Best volleyball knee pads

While many may not consider volleyball to be a high impact sport, watching the game and seeing the leaps, strikes and not to forget; the falls, one cannot but notice that the impact the knees are forced to bear during this game is way more than it will usually have to bear on a regular day.

Even without the leaping and hard landings, something as simple as running can have some serious impact on the knees; how much more the more demanding activities that the game of volleyball calls for. So yes, volleyball may not be an extreme sport but it does place immense demands on your knees.

With this realization, you will find that volleyball players always have knee pads as part of their protective gear. These provide padding to the knees so when the knees hit a surface, the impact is minimized.

They also provide support to the ligaments and muscles and can also prevent hyperextension by providing some form of connection between your calf and thigh muscles.

Using volleyball knee pads have some distinct benefits which will explain why every volleyball player uses them. Some of the benefits include:

• Injury Prevention – This is the primary reason why most volleyball players use knee pads. Like we stated above, it provides some form of padding to the kneecap (also known as the patella). If you touch your kneecap, you will notice that it has very little flesh covering it. When the knees are bent, this little flesh covering is stretched even more, further reducing the protection the patella has.
  If the knees were to impact a surface in that state, the patella can be damaged as well as the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. However, with knee pads, the risk of this happening is reduced.
• Support – Aside from providing the kneecap with some cushion, knee pads can also provide support. There are moments in the game when you may have to stretch, an action that could overextend the knees. With the right knee pads, your calf and thigh muscles are connected such that they provide your knees with the support they need to pull off such moves without hyperextending.
  If your knees get seriously hyperextended, you can cause some damage to your PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Injuries like these may require surgery to correct.
• Improved Performance – As an athlete, if you are afraid of getting injured you most certainly will hold back and not perform at your best. However, when you are fully kitted and you are confident that you are well protected, you will give it your all and your performance will be the best you can offer.
  Using the right volleyball knee pads will give you extra confidence as you step into the court and, as a result of this confidence; your performance will be the best you can deliver.

Now that we know what knee pads do and the benefits of having them, let us now look at how to choose the right one for you. There are a few factors you will need to consider when choosing knee pads. We will look at some of these to help you understand what they are and how they can impact your use of the knee pads.

• Position of play – This is likely the most important consideration any volleyball player has to make before choosing knee pads. The position you play is critical because knee pads come with different amounts of padding. Most times, flexibility is sacrificed for increased padding and vice versa.
  If you are a front player then you know your job description involves a lot of diving which means your knees hit the floor very often. As a result of this, front players will require knee pads with a lot of padding so their knees can have ample protection.
  For back players, diving is not much of your thing. You need more speed and flexibility which having a lot of padding on your knee pads can reduce. So while front players need knee pads that have a lot of padding, back players need less padding so they can maximize their speed.
• Size – At the risk of sounding pretty obvious, we must mention that size is a very important factor to consider when choosing knee pads. Knee pads are supposed to provide a snug fit. They should not be too tight as to cut off blood circulation neither should they be too loose that they fall to your ankle at every opportunity. Ensure you take the time to confirm the sizing of the knee pad before placing your order. This can be particularly difficult when you are making your purchase online. A good way to handle this is to work with the manufacturer’s sizing guide.
• Comfort – Hey, who wants to wear something that is not comfortable even if it is something meant for your protection? There are a number of factors that can affect how comfortable a knee pad will be. One is the sizing which we have already mentioned above. Another factor is the material used in making the knee pads.
  Knee pads can be made from different materials including cotton, spandex, polyester, elastin, rubber, nylon, and many others. In a lot of cases, these materials are mixed so as to take advantage of their strengths. Some mixtures offer more durability, some offer increased breathability and some others offer increased elasticity.
  Cotton, for example, is soft and very breathable. It will not irritate your skin and your sweat will easily evaporate. Polyester, on the other hand, is very strong and largely water resistant. These two could be mixed to take advantage of the softness and breathability of cotton and the strength of polyester.
  You must look at the combinations and find out which looks like it will offer the best comfort and efficiency.

The truth is that placing an order online does not allow you really check things out. So to really help you, after looking at all the factors we listed above, one more thing you should always try to do is find out what other users are saying about the product.

From the comments of users who have already purchased the product you are thinking of getting, you can get better insight and be able to really determine if it is the one for you.

The offer of knee pads is massive. Many different manufacturers produce volleyball knee pads, and one can easily get confused by the huge variety of knee pads. In addition, everyone’s needs and game style is different, therefore there won’t be one knee pad suitable for all. Some people like more padding and protection in their knee pads because they dig a lot, however, some people like more comfort and flexibility because they are front players. In order to find the right knee pad you have to do a little research, so below I reviewed some of the best volleyball knee pads with different specifications to help you find the right knee pad for your needs.

And you can find a consolidated list of the best volleyball knee pads in the table below.

• Manufacturer – Mizuno
• Materials – spandex, cotton, polyester
• Size – small being 13.5 inches, medium being 13.5 – 15.5 inches and large being 15.5 inches. Measurements should be taken 1 inch above knee
• Color – black and white
• Weight – 4 ounces

• Age group – adults and youth
• Machine washable – Yes
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – Mizuno Intercool ventilation system, VS-1 (absorbs shock of any impact) padding for increased patella, lateral, and medial protection, carefully designed for superior fit without being bulky

Mizuno volleyball Knee pads are designed for volleyball players, to provide superior protection for their knees with less padding. As it is common problem of knee pads being too bulky and uncomfortable, Mizuno has tried to design a pad which would provide the necessary protection without being bulky, using the latest innovations, such as VS-1 padding. These volleyball knee pads for volleyball aren’t too tight and bulky around the knee, granting free range of movement even for the most active players. Mizuno intercool ventilation system keeps knee from sweating and knee pad from sliding off during practice or game. And the knee pads are perfect for indoor volleyball. Only downfall is that the pads will slide off and change place if you spend a lot of time on your knees, or if you want to use them for other purposes than volleyball, for example, gardening or labor work. These knee pads are extremely popular amongst women as they look flattering on your knee but still do provide necessary protection. However, as they do have little less padding than some other brands, these knee pads will work great for practices, but for competitions, you might want to purchase more advanced knee pads. Also three different sizes are offered, in order to find the best fitting knee pad. All in all, Mizuno volleyball knee pads are very comfortable, has excellent ventilation system and are very compact. But as they are very popular amongst women who play lighter game, if your style of game is rough, these might not provide enough protection as they do slide off from greater impacts. Excellent for beginners and novices.

Advantages

• Mizuno intercool ventilation system to keep knees from sweating
• VS-1 padding system to increase protection from shock impacts
• Longer 9 inch sleeve, covering more of a leg
• Three different sizes
• Come in two color – black and white
• Machine washable

Disadvantages

• They do tend to slide from greater impacts

• Manufacturer – Mizuno
• Materials –polyester, cotton and spandex blend
• Color – black and white
• Size – come in three different sizes: small for 13.5 inches (34 centimeters) above knee, medium being 13.5 – 15.5 inches above knee (34 – 39 centimeters) and large being 15.5 inches and more above knee
• Weight – 4.8 ounces

• Age group – teenagers and adults
• Machine washable – Yes, but advised to hand dry
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – more lightweight and comfortable than other similar knee pads due to less padding used in manufacturing, perfect for players who do not spend a lot of time on knees, or for other sports, where falling and hitting knees does not occur often, for example roller skating.

Mizuno knee pads for volleyball players are lightweight and low profile, while still providing enough protection for front players who do not spend a lot of time on the floor and knees. However, if you spend a lot of time on your knees and do put pressure and fall on your knees regularly, these knee pads for volleyball will not provide enough protection or will rip and tear faster. They are not as bulky as other knee pads therefore they are more low profile and thin and will look much better. Considering comfort, these knee pads have less padding which results in them being more comfortable. In addition they are mainly manufactured out of polyester, giving just the right amount of compression needed. Thanks to their design of being shorter, these knee pads do not roll up or change place, therefore amid game you won’t have to worry about your knee pad, and you can be completely concentrated on the game. Although these knee pads do have less padding, considering their thin design they absorb impacts extremely well. Mizuno volleyball knee pads come in tradition white and black colors, providing option to choose from the two. And they come in three different sizes – small, medium and large, giving more options and possibility to be worn by young teenagers with smaller knees and adults with larger knees alike. Overall, these are great knee pads for front players, who do not dig often, or for other sports, such as roller skating, because they are very comfortable and don’t restrict any movement, however will protect your knee if accidents occur and you fall.

Advantages

• Non-restricting, freedom for movements
• Low profile, thin and sleek design
• Thanks to little padding these knee pads are very comfortable, feels as second skin
• Do not roll up and stay in place during game
• Absorb impacts very well considering thin padding
• Comes in three different sizes
• Machine washable

Disadvantages

• When purchasing definitely go size up, as the knee pads do run small
• One of the shortest knee pads, therefore might take time while adjusting
• Not as durable if need to dive often, however great for front players

• Manufacturer – ASICS
• Materials – polyester 45%, nylon 16% and rubber 39%
• Color – black and white
• Size – one size fits all, 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 46 centimeters)
• Age group – adults and youth

• Machine washable – Yes
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – very durable, great protection for the knee cup, can be used not only for volleyball but also for other sports or work which requires putting pressure on your knee

Although ASICS Unisex Slider V. knee pads for volleyball are designed to be used for volleyball, they also provide great protection for your knee cups and are suitable for other sports and purposes, which require falling on your knees, crawling or having to put pressure on knees, for example, labor work or gardening. Even though ASICS Unisex Slider V. volleyball knee pads are designed for volleyball, they are also widely used amongst mud runners, skaters and skiers because of how durable and comfortable these knee pads are. Although the knee pad does cover quite a laarge part of the leg, it does not restrict any movement or mobility, hence its popularity. Also as these knee pads cover more than just the knee cup they provide protection from scratching and bruising for larger part of the leg. This knee brace comes in two different colors – black and white, giving you some variety of choice, however, it only comes in one size, therefore might not fit all knees. But no matter the one size fits all sizing, they are comfortable and provide great protection for different knee sizes. And the materials which are used in manufacturing of these knee pads are ropy and easily cave to stretching. However, even though one size should fit all, the knee brace does run little bit small, therefore, for bigger knees it might bring some discomfort at the beginning while material stretches to the right size. All in all ASICS Unisex Slider V. knee pads are excellent if you tend to fall down often, or if you want to protect more than just your knee, as this knee pad covers large part of leg, protecting leg from being scratched or bruised.

Advantages

• Covers more than just the knee providing extra protection
• Very durable
• Lightweight, fits well and provides good protection
• Comfortable for long wears
• As these knee pads are meant for volleyball they do have high impact resistance since you do fall on your knees often during games
• It does not restrict movement or mobility
• Machine washable
• Two colors – black and white

Disadvantages

• Material is not very breathable therefore keeps knee warm and sweaty
• As it is made in only one size, people with bigger knees might not fit in these or they might be little stiff at the beginning
• Bulky
• May get some blisters while getting used to it at the back of knee
• One size only

• Manufacturer – ASICS
• Materials – 43% Cotton, 33% Rubber, 24% Nylon
• Color – white and black
• Size – one size
• Weight – 1 pound
• Age group – adults and teenagers
• Machine washable – Yes, but in cold water, also advised to hand dry

• Sold in pairs
• Other features – Three-points-pads (inside – center – outside) design provide extremely well protection and does not allow padding to bulk up in one place, perfect for more active player, as they are very low profile and does not restrict any movement

ASICS Ace Low Profile knee pads volleyball players use are designed in order to provide the most protection possible with less restriction of movements. Although these pads are meant and advertised as volleyball knee pads, they can be also be used for other purposes, for example, gardening, or skateboarding, where you fall on your knees or crawl and put pressure on them. Although only one size is provided, the ASICS knee pads are very fitting, and they do not slide down while running or moving, but are also comfortable and do not cut off blood circulation in the leg. After few moments of wearing you even forget that the knee pads are there. The pad’s exclusive design separates pad in three different section, preventing padding to smash in one place in a course of time and providing better protection. Volleyball knee pads can be washed in washing machine, however it is advised to wash the pad in cold water so it does not shrink or come apart. Overall, these knee pads are very comfortable, does not cut off circulation to your leg or feel very tight as some other knee pads do. They are advised for front players who do not fall on knees often, as they are little bit less padded as other knee pads. All in all the dual density padding, anti-microbial fabric and minimalist low-profile design ensure freedom of movement, protection from injury, and ensure good looks while wearing this pad. Although looks are not the most important specification while you’re playing, for many players it does add significant bonus points for knee pad.

Advantages

• Comfortable
• Well fitting, can be worn even under pants
• Not restricting
• Three-points-pads (inside – center – outside) provide extremely well protection all around the knee cup
• Two colors are provided- black and white
• Machine washable

Disadvantages

• Shorter than normal knee pads
• Meant for bigger knees, otherwise will slide down while exercising
• Available in only one size

• Manufacturer – Mizuno
• Materials – spandex, cotton and polyester
• Color – white
• Size – one size
• Weight – 6.4 ounces

• Age group – adults, youth
• Machine washable – Yes
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – five separate contoured padded sections restrict padding from bulking up in one place

Mizuno Volleyball knee pads T10 are intended for volleyball players, but are also great for other sports as well, for example, basketball or even labor work. Their new design, five separate contoured padded sections, restrict padding from bulking up in one place and provide more protection all around the knee cup. Due to fact that they come in one size only, they would be better fitting for young adults or slimmer men and women as they do run on the smaller side. So, for bulkier people the knee pads will be a bit too tight, and it will take time to stretch and take necessary size. Another downfall for the Mizundo knee pads is that they come in only one color, white, and on dirty gym floors which are coated with dust, pads will get dirty very easily and will need to be cleaned often. However this should not be an issue as machine washing is allowed. Altogether, if your knee is the right size and knee pad fits properly then these knee pads provide great protection, will be very comfortable and allow you to execute all the necessary movements without restricting you. Men with bigger knees should consider twice before ordering these knee pads, but for teenagers and slimmer adults this product will be a great choice if you are looking for something with less padding but that still does the job and protects your knee from impacts. Five separate contoured padded sections will provide extra protection if you fall on the side of knee, or in other unusual positions, as they will not bulk up in one place.

Advantages

• Five separate contoured padded sections
• Great protection but still allows movement, does not restrict movement
• Very comfortable as it is less bulky

Disadvantages

• One size all
• One color
• Position of pad tends to change place and re-adjustment is needed
• Run on the smaller side, not appropriate for bigger knees

• Manufacturer – Tachikara
• Materials – cotton, foam padding
• Size – junior and senior
• Color – zebra (black and white) print
• Weight – 1 pound

• Age group – youth, children and adults
• Machine washable – Yes, advised to hand dry
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – segmented foam padding for more protection, zebra print design, for beginners and recreational players

Tachikara Zebra Knee Pads for volleyball are designed and manufactured for children and young adults. These knee pads come only in one color – zebra print, black and white design, therefore will be more suitable for younger players or teenage girls, as for older players and boys this will probably not be a favorable choice. Also, as the knee pads are intended for youngsters and beginners in volleyball, padding on them is not extreme so that movements aren’t restricted but the pads still provide enough protection for the knees. In addition, Tachikara knee pads are designed with segmented foam padding, so that padding does not bulk up in one place over time and provide an improved protection for your knee. And manufacturer has also thought of comfort while wearing these knee pads, and has designed a cotton sleeve around the padding. Although, these knee pads have been designed for younger players, they have a senior size, which will fit most senior players, therefore, if you are not heading into professional league and want something to protect your knees but don’t want to spend a lot of money these will be great option. They are cheaper than most knee pads in the market, and for the price you pay, you will receive a decent product. In addition, they are washable in washing machine, however advised to hand dry. Overall, these knee pads will be great option for your children who are just starting to get into volleyball, or even for yourself if playing volleyball is just your Sunday hobby.

Advantages

• Durable
• Flexible and comfortable because of cotton sleeve
• Segmented foam padding for better protection
• Machine washable, but advised to hand dry

Disadvantages

• Come in one color (print), which is more appropriate for children and youth
• Material is not breathable
• Material on the inside is a bit itchy

• Manufacturer – Nike
• Materials – polyester 46%, nylon 25%, EVA 17% and rubber 12% 
• Size – 3 different sizes – extra small/small, medium/large, extra-large/ xx-large
• Color – white and black

• Age group – adults and youth
• Machine washable – Hand wash only
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – Dri-fit liners for more comfort

Nike Essentials Volleyball knee pads are designed for already experienced players, who play often and enjoy comfort while playing. They are also great for basketball as they are slim fit and not as bulky as other knee pads. Cushioning of these knee pads is very soft, allowing free movements and running without feeling any restrictions. In addition Nike has introduced Dri-Fit liners for even more comfort, and added breathable material in the back so your knee won’t get sweaty during exercise. However, you have to carefully select the right size, because if these knee pads don’t fit perfectly and size is not right they will slide down and will not hold in place or they will rip and tear after first few impacts. Therefore it is very important to measure your knee before ordering these knee pads, because they do run small and sizes may differ from your regular ones. Also, even though these knee pads come in two colors, when choosing white color, you have to consider that it will get dirtier much faster and will need washing more often, therefore will wear off faster. All together Nike has manufactured these knee pads as pads appropriate for already experienced players, who know what they want. With their minimalist look and high comfort level they are one of the most popular knee pads on the market. And, since Nike is known as sports goods brand, we expect high quality sporting gear from them.

Advantages

• Very comfortable
• Super soft material
• Three different sizes
• Stretchy back but tight enough to stay up
• Ventilation zone at the back of pad, therefore breathable and will not allow your knee to sweat

Disadvantages

• Run small in sizes, advised to order size up
• Not as durable, padding flattens with time
• Padding does not cover all knee, only front
• Easily torn, if worn wrong size
• Hand wash only

• Manufacturer – Luwint
• Materials – cotton, yarn, latex silk, elastic
• Size – 13 – 17 inches in circumstance of knee
• Color – black
• Weight – 4.9 ounces
• Age group – adults

• Machine washable – Yes, but washed in 30 degrees Celsius
• Sold in pairs
• Other features – Versatile knee pads, appropriate for large variety of activities, designed with right amount of cushioning without being too bulky but still protecting you knee

Luwint multifunctional volleyball knee pads are designed to provide support and protection for your knees for a large variety of purposes. They are very versatile as they are appropriate for almost all sports including volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, snowboarding, and hockey and even gardening and dancing. The pad’s design provides just the right amount of padding and protection for when you’re kneeling or falling, while still being comfortable. Not only are these knee pads very comfortable, but also durable, because they do hold their shape very well even after multiple washes. In addition material and design allows them to be very breathable and elastic, which means that these knee pads hold up and down slide down even under active conditions and great force. Also, not only they are very breathable during warm weather, but these pads will also keep your knee warm if you wear them during winter and colder weather. Luwint knee pads come in one color – black, and in one size, which is for adults, however, they do sell exact same knee pads also for youth, as a completely different product. Therefore if you are on the smaller side, you can find exact same knee pads, but for youth. All in all, these knee pads do hold in place very well, still allowing movement and being flexible and elastic.

Advantages

• Very flexible, but still stay in place
• Just the right amount of cushioning without being too bulky and restricting
• Breathable
• Very versatile, appropriate for large variety of activities and purposes
• Machine washable
• Comfortable

Disadvantages

• Over time pad itself flattens from kneeling
• Come in one color – black

When choosing appropriate knee pads for volleyball, it is extremely important to consider all features they need to have. Back players, who dive more often will need to have a pad which is designed for frequent dives, to protect your knees, however for front players, they need to move faster, and therefore pad with less padding will be appropriate. Every player can find their most comfortable and appropriate knee pad, you just need to do a little research beforehand to find out what you need and what are going to be best volleyball knee pads for you.