Best Knee Pads for Roller Skating (Rollerskate Safely) (2023)

You’re organizing protective gear for roller skating. That’s why you’re researching the best knee pads for roller skating, right?

Roller Skating is tons of fun. But you never want to scoot about the streets without adequate protection.

There’s a reason even pro-level skaters spend a pretty penny on good rollerskating gear such including certified quad skating helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wristguards, and even bum pads.

A few decades ago, a New York Times article spotted a trend where the number of roller skating injuries grew alarmingly.

Fast-forward to 1997, and nothing much had changed. Roller skating injuries were still happening.

PubMed did a small study, and of 107 participants, 60.4 percent sustained sprains, bruises, and lacerations.

Today, people still fall while roller skating and get badly hurt. Especially if they’re not in full protective gear comprising of proper knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

But the number of people who enjoy the sport has been rising steadily. Maybe that’s because people are getting better at the sport and are falling less often.

Plus, people today can buy and use protective equipment that packs a massive amount of super-effective modern technology.

7 Great Knee Pads for Roller Skating

Let’s now dive in and interact with some of the finest knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards the market offers.

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Here’s a list of 7 of the best knee pads for roller skating:

1. Triple 8 KP 22 Heavy-duty Knee Pads (top Pick)

2.187 Killer Pads Slim (Best for Roller Derby)

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 (L, 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 look at each product.

1. Triple 8 KP 22 Heavy-duty Knee Pads (L, Best for Roller Derby)

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2.187 Killer Pads Slim Knee Pad, Black (M, Great for Roller Derby)

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. G-Form Pro X2 Knee Pad (Black Logo) (Large Size, Adults)

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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

Last update on 2023-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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

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

1. 187 Killer Pads Slim Knee Pads Review

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 for so you can have the perfect fit.

It’s a streamlined (read slim and minimalist) slide-on design that offers a snug, comfortable fit. It fits, as long as you’re not trying to slide them over lots of flesh. Honestly, these knee pads aren’t for everyone.

The cap is riveted and flat-ish, and an efficient top hinge ensures you have adequate range of motion. 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. But some skaters have complained that the cap didn’t fit very well. And that it restricted mobility a little.

Finally, they feature a seamless interior finish that makes for fast-drying pads. And the industrial-grade stitching on the material (ballistic nylon) makes them durable.

If you’re pretty slim and wiggle into items without issues, grab a pair of these. The rest of us let’s buy something else.

Stop worrying you might buy the wrong size. Returning them isn’t challenging. Overall, the 187 Killer Pads slim are great, and they work. I really like that these knee pads use memory foam. And memory foam tends to be super comfy.

I hear even Tony Hawk sports the 187 Killer Pads Slim Knee.

Well, this pick may not amount to comprehensive protective gear since it lacks elbow pads and wrist protection pads. But I find that knee pads that come in a little pricey and aren’t accompanied by elbow padsand wrist protection tend to much better quality. However, that may not always be the case.

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

If you’re hunting around for a best value deal, stop looking. The Triple 8 Saver Series knee pads are the real deal. With these knee pads, you get protection in every sense. You get elbow protection, wrist protection, and knee protection. And when you begin to think it costs more than you’d like to pay, you see the actual price. It’s low, remarkably 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, meshy 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 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 lots 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.

At that price, these pads offers 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 Review

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 maximum protection.

I’ve biked and 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. But these ones come in a sleeveless style. Neoprene butterfly closures work with reinforced adjustable straps to help you create a perfect fit.

The good thing about these knee pads is that fitting issues are minimal. Very few people complain their pads run small or large. They fit, and that’s great.

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’r forget to wear a well-fitting helmet. But tell you what? These knee pads are often a key component of the protective gear every roller derby player swears by. Remember, choosing this option means you’ll have to buy elbow pads and wrist protection pads as well.

But it’s not like it’s the only option that offers nothing beyond high-quality knee pads. With these knee pads, you get more padding, and the product lasts. But if you must buy an option that comes with elbow pads and wrist guards, buy something else. And if you durability and performance are what you most, grab a pair of these knee pads.

4. G-Form Pro-X2 Knee Pads Review

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

I’ve worn these knee pads, and they’re pretty lightweight. I tend to forget I have them on! They’re also breathable. 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 knee 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 rays.

We all know UV light can wreak havoc on melanin-deficient skin. Now, the UPF number ranges from 15 to 50. The higher the number, the more protection you’re getting. The Skin Cancer Foundation rates UPF 50+ fabrics as Excellent as far as UV protection is concerned.

While no one wears a knee pad just to avoid UV light, it’s a benefit that makes these knee pads better than most.

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

Well, you can buy cheaper knee pads, of course. But these ones are worth every penny.

5. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads Review

The Pro-Tec Street Knee pads are a mid-range option you’ll want to check out. These knee pads feature extremely hard, full coverage, anti-slip caps made of ABS plastic. ABS plastic is one the toughest type of plastic ever manufactured. It ensures your falls don’t stop you and your evolving roller skating career. Underneath the caps lives a layer of soft, EVA foam designed to take impact from hard falls.

The rest of the pads consists of ballistic nylon combined with lycra. These materials add flexibility besides boosting longevity. Tearing these ones apart takes a lot. In addition, the fabric features a nice finish that makes them breathable as well.

The wrap-around straps along with the pads’ long-lasting hook-and-loop fasteners let you adjust them until you get the perfect fit. They fit well. At least they do for me. But some people say to buy bigger.

Overall, these are durable, well-designed knee pads. They announce clearly that the wearer takes roller skating seriously.

You can certainly find cheaper options that offer more value at the same price. But do they work as well as these ones do? Well, not in every case.

6. JBM International Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards Review

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. They’ve been holding up quite well. He’s fallen over 20 times, nothing serious though. And he wasn’t hurt at all. What would have happened had the kid been roll skating without these knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist 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 the knee pads aren’t a one-size-fits-all option for children. They’ll fit a 7-year standard-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).

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 pretty well. In my opinion, they’d demonstrate better performance than the Allnice 3-in-1 knee pads described below.

7. Allnice 3-in-1 Knee Pads Review

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 hurting your hands 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. Nylon means increased toughness and flexibility. In addition, it’s (nylon) designed for breathability so you can have more comfort.

The caps symbolize hardness thanks to the endurance the material used to make them offers. The material used is polyurethane. Now, PE is a thermoplastic material that doesn’t ignite easily. But that doesn’t mean it’s 100% fireproof. It’s just a strong material that can take the hardest fall possible.

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

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

Tell you what? It never feels like I’m wearing crappy knee pads that’ll bail on me when I need them most. But I think 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 need 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.

I recommend these knee pads ones for beginners not ready to throw much money at the start of their roller skating journey. They’re ideal for someone who isn’t practicing the toughest tricks in the world the whole time. But at least, you most likely won’t need to send them back because they didn’t fit you.

Roller Skating Injuries

You know what? The vast majority of injuries happen in the knees a lot less often than they do in other areas. According to research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 10% of roller skating injuries affected the ankle, 14% involved the elbow, and 47% affected the wrist.

But that 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 skateboarding or roller skating. Be sure to wear fitting knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

Who Gets Roller Skating Injuries?

Pretty much anyone who roller-skates for any length of time can fall and get injured. But women tend to fall a little more often than men.

However, men are more likely to end up in the operation room. That’s 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). But surprisingly, for every inexperienced roller skater that went through surgery, two experienced ones faced the scalpel.

Admittedly, it’s a pretty old study. But you can be sure that skaters, regardless of experience level, fall and hurt their knees, hands, hips, and other areas.

Listen: More than 90 percent of roller skaters who got injured had no protection whatsoever. They had no knee pads, elbow pads, and no wrist guards. Don’t be like them. Be different.

Obviously, you don’t want to be one of those unlucky beginners who end up with a fractured knee. Wear adequate protection. Whether you have beenfor years or arestill learning the fundamentals, makesure to wear high-quality knee pads, elbow pads , and wrist guards.

I know you just rolled your eyes if you are an experienced skater. But you know what? No one is immune to falls. so just wear knee pads , wrist guards, and elbow pads even of if they make you feel a little funny at times.

Choosing Good Knee Pads for Roller Skating

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

1. Materials Used and Features

Buy knee pads that’ll shield you from shock in the event of a wipeout. Get knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist 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? You are, especially if you’re not wearing sufficient protection.

The market offers several different types of roller skating knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. The most important part of a pad is the cushioning. Without tough padding, no knee pad would be worth buying.

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.

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 Velcro-type closures.

Vs.

Hexagon-type knee pads are a great choice as they increase comfort and conform to the shape of the knee. They look like honeycombs, and for that reason, they’re sometimes called honeycomb-style knee pads. Take a look.

Knee pads can also be categorized by use. We have sports knee pads, work knee pads, dance knee pads, and military knee pads among others. Different types of pads offer different levels of comfort, flexibility, and durability.

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.

The best caps are made of extremely tough, high-impact ABS plastic. If you hit the concrete, the plastic caps get scratched. Or they may even break if it’s a really hard fall. But wouldn’t it be better to end up with torn pads than broken knees?

Knee caps can be riveted on the knee pad, or they may be a swivel-type knee pad. The riveted type tend to be harder (tougher) and more restrictive than the swivel type. Also, with the swivel type, you can easily replace them when the need arises.

Military-type knee pad with a tough plastic protective cap.

2. Will the Roller Skating Knee Pads Last?

Nobody wants knee pads that won’t last. You need a pair that’s made of tough material that doesn’t get easily torn or broken upon impact. I’ll show you great options in these roller skating knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards reviews.

3. Design of the Knee Pads

A knee pad that restricts movement as you practice new tricks can’t be any good. Go for knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads whose design and overall construction allows you a comfortable range of movement. My recommendations are ergonomically designed so you have no one and nothing to blame for lackluster performance.

The greatestknee pads design-wise are comfortable, lightweight, flexible, easy to use, and easy to clean. They’re also breathable, flexible, and last long. And who says knee pads shouldn’t look good? Everyone can easily find stylish ones that compliment their style.

4. How Does the Knee Pad Handle Sweat?

You’ll sweat, and it can begin to feel a little uncomfortable if all the sweat stays inside. The finest knee pads, Elbow pads, and wrist guards are thoughtfully designed so that air circulation wicks moisture away. That leaves your knees, elbows, and wrists feeling comfortably dry and clean.

5. Knee Pad Size

Size is doubtless one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing roller skating knee pads. Some brands run small, and while you may ship them back free of charge, it’s still inconveniencing. So, size your roller skating knee pads properly from the get-go.

When wearing well-fitting pads, you experience little restriction while practicing. Pads that are too snug not only feel uncomfortable but also make it hard to bend your knees. If they’re too big for you, on the other hand, they may keep shifting position, forcing you to keep adjusting them. And who wants to keep pulling them up? No one, that’s who.

How to Measure Your Legs for a Perfect Knee Pad Fit

Get a tape measure and get the circumference of your leg around the center of the knee. Next, take the reading of the circumference around the quad (where the upper end of the pad will sit). Finally, get the reading for the area just around the calf where the lower part of the knee pads will reach.

At this point, what remains is to use the readings to pick the right size. If your measurement is 12″ to 14″ (around the center of the knee), and you weigh roughly 125 lbs, choose small. And if you measure 14″ to 16″ and your weight falls in the range 125 lbs to 150 lbs, pick medium size.

Next, if you got 16″ to 17″ and you weigh in at between 150 lbs and 180 lbs, select 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. It’s possible you may still get knee pads that run small or large.

Best Roller Skating Knee Pads Overall

You can’t always keep yourself from falling while scooting or roller skating around your hometown. But you sure can reduce the fall’s impact. And that’s where the best pads for knee protection come into play.

The Triple 8 KP 22 knee pads are, in my opinion, the best knee pad for anyone who wants to stay fully protected when doing their thing out there.

These knee pads are well-constructed with durable material, feature an ergonomic design, and look really nice. And the best part is the pads are affordable.

The package may not amount to complete protective gear (elbow pads and wrist guards not included) , but they’re still a worthy buy.

The Allnice 3-in-1 took the crown for the best budget roller skating knee pads. You won’t 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.

But don’t abuse the Allnice 3-in-1 pads too much; they’re not the toughest knee pads out there. Now grab a pair of what you like best and rush out. Have fun!