Mountain biking is a great hobby – exercise, adventure, fresh air, endurance, mental and physical alertness combined in one.
But you know the truth. It doesn’t matter much how good you are – the very nature of the hobby means there’s a chance you’ll come off your bike, and if and when that happens, you need to protect all the extra vulnerable parts of your body.
First of all the head, but next and almost as vital, all the joints that mean if you come off your bike, you’ll still be able to peddle home, rather than being stranded on the trail.
Knee pads are no joke. They need to be strong and they need to be effective in keeping your knees safe.
But as with everything in biking, there’s a myriad of companies out there making knee pads.
How do you choose which are the best for you? Let us help you out and keep you peddling, with the best MTB knee pads on the market.
Best MTB Knee Pads – Reviews
- LAUNCH D30 KNEE GUARDS: The Launch D3O Knee Guards offer an excellent combination of impact-absorbing protection with a value-focused build
- D30: The CE certified D3O insert works seamlessly with the slip-on design to provide all-day comfort and confidence
- Order one size up. Guard runs small and should fit snug
- NONSLIP: Slip-on fit with hook and loop adjuster
- STAY DRY AND COOL: The moisture-wicking, open mesh design improves airflow and helps to reduce overheating hot rides
- MOUNTAIN BIKING: A light-duty knee pad for riders wanting flexibility and freedom of movement without compromising safety; Certified to EN 1621-1, Level 1 standards
- VPD AIR PROTECTION: Lightweight and highly ventilated, VPD Air is designed for those who find body armor too bulky, warm or restrictive; Provides flexible protection for every ride
- VENTILATED DESIGN: Highly ventilated panels keep you cool, loose and protected on the road
- STRETCH FABRIC: The VPD Air padding with stretch fabric is both highly ventilated for optimal freedom of movement, comfort and temperature control; Won’t chafe or slip when riding
- HIGHLY SECURE: Each pad is housed in a reinforced stretch fabric that stays securely in place thanks to an inner lining of anti-slip neoprene and an elastic strap with velcro fastening
- Super slim and lightweight, AirFlex impact gel protection
- Side and upper knee impact protection
- Pre-curved design for optimal fit and function
- Silicone printed, cupped knee grip
- Premium comfort using MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking fabrics
- D3O inserts for world leading impact protection
- Moisture wicking, open stretch mesh for breathability
- Abrasion resistant knee panel for added coverage in a fall.
- Removable D3O inserts for easy washing
- SPEED SLEEVE: Not every day on the trail requires World Cup level protection. On those days, the Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Sleeve's 4mm D3O material offers impact protection and the 360-degree...
- COMFORT & SECURE FIT: Designed with breathable mesh panels to promote airflow and moisture-wicking properties, these knee sleeves keep you cool and comfortable. The pre-curved ergonomic design and...
- IMPACT PROTECTION: The Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Sleeves provide robust impact protection with advanced materials, while their flexible construction ensures unrestricted movement, allowing you to...
- SIZES: Availbe in both youth and adult sizes.
- TROY LEE DESIGNS: We are driven by creative horsepower, an intense competitive spirit with a love for riding and racing. We have a deep passion for innovation, safety and performance while always...
- Impact tested and certified to CE EN 1621-1:2012 Level 3
- Sleek, comfortable slip-on sleeves
- Completely pre-curved chassis for attack position
- Nylon, anti-abrasion, outer skin
- Mobility flex joint for smooth articulation
- SIZES RUN SMALL- ORDER NEXT SIZE UP IF YOUR MEASURMENTS ARE CLOSE******Demon Enduro Mountain Bike Knee Pads|BMX Knee Guards|Snowboard Knee Pads- Ultralight Edition (Comes as a Pair)
- The NEW Demon Enduro Knee Pads are quality, breathable and slim. Designed to fit under any pant (if needed) these pads will keep you safe without breaking your wallet.
- Ventilated Neoprene material that allows for plenty of airflow.
- 10MM EVA Foam Cushion & Tough Kevlar Knee Cap cover to keep your skin safe and prolong the life of your pads.
- Silicone 'Anti-Slip' bands on top and bottom to keep your pads in place while riding.
Best MTB Knee Pads – Buyers Guide
When buying MTB knee pads, you need to ask yourself a handful of questions before you click the ‘buy’ button.
Where Are You Going?
Consider the terrain over which you intend to travel – it’ll have an impact on what elements of knee pad protection are most important to you. Jagged, rocky terrain? Splash out for the heavier tech solutions with their shock-dissipation systems.
Sunny, sweaty endurance riding? Look for sweat-wicking, breathability and light weight in your knee pads to keep you as cool as possible for as long as possible.
How Big’s Your Budget?
This ties in to the question of what kind of riding you intend to do. How much can you afford to invest in a set of knee pads? But also, how much do you enjoy falling down?
It would generally be a false economy to prioritize cheapness over protection, because the feeling of inadequate protection, when you need something more, is the feeling of ‘Should have spent a little more’ coming back to haunt you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better? Velcro straps or silicone strips?
Honestly, there’s no ‘better’ about this division, and both make it onto our list. As long as you can be sure the pad won’t move at a crucial moment and take its protection with it, you’re fine.
Why is ‘breathability’ a factor?
You’re working your knees hard, for long periods, inside a protective capsule. You’re going to sweat, which will be wet, hot and uncomfortable. The more breathable your knee pad is, the less uncomfortable it will be. That translates to more riding for longer periods in greater comfort than is possible in an entirely enclosed knee pad.
