12 Best Knee Pads Volleyball We've Tested 2024
Brandon Forder May 17, 2024 10:12 AM
It's easy to dismiss the value of knee protection equipment until you suffer a serious knee injury, which is highly probable in volleyball.
Volleyball players should be aware that the sport's jumping requirements place a significant strain on the knees, regardless of how fit they are.
A volleyball knee injury is something that, like many other things in life, is best avoided rather than dealt with afterwards. And knee protectors are the greatest method to accomplish that.
Even if you did end up hurting your knees from overuse, knee protectors would help keep them safe and speed up the healing process.
My first piece of advice as a volleyball coach is always for my players to invest in a good set of knee protectors. In spite of being inexpensive and simple to select, they turn out to be rather valuable in the end.
I've compiled a list of the top knee pads for volleyball players so you can make an informed decision. By the time you finish reading this, you should be able to confidently choose the best knee pads for your needs. Still, you'll discover a ton of useful advice farther on!
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Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breathability & Moisture Wicking
You'll be perspiring a lot while playing, therefore breathable materials are a must.
Polyester is a common material for knee pads. This is a sturdy material, however it doesn't allow much air circulation. The mesh panels and possible vent holes on the surface of the more breathable knee pads improve air circulation. Keep in mind that the more protection the knee pads offer, the less airflow there will be.
Knee pads that can absorb sweat are a great addition. Wearing moisture-wicking knee pads will keep you dry and comfortable even while you're working up a sweat. If you want to focus on the game without being interrupted, this is a great tool to have.
Size, Fit, And Stretchiness
Protect your knees while playing volleyball with knee pads that fit snugly but not so tightly that they create discomfort or restrict blood flow. Not too tight, but not too free either. A large knee pad will not offer sufficient protection and will constantly slide down the leg.
Knee pad sizing guides are often provided by manufacturers. To make the best decision, measure your leg both above and below the knee.
Stretchability is a key factor in comfort and fit. If you're looking for a knee pad that can suit a broad variety of knee sizes, but isn't going to offer much in the way of support, go with one that has some stretch to it.
Elastane is commonly used to impart elasticity to knee pads. There is no difference between elastane and Lycra or other types of spandex. Knee pads with more elastane can stretch more easily.
In my opinion, you need to determine the optimal level of elasticity for your specific purposes. Too little or too much elasticity is problematic, as the knee pads will either be too tight or too loose.
Padding
The primary function of knee pads is to safeguard the knees, so it would be foolish to purchase one with insufficient padding. Your knee pad's padding should be substantial enough to prevent injury but not so bulky that it hampers your mobility.
Durability
You shouldn't have to replace your knee pads every few games during practice, and then they should break apart right before the big game. It's not a good use of time, money, or effort to have to replace your knee pads every month, so make sure they're sturdy enough to last.
Your Position
When shopping for volleyball knee pads, it's important to think about the position you typically play. How much cushioning you need will depend on this. Since front players don't dive as often but still need to be mobile, a thinner knee pad is preferable for them. Because of their frequent diving, defensive backs should choose the thickest padding available. Furthermore, liberos should go for a higher level of padding and excellent lateral coverage. If you are a beginner and have not yet learned how to dive safely, it is in your best interest to wear as much padding as possible.
Construction
When shopping for the best volleyball knee pads, keep the product's overall design in mind. You need a level of padding that suits your playing style. When do you plan to stop using the knee protectors? Just how hard will they be hit? When do you use it?
It's also important to use supple, breathable materials. If you play contact sports, your knees will get hot and sweaty, so it's important to find a knee pad with back ventilation, breathable material, moisture-wicking material, or all three. Pad rash is no fun to deal with after a long game.
Prioritizing quality over cost is essential when searching for the right knee pads for you. Consider that if you sustain an injury and need medical attention, your costs will skyrocket. Investing in high-quality knee pads is essential.
How tight should my volleyball knee pads be?
Ensure that your knee pads for volleyball are a snug fit at all times by measuring your legs. You want them to be snug without being so constrictive that your blood can't flow freely. You need knee protection that conforms to your legs but doesn't slip off as you jump and run.
How can I prevent my knee pads from slipping?
Knee pads that are properly fitted may still slide occasionally. Wearing long socks or a regular pad under your knee pads can help keep them in place and increase friction to keep them from sliding around while you move.
Are knee pads good for volleyball?
Playing volleyball does not require the use of knee pads. The primary purpose of these items is to prevent damage to the knees from sharp objects, such as thorns or twigs, while playing. The extra precaution could encourage you to play more aggressively without fear of injury. And don't forget, you can make a style statement with these pads. Even if your team loses the game (let's hope not), you can still win fans over by wearing these accessories with your jersey's color scheme.
What size volleyball knee pads should I get?
In order to find the perfect fit in a new set of knee pads for volleyball, you should first take your knee measurements. The size of your knees can be estimated by wrapping a measuring tape around them. You should write down the result and then check the pad's size chart to see if it matches. Don't forget to skim the feedback from previous buyers. Ask them if the size chart is reliable, and they'll let you know. There are typically three sizes available for knee pads across all brands, with some offering even larger sizes like XXL.
Feel free to share your knowledge of knee pads with me in the comments section below.
Always know what you'll be using the knee pads for and pick a pair accordingly. Buy something with more protection if your knees are frequently injured. If mobility is more important, on the other hand, you should wear as little protection as your knee health permits.
Remember that wearing knee pads while playing volleyball is essential for maintaining long-term knee health. The sooner you get a pair of knee pads to protect your knees from harm, the better.
