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The Best Hockey Knee Pads to Protect Your Knees from Injury
Written By OvertimeReviews Team
Only an athlete understands the importance of investing in a good pair of knee pads. As a player, you know the susceptibility of getting a knee injury in sports like hockey. No matter how experienced or well-trained you are, especially being a goalie in a hockey game will likely tax your knee health and put you at risk. The best way to reduce this risk and ensure maximum protection for your knees regardless of constant diving and jumping is to get yourself a pair of finest knee pads for 2025. Even the best one will likely fall in your budget, and the tons of features will make it easier to choose. Rest assured, if you pick one of the models we’ve selected for you in this guide, it will definitely offer tremendous value in the long run. This guide includes dozens of useful buying tips and the top five products we found on Amazon. So keep reading to learn more!
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Detailing the Most Reliable Hockey Knee Pad Sets of 2025
NoCry Professional Knee Pads
Best Overall
The NoCry knee pads are one of the most popular choices for professional athletes engaging their knees and legs for prolonged periods. The heavy-duty pair of knee pads guarantees excellent protection for players and helps ease stress and strain on the knees. Enjoy premium protection as you get into the court. The best part is the comfortable and secure fit with flexible neoprene straps to lock the pads in place.
The professional knee pads are a multipurpose product that is ideal for different sports and hardcore construction work. Thanks to the Velcro fasteners and anti-slip buckle clips, experience quicker and easier fitment with better stability.
Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads
Great Value
Available at an affordable price, the Bodyprox protective knee pads are another great option that features outstanding shock absorption. If you want to get your hands on an ideal pair of knee pads without breaking the bank, this is for you. The pair is suitable for athletes of both genders. Not only does it feature a catchy unisex design, but the lightweight knee pads also come in two sizes to cater to different needs. Play hockey or exercise daily without the risk of injuring yourself when you have these on.
What appears to be a little bulky actually offers you great protection. It features a high-density foam cushion with breathable padding to protect your knees and ensure adequate ventilation. The comfort beats everything else and makes them one of the most reliable knee pads for hockey players!
ToughBuilt Heavy-Duty Knee Pads
Best for Goalies
These knee pads, just like their name, are the ‘toughest’ you will find on the list. These are the perfect hockey knee pads for a goalie responsible for defending the goal. The rugged build and heavy texture give these pads an exciting look that speaks of durability and strength. And as tough as they may appear on the surface, the pads feature a comfortable gel cushion that adjusts to the knee and upper shin!
But that’s not all. The knee pads come with adjustable straps that are meant to perfectly hug your leg and not let the knee pad move. With these premium quality knee pads on, you can rest assured that you will stay comfortable throughout, and your focus will be entirely on the game. Feel at ease and protected at the court with knee pads as perfect as these!
JMOKA Non-Slip Soft Knee Pads
Slim Style
If you’re not fond of those bulky, heavy-duty knee pads, turn to this one. Designed with exquisite weaving technology and premium elastic fabric, these soft knee pads are built to last. Don’t let the soft texture confuse you because these pads feature thick anti-collision sponge padding on the knee area, offering you excellent protection and good resilience without reducing your mobility.
The multipurpose knee pads are a great choice for different sports and can also be used to prevent injury during hardcore workouts. Another plus is its unique ergonomic design, making the elasticized pads easy to wear. The anti-slip fabric will ensure they remain on your knees throughout without putting your knees to risk. They’re suitable for both men and women!
JBM Adult/Child Pads Set
3-in-1 Full Set
Indulge into extreme sports with confidence when protected by the JBM set consisting of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. The 3-in-1 protective gear set is available for adults and kids and makes it suitable for various sports, outdoor activities, and riding bikes. This set is worth investing in if you need maximum protection beyond covering just your knees during your hockey game.
The set is designed with durable yet smooth EVA padding material and sturdy plastic plates on the front for shock absorption. The knee pad, elbow pad, and wrist guard also feature adjustable elastic straps for perfect fitting. Explore the wild side of the game, showcase your talent, and give your best shot as you play an undistracted game with the entire set on.
Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Most Premium Hockey Mouthguards
In this section, we’ll make things very simple and easy for you – we’ll help you further narrow down the aforementioned products by breaking down the features you should be aiming for and the ones you must be avoiding.
Why Do You Need Knee Pads for Playing Hockey?
The primary purpose for a hockey goalie to wear knee pads is to protect and support the knee from impact during the game. Additionally, the pads will protect the knees from injuries, scratches, and bruises.
Mobility is another factor to ponder over when choosing hockey knee pads. But here’s the catch; some knee pads that offer more protection can compromise your mobility on the court.
Therefore, you need to look for the right pair that provides an optimal balance between agility and protection based on your needs.
Since the front part of the knee pad – closer to the kneecap – is responsible for the protection, you need to look for a knee pad that is larger and thicker around the area. This guarantees better protection against shock and injuries and does not make you less mobile during the game. Check out the following factors to choose the protection level you may need:
Your position
As a goalie, you are required to dive often to prevent the goal. Therefore, you need more knee protection to keep your knees from getting injured. Other positions will also need extra protection when taking contact or sustaining falls.
Current knee health
If you are already prone to injuries or had a previous knee injury currently in the recovery phase, it is important to keep your knees protected by using more protective knee pads.
Personal preference
Your preference counts too. If you prefer more mobility, getting lighter knee pads with thinner cushioning is better.
The knee pads we’ve reviewed above include something for every preference. Check out the list again and make an informed decision.
How to Choose an Ideal Pair of Hockey Knee Pads
Before you are ready to invest in hockey knee pads, there are some important factors you must take into account to get the perfect fit. We’ve listed them all down for your convenience.
The types of knee pads
Not all knee pads are designed the same way. Knee pads designed for volleyball are different from those designed for hockey. The manufacturer will feature different characteristics based on the user’s requirement and the sport. Here are a few things you need to know:
If you’re searching for hockey knee pads as a goalie, ensure the pair you pick ticks some crucial boxes for protection and support. At the same time, they should also be comfortable, lightweight, and flexible.
The padding style also differentiates between knee pad types. Some are grooved pads, while others are more seamless or hexagonal.
Depending on the tightness level you require, you can choose varying mattresses. Some will lack closure, while others are more adjustable and feature Velcro closures.
Then you also have a choice between snap-in and slotted knee pads. You can make a choice depending on your budget and your personal preference.
Sizing guidelines
A knee pad is not a one-size-fits-all product. To ensure maximum protection, you need a covering that fits your knee size. If the fit is not adequate, the knee pad will keep moving and not offer the protection you need during the game!
An ill-fitted knee pad will cause a feeling of discomfort and would either create entanglement cause of the bigger size or would cut down blood circulation if too tight. Therefore, it is crucial that you pick the right size according to your knee measurement for flexibility and freedom of movement without compromising protection.
Material and Moisture-Wicking Features
The most common materials used for knee pads are neoprene, leather, spandex, and cotton. You need to pay special attention to the material and built to ensure durability. Each material has different characteristics that makes them unique. Having enough knowledge about the material will help you determine the product’s quality.
Considering the right material will help you guarantee durability, comfort, and optimal ventilation. The material also decides the ability to absorb shock. It is a crucial factor in preventing injuries for players. The most reliable material to prevent shock is polyurethane. It is a gel-like fabric that doesn’t compromise flexibility due to its elasticity. The players can enjoy maximum motion without the risk of falling down.
You need to look for a material that offers a moisture-wicking feature. This will ensure the sweat is drawn away from the body and perfectly absorbed to avoid discomfort. It will keep you dry and cool during the game to prevent distraction.
How to Put on Your Knee Pads
Here are the best tips on wearing hockey knee pads before entering the field:
- Knee pads should always be worn on the outside of your pants.
- Place the pads perfectly covering your knees over the lower slot of the shorts.
- Bend the knee pads as required. This step is important to align the fit of the knee pad over the knee.
- Keep the flat part on the top and the rounded edges on the lower side.
- Always match the knee curve with the curve of the knee pad as you pull over the pants.
People Also Asked
Traditional or lightweight knee pads – which ones are better and why?
What you choose depends on your personal preference. If you choose lightweight knee pads, make sure they provide the same thickness and protection. Sometimes, lightweight can also mean thinner knee pads, which fails the purpose. You need a pair of pads that can absorb force while offering the utmost protection for your knees. Lightweight pads are also more flexible, allowing the player excellent mobility for the game.
What’s the best way to clean and maintain hockey knee pads?
First of all, check for the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and care to see if the knee pads are machine washable. It is recommended that you first get rid of the stains before throwing them in the machine. To do so, soak the pads in a laundry detergent or mild bleach and see if the stains vanish. Later, wash them in the washing machine at the proper water temperature. Following the guidelines will keep your knee pads in mint condition and keep them from shrinking with every wash. Also, make sure you use a mild detergent in the appropriate amount for the knee pads. Never wash your knee pads with your regular clothes. Once done, let them air dry naturally.
Are high-rise knee pads different from the regular ones?
High-rise pads are completely different from knee pads. These are hip pads that protrude higher at the hips and are more common in football. They’re designed to protect the hip area from injuries, making them suitable for young athletes participating in vigorous games like rugby, football, and the like.
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