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
- 1 Pair Kneepads (Left and right), Unisex design, two sizes available.
- Your Safety is Our Priority-made of high-density strengthen foam, good elasticity, breathable fabric keeps skin dry, and more comfortable.
- Ergonomic design, super lightweight, provides freedom of movement. An ideal knee protector for outdoor sports.
- Protect and Prevent knee injuries during exercise. Keep warm, prevention and reduction of stiff muscles and joints. Effectively impact proof, increase blood circulation.
- Great Grip, Non-Slip Feature! Easily put the knee pads on and forget that you had them on! That’s how comfortable it is whilst in use. No constant re-adjustment needed as it firmly hugs the knee!
- Knee Pads for Enhanced Comfort: These comfortable knee guards for men and women incorporate a double-knit compression fabric, ensuring a snug fit without sacrificing mobility
- SmartFlex Knee Gear Technology: These G-Form knee guards feature SmartFlex, which is flexible during your ride but hardens upon impact, offering cutting-edge knee compression
- Durable Knee Guard Construction: With DuraTx outer layer, our MTB knee guards resist tears, repel water, and maintain their shape, providing reliable athletic knee protection
- Knee Pads with Ventilation: With these knee guards for athletes, you can enjoy a cool and dry experience thank to ventilated mesh backs; these knee pads include an adjustable fit-strap that provides a...
- Protective Gear for Athletes: G-Form provides innovative protection using advanced technology and materials so you can have the confidence to push your limits and achieve your personal best
- 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
- 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...
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION: Body-mapped impact absorbing SmartFlex pads offer form-fitting and lightweight protection that is flexible as you ride and hardens on impact
- RUGGED ARMORTEX HARD SHELL COVER: Hard shell gives protection and ability to slide on hard surfaces
- VENTILATION: Active airflow four-layer ventilation system and a technical mesh back for breathability
- COMFORT: Adjustable fit-strap for customized comfort and security + Flatlock stitching to reduce irritation
- CERTIFIED PROTECTION: CE 1621-1 certified to ensure outstanding protection
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.
