Knee pads are necessary when longboarding, and it can be a huge mistake to overlook them. Your knees are vulnerable when longboarding whether you ride downhill or simply cruise.
It’s important to pick adjustable and durable knee pads. This will ensure that you won’t restrict your movement which can be dangerous when longboarding.
What To Look For in Longboard Knee Pads
Comfort and durability are the most important things to consider when you buy knee pads for longboarding. Some knee pads may be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean that they will necessarily protect you when you fall. Finding a balance between comfort and safety is critical when it comes to knee pads.
Knee pads made with closed-cell foam have been the standard for a long time. However, some knee pads also feature ethylene vinyl acetate which provides extra protection. Knee pad price often goes together with quality and safety.
If the price seems too good to be true, then it may not be true. Knee pads that cost under $20 are typically only made of one material and don’t offer as much protection. It’s worth it to spend a little extra for slightly pricier knee pads because they are more likely to last for years to come.
10 Best Longboarding Knee Pads
1. Triple Eight Street Knee Pads
Check out the Triple Eight Street Knee Pads if you want affordable pads that don’t sacrifice durability. They are made of foam, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyethylene. This trio of materials makes these knee pads as durable as possible without being uncomfortable.
These are available in both black or white!
The softer padding over and behind the knee is comfortable, and the harder outer layer protects your knees from slams. They are also adjustable, so you can make sure that they fit well no matter what your body type is. These knee pads are a great deal and are made of premium materials.
2. JBM Adult/Child Knee Pads
Look no further than JBM Adult/Child Knee Pads if you want as much comfort and protection as possible. These pads completely wrap around your knee which is better than pads that feature straps in most cases. This reduces the risk of the pads slipping up or down your knee which can compromise your safety.
Made of many materials ranging from polyester to ethylene vinyl acetate, these knee pads are just as comfortable as they are durable. These pads are unique in that they stick out slightly further than many other longboarding knee pads. This won’t limit your movement, however, but it will protect your knees from walls as effectively as possible.
3. Triple Eight Covert Knee
Depending on your longboarding style, you may prefer more discreet knee pads. In this case, you should consider the Triple Eight Cover Knee pads. As the name suggests, these knee pads are lightweight and don’t extend far out from your knees.
While this may compromise some of the protective qualities, they still offer plenty of support in case you fall. They fit tight, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping when you get sweaty while longboarding. Because they are so compact, you can easily wear these knee pads under your pants as well for maximum comfort.
With that said, these may not be the best knee pads for downhill longboarders and racers. That is because you are more likely to reach high speeds which means your impact will be much more intense if you fall. However, these knee pads are perfect for cruising.
4. G4Free Protective Gear Set
Check out the G4Free Protective Gear Set if you want to get the most bang for your buck. This set comes with elbow pads, wrist guards, and of course, knee pads. You can choose between kid, youth, and adult sizes.
The shell is the most important part of any pair of knee pads as it’s the part that goes over your knee. I can confirm that these knee pads have durable shells that help absorb the shock when you bail and land on your knees. It does all of this without making it hard to bend your knee, and that’s important when it comes to longboarding.
5. Retrospec Knee Pads, Elbow Pads & Wrist Guards
It should come as no surprise that one of the best longboard companies, Retrospec, also makes some of the best knee pads for longboarding. The Retrospec Knee Pads, Elbow Pads & Wrist Guards set includes everything that you need to protect yourself when longboarding besides a helmet.
Retrospec offers great value for most of the basics that you need to safely ride your longboard. The shells over your knees are made of durable plastic that can take a beating. This set is also available in 9 colors which comes in handy if you are a fashion-forward longboarder.
6. 187 Killer Pads Moxi Skate Knee Pads
Not enough companies put much thought into making knee pads that look as cool as they are durable. That isn’t a problem with the 187 Killer Pads Moxi Skate Knee Pads as they are made with durable materials and look great. The bright and vibrant colors can catch anyone’s eye, and they are easily the most visually appealing knee pads on the market.
There are 13 designs to choose from and each makes use of several colors. The plastic shells are all that you need to protect your knees when cruising or even longboard dancing.
7. Triple Eight KP Pro Professional Skateboarding Knee Pad Set
The Triple Eight KP Pro Professional Skateboarding Knee Pad Set is the epitome of premium knee pads for longboarding. While the price range may seem steep for knee pads, the durable construction of these pads makes them worth the cost. They are like other Triple Eight knee pads, but the harder knee cover and memory foam padding make them unique.
Unlike other knee pads that feature straps, these pads also slide up your leg. This offers the best of both worlds when it comes to comfort and ensuring that you protect your knees as well as possible. These knee pads are specifically designed to absorb as much impact as possible when you fall, and that is their biggest selling point.
8. SKATEWIZ Skateboard Pads
SKATEWIZ Skateboard Pads are some of the most practical knee pads for longboarding. The comfortable soft neoprene fabric won’t slide or irritate your skin, and the shell over your knee is as strong as they come. With five layers of protection, you can expect these knee pads to hold up after countless slams.
It’s easy to adjust these knee pads, so you don’t have to worry if they come out of the box and don’t look like a perfect fit. They also come with a convenient carrying bag which is convenient if you ride your longboard to commute.
9. JBM 4 Sizes Extra Pads Diamond Curved Series
The JBM 4 Sizes Extra Pads Diamond Curved Series offers everything that you need for longboarding. It comes with knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. This is a great package whether you’re a beginner or have been longboarding for years.
This package offers a better value than if you simply buy all these items separately. Breathable and flexible, these knee pads won’t leave you uncomfortable when longboarding on a hot day.
10. 187 Killer Pads Fly Knee Pad
The 187 Killer Pads Fly Knee Pad is another example of how 187 Killer Pads understands what you need to safely ride your longboard. These are pull-on knee pads, but they feature straps as well. This offers the best of both worlds as you can slide them on and tighten or loosen them as needed.
My favorite thing about these knee pads is that the shells cover lots of surface area. Because of that, you get more protection than if the shell simply covered your kneecap without offering any other protection. They are worth the cost considering these should last through many falls and years.
Final Thoughts
Knee pads are so important for longboarding! Knee pads must be adjustable and durable, offering both comfort and safety. When searching for longboarding knee pads, you need to consider the materials used to make them, such as closed-cell foam and ethylene vinyl acetate, which is what helps provide the extra protection.
Other longboarding safety equipment is important too, you may want to get some wrist guards or longboarding gloves to protect your hands, and a helmet is very important too.
The price will correlate with the quality, so I believe it is worth investing a little extra in a pair that will last a few more years. Longboarding knee pads come in many different styles, from discreet and compact to brightly colored and flashy, choose a pair that fir your longboarding style. No matter what, knee pads are a necessary piece of protective gear for all longboarders and can save your legs from getting ripped apart on the road.
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focused on action sports. Skateboarding and Longboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about action sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.