11 Best Knee Pads for Work and Sport

Knee injuries are all too common in both the workplace and sporting events. They are a pesky thing to hurt and for anyone who has injured their knees knows how uncomfortable it is.

Like a lot of things in life prevention is better than a cure and knee pads are excellent at this. The hard material guards your knees in the case of a fall, twist or blow. They significantly lessen the impact and thus protect the knee.

Types of Knee Pads

There are many different knee pads to choose from which makes it easier to choose depending on when it will be used, eg. for work or sports.

The sleeve part of the knee pad is generally the more comfortable material made from cotton, neoprene, spandex, nylon, polyester or a combination of these.

They also have padding which can be made from a huge variety of materials but more commonly foam, nylon, rubber, plastic, carbon fiber and many high density materials.

The outer, hard shell of the knee pad is nearly always made from plastic but some designs now incorporate metal.

The shock absorbing part of a knee pad is a gel like substance but some do use polyurethane.

When it comes to the closure part of the knee pad there are some that slide on over the foot, or velcro shut around the knee and some have buckles or adjustable straps.

Best Knee Pads for Work and Sport

Best Work Knee Pads

1. DEWALT DG5204 Professional Kneepads

DEWALT DG5204 Professional Kneepads are gel layered and have a neoprene fabric liner as well. They are versatile and can be used for just about any working environment including construction, flooring, garndening and carpeting to name a few.

Key Features

• Built to last, they are made from durable material
• Easy to adjust and position over the knees
• Comfortable thanks to the thick padding
• Slip resistance due to the material
• Can be used on a variety of surfaces

DEWALT DG5204 Professional Kneepads are designed for comfort and durability. The DG5204 offers extra padding in and around the knee so even if you are in an awkward position your knees will be comfortable and protected.

Featuring extra stitching, the seams of the kneepads have been made to last and can be used on carpet, wood, dirt and rock, brick, tiles and concrete.

DEWALT DG5204 Professional Kneepads also have heavy duty clips to secure them to the knee but also makes putting them on and taking them off easy. A very popular and positively reviewed kneepad!

2. KP Industries Knee Pro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads

KP Industries Knee Pro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads are seriously heavy duty kneepads for those who need a high level of knee protection.

Key Features

• Extremely strong outer shell
• Non-marking grip on any surface
• Easy to put on and take off
• Inner foam offers high level of comfort
• Hinged to make walking easy
• Soft elastic straps

The KP Industries Knee Pro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads come with a manufacturers warranty and the outer shells are manufactured from a hard plastic material.

The inner of the kneepad is 1/2inch thick foam with works to both protect and comfort the knee.

KP Industries Knee Pro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads are available in four different colours, black, tan, green and foliage.

Easy to walk in these kneepads thanks to the hinged function and the woven straps make it easy to adjust the kneepad into the right position.

3. Professional Knee Pads by Thunderbolt

Professional Knee Pads by Thunderbolt are a new design that improves both comfort and protection to not only the knee but also the quadricep tendon and below the knee tendon as well.

Key Features

• Soft gel core for comfort
• Heavy duty non-slip shield
• Reinforced stitching
• Adjustable velcro fastening system

Professional Knee Pads by Thunderbolt are different in the sense that they offer protection not only to the knee but also to the tendons above and below.

This is as a result of the soft gel core which also offers a high level of comfort.

The knee pads themselves are quite heavy duty but still allow you to move freely. They also prevent damage to clothing as well as abrasion to surfaces you are working on.

Professional Knee Pads by Thunderbolt are made from ballistic nylon and breathable neoprene as well as PVC. A great feature is that they are fully adjustable with velcro which makes it easy to fit just about anyone.

4. Best Heavy Duty Professional Gel Knee Pads

Best Heavy Duty Professional Gel Knee Pads are another set of heavy duty knee pads that offer high levels of protection across a variety of surfaces.

Key Features

• Comfort, snug fit
• Durable and heavy duty
• PVC caps with non-slip surface
• 100% guaranteed with TRT tools
• Adjustable straps

Best Heavy Duty Professional Gel Knee Pads feature memory foam and gel padding for ultimate comfort. The hard outer shell has a non slip surface designed to prevent rolling, sliding or scratching on any surface.

Made from high quality neoprene these knee pads are durable and can be adjusted to find the perfect fit.

Although the fabric is thick it is also breathable meaning there will be minimal perspiration on your behalf while not compromising on comfort.

Best Heavy Duty Professional Gel Knee Pads are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of applications whether it be tactical, paintball or working around the home.

5. ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Professional Knee Pads

ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Professional Knee Pads are designed using a comfort gel fit cushion and foam design.

Key Features

• Durable
• Pro EVA elastic straps which keep the kneepad firmly in place
• High side wall to prevent knee twisting injuries
• Anti slip knee pads
• Abrasion-resistant 1680D fabric
• Rugged double-injected shell with non-slip rubber
• Hard-wearing, shatter-resistant plastic

ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Professional Knee Pads offer stability to the knees and are ergonomically designed for all day use. These knee pads don’t limit any side to side movement which is great for functionality.

The design of this kneepad works to keep the knee centred and minimise the risk of twisting injuries. In addition to this the lower platform raises the shin off the ground which also helps to alleviate the pressure from the ankles.

ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Professional Knee Pads offer great protection across a variety of work surfaces are are very comfortable to use.

Best Sport Knee Pads

6.Protective Knee Pads

Protective Knee Pads by Body Prox offer an anti-slip, thick sponge and collision avoidance sleeve which is great for use across a variety of sports.

Key Features

• 2 sizes available
• Made of high-density strengthen foam
• Good elasticity
• Breathable fabric 
• Comfortable to use
• Ergonomic design and lightweight
• Money back guarantee

Protective Knee Pads are relatively inexpensive and designed to last. They are lightweight and do not restrict movement.

Featuring a high-density sponge shock absorption protection these knee pads will save your knees from impact forces.

Designed specifically for use with many sports including football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, badminton, wrestling, hockey, snowboard and other extreme sports. 

Protective Knee Pads can also work to reduce muscle stiffness and joint pain while increasing circulation. These are a popular choice when it comes to sports knee pads and they have many positive reviews to go with them.

7.McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads

McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads uses closed cell foam padding which works to protect athletes without hindering performance.

Key Features

• Available in 7 sizes
• 12 different colors to choose from
• Can be used for the knee, elbow or shin
• Cooling and drying thanks to moisture management technology
• 9mm Hex technology making the knee pads versatile

The McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads are available in 7 different sizes but many Amazon customers have said the sizing runs a bit smaller. Something to consider when making your purchase. 

McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads are very lightweight and versatile and can be used for both the elbow and knee.

The hexagon pads fit the body well and move with the body without restricting movement. They are comfortable to use and offer great protection while the compression fabric works to hold the knee pad firmly in place.

Not only this but it also works to keep the muscles warm which is great for preventing any pulls and strains. 

The material of this knee pad uses moisture management technology to help keep you cool and dry with patented technology. McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads are machine washable making them very easy to take care of.

8. Knee Pads ADiPROD Thick Sponge Collision Avoidance Kneepad

Knee Pads ADiPROD Thick Sponge Collision Avoidance Kneepad are made with a high density sponge that offers great shock absorption and support.

Key Features

• Available in black or blue
• Effectively offer shock absorption
• Ideal for a variety of sports
• Retains body heat and increases blood circulation

The ADiPROD Thick Sponge Collision Avoidance Kneepads will help retain body heat and keep the knee joint warm as well as increase bloody circulation.

In addition to this they also offer protection against weak or stressed knees.

ADiPROD are a reputable brand in protective sporting gears and design their products ergonomically and with comfort in mind.

ADiPROD Thick Sponge Collision Avoidance Kneepads measure 9.84 X 6.69 inch and for the leg circumference(knee above 3.94 inch): 14.96-20.47 inch.

9. ASICS Ace Low Profile Knee Pad

ASICS Ace Low Profile Knee Pads are manufactured by a leading sporting company and offer light to medium support and are a low profile style.

Key Features

• Snug fit
• Low profile, light cushioning
• Available in black and white

ASICS Ace Low Profile Knee Pads are comprised of 43% Cotton, 33% Rubber and 24% Nylon. Many Amazon customer agree, that they are quite short and don’t fit as nicely as other knee pads. 

If you are looking for a low to moderate support for the knees then this would be an ok choice. Personally I think they need to be a little longer.

10. Bucwild Sports Knee Pads / Padded Compression Pro Knee Sleeves

Bucwild Sports Knee Pads / Padded Compression Pro Knee Sleeves are quite comfortable to wear and offer moderate knee support.

Key Features

• Available in 3 different sizes
• Available in 3 different colors
• Made from polyester and spandex
• Offer flexibility and protection
• Dual layer wicking
• Non-slip silicone strip
• Flat lock stitching

Each Bucwild Sports Knee Pads / Padded Compression Pro Knee Sleeves are made with individual cushioning that conforms to your knee.

They offer a complete coverage protection without restricting movement.

Using sweat wicking material these kneepads also help increase blood flow and circulation not only to the knees but also thighs and feet.

Bucwild Sports Knee Pads / Padded Compression Pro Knee Sleeves have a non slip silicone band which grips to your skin and keeps the sleeve in place.

11.Knee Compression Sleeve Reepad Support Brace

Knee Compression Sleeve Reepad Support Brace offer a low to moderate level of protection in sports but are fantastic if you need a bit of compression before or after.

Key Features

• Designed ergonomically with a double curved surface
• Minimize joint damage and protect muscles
• Assist with joint stability and prevent tendon and ligament damage
• Anti slip design to keep the sleeve in place
• Made from a nylon and lycra blend

Knee Compression Sleeve Reepad Support Brace are a very comfortable and easy to wear/use knee pad.

The additional support offered by this sleeve can help those who have found a new sport or are wearing their joints down.

The Knee Compression Sleeve Reepad Support Brace is more of a compression sleeve than high protection knee pad but if you are looking for that then this is the right choice for you!

Key Features to Look For With Knee Pads

Shock Absorbing

The force of impact is quite strong so the higher or better quality the material the less impact your knee will wear.

You definitely want to look for a hard outer shell unless you are running a lot during sports in which case a more flexible material would suit.

I personally think gel cushioning is the better shock absorber and are much more comfortable too.

Price

How often are you going to be using the knee pads? When it comes to selecting the right knee pads it would be a wise thing to set your budget realistically with what you hope to use them for.

There is no need to go out and buy the most expensive knee pads if you just want a bit of extra cushioning while gardening.

Durability

Knee pads that last are going to be much more favorable so be sure that your knee pad is manufactured by a reputable brand. In addition be sure to read about the warranty policy that comes with the knee pads.

Size and Adjustability

Knee pads will often come in a variety of sizes but double check the dimensions of each one. Adjustable knee pads are a good idea but they can be a bit finicky to use.

Bottom Line

When it comes to protecting your knees prevention is always better than treatment. If you have suffered through knee injuries then I’m sure you agree! I play a lot of sport and always have the Protective Knee Pads by BodyProx but for work I would recommend trying the Best Heavy Duty Professional Gel Knee Pads but of course this is subject to your work requirements.