The Best Basketball Knee Pads
Whether you're out on the court, field, or track, you've got to protect yourself. Generally speaking, the knee is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body, highly susceptible to injury. For basketball players especially, there's a lot of strain on the knees, which is why you see so many professionals with compression knee pad support. Knee damage accounts for around 20% of all NBA injuries, so it's definitely not something to take lightly. Thankfully, a good pair of knee pads reduces one's risk of injury and improves knee stability while playing. To help keep your knees in top shape, we've done the research and found some of the best basketball knee pads for all ages. Our favorite is the Coolomg basketball pads, which offer solid protection as well as compression in any situation. For even more protection, we love the Kuangmi knee pad, which also works as a shinguard and compression sleeve. Whether you're a casual player or an aspiring NBA player, these knee pads can give you that extra bit of confidence and strength, increasing stability for your most vulnerable joints. Read on to discover the right knee pad for you.
Coolomg Basketball Knee Pads
Kneepad warrior
Falling on your knee hurts a ton, and it can cause short- and long-term damage. So why not give yourself some peace of mind while playing or working? If you’re a basketball player, you’ll definitely want these for those quick moments in games where your knee bends or even falls to the floor. When you’re in the zone, sometimes it’s hard to gauge the risk of our movements. But with these soft foam EVA knee pads, you won’t have to worry about busting your kneecap anymore. If you work on your knees a lot, these do well for protecting kneecaps all day as well. Not only do these pads protect your knee from bruising or breaking, but they also stabilize the knee joint. They even act as compression shorts, increasing blood flow to the heart and protecting your legs from injuries. With anti-slip bands at the top, you can rest assured all game knowing these will stay on. Give them a try and watch your game instantly feel a little bit easier.
Pros:
- In addition to basketball, these also work well for other sports and activities that may put pressure on the knees.
- We appreciate that they come in multiple sizes and colors, making them suitable for all ages and genders.
Cons:
- They run on the smaller side.
McDavid Hex Knee Pads
Keep it cool
Every player wants to stay safe and stay cool on the court or field. With this set of knee pads from McDavid, you can do both. They’re made with a breathable nylon fabric that uses hDc moisture management tech. This works by wicking away moisture, spreading out perspiration over a larger area. This lets moisture evaporate faster, resulting in cooler legs and more energy for playing. On top of their cooling properties, these knee pads also act as compression garments. They fit snugly on the legs, providing more blood flow and keeping your muscles from cramping. The actual pad area covering the knees is made with a patented hex structure, allowing for maximum range and motion while still providing sturdy protection. You won’t have to worry about falling on your knees anymore. Instead, play with heightened ferocity, intensity, and passion.
Pros:
- We love the hex pattern on the knees, which helps shield them from scrapes and impacts.
- Not only will these support your joints, but they’ll also help increase blood flow to them.
Cons:
- The top seam may cause irritation for some people.
HiRui Knee Pads
Like you're wearing nothing at all
We all know that it’s important to wear safety gear when playing sports. Some gear, though, is optional, and many of us choose to opt-out of gearing up because pads can be uncomfortable and unwieldy. If you’re tired of bulky, poorly fitting knee pads, but still want the protection they provide, look no further. These knee pads from HiRui will last you all day without becoming uncomfortable. Whether you’re into basketball, snowboarding, soccer, these thick honeycomb pads will protect your vulnerable joints from harm. They’re secured with compression leggings made from spandex and polyamide. You’ll get the benefits of compression leggings on top of knee protection. The fabric is breathable, cool, and stretches to fit tightly around your legs. For the most comfortable knee pads out there, you can’t go wrong with a pair of these.
Pros:
- Unlike with cheaper pads, the elastic spandex material in these is actually breathable, making them ideal for intense games.
- We like the non-slip inner silicone strip, which helps to keep the pads from falling.
Cons:
- With breathable, these aren’t the most sweat-absorbant pads.
Cantop Compression Leg Sleeve Kneepads
No more constant adjustments
So many sports put a heavy strain on our knees, so naturally, we want to keep them protected. That’s where these compression sleeve knee pads come into play. They use a high-density Lycra fabric that stretches to fit your leg snugly. The knee pad absorbs shock, protecting your knees and mitigating damage. They also work well against scrapes. These stylish leg sleeves come in a variety of colors and can be used by women, men, and children. One of the best features of these kneepads is the anti-slip band at the top. With this band, your knee pads will stay in place all game, all season. Just make sure to get the fit correct. If you’re at the upper range of a size, we recommend going a size larger since these tend to run a little small. Level up your game and get a pair of these knee pads to power through the competition — your team, as well as your knees, will thank you.
Pros:
- The high-quality Lyrca fabric breathes and stretches with ease.
- Thanks to a range of sizes and color options, these are suitable for all ages and genders.
Cons:
- You may have trouble finding the right size.
Kuangmi Single Basketball Knee Pad With Shin Guard
Maximum security
If you’ve ever gotten hit in the shin, you know how much it hurts. It also leaves a beast of a bruise. Instead of getting scratched and bruised, keep your legs fully protected with this resilient kneepad, shinguard, and compression leg sleeve combo. For the best leg protecting sleeve, this pair from Kuangmi is the way to go. The crashproof knee pads will protect your knees from swelling, knee pain, and scrapes. They even include non-slip silicone strips to prevent the pads from slipping. The shin guard does a valiant job of protecting your shins, so these are great for sports like soccer or rugby. On top of all this protection, the compression sleeve keeps your muscles warm and activated, while increasing blood flow to the heart. The fabric is made from nylon spandex, so it’s breathable and stretchy. This fabric also dries quickly, so you won’t be soaked in sweat the whole game. Please note that this product only comes with a single unit, so if you’re looking for a pair you’ll need to purchase two. With a pair of these, though, you’ll be unstoppable on the court.
Pros:
- Thanks to their wide coverage, these are also great for industrial applications where your legs may be exposed to elements and debris.
- The nylon-spandex material breathes easily, but also wicks away moisture for quick evaporation.
Cons:
- Your purchase only includes one legging, so you’ll have to buy two to make a pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size of basketball knee pads to get?
First, we recommend checking the sizing charts on the Amazon product page and comparing them against your measurements. If you’re on the upper end of the size range, we suggest going up one size, as these compression knee pads tend to run on the smaller side.
Do compression knee pads provide the same support as knee braces?
The knee pads reviewed above offer some joint protection, however, knee braces still offer more support. Knee pads help prevent minor injuries and general wear to your knee, so we believe it’s a good idea to wear them.
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