Best Knee Pads for Roller Skating

Whether you’re an anxious beginner to roller skating, a seasoned roller skater, or a derby pro, wearing the best protective gear makes complete sense. But not everyone knows what the best roller skate knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are. Which is why we put together this post.

Also read: Best roller skates for new skaters

Roller Skating is Tons of Fun, But…

You never want to scoot about the streets without adequate protection. Many pro-level roller skaters spend a pretty penny on good roller skating gear. Some won’t wear elbow pads, wrist guards, and bum pads, but many put on a certified roller skate helmet and knee pads. And we suggest that you do likewise. But Why Wear Protective Pads Roller Skating? Because…injuries.

Also read: Rollerblades for beginners

Roller Skating Injury Statistics

Roller skate injuries happen to the knees less often than they do to other body parts. According to this research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 10% of roller skating injuries affect the ankle, 14% the elbow, and 47% concentrate on the wrist.

But it doesn’t mean knee injuries are rare. They happen. And you want to be fully armed with effective protection every time you are out there roller skating. Make sure to wear properly fitting knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

This pretty old New York Times article detailed a trend whereby the number of roller skating injuries grew alarmingly. And he’s more data published a few years post the NYT article. Fast-forward to 1997, and nothing much had changed. PubMed carried out a small study, and of 107 participants, 60.4 percent sustained sprains, bruises, and lacerations.

More Recent Roller Skate Injuries Data

More recently in Australia (2020-2021), data relating to 282,000 roller sports enthusiasts aged 15 years old and above were collected. There were 5,000 (1.77 percent) hospitalizations, majority of which affected male skaters (3,200M vs 1,800F).

Nevertheless, the number of people who enjoy roller skating as a fun outdoor sport has been rising steadily. The good thing is that skaters today can access protective equipment that packs tons of great modern technology. And we’ve included a list of roller skate protective gear that many roller skaters like down below.

Who Gets Roller Skating Injuries?

Data reveals that women tend to fall more often than men. However, men are more likely to end up in the emergency room because they tend to have worse falls. Children fall, too, but they usually don’t get more than a few bruises or a sore bottom.

Not surprisingly, most of the accidents involve inexperienced roller skaters (77%, according to this source). Surprisingly, for every inexperienced roller skater that went through surgery, there were two experienced ones! Perhaps it’s because seasoned skaters push themselves harder and are more likely to do more dangerous park skating stuff.

Which Parts Get Affected the Most?

Wrist fractures are pretty common, but for some reason, most skaters wear a helmet and knee pads but won’t wear wrist guards and elbow pads. And this isn’t smart at all. Because 73 percent of the hospitalizations in the study were fractures. Definitely wear the best wrist guards you can find. Elbow pads and knee pads too.

Concussions in roller skating aren’t very common, but 205 of the roller skate-related hospitalizations in a recent study (the Aussie study mentioned above) involved a concussion. So wear a helmet.

Most Injured Skaters Wore No Protection

More than 90 percent of roller skaters who got injured in the study above had no protection. They had no knee pads, elbow pads, and no wrist guards. Don’t be like them. 

Whether you have been roller skating for years or are still learning the basics, wearing high-quality knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards helps. I know you just rolled your eyes if you are an experienced skater. But no one is immune to falls.

7 Best Roller Skate Knee Pads

Let’s dive in and interact with some of the best roller skate knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards in the market. Here’s a list of 7 of the best knee pads for roller skating:

1.187 Killer Pads Slim (Best Overall)

2. Triple 8 KP 22 Heavy-duty Knee Pads (Also Good)

3. Triple 8 Saver Series (3-Pack) Knee Pads (Best for Beginner Kids)

4. G-Form Pro X2 Knee Pad (Black Logo) (Best for General Trail)

5. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads (Best for Park Skating)

6. JBM International Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards (Best Value Pick)

7. Allnice 3-in-1 Knee Pads (Best Budget Pick)

Now, let’s take a closer look at each product.

*Affiliate Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1.187 Killer Pads Slim Knee Pad, Black (Best for Roller Derby)

Sale
187 Killer Knee Pads
312 Reviews
187 Killer Knee Pads
These are hard-shell knee pads built to do only one thing and do it exceptionally well: protection. They're probably the most squishy knee pads that can be had. They are a tad blocky, so they may not be the best for recreational cruising. Also, they're bulky, but they provide great knee protection. Many Roller derby skaters love 187 Killer Pads.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Triple 8 KP 22 Heavy-duty Knee Pads (Also Good)

Triple Eight KP 22 Heavy-duty Skateboarding and Roller Skating Knee Pads
1,445 Reviews
Triple Eight KP 22 Heavy-duty Skateboarding and Roller Skating Knee Pads
These knee pads are called heavy-duty for a reason: they come with really thick EVA memory-foam padding so that even the worst spills won't wreck your knees. Super easy to get on and off. With all the cushy padding behind the hard plastic shells, you can take the nastiest wipeouts and still get back up to skate another day. Like 187 Killer, they're great for Roller Derby.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Triple 8 Saver Series (3-Pack) Knee Pads (Best for Beginner Kids)

Sale
Triple Eight Saver Series
9,670 Reviews
Triple Eight Saver Series
Get decent Triple Eight knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. A hard ABS plastic shell joins forces with decently thick EVA foam padding to provide comfort and protection. Pretty easy to put on and off, and hook-and-loop fasteners help you create a snug fit. For knee pads and elbow pads, size up. But for wristguards, size down. Ideal for beginner kids.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. G-Form Pro X2 Knee Pad (Black Logo) (Best Sleeve-style)

G-Form Pro X2 Knee Pads
977 Reviews
G-Form Pro X2 Knee Pads
These lightweight sleeves rely on silicone grippers to stay up during rides. They're comfortable because they're made of highly breathable material. The Smartflex pads covering the knee caps harden upon impact, keeping your knees fully protected. Not great for Downhill and Enduro, but they're a good bet for general trail riding. *Buy a size larger since they run small.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads (Great for Park Skating)

Triple Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads
1,636 Reviews
Triple Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads
These knee pads look good, just like Pro-Tec helmets. The hard caps have a considerable amount of padding under them. Tie the upper velcro straps tighter than you do the lower ones to reduce stiffness. Great for skaters with beefy upper legs. Great pads for park skating. Affordable, too.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. JBM International Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards (Best for Kids)

Sale
JBM International Kids Knee Pads
17,071 Reviews
JBM International Kids Knee Pads
You get knee pads, elbow pads, and wristguards. The kneecaps look like human knees, which is why they fit most knees so well. Offers more strap adjustability than most, and the strong stretchy material behind the knee caps keeps these pads up the whole time. Since they're cheap and stay in place, they're a great option for kids who love rollerskating.

Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Allnice 3-in-1 Knee Pads (Best Budget Pick)

good rollerskating knee pads

Let’s dive right in and know this roller skating protective gear better.

1. 187 Killer Pads Slim Knee Pads: Best Knee Pads Overall

Admittedly, I’ve not worn these 187 Killer pads slim knee pads. That’s because I’m a little meaty in all the right places ha! And these ones seem to have been made for really skinny skaters.

That being said, 187 Killer pads are well-constructed. And the ballistic nylon used to make them doesn’t look cheap. They’re sleeve-type knee pads. But they also have two adjustable straps so you can create the perfect fit.

Compared to the K22s, these are lighter and lower-profile (a slimmer design) and offer a snug, comfortable fit. They fit nicely too but don’t expect to have a 100 percent unrestricted range of movement.

The cap is riveted as is the case with many similarly styled options. But unlike others, these ones don’t limit your range of motion much. Small wonder most jammers love them and play in them all the time. If you look carefully, you’ll see that most jammers wear either Smith kee pads or 187 Killer pads.

As for the padding, it’s made of memory foam. This type of foam is known for its ability to conform to the body’s contours and shapes.

I like the industrial-grade stitching on the durable ballistic nylon used to make them. A quick look reveals that these are high-quality well-made pads that will hold up to constant abuse.

These are my #1 roller skate pads because they have tons of foamy padding for the knees, they slide nicely during impact, and the fit is good.

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  • Tough, riveted plastic cap offer complete protection
  • A streamed design that looks great
  • Memory foam for more comfort and mobility
  • They fit better than most and are made from high-quality materials

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  • Pricey
  • No elbow pads and wrist guards

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Stop worrying you might buy the wrong size. Returning them isn’t challenging.

I hear even Tony Hawk skates with the 187 Killer Slim Pads.

Well, this pick may not amount to comprehensive protective gear since it lacks elbow and wrist pads. But there are many similarly priced knee pads that provide elbow and wrist protection. Also, stop worrying that you might buy the wrong size because returning them isn’t challenging.

2. Triple 8 Saver Series (3-Pack) Knee Pads: Decent

If you’re hunting around for a best-value deal, consider the Triple 8 Saver Series knee pads. With these ones, you get protection in every sense. You get elbow protection, wrist protection, and knee protection.

And when you begin to think it might cost more than you’d like to pay, look at the actual price. It’s quite low for a product that offers that much value.

It makes sense to pick this 3-in-1 offer instead of collecting the 3 items separately. The package contains knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads. Not only does doing so save you time, but it also saves you money.

The Wristsaver (wrist guards) is a slip-on design made of durable 4-way stretch, mesh nylon for a snug fit. These wrist guards also feature tough, ABS splints that provide much-needed support to the front and back of the wrist. Add in EVA foam padding, and you’ll stop worrying about breaking your wrists.

The Elbowsaver (elbow pads) and Kneesaver (knee pads) come in an ergonomic design that delivers comfort and allows a decent level of mobility. While they’re not open-back style pads, these knee pads and elbow pads have straps that allow for a better, more secure fit.

And the riveted ABS-plastic caps offer massive protection.  Their shape seems similar to that of the body parts they’re made for. The padding here is chiefly Eva form, a material designed to elevate air circulation.

What about sizing issues? These knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards fit perfectly. Few people return them due to fit-related problems. Whether you’re into biking, roller skating, or in-line skating, these knee pads would be a fantastic choice.

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  • Quite affordable knee pads
  • Bonus — wrist guards+ elbow pads
  • Elastic straps for a snug fit
  • Eva foam offers breathability
  • Great reviews online
  • Ideal for roller derby

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  • Not the cheapest 3-in-1 deal

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At that price, these pads offer way more than you’d get with many comparable ones. However, there are cheaper knee pads that offer more or less the same value.

3. Triple 8 KP 22 Knee Pads: Also Good

The Triple 8 KP 22 knee pads pack a massive amount of durability and comfort in an affordable product designed ergonomically. It features a simple practical design complete with tough, flat-ish, riveted high-density plastic caps for knee protection.

I’ve skated in these knee pads. And while I’ve not taken a hard fall to test their effectiveness, I feel they’d save me in such a situation. The caps cover a layer of heavy-duty EVA foam so you can bounce off the ground in a wipeout.

And like most of the knee pads presented in these reviews, these ones come with adjustable straps so you can customize the fit.

The Neoprene butterfly closure works with reinforced adjustable straps to help you create a good fit, but the straps could be longer. And the flaps would struggle to wrap around the knee and connect at the back for beefy legs.

The Triple 8 KP 22 knee pads are for when you need extra padding so you can try the most daring roller skating tricks. And they’re not the priciest pair I’ve seen. Unfortunately, these knee pads don’t come with elbow pads and wrist guards.

If you are looking to put together complete protective gear including elbow pads and wrist guards, buy a different option. Oh, and don’t forget to wear a well-fitting helmet.

Many roller derby players swear by these pads. Remember, choosing this option means you’ll have to buy elbow pads and wrist protection pads as well. 

Sizing: If you have meaty legs, these won’t work great for you. I found that the sizing is somewhat off. If you have beefy legs and try to size up, the caps would get bigger, but the straps and the flaps for the back of the knee wouldn’t get any bigger. These seem to have been designed for people with standard size and thinner legs.

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  • Reasonable price
  • Work well for normal-sized legs
  • Packs more EVA padding than most
  • Flat-cap design increases durability and stability
  • Eva foam offers breathability

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  • Cheaper pads offering greater value can be had
  • Restricts movement a tad, just like most hard-shell pads
  • The flaps and straps won’t work for meaty legs

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Overall, these are decent pads for beginners and seasoned skaters, but the sizing isn’t accurate and they don’t work great for people with meaty legs.

4. G-Form Pro-X2 Knee Pads: Best Sleeve-style

The G-Form Pro-X2 is a low-profile, sleeve-type knee pad with an appealing design. They have the SmartFlex technology to thank for their ability to stay super flexible during use and suddenly get super hard during a fall. If you strike the ground and land on these pads, the molecules in the padding coalesce, making them stiffer and better able to take impact.

I’ve worn these knee pads, and they’re pretty lightweight. During testing, I often forgot I had them on. They’re also breathable because the holes on the flexible SmartFlex pads boost air circulation.

The main material used to make these knee pads is a lightweight, UPF 50+ fabric that delivers a ton of moisture-wicking capability. But what does UPF 50+ mean and how does it make these pads different?

UPF is an abbreviation for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. The UPF number measures the ability of a material to keep its user protected against the sun’s UV rays. While no one wears a knee pad just to avoid UV light, it’s a benefit that makes these knee pads somewhat better than others.

But how do these pads stay secure since they lack straps or Velcro closures? They have compression sleeves equipped with silicone grippers that hold them firmly in place.

Versatile: If you also mountain bike, these are definitely the best option for you.

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  • Protection from UV rays
  • Lightweight
  • Versatile: can also be used for mountain biking
  • Sturdy construction
  • SmartFlex pads with body-mapped impact-absorption ability
  • Pretty breathable and comfortable

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  • A little pricey
  • Not great for rough use

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Use these cushy breathable pads for recreational roller skating. If sure can use them to skate at the park, but I guarantee that you won’t have them for long with that level of abuse.

5. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads: Best for Big Skaters

The Pro-Tec Street Knee pads are an affordable option you want to check out. They have hard, full-coverage caps made of ABS plastic, and slide well on wood and pavement. Under the caps lives a layer of certified, protective EVA foam designed to take impact from hard falls.

If you’re a big guy with thick upper legs and less thick calves, give these pads a chance. But the lower strap could be longer. You’d have to extend it in some way, which isn’t hard to do. The caps themselves are large and will provide enough coverage for the most voluminous knees.

Overall, these are durable, well-designed knee pads for indoor roller skating and outdoor roller skating at parks and elsewhere. You can expect them to absorb falls decently, but if you bail all the time and need to land on your knees each time, some reviewers have suggested finding beefier knee pads.

Look for the Protec knee pad size chart and order the correct size.

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  • Durable
  • Fit thick-thighed roller skaters better than most
  • Well constructed
  • ABS outer plates offer decent protection

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  • No extras like elbow pads and wrist guards
  • Lower strap could be longer

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You can certainly find cheaper options that offer more value at the same price. But they may not work as well as these ones.

6. JBM International Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards: Best for Kids

Looking to buy the best and most affordable knee pads for your child? Look no further than the JBM International knee pads, elbow, and wrist guards. While you’ll get them on the cheap, they don’t feel embarrassingly cheap.

The construction is sturdy, and the plastic plate meant to protect the knees feels hard and durable. I’ve not tested these knee pads, but a friend recently bought them for her hyperactive son. And they’ve held up quite well so far.

He’s fallen over 20 times, but no hard fall yet. And he wasn’t hurt at all. What would have happened had the kid been roller skating without these guards?

The caps on the knee and elbow pads come in a refreshing design with several stylish openings that enhance breathability. Some adults can wear these pads, but they’re meant for children. If you’re large-framed, it’s likely they won’t fit you.

You also should know that these knee pads aren’t a one-size-fits-all option for children. They will fit a 7-year average-sized kid best.

They’re an open-back design that relies on Velcro straps that wrap around the leg for a good fit. I’ve come across a few complaints relating to sizing, though. But the sizing information I provide elsewhere in this post should help you avoid such problems (for the most part).

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  • Super affordable knee pads
  • You get elbow pads and wrist guards, too
  • The protective plate is hard enough
  • Holes for breathability
  • Adjustable Velcro straps for a snug fit

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  • Sizing issues are not uncommon

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These knee pads are ideal for kids mainly because they’re made for them and also because they’re insanely cheap. Besides, they take abuse beautifully.

7. Allnice 3-in-1 Knee Pads: Best-value Pick

Like the Triple 8 Saver Series, the Allnice 3-in-1 is three items rolled into one. With this pack, you get wrist guards so you can stop worrying about breaking your wrists and focus on practice.

You also get 6-riveted knee pads and 4-riveted elbow pads. These 3 items sum up to complete peace of mind, precisely what you need as you jaunt around.

The main fabric used to make these knee pads is nylon. And nylon means increased toughness and flexibility.  The material used is polythene for the caps, which means decent performance as far as sliding on the surface.

These are some of the cutest and most stylish knee pads we know of They feature a practical, minimalist design that works. And they cost significantly less than the Triple 8 Saver Series while offering more or less the same amount of value.

But there’s no such thing as a free lunch. It seems to me that these ones carry somewhat less padding than most options I’ve worn. But at this price tag, that’s hardly surprising.

It never feels like I’m wearing cheap or crappy knee pads that’ll bail on me when I need them most. Still, the protective cap isn’t as sturdy as I’d like. I doubt it’d save my knees if I fell extremely hard. Hopefully, I won’t have to test their performance any time soon!

Overall, the Allnice 3-in-1 knee pads and the included elbow and wrist guards are just like their name suggests — nice.

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  • Dirt-cheap knee pads
  • Extras: elbow pads and wrist protection/wrist guards: great value
  • Velcro straps for a comfy fit
  • The pads fit well

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  • Not ideal for rough use

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I recommend these kneepads for beginners who’re not ready to throw gobs of money at the start of their roller skating journey. They’re ideal for someone who isn’t practicing the toughest roller skate tricks at the skate park the whole time.

How to Choose Good Roller Skate Knee Pads

When shopping for the best roller skating knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, there are a few things to keep in mind. Consider the following 5 aspects when selecting knee pads for riding rollers:

1. Materials Used and Features

Knee pad manufacturers use different materials to make the padding. Some of these materials include neoprene foam, nylon foam, PVC foam, polyvinyl, carbon fiber, and polyurethane.

Get knee pads that’ll absorb impacts nicely in the event of a wipeout.  Get guards that’ll have you back up in no time. The best ones typically have thick padding. Upon hitting the concrete, the right protective gear makes you feel like you just landed on a mattress stuffed with soft feathers!

I remember falling off my bike in the woods as a teen. Did I get hurt? No. No bruises, no pain — nothing. I picked myself up and burst out laughing — like an idiot. I mean, aren’t you supposed to get hurt when you hit the ground and eat crap? You are, especially if you’re not wearing the best kind of knee protection.

The market offers different types of roller skate knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. The most important part of a pad is the cushioning. If the pad you’re looking at lacks plushy padding, it’s not worth buying.

Some knee pads lack closures. You’ll pull them on pretty much like you do socks. Not surprisingly, most fit-related issues tend to revolve around these knee pad options. I prefer knee pads with adjustable straps so I can fit them as snugly or as loosely as I want.

Most knee pads use velcrotype fasteners, so make sure that straps are long enough. Also, if you have spindly legs you’ll appreciate how beautifully strap-style knee pads work for knees like that.

2 Main Types of Roller Skate Knee Pads

  • Hard-shell/military-type knee pads
  • Sleeve-style knee pads

1. Hard-shell/military-type knee pads

Hard-shell knee pads look like what you see in the image below. Hard-shell pads are the best option for roller skating. These pads:

  • are tougher and more durable compared to soft sleeves
  • have smooth plastic caps to make sliding on the ground easier
  • are the best choice for protecting against the hardest of roller skate falls
  • tend to be more affordable compared to the sleeve-style ones
  • don’t fit as beautifully as sleeves with the exception of those that swivel
  • are great for high-impact riding styles and are the favorite for roller derby players/jammers

When it comes to potentially dangerous sports such as roller skating, it’s best to go with military-type knee pads. Why? They’re way thicker and more durable than other types of pads. Plus, they typically feature super-hard caps.

These heavy-duty kneecaps are made of extremely tough, high-impact ABS plastic. If you hit the concrete, the plastic caps slide right off the surface because they’re smooth plastic. Well, they’ll get scratches or even break if it’s a really hard fall. But wouldn’t it be better to end up with torn pads than broken knees?

See, here’s what knee pads with velcro closures look like.

 

Riveted vs. Swivel Knee Pads

Some heavy-duty hard shell knee pads come with the knee caps riveted on while others come in a swivel design.

The riveted type tends to be harder and more restrictive than the swivel type. Another advantage of the swivel-type pads is that you can easily replace them (the plastic caps) when the need arises. Below is how a military-style roller skate knee pad with a hard protective plastic cap.

riveted caps
Military-style pad with a riveted kneecap

 

2. Sleeve-style Roller Skate Knee Pads

Compared to hard-shell options, sleeves:

  • Look nicer
  • Fit better and bend with ease
  • Are comfier
  • Are easier to clean
  • Tend to be pricier (at least the best ones)
  • aren’t suitable for risky roller skating styles such as aggressive roller skating at parks

These ones look similar to a sleeve. You wear them pretty much the same way you put on socks. You want to wear these before you strap on your roller skates because how would you get them past the skates?

These ones breathe better than their hard-shell counterparts, but many have this annoying habit of slipping down the leg during skating. Being better breathers helps sleeve-style pads best the hard shells in the comfort department.

They’re also easier to clean versus hard shells. In most cases, you can toss the sleeves in the washing machine, something you can’t do with hard-shell protective gear.

sleeve-type
These ones you slide into just like you do with socks.

There’s a special kind of sleeve known as the honeycomb-type knee pad. These ones are a great choice as they increase comfort by conforming to the shape of the knees. They look like honeycombs, hence the name honeycomb-style knee pads. Take a look.

hexagon-type
A hexagon-type knee pad

2. Durability: Will These Roller Skating Knee Pads Last?

Nobody wants roller skate knee pads that rip in a day. We all want pads made from tough materials, materials that don’t get easily torn or broken upon impact. Look for well-constructed 187 Killer Pads and the question of durability will be settled for good. To be clear, they don’t last forever, but they sure are long-lasting.

3. Design of the Knee Pads

Knee pads that restrict movement as you learn new roller skate tricks can’t be good. Go for knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads whose design and overall construction allow you a comfortable range of movement.

My recommendations are ergonomically designed so that you have nothing to blame for lackluster performance. The last thing any skate wants is protective guards that fit awkwardly.

I once received a pad set that fit weirdly, and I didn’t return it because it cost close to nothing. The protective portion of the pads sat somewhere to the side of the knees, and I knew they couldn’t protect me if I took a spill. So, design matters.

Good knee pads for roller skating are comfortable, lightweight, flexible, easy to use, and easy to clean. They’re also breathable, comfortable, and durable. And who says knee pads don’t have to look good? You can easily find stylish guards that complement your style.

4. Moisture-wicking Ability: Do the Knee Pads Soak Up Sweat?

You’ll sweat, especially when you start pushing really hard. And it can begin to feel a little uncomfortable if all the sweat stays inside. The best knee, elbow, and wrist guards are made from a fabric that wicks moisture away or at least lets air circulation do the job.

5. Knee Pad Size and Fit

Size is a critical factor to consider when choosing roller skate knee pads.  Some brands run small, and while you may be able to ship their poorly fitting pads back free of charge, it’s still inconvenient.

When you wear well-fitting pads, you experience less restriction to movement while skating. Pads that are too snug not only feel uncomfortable but also make it hard to bend your knees. And if they’re too big for you, they will keep shifting position, forcing you to adjust or pull them up the whole time.

So, size your roller skating knee pads properly from the get-go.

How should roller skate pads fit? Well-fitting pads fit snugly and cover the entire knee as well as the sides. They’re deeply padded, and this makes them feel comfortable during use. Also, they don’t move around an awful lot when you’re striding or when you bend deeply.

The best pick on my list of recommended roller skate pads comes with really thick padding around the knees. “Falling on the 187 Killer Pads feels like landing on a mass of cottony clouds,” said roller skating Coach Kelvin Kiarie from Nairobi when we asked what he thought of these super popular quad skate knee guards.

How to Measure Your Legs for a Perfect Knee Pad Fit

  • Get a tape measure and measure the circumference of your leg around the center of the knee. Note down the circumference around the quads where the upper end of the pad will sit.
  • Next, measure the area just around the calf where the lower part of the knee pads will reach.
  • Then, use the measurements obtained above to pick the right size roller skate knee pads. If your measurement is 12″ to 14″ (around the center of the knee), and you weigh roughly 125 lbs, choose small in most brands.
  • If you measure 14″ to 16″ and your weight falls in the 125- 150 lbs range, medium-size pads will likely work for you. And if the measurement you got is 16″ to 17″ and you weigh between 150 lbs and 180 lbs, select size Large.
  • Finally, if the center of your knee measures 17″ to 20″ and you’re over 180 lbs, go with X-large. This isn’t a one size fits all sizing chart. Knee pads can run small or large depending on brand or model.

Where to Buy Roller Skate Knee Pads

Your local skate shop is a great place to buy roller skate protective pads. Inside a store, you’re able to try on different pad sets for fit, which means you’re less likely to go home with a poorly fitting pad set. If you can’t access a physical shop, no worries.

Alternatively, head over to Amazon (see the links above) or any other online store that sells skating gear such as Triple 8, Protec, OutdoorMaster, JBM, S1, Smith, and a few others. Measure your wrists, elbows, and knees and follow the recommended sizing guide for pad size calculation. Also, read customer reviews to form an opinion of how the pads you’re eying fit and perform.

Best Roller Skate Pad Brands

I recommend JBM, Smith (known for their helmets), Protec, S1 (many roller skaters love their helmets), Triple Eight, OutdoorMaster, and 187 Killer. For me, nothing works better than Triple 8 or 187 Killer pads, but to each their own.

Best Knee Pads for Roller Skating: Final Thoughts

The 187 Killer Pads are, in my opinion, the best knee pads for anyone who wants to stay fully protected when roller skating. They’re well-constructed with durable material, come in an ergonomic design, and don’t look bad at all. The best part is that they offer great kneecap coverage, plus they’re thick and squishy, which makes them comfortable.

The Allnice 3-in-1 protective knee pads took the crown for the best budget roller skating knee pads. We challenge you to find cheap knee pads that offer as much value. This pick translates into full protective gear consisting of elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist padding. Only the helmet is missing, but you can grab one here.

However, you shouldn’t abuse the Allnice 3-in-1 pads too much because they’re not the toughest knee pads out there.

1 thought on “Best Knee Pads for Roller Skating”

  1. Yea, you’re right about the Triple 8 KP 22. These pads are tough as heck. I once fell off while biking, and the experience felt like landing on a pillow stuffed with the softest feathers on Earth! Love em.

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