too long.
However, if you are looking for something that your small kids can use as they practice their basketball skills, we recommend the Cantop knee pads.
The COOLOMG pad is the top short sleeve knee pad on our list. While many people enjoy more extended fitting knee pads, there are many that don't like the feeling of having their legs compressed. If you are someone who prefers short sleeves over long knee pads, we recommend this product.
The COOLOMG knee pad is a slip-on knee pad with the covers just above and below the kneecap. There is a non-slip technology at the top and bottom of the knee pad that prevents slipping and ensures that your knee pad does not budge.
There is moisture-resistant technology in the material of the knee pads. There is also durable and comfortable material that will last longer and be gentle on the skin.
The knee pad is highly compressing on the knees without limiting your movements. Some players have gripes against the compression on the legs but still, seek support for the knees. With the COOLOMG knee pads, you can get the best of both worlds.
These knee pads also provide substantial protection on the basketball court and can be used for a multitude of different spots.
The COOLOMG knee pads come in black and white. The sizes range from XS to L.
Buyer's Guide for Basketball Knee Pads
While we have what we consider to be the best of the best in our reviews, there are many things to consider before buying a knee pad. There is no shortage of knee pads on the market, and it can be tough to know where to start.
Knowing what you should be looking for in a proper knee pad can help you tremendously in your search. To help you in your quest, we have listed some of the most important factors to consider before making your purchase.
Compression
Compression is an important factor to consider when looking for knee pads for all sports. Compressing the knees can prevent injury, as well as treat them. Compressing can also keep muscles healthy and avoid fatigue and any cramping during strenuous activities.
Knee pads that offer high compression stay on the body easier, as they are a bit more constricted than strap on knee pads. When selecting your knee pads, you should try and look for ones that offer high compression. That way, you can protect your knees and keep your legs in good condition simultaneously.
Related: Best Knee Sleeves for Basketball
Durability
It is important to have knee pads that are highly durable for several reasons.
You will save more money in the long run if your knee pads are made of highly durable materials. If your knee pads are cheaply made, you run the risk of tearing or breaking them. Once knee pads are broken, they can no longer protect the knees.
Even if you own strong knee pads, it is essential to take good care of them. Specific knee pads may require special care. For example, some knee pads may require you to hand wash them instead of using a washer and dryer machine.
Using a washer and dryer can damage and ruin even the toughest knee pads. So once you have picked out your knee pads, make sure to take good care of them. In turn, they will take good care of you.
Budget
Your budget is most likely going to affect your selection drastically. This is understandable, as no one wants to break their bank for knee pads.
However, it is important to pick carefully. Some knee pads may be more expensive than others but will have cheaper material. Doing your research into a brand will help you make an informed decision, so you don't waste your money.
When it comes to safety gear, investing is usually well worth it. Paying for high-grade gear can save you more money in the future, as you won't have the need to rebuy them as frequently. Good knee pads can last a while when they are taken care of.
All in all, how much you are willing to spend on a pair of knee pads is a personal choice. We advise that you do plenty of research on brands and the materials they use.
Your Level of Activity
If you are a basketball player, you are most likely fairly active. How active you are in your day-to-day life can impact what kind of knee pads you should own.
Some knee pads, such as the READY PARD compression pants, can be used in nearly all outdoor and athletic activities. If you enjoy being active in your everyday life, then we recommend that you get knee pads that can be worn casually.
However, if you are a casual basketball player, more conventional knee pads might be more appropriate for you.
Final Thoughts on the Best Basketball Knee Pads
In our review, we have conducted thorough research on what makes the best basketball knee pads. Each product that we have reviewed, we are confident in their ability to provide proper protection and added comfort.
Using the priorities in the buying guide we have provided, you can make a well-informed decision on how you want to go about choosing and buying your knee pads. The more knowledge that you have, the less likely you are to regret your final purchase.
Knee pads come in many different sizes, brands, shapes, and styles. To help you in your search for the best pair of knee pads, we have provided some of the best options on the market for pro and inexperienced basketball players alike.
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