Best Volleyball Knee Pads (Reviews)
Last Updated: 10th Mar, 2023
Here's our review of 5 of the Volleyball Knee pads plus an in-depth buyer's guide for your reference.
We all know Volleyball games can leave you bruised, scraped, and scratched. Diving and sliding on hard surfaces can do some serious damage to legs and knees. This is not only the case with Volleyball, but is also common with basketball or other indoor sports.
If your legs are tired of the aches and pains - you may need to look into knee pads for your sport. These are growing increasingly popular among athletes of all sports as a method of preventing both minor and serious injuries to knees. Volleyball knee pads are particularly necessary for the sport to keep your knees safe from any impact with the hard floor.
Or maybe you already have knee pads, but there is something about them that is just not right. Too clunky? Not enough cushion? Doesn't fit you properly? To help you find the knee pads you are looking for, no matter your skillset or needs, we have combined our top picks to narrow down your options to help you decide the right pair for you.
Don't know what you should even look for in a knee pad? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We've outlined all the information you need to pick the best Volleyball knee pads for your legs to kick those nasty pains out of your life. Knee pads are also applicable to any sport or activity, not just Volleyball, so all of these options can act as protection or cushion for you, as you see fit.
Our 6 Top Best Volleyball Knee Pads
- Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Kneepad- Pro Pick
- Rawxy Volleyball Basketball Knee Pads - Best for beginners
- ASICS Slider - Best Budget Pick
- Bodyprox Volleyball Knee Pads - Best for Junior Youth
- VolleyCountry Volleyball Knee Pads - Superior protection
- ASICS Setter Knee Pad - Best for setters
1. Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Kneepad
Specs
- Size: Small (13'')/Medium (13-15.5'')/Large (15.5''+)
- Color: Black, white
- Knee coverage: Medium
If you are a bit more of a skilled Volleyball player, our Pro Pick for you is the Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Kneepad. As a skilled athlete, you will need less cushion, because you are able to stay on your feet better.
Additionally, you should look for greater mobility, so that you can take over the court without clunky knee pads holding back your game. This knee pad's fabric blend of 50% Polyester, 22% Rayon, and 28% Elastic offers just that. This mixture and its unique cut allow for freer movement to let you forget your wearing knee pads.
The 6-inch sleeve length is on the smaller side, compared to other knee pads. This makes the pads even less noticeable and gives your legs more room to breathe. With their size, you can also adjust to have these above or slightly below your knees to protect wherever you will need the most support. Despite their smaller length, Mizuno LR6's are surrounded with VS-1 padding in not only the high-impact zone, but also all around the knee. This way, no matter which way you fall, you will always be covered.
These knee pads also offer a choice of appearance with white, black, and navy options. Likewise, Mizuno provides a diverse selection of sizes for you to pick the knee pad that works best for you. These do seem to run a little small, so it may be worth keeping this in mind as you investigate.
Conclusion: Mizuno LR6's may end up being the best pair of Volleyball knee pads you ever use, which is why they are our Pro Pick. We find these perfect if you are a skilled athlete for a club, high school, college, or professional team. With these knee pads, you can up your game to top-notch performing without heavy bulky gear holding you back.
2. Rawxy Volleyball Basketball Knee Pads
Specs
- Size: Middle & Large (11-18''), X-large (over 18'')
- Color: Black, white
- Knee coverage: full
If you're a beginner, one of the most important things you should look for is padding. More specifically, you should search for knee pads that have cushioning all around the knee cap and lots of it. This way, you can absorb the impact from a fall, if you happen to misstep or land aggressively. The Rawxy Volleyball Basketball Knee Pads are great for ensuring the safety of these athletes, no matter what sport they are picking up.
Rawxy prides itself in offering superior protection with extreme armor padding all around the knee to absorb impact and dual-layer Thailand NBR cushion. The X-Armour is said to be 7X stronger than regular cushion or knee pads, which is truly a display of incredible protection. The pads absorb and compress, as well as fight abrasion and impact. Amazingly, Rawxy compliments this protection with a nylon material and soft interior layer that leaves the pads breathable. Their design is great for combining movement with safety, so you can still actually move while being protected. It's shocking that with all these features, these knee pads are still under $20. They really give you their money's worth and much more.
These knee pads come in white or black and M/L or XL sizes. Without a small size, they are not specifically designed for small children, but rather older or taller beginners or someone with big legs. Be sure to measure the circumference of your thigh before selecting a size for these.
Conclusion: We recommend these knee pads for their safety and vast coverage, making them a perfect choice for beginners. There is no need to settle for flimsy knee pads that will fail to protect you during your activity when there are knee pads as safe as these.
3. Asics Slider
Specs
- Size: One size - fits 12'' - 18'' knee (measured around the center)
- Color: Black, white
- Knee coverage: full
Are you just looking for a good deal, because your wallet is a little tight at the moment? Our best budget pick goes to the ASICS Slider, which we believe offers the greatest deal. It is amazing how much the ASICS slider has included for Volleyball players for its price.
Its material is a mesh of polyester, nylon, and rubber for a stretchy and comfy fit that is easy to wash. The dimensions are 3.5-inch high and 5.9-inch wide, notably offering large coverage and a PU pad that isn't too noticeable. The 9.5-inch sleeve length is also on the longer side, with more padding for more of your leg. The pad uses PU foam for an ergonomic fit, which is good for any activity. The light padding makes it a great option for more skilled athletes that also do not need a large amount of cushion, but just enough to keep them feeling protected. Despite having padding, these notably feel very light.
However, these are only size fits all, which means a less custom made fit for your leg. This can lead to a little bulkiness, depending on how your legs match the knee pad. The longer length also comes with the perk of more coverage, but not all customers are seeking a knee pad this long. Despite these minor downsides, these are great knee pads and come in both white and black colors. Out of these, the white is even cheaper!
Conclusion: Overall, the ASICS slider is a great slip-on knee pad that offers one of the best deals for its cost. It's cheaper than most and comes with incredible perks from a great brand that is hard to snag elsewhere, which solidifies it as our Best Budget Pick.
4. Bodyprox Volleyball Knee Pads
Specs
- Size: 8-13 years (6.7-11''), 13-18 years (11-15.3'')
- Color: Black
- Knee coverage: full
Do you wish your kids could play with their friends without coming home with scrapes on their legs? We all know that kids' safety during sports should always be considered. We want to make sure children are safe at all times. This being said, there's no better way to help protect your children from knee damage than knee pads made just for them.
Bodyprox Volleyball Knee Pads come in a Unisex design, highly versatile in use and size. They are incredibly lightweight, which makes them perfect for any activity. The fabric is remarkable with strong foam, elasticity, and breathable fabric, creating a design built to keep up with your kids' energy. Best of all, it comes with anti-slippery material to keep the pads on the knees and ensure children's safety, even if the fabric is dirty or sweaty. Their sturdy all-around pads are great to protect your kids no matter where they go or how they fall. While having a large amount of protection, Bodyprox still manages to maintain healthy blood circulation with a fit that is not too tight. While we highly recommend these knee pads, children's legs come in all different sizes and junior youth gear does not always provide a perfect fit. Thus, these pads run a risk of falling off the knee if too loose or fitting awkwardly in various ways.
To avoid an improper fit, carefully consult the size chart before ordering. Purchasing the right size will guarantee the most amount of protection for your child.
Conclusion: Whether your child is getting into Volleyball or you are just looking for a comfortable knee pads that can keep up with their active lifestyle – Bodyprox Volleyball Knee Pads are our pick for best Junior Youth Knee Pads. They are essential for your children to stay safe, no matter their sport.
5. VolleyCountry Volleyball Knee Pads
Specs
- Size: Medium (12'' - 14''), Large (14'' - 16''), X-Large (17'' - 19'')
- Color: Black
- Knee coverage: full
VolleyCountry Volleyball Knee Pads are built for those looking for maximum protection for landing on their knees in-game. These are the seatbelts of the Volleyball world, providing nothing but the most reliable protection. It's also the best men's volleyball knee pads we reviewed.
While durable and cushioned, they also remain super comfortable for users with added bamboo in their fabric formula. VolleyCountry even provides a satisfaction guarantee, pledging to make their customers happy. This pad is your solution to those ugly scrapes, burns, bruises and knee pains.
The amount of padding is superior to other brands. VolleyCountry pads are our pick for safest and superior protection, due to their sturdy impact resistant design. Imagine knowing that you are going to be safe during every single dive for a ball.
These also offer versatile sizes from M, L, and XL built for all leg sizes. This array of sizes creates better protection with knee pads that actually fit. However, all sizes have 10-inches to 11-inches of length and coverage. Likewise, despite a large number of sizes offered, these unfortunately only come in the color black.
Conclusion: If you're looking for a knee pad that offers superior protection, safeguarding your knees from bruises and injuries, the VolleyCountry Volleyball Knee Pad is your best bet.
6. ASICS Setter Knee Pad
Specs
- Size: One size
- Color: Black
- Knee coverage: medium
Setters in volleyball are not the ones making big hits, but are instead the ones developing the plays. Therefore, setter knee pads are usually a little on the smaller side for padding and coverage. If you are looking for a knee pad suited for your specialty position, Asics Setter Knee Pads are the best setter pads out there for just that purpose. They have a GEL cushioning system, which boosts Asics pride in offering a largely unnoticeable light feel on your leg. Left and right leg pads are surprisingly differentiated, making the fit more particular to the proper angle for each knee. They come in black and white, as well as run on the smaller side compared to other pads. It is important to note that these are one size fits all, so they are not incredibly molded to your knee and may not fit the same on everyone.
Asics is still a top-notch brand that brings nothing but the best with their Volleyball gear. Despite its specialty, they can still be used for skilled volleyball players in any position. While their padding is low profile, it provides the necessary protection against high impact collisions in-game.
Conclusion: If you are a setter or skilled Volleyball player seeking a smaller knee pad that does not feel quite as large as the others, check out our Best Pick for Setters. Asics Setter Knee Pad will make you feel a new type of freedom as you play.
Buyer's Guide to Volleyball Knee Pads
Now that we've shared our top Volleyball Knee Pads, what should you consider before choosing the right pair for you? There are a couple of factors you need to keep in mind while choosing a knee pad, as discussed below.
Key Considerations
<Your Purposes And/Or Skillset>
Are these for Volleyball or another sport? Are you a setter or a different position? Are you a beginner and need a little more protection, or are you a skilled player that rather needs more flexibility? Maybe you are looking for your child's or need a knee pad for a completely different reason. Having a clear understanding of what you need will guide you to the right knee pads. Remember that beginners should have more padding than skilled athletes. Likewise, there is always a trade-off between more protection and a lighter pad. Have an understanding of what you need to help you play your best on game day.
<Sizing>
It is important to determine the size knee pad you are looking for. If you would like coverage for more of your leg, you should look for a longer pair. Additionally, measure the circumference of your knee or even your leg to get a good understanding of the size you will need. This can help you pick a brand that matches your leg correctly and comfortably. As well as give you an understanding of your size. Some pads come in one-size-fits-all. If you choose them, you should gain an understanding of if you fit within the product's dimensions or need more custom gear. Don't force a 10-year-old into a large knee pad or squeeze your leg into a smaller size. If you would like to learn about a product more, reading reviews can also help you understand if they tend to run large or small.
All manufacturers like Nike, Asics, Adidas, Mizuno, Under armour etc, have their own specific size chart.
As a rule of thumb, kids 11 and below have a knee cap diameter of under 13.5''. 12 to 15 year kids have a diameter between 13.5'' to 15.5''. And 16 years and older have a diameter of over 15.5''.
Also, you need to consider where do you wear the knee pad - on the kneecap or below the kneecap. Do you like snug fit or comfort fit? If you have a measuring tape, you can precisely measure and choose a suitable size pad. This will save you from the guesswork and trouble of returning the unit due to size mismatch.
<The Fit>
You know the knee pad is right for you when it snugly fits around your knees - not too tight or too loose. Anything tighter will be uncomfortable to wear, and if it's too loose, it may slide off.
Some products are tighter and promote their compression, while others give more room to breathe. Everyone has their preferences. Some feel bulky with padding, and others feel light. Know the fit you are looking for and try on the pairs to see how they feel. If you think they would be too distracting during the game or mess with blood circulation - try another pair.
<Appearance>
Sometimes you just want to look good on game day! If a pair of knee pads fit and has the padding you are looking for and you love how it looks, then you just found yourself the winning pair! Yet it's also ok to turn away a product because you don't like the appearance. We all want to look good and play well at the same time. Maybe you want a certain color to match a uniform, so make sure you research the brands that offer that color to narrow down your pick.
How to Properly wear the Knee Pad
Contrary to popular belief, knee pads are designed to protect the top part of the shin bone rather than the knee cap itself. The reason is simple. If a volleyball player follows the right technique and form, his/her knee cap won't touch the court, at least in most cases. That's why you'll find most professional players wearing the knee pads quite low, and some don't wear them at all. Just remember, knee pads are just a precaution, and nothing can substitute proper technique.
That said, if you're a beginner, someone starting out or playing youth volleyball, it's best to wear the pads directly on the knee cap. As you're still learning the right technique and posture, you're bound to make odd mistakes, and the pad can cushion the impact. As you progress, you can lower the position of the knee pad accordingly.
Closing Thoughts
Volleyball is a sport full of diving, kneeling, and sliding: Why not protect your knees from ugly scrapes or pains? If you are hoping to end that awful pain, look into knee pads for yourself, and you'll finally get to feel safer on the court.
No matter if you're a beginner or a professional, there's a knee pad just for you. These pads also can apply to every-day life, preventing injuries for kids, older family members, or other indoor sports. Make sure to pick a pair that fits all your needs. Say goodbye to knee pain and hello to a new world of more protection.