The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads (Review) in 2023 | Autance

Straight in with our Best Choice, these great-value MTB knee pads from Bodyprox are a must for your everyday kit bag. Sleeve style and made from a soft, stretch fabric, they come in two sizes with a distinct left and right and will fit most legs really well.

The elasticity in the sleeve is really good, without being too tight and the breathable fabric will keep your knees cool, not matter the how hot the ride becomes. They are lightweight too and give a free range of movement as you pedal while remaining firmly in place. Plus, there’s enough stretch to be worn over leggings and trousers in the colder months. The protection comes in the form of high-density foam that more than adequately covers the full knee area.  As a go-to pair of mountain bike knee pads without breaking the bank, you get lightweight comfort and solid knee protection. Great for MTB and a host of other sports.

For a three-piece protective gear set you won’t mind getting bumped and scraped during everyday sport or play, we really like these pads from JMB. With a choice of adult or child sets, these are great for junior as they get to learn and practice their MTB moves, giving decent protection for their knees, elbows and wrists. Or size up and you have a good value set for the adult biker.

Made from a durable, EVA padded material, these MTB knee pads also include pretty tough plastic plates for extra protection against those spills and mini-wipe outs. They also stay in place impressively well, thanks to the elasticated sleeve and added Velcro strap at the top. They do look a tad bulky, but they are not restrictive and feel reassuringly soft and flexible.  Perhaps they are not be tough enough or last long enough out on the serious downhill trail but for everyday MTB enjoyment, where you want to ensure a tumble doesn’t ruin the day, these are a good bet.

Keep your kids bike-safe from the get-go with this soft padded knee and elbow set that won’t break the bank. The build quality of the neoprene mountain bike knee pads is pretty impressive and thanks to the soft, stretch fabric and Velcro strap design, will not impede junior’s movements or get in the way of their mini MTB fun. The pack includes a bonus pair of bike gloves for smaller kids. In three age ranges, these pads are a great protector for little ones from the age of two up to 11, so will give parents peace of mind as their kids go out to play on their bike, skates or scooters.

The breathable protector has a three-layer protective system – one of EVA, the other two of neoprene buffer – meaning their impact and shock absorption’s good and they are washable (as we know just how grubby outdoor-active kids can get).

For a no-fuss set of protective pads that look cool and can stand up to low-level spills and thrills, then check out this bargain set from Bosoner. Just strap ‘em on and go out to play is the theme for these solid knee, elbow and wrist pads, in sizes for 3 – 15. We think these are more suited to the younger child as they wouldn’t necessarily stand up to the more extreme testing of an older teenager but for the under 10s, they are worth trying out.

The front MTB knee pad protectors and MTB shin guards are secured in place by two adjustable straps, which can work with bare legs or over pants, and the fabric is lightweight and ventilated. There’s EVA foam padding where you need it, and plastic protection plates for the knee cap and elbow joints. The wrist protectors are slip on mitt style, with plastic plates on the palm and inner wrist. Easy to wear, and easy to take off, Junior will be happy zipping on his bike down the sidewalk or in the park with these

A three-piece adult pad set with protective plates and an affordable price tag makes this our Best Value pick!  This one-size fits all pack of elbow, knee and wrist pads look trail cool and have enough protection to take you on a downhill. The front protection is made from durable PE materials, while the sleeve is made from breathable polyester. All is then secured in place by the adjustable Velcro straps.

There is a nice flexible feel when wearing these pads and the plastic outer guard is reassuringly tough, able to take the spills of the average adult recreational MTB’er. Plus, there is a rather cool look to what are one of the best MTB knee pads for the money that are not too big or in your face. For the price, you won’t mind getting these scuffed and scraped either.

If you want a lightweight MTB knee pad that stays comfortable all day long, then we think the cool-looking Enduro could be the protector for you. While we don’t think it is tough enough for the more technical and ‘on-the-edge’ downhill riding, these Fox knee pads are a good choice for a day out having a fun blast on the lower trails.

Lightweight and with a comfortable, slip-on design, they are also sleek and streamlined, so little to catch on a fast-spinning pedal or passing branch. Made from perforated neoprene, they are breathable and allow moisture to evaporate to keep you cool and dry. The knee cup is tall for excellent coverage and made from abrasion-resistant padding that absorbs the impact of the average fall or scrap. And there is a silicone gripper inside the top hem to keep it all snug and firmly in place. While these mountain bike knee pads won’t offer sufficient protection for a major, downhill spill or total wipe-out, they will keep you in one piece for a tumble on the flat or less challenging trail.

Perhaps not the most attractive in our best mountain bike protective pads review, but the construction of these elbow pads from Bodyprox really means business. A full sleeve style, these elbow pads provide protection for the full elbow area as well as impressive support for a range of sporting injuries. And all without any significant restriction on your movement or flexibility.

Made from abrasion-resistant, breathable fabric with strategically placed foam padding, these are a great go-to for absorbing the strain and shocks in your arms and elbow as you steer down a gnarly trail or go for the jump. The compression fabric also gives a super snug fit without compromising on comfort or arm mobility. This compression also helps to maintain elbow joint stability, however rough the course may be.

These tech-smart looking mountain bike knee pads look awesome and their performance is a combination of spec and comfort. Perhaps with a little less physical padding that other technical models, the Pro-X uses Reactive Protection Technology (RTP) – a soft, flexible foam that stiffens on contact to absorb what G-Form claim to be around 90% of the impact. The result is a less bulky, more streamline sleeve MTB bike knee pad that steps up when you need it the most.  The RTP knee pad protector plate also has a touch of the Terminator about it, which we really like. And the low profile design sits sleekly on bare legs or over/under cycling leggings or pants.

The sleeve itself is comfortable to wear and, thanks to its moisture-wicking properties, will keep you cool, even when the downhill heat is on. These are one of the best mountain bike knee pads for rider who needs superior flexibility and freedom of movement as well as the reassurance of the right level of protection at the right time should things go a little awry out on the trail. These are best for ordinary rather than really technical rides as they are not quite up to the hard shell and you pay extra for all the tech, but for a good all-rounder we like.

We really are in premium pick territory with the VPD, but as this tough dude complies with the 1621-1 motorcycle standard, you know you are in good hands. Another technical design, using materials in the padding that stiffen on impact you get a hybrid knee pad that brings the best of the rest to the fore. You get a decent amount of coverage with the protective flexible sleeve, that has added security with a Velcro top wraparound and middle back strap.  The reinforced fabric is perforated for heat and moisture management and there is plenty of stretch. It seems you will need to ride in these a few times to break them in but once they have taken to the shape of your leg, the comfort level really does kick in.

When looking at the business end of these MTB knee pads, the protection panels are low profile flush to the shape of the pad, but firm to the touch, ready to spring into stiffening action should you and your knees hit the ground. The 100% polyester outer of these awesome knee pads are also tough and will be able to weather the scraps and slides of the trail. While they may not have the hardcore protection of a full-on hard shell, for every day wear or for a fast downhill blast with your buds, you can be sure these POC knee pads have you covered should you part ways with your bike.

We finish on a hardcore-looking pair of MTB knee pads that offer the full hard shell protection without hindering your movement or enjoyment of an adrenalin ride. The spec on these knee pads from Pro-Tech is all there, without having to pay a top-end spec price. You get a durable Lycra and ballistic-strength nylon outer sleeve, which is both flexible and tear-resistant. Despite their heavy-duty looks they are also surprisingly breathable, allowing enough air flow to keep you cool during the heat of a frantic downhill. Ergonomically designed they also hug your legs nicely, with minimal movement, secured with adjustable straps and hook and loop fasteners.  And there is enough space and adjustment for wearing over pants or under.

At the knee you get EVA cup foam for close-up padding while the outer features full-coverage caps made from ABS to protect and absorb the impact of a fall or slide. For a super combination of comfort and top-end protection for MTB and other fast-paced sports, all at a great price, we think the Pro-Tech is pretty tough to beat.