We all want to keep our kids safe outdoors, but when it comes to knee and elbow pads, are there differences, or will any set do?
We’ve studied the design, make-up, and materials used in dozens of products. We’ve tested many sets and listened to feedback from hundreds of parents. We’ve found several brands that stand out, providing the most protection for your little one’s limbs. We ranked these items based on safety features, comfort, durability, and adjustability.
We’ll discuss what to look for and share our unbiased reviews of the five best knee and elbow pads so you can make the right choice for your child’s protection.
- Durable, soft material
- Suitable for various sports
- Adjustable elastic straps
- Ultra-soft, flexible material
- 3 layers of impact-absorbing material
- Full package
- Breathable EVA foam material
- Flexible and highly adjustable straps
- Affordable
- Excellent for balance bike riders
- Made of premium materials
- Gives great protection
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Features breathable mesh
- Protects the palms
Product Reviews
After spending the week looking through expert blogs and parent reviews, we found our top five favorites. Here are the best knee and elbow pads for kids.
JBM International 3-in-1 Knee and Elbow Pads
Best Knee and Elbow Pads for Older Kids
For older children, we present this set from JBM, which has been well received by parents.
The set consists of soft EVA material with additional padding. For protection, there are robust plastic plates to absorb impact. The pads are suitable for most extreme sports, such as skateboarding, inline skating, and bike riding.
Parents praise how adjustable they are. Each pad includes several elastic straps, which make them suitable for a range of leg and arm sizes. The elbow pads can suit sizes from 6 to 9 inches, whereas the knee pads suit 8 to 15 inches.
The bundle includes wrist, elbow, and knee pads, and JBM provides a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable, soft material.
- Suitable for various sports.
- Adjustable elastic straps.
- Stays in place during activities.
Cons
- The wrist pads are small.
- The material can feel scratchy at times.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | Youth |
| Color | Red, blue, black, pink, or yellow |
| Material | EVA and plastic |
| Suitable for | All sports |
| Warranty | One-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Simply Kids Innovative Soft Kids’ Knee and Elbow Pads
The Softest Knee and Elbow Pads
This set of knee and elbow pads from Simply Kids received stellar reviews, with parents praising their softness. The collection is made of skin-friendly neoprene material — usually used for wetsuits. It’s stretchy and breathable, something your child will love to wear.
The pads will keep your child safe with three layers of buffer materials. These heavy-duty layers work to absorb impact should the wearer fall.
As well as superb protection, your little one still has a full range of motion thanks to the flexible material.
This is a complete set, suitable for a little biker. The bundle includes two knee and elbow pads, fingerless bike gloves, a mesh bag, and fun stickers. The sizes offered include small, medium, or large, ideal for children ages 2 to 11.
There are also several colors and designs your youngster can choose from, suitable for girls and boys.
Pros
- Ultra-soft, flexible material.
- Three layers of impact-absorbing material.
- A full package of pads, gloves, and a mesh bag.
- Lots of fun designs and prints available.
Cons
- The fingerless gloves are a bit small.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 2 to 11 years |
| Color | A wide range of colors and patterns to choose from |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Suitable for | All sports |
| Warranty | One-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Bosoner Knee Pad and Elbow Pads
Best Knee and Elbow Pads for Girls
Our pick for girls is this cute set from Bosoner. The knee and elbow pads are drenched in pink and purple, available in sizes small and medium, and suitable for ages 3 to 15 years.
Your girl will adore these protective pads — they’re comfy and made of ventilated EVA foam. The material breathes, helping the rider keep cool, even during hot days. There are elastic straps that can be adjusted to suit the wearer.
The set is multi-functional, so your little daredevil can use them while she roller skates, rides her scooter, or bikes around the park. They’re lightweight and flexible while still capable of protecting from falls and tumbles.
The bundle includes wrist pads and a mesh bag to keep the set in. If your girl doesn’t like pink or purple, they’re also available in blue and silver.
Pros
- Breathable EVA foam material.
- Flexible and highly adjustable straps.
- Great price for a quality set.
- Several colors are available.
Cons
- The wrist pads are too flexible, so they will only protect against scrapes, not jarred wrists.
- They don’t hold up well for repeated heavy spills.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 15 years |
| Color | Purple, pink, blue, and silver/black. |
| Material | EVA foam |
| Suitable for | All sports |
| Warranty | N/A |
Our Ratings
Schwinn Kids Protective Bike Gloves, Knee and Elbow Pads
Best Bundle
For the littlest riders, we recommend this set from Schwinn. Schwinn is a reliable brand known for its durable bikes, so these protective pads are worth a look.
This set is advertised as being suitable for children from ages 5 years and above, but some parents say they fit their 3-year-olds. The adjustable straps add to the lifespan. They’re great for tots who are riding balance bikes. They will protect your little one from impact, thanks to the premium shells.
The set is stylish and more adult-looking than others for this age group, with a minimalist design.
With these pads preventing injury, your child can play as much as they like. The set not only includes a knee and elbow pad but also a glove that is easy to put on and adjust. Schwinn has a Velcro closure for the gloves, so your child can practice independence.
Pros
- Excellent for balance bike riders.
- Made of premium materials.
- Hard plastic shell gives great protection.
Cons
- They may fit too small for older children.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 5 years |
| Color | Black and gray |
| Material | Nylon fabric |
| Suitable for | Biking and skating |
| Warranty | N/A |
Our Ratings
Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Knee and Elbow Pads
Best Knee and Elbow Pads for Small Boys
For toddler boys, we found this set from Nickelodeon. It’s a Paw-Patrol-inspired bundle decked out in fun colors and the famous patrol team.
Your little guy gets Chase, Rubble, Rocky, and Marshall. They’ll help him do tricks at the park or go faster on the bike path. Along with the knee and elbow pads, the set includes a pair of fingerless gloves.
In addition to the fun theme, the set is durable. It features adjustable Velcro for the straps, ensuring a comfy fit. Then it includes a breathable mesh material, which keeps the protected areas fresh and cool.
The set is recommended for children aged 3 to 5. However, a few parents have noted it’s more suitable for ages 2 to 4. The Velcro straps make it easy to adjust if the kit is a little large to begin with.
Pros
- Super fun for little Nickelodeon fans.
- Adjustable Velcro straps.
- Features breathable mesh.
- Also protects the palms with the included fingerless gloves.
Cons
- The size runs small.
- Could do with more padding but is still adequate for light spills.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 2 to 4 years |
| Color | Themed |
| Material | Mesh |
| Suitable for | Biking |
| Warranty | N/A |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Recommended age | Color | Material | Suitable for | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBM Child 3-in-1 | Older Kids | Youth | 5 colors | EVA and plastic | All sports | 1-year |
| Simply Kids Knee & Elbow Pads | Softest Pads | 2 – 11 yrs | A wide range of colors | Neoprene | All sports | 1-year |
| Bosoner Knee & Elbow Pads | Girls | 3 – 15 yrs | 5 colors | EVA foam | All sports | N/A |
| Schwinn Kids Protective | Bundle | 3 – 5 yrs | Black and gray | Nylon fabric | Biking and skating | N/A |
| Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Pads | Small Boys | 2 – 4 yrs | Themed | Mesh | Biking | N/A |
How to Choose Knee/Elbow Pads
Material
To ensure your little one is protected and comfortable, you must consider the materials used. The outer shell is generally hard and durable, often made of premium plastic to withstand falls.
You’ll find padding under the hard shell. For knee and elbow pads, manufacturers usually use impact-absorbing foam or polyurethane. This is ideal to look for to ensure full protection.
Consider the fabric. Because sweating occurs during physical activity, you want something breathable to keep your child comfortable. Cotton or mesh are two excellent materials for this — some pads include both.
Comfort
It’s a great idea to pick flexible pads that can move with your child.
Sleeve pads are our favorite. These work similarly to compression pads, which increase blood flow.
They’re comfortable since they curve with your child’s legs and arms.
Who Needs Knee and Elbow Pads?
Every child can use a little more protection when riding their bike or scooter. Whether your child is a two-wheel newbie or a mini daredevil, knee and elbow pads can help boost their confidence.
For timid children who are still learning, pads make them feel secure and not scared of falling. They’ll give them that much-needed confidence to get back up and continue if they do fall.
For more aggressive riders, doing stunts or riding on tracks, knee and elbow pads become essentials.
Going over jumps or up and down skateboard ramps can result in a trip to the ER. Pads can’t totally prevent injuries, but they can reduce them (1).
Even a small child who is just starting to ride a balance bike can benefit. At this age, falls are inevitable. Toddlers tend to fall with their hands first, which is why the elbows and hands especially require protection.
But if your child is confident on their bike and only using it to go to school or cruise around the neighborhood, pads might not be necessary. For leisure riders, wearing a good helmet should suffice.
FAQs
Are Gel or Foam Knee Pads Better?
Gel knee pads offer better shock absorption and are comfortable for longer wear, while foam pads are lighter and more suitable for less intense activities. The choice depends on the activity’s intensity and duration.
What is the Difference Between Soft and Hard Elbow Pads?
Soft elbow pads offer flexibility and are suitable for low-impact activities, whereas hard elbow pads provide more protection against impacts and are ideal for high-risk sports like skateboarding.
What Sports Require Knee Pads?
Sports like volleyball, skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking often require knee pads to protect against falls and impacts. They’re crucial for preventing injuries in these activities.
How Tight Should Knee Pads Be?
Knee pads should be snug enough to stay in place without slipping but not so tight that they restrict circulation. They should comfortably encompass the knee without causing discomfort.
How Do You Wash Knee Pads and Elbow Pads?
Wash knee and elbow pads by hand using mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh detergents and don’t machine wash as it can damage the pads. Air-dry them completely before the next use.
How Often Should I Replace My Knee Pads?
Replace knee pads when they show wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or compromised elasticity. Regularly inspect them for damage to ensure they provide adequate protection.
