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
- May Run Small: Please consult the size chart and check your measurements before ordering; this item tends to run small
- Mountain Bike Knee Pads: Pads have 3 layers, including a soft inner foam, impact-absorbing SmartFlex pads, and a durable outer layer to resist tears
- Athletic Protective Gear: The knee sleeve and pad extend to the upper shin for additional protection; adjustable strap on knee guard offers a custom fit
- Breathable Foam Knee Pads: The ventilated mesh back on the impact sport knee pads keep you cool; the double-knit compression fabric offers better protection
- Tactical Knee Pads: CE-1621-1 certified adult knee pads have seam-reinforced binding for durability; motorcycle protection gear is also good for BMX riding
- Lightweight and impact absorbing comfort pad
- No unnecessary bulk gives exceptional freedom of movement
- Won't scuff and tear in a fall
- Keeps the pad securely in place during a crash
- Keeps the pad secure and comfortable while pedalling
- ✅ EXCEPTIONAL PROTECTION: Ergonomic shock-resistant EVA pad protects knees from impact.
- ✅ LIGHTWEIGHT & FLEXIBLE: Hook and loop straps allow for perfect fit, flexibility and comfort. The straps hold the pads in correct position for Mountain Biking, Inline Skating, Skateboarding, or...
- ✅ Easy To Clean: Easy to Clean: These Knee Pads are machine washable in cold water, and line dryable.
- ✅ ANTI-SLIP & ADJUSTABLE: These knee pads have a non-slip lip design to hold them securely in the correct position for proper cushioning in a collision.
- ✅ These lightweight mountain biking knee pads will be your go to for that extra bit of security on the trail. The impact surface is engineered to increase protection.
- May Run Small: Please consult the size chart and check your measurements before ordering; this item tends to run small
- Mountain Bike Shin & Knee Guard: These CE 1621-1 certified shin guards use SmartFlex pads that are flexible as you ride but will harden on impact
- Impact Sport Protective Gear: Soft, inner foam keeps pads secure while hard shell adds durability to protect against tearing and catching
- Secure Cycling Gear: Low-profile bottom grippers and wide top grippers keep pads in place by distributing pressure; adjustable straps add custom comfort
- Breathable Shin & Knee Pads: A ventilated mesh back keeps you cool and dry while extended coverage protects shins; protective gear is machine washable
- 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
- 🫶 Skin Free - Neoprene 35%, 25% TPU, 15% nylon，5% polyester，5% EVA; Knee pad could attach with skin directly, we make sure the materials safe, light, 100% recycle, Wearing but not feel about...
- 🚵 OPEN DESIGN - Gearing up at the trailhead is much easier, you can keep shoes on, getting these knee pad on and off quick and easy. AIR-SPACE design under the padding allow your knee bending or...
- ⚡ TECH - D3O similar foam padding make rate-sensitive, soft, flexible with high shock absorbing properties, We know you like jump, floppy and downhill, but you don’t like hurt. We protect and help...
- 🟠 270° PTORECT - Crash happens straight on or flip to the sides, the PLUME knee pads have additional foam padding on the inner and outer side walls, delivers heavy duty impact protection;
- 🏅 MULTI SPORTS - These knee pads offers for MTB riders, but also an great gifts for BMX SKATEBOARD MOTORCYCLE SNOWBOARD SKI, pump track and slopestyle;
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.
