How do you prevent injuries to the legs and knees in a high-intensity sport such as basketball? Go for the best basketball knee pads. In recent times, there are has been greater calls for safety in sports and exercises. For most sports such as football, basketball and the likes, contact between players as well as accidental falls are inevitable and can increase the risk of injuries. The sole reason for today’s review of the best basketball knee pads is aimed at helping professional athletes, as well as non-professional basketball players, reduce and prevent injuries to their knees and legs.
As has been our tradition, we’ll start off our discussion with tips and shopping guides as regards the best basketball knee pads. This will then be followed by our top ten recommendations which as you might have known are always based on thoughtful and insightful research and opinions of experts and consumers alike.
In the case of these knee pads, we’ll bring you the opinion of consumers which include professional players and hobbyists as well as our personal take on each product which with details of the pros and cons of each of the best knee pads reviewed.
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Best Basketball Knee Pads comparison chart
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Shock Doctor Knee Brace | ||
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COOLOMG Pad Crashproof Basketball Leg Knee | ||
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McDavid HEX Protective Knee Pads |
Why You Should Need the Best Basketball Knee Pads
You may have been wondering if the use of knee pads, knee sleeves or knee braces is so important to demand our time and attention, then the truth is yes. Though these gears may appear minimalistic and gimmicky to some, the truth is the best basketball knee pads would make a great difference on the field of play. You may also find yourself asking how? Read on.
For the next Michael Jordan, the game of basketball has lots of risks. The impact of banging and body contact from opposing players as well as the impact of the floor during falls can result in injuries and damage to the knees and the surrounding areas.
The best basketball knee pads help to mitigate these injury risks by providing compression and support for the knees in these instances. Along with adding compression, they also help to dampen the pain after banging knees with an opposing player.
Along with these protective and ameliorative functions, knee pads can also help the knees with recovery after injuries especially in instances where one has to play with such injuries.
They help to prevent contusions resulting from banging the knees against opponents or the floor. They provide an added sense of security and more importantly, they could be used even in other types of sports such as football, soccer, volleyball, and much more.
How to Choose the Best Basketball Knee Pads
For newbies and seasoned players alike, choosing the best pads to prevent injuries to the knees may seem a tricky thing. There are some things you will have to consider before making your final decision on which product you’d finally go with.
Although the main purpose of knee pads is to offer support and protection to the joints of the knee and the surrounding areas of the leg to reduce the impact of falls and contact, it is important to know that getting the wrong pair or some sub-par pads may turn this over its head.
Comfort, right size as well as style are some of those things that matter. We’ll proceed to the next phase which details the most important shopping considerations you’d have to think about before buying your best basketball knee pads.
Things to Look for in the Best Basketball Knee Pads
When shopping for the best basketball knee pads, there are some things you may have to consider. Some of these will center around your comfort while others have to do with functionality.
Important considerations include decisions that have to do with the materials in use for the knee pads. Some prefer lightweight materials, flexible and breathable knee pads, sleek and stylish pads that are easy to wear and clean. Other considerations such as choosing between hard and soft knee pads will depend on the intensity and number of expected falls.
The price to quality ratio is another important thing to consider. Although most of these knee pads come at relatively affordable prices, it is still important to ensure you’re getting quality for your money’s worth. You may proceed to the next stages herein to check our top 10 recommendations in the best basketball knee pads review for the best basketball knee pads with great quality and efficiency.
How to Wear Basketball Knee Pads
You should have little to no difficulty as regards how to wear basketball knee pads. The pads are often made of flexible, stretchable and breathable materials that stay snugly around the knees.
We’ve included here a video link to video guide that guides people on how to wear basketball knee pads by Cooper Murphy. The video is available on YouTube and should satisfactorily answer your questions as regards wearing basketball knee pads.
Why do Basketball Players Wear Knee Pads?
Having to go through 82 games in 5 months requires utmost safety and security. Basketball knee pads are needed by NBA players to provide support and reduce injuries to the knees and the surrounding areas from the impact of falling on the floor or banging on the knees from opposing players. These basketball knee pads NBA players use are needed not only in basketball but also in other high-intensity sports such as football.
Top 10 Best Basketball Knee Pads Reviews
Here comes the part where our readers in need of the best products get our top choice recommendations in each category. This will save you the stress and headache of having to try out series of products before laying your hands on the best one.
To relief you of these time and money-consuming process, we have done an in-depth research on the best basketball knee pads. In no particular order, we present to you the Top 10 Best Basketball Knee Pads featuring some of the best protective basketball gears to improve your safety while you play around.
1. McDavid 6446 Extended Compression Leg Sleeve
(4 / 5)McDavid knee pads are some of the best on the market and they were able to make multiple entries into our list of the best basketball knee pads. Very popular among these series of McDavid knee pads is the McDavids 6446 Extended Knee Pads. The pad is loved by many for its effective protection and safety support that extends from areas surrounding the knees down to the calf.
Although the McDavid knee pads were designed to be used by basketball players, they can still be successfully used by players of other outdoor sports such as soccer and volleyball. The quality, comfort, and design of this knee pad is extraordinary and has such as made it a top choice among players of different ages and sizes. The McDavid Extended knee pad comes in five different sizes and the material has been made elastic to fit various leg sizes.
The material is comprised of nylon and spandex, 80% and 20% respectively. Both of these are then coupled with Hydravent hDc fabric which is known to easily wick away moisture in form of sweat from the body. The 9mm hexpad protection can hardly get better than this, with long sleeves to ensure these stays on and does not slip off. The pad extends to the calf where it helps keep the muscles warm and ensure there is proper blood flow to your legs during the entire run of play.
Key features of the McDavid Extended Knee Pads
- Superb Protection & Quality
The McDavid Knee Pad offers great protection to reduce the impact of body-to-body contact as well as floor impact. This center around its use of premium quality materials which have been proportionately balanced between nylon, spandex as well as value-adding other materials. The 9mm Hex technology is also in place to boost the quality and efficiency of the pad.
- Superb comfort and coolness
Because the materials are of premium quality, the comfort is superb and great. The McDavid 6446 Extended Knee Pad also incorporates the use of Hydravent hDc fabric along with the nylon and spandex to ensure the pad remains dry and cool while helping to wick away sweat from the skin.
- Flexible Design
The pad comes in five different sizes that range from as small as 10 inches to as large as 22 inches. There is also the choice of colors which you can pick from to match your other gears and all.
- Snug fit design
The slip-resistant elastic band materials in use ensure the knee pad remains curled snugly around the area of protection and won’t ever slip off easily from the body to body contact or from the body to surface contact.
- Ease of Use & Clean
If you’ve had difficulty previously with how to wear basketball knee pads, the McDavid 6446 Extended Knee Pad is super is easy to wear and use. Along with this easy use also is easy cleaning which is made possible since the knee pad is both machine-washable and dryable.
- Flexible size options for different players
- Multiple choices of colors to select from
- Does not slip off and remains comfortable
- Soft but thick padding for unparalleled protection
- Affordable and modest pricing
- Superb quality with great value
- The nylon material may make it seem hot at times
- People with very big thighs may find the pads to be very tight
2. Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Supporter with Bilateral Hinges
We are not about to discuss the best basketball knee pads without the Shock Doctor basketball knee pads taking a prominent position in our review. Along with McDavid, Nike, CoolOMG and a few others, the Shock Doctor brand of knee pads is one of the best. Among this excellent line of pads have we chosen the Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Brace which to us seems the most advanced basketball knee pad to come out of the ranks of this manufacturer.
The design is where it all starts from and you can’t but fall in love with this. Along with this aesthetic and alluring design comes impeccable functionality that cannot be matched by many of the knee pads available for basketball players today. This is little wonder that the Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Supporter is arguably the favorite of most professional basketball players as well as college athletes. It comes fitted with bilateral support hinges and a construction of tempered aluminum stays which offers great stability, protection, and improved performance.
For rehabbing basketball players, this could be yet the best option for those long hours of comfortable basketball sessions as this offers great comfort and support all through. One thing that you should know though is that the knee brace may appear a little bulky at the first wear. It will hence need a little break-in period after which it will have adjusted to your body and then remains comfortable.
Key Features of the Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Pad
- Superb Protection & Comfort
For reasons that include a superb build quality and a comfortable design, the Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Supporter offers one of the best protection and comfort you can get from a knee pad. It is designed to support soft tissues, joint alignment as well as providing therapeutic warmth to improve blood flow in your legs. The kneecap also gets maximum protection and stabilization from the padded patella buttress.
- Build Quality & Design
The build quality and design of this knee pad are superb. The pad has bilateral support hinges along with several hyperextension stops with efficient impact-absorbing base pads to improve stability and performance during the run of play. This is further enhanced with the tempered aluminum stability stays.
- Moisture Wicking
The knee pad has the ability to keep off sweat and other forms of moisture away from the body to ensure the skin remains dry and cool.
- Suitable for playing during recovery
- Offers great support with great comfort
- Comes in different sizes you can choose
- Superb build for durable performance
- May feel a little bulky
- Needs a break-in period before it can adjust to the legs
3. COOLOMG Basketball Knee Pad
Looking for something with extraordinary value that can be used by both adults and kids alike? Then look no further than the COOLOMG Basketball Knee Pad. As affordable as this is, it promises great value, comfort, and maximum protection.
As mentioned earlier, the COOLOMG knee pad was designed with both adults and kids in mind and so comes in five different options for different sizes and age groups. You can also pick from an option of seven different colors for people who are picky about colors. The polyester material used in the pad ensures they are super comfortable and able to accommodate as many as possible players.
The pads are short-sleeved for more comfort and have anti-slip bands that ensure they remain on while you’re playing. The honeycomb design of the crash-proof pad directly in front of the knee ensures you get enough protection when you fall. The tight compression fit ensures optimal protection and keeps the muscles in great condition on the court.
Key Features of the COOLOMG Knee Pad
- Build quality & Design
There is this crash-proof pad directly at the front of the knee that sports a honeycomb design aimed at mitigating the effect of floor impact. The knee pad is also made from an elastic polyester material which is super-comfortable.
- Flexible Size & Color Options
You could choose from sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL as well as up to seven different colors of your choice. This means that you do not have to worry about style for the fashion-minded ones.
- Versatility
Not only does the COOLOMG knee pad excels at basketball but it can also be used in other outdoor sports such as volleyball, football, biking and cycling, hunting and much more.
- Padding is thick and so protection is optimum
- The pad has this soft feel on the skin making it comfortable
- The short sleeve design ensures there is no muscle strain
- COOLOMG pads retail at great prices offering maximum value
- Suitable for sporting and non-sporting events
- Useful for the recovery of the muscles
- The polyester material is not as durable though it offers great comfort
- Some people may also have a hard time finding the perfect fit due to some missing size ranges, they may find a particular pad as too tight for them while the next bigger size may also appear loose for them too.
4. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pad
Quite often, there are those successful breakthrough products that take the market by storm. This protective knee pad by Bodyprox US is one of such and it is one of the most sought-after best basketball knee pads by today’s multitude of professional basketball players as well as college athletes. The Bodyprox Protective Knee Pad combines value and efficacy in the right amount and this is why it is the favorite of many a player today. Let’s get deep into the heart of this knee pad as we delve int the features that has made this knee pad a choice of many.
Key features of the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pad
- Superb build and design
The Bodyprox Protective Knee Pad rocks an ergonomic design as well as a super lightweight design that provides free movement during the run of play. Along with this design is a superb build quality which offers great comfort and support making it the ideal choice for basketball players as well as other outdoor sports players.
- Support & Comfort
The high-quality build of high-density strengthen foam with great elasticity and breathability ensures the skin remains cool and dry, offering maximum support with superb comfort. This helps to prevent injuries in the run of play.
- Superb build with maximum comfort
- Optimal support during sporting activities
- Minimalist design suitable for many sports
- Helps to increase blood flow through the legs
- Great value from an affordable knee pad
- Unisex design suitable for both sexes
- Build material is durable but not as durable as some others
- The protective knee pad is available only in two sizes
5. Mikasa 832JR Advanced Competition Knee Pad
This is one of the best basketball knee pads we got to review although it is solely aimed at the younger generation. The distinctive characteristic of these pads is the padding which we found to be thick and tough. These are great for mitigating the impact of body contact either with opposing players or the floor. The elastic material used in this knee pad is stretchable and so can accommodate different sizes of legs.
The design of this pad allows for easy leg movement. The build quality is comfortable enough due to the lightweight feature as well as the breathability and anti-microbial features of the knee pad which helps to keep the body dry and cool while also preventing odors.
Key features of the Mikasa 832JR Knee Pad
- Superb Build Quality & Design
The build quality and design of any knee pads are two of the most important features that will determine the effectiveness as well as the comfort of such knee pads. For these Mikasa Knee Pads, the build quality of elastic knit material which is lightweight and thick enough offers great support while still being comfortable. This design of a short sleeve also allows free movement of the legs, eliminates muscle strains and makes it suitable for use in many outdoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, football and much more.
- Protection & Support
The Mikasa 832JR offers great protection and support as it is thick and tough. This reduces the impact of falls as well as contact between players. The pad is also very comfortable as the elastic knit material ensures that varying sizes within the range are snugly fitted.
- Size options
The design of this basketball knee pad is aimed at youngsters as the size can only perfectly be fitting for youngsters. The material though is elastic and many people within the size range won’t have issues with comfort and fitting.
- Padding is very thick for extra knee protection
- The soft and warm feel is comfortable for the skin
- Elastic size stretchable and extended for more comfort
- Available only within a size range fitting for youngsters
6. McDavid 6440 HEX Protective Knee Pads
Making an entry into this review of the best basketball knee pads once again is the McDavid 6440 knee pad with Hex technology. This is another masterpiece from the popular manufacturer of sporting gears. The McDavid 6440 Hex Protective Knee Pad has been designed to offer maximum comfort and protection to the knees and elbow which are susceptible to injuries during outdoor sporting activities such as basketball.
The Hexpad technology incorporated into this McDavid basketball knee pads ensures that it fits perfectly into the player’s elbows and knees where they are able to absorb all forms of impact be it floor impact or banging from attacking opposing players. The hex-pad shaped pads ensure maximum comfort in that it is able to perfectly conform to the player’s body snugly and perfectly.
Key features of the McDavid 6440 HEX Knee Pads
- Super Hex Technology
The Hex technology is superb in some ways. The design of closed cell foam pads provides players with maximum protection during contact or collision. The whole pad also has greater durability is found to instill a sense of confidence.
- Build & Design
Superb build and design with nylon as well as compression fabric that holds the pads in place coupled with a Hydravent hDc material that wicks moisture away from the body ensure that neither of comfort nor maximum protection is compromised.
- Durable thick padding
Thick Padding helps to improve protection as well as durability of the pad.
- Flexibility of choices
Whether you want to protect your knees or elbows, these McDavid basketball pads will help with that. You can also select from a wide range of colors to match your other sporting gears. This model also had the sizing updated to provide even more fitting and comfort for players. It is machine-washable and dryable meaning you can clean it easily as you can use it.
- It is super comfortable due to its lightweight build and design
- Can be cleaned as easily as it can be used since it is machine-washable
- Available in a wide range of sizes for almost every player
- Durable and long-lasting build
- Superb protection from collision and contact
- Although we found it flexible, the knee pad seems a little flimsy as it is not so sturdy
7. Nike Pro Combat Knee Sleeve
Among some of the basketball knee pads Nike has produced, the Nike Pro Combat Knee Sleeve seems one of the best from the sporting gears manufacturer. The Nike Pro Combat Knee Sleeve is suitable for maximum protection support during outdoor games. It is also great if you happen to suffer from chronic patellar tendonitis and can also be good for people who suffer from pain due to excessive stress on the knees. When you need to play outdoor games that may involve contact and collisions, then this may just be the protective gear you need.
For the comfort it offers, the Nike Pro Combat Knee Sleeve has been constructed from an Ariaprene material that contains parts where breathable meshes have been strategically located. This is why the comfort and breathability of these knee pads are great and impressive. These pads provide comfort and pain relief for players but if you’d be going for them, you may have to consider going a size downwards as these Kyrie Irving knee pads of choice have the tendency to run large.
Key features of the Basketball Knee Pads Nike
- Build quality and design
The knee pads’ build quality of Ariaprene material, the lightweight design, as well as the alluring look of this basketball knee pad from Nike, has made it one of the top choices available to players. It offers great comfort and protection due to this well-engineered balance of design and quality.
- Support & Comfort
The abrasion-resistant knee pad provides great support to reduce the impact of body contact and collision in high-intensity sports such as basketball. The elastic binding along with the silicone grip ensures a perfect fit while the contoured design allows easy movement without any restriction. Along with the design which features breathable mesh, the Nike Pro Combat Knee Sleeve is super comfortable while still being super-protective.
- Excellent support and protection
- Breathable mesh for cool and dry skin
- Elastic binding for perfect fitting around the knees
- Sleek design with an appealing look
- The flexibility of size and options
- Will run large so you have to go down a bit on your normal size so it doesn’t lose its compression ability
8. Shock Doctor 865 Knee Compression Sleeve
Another brand you can trust for some of your protective sports gear is Shock Doctor. The company has recorded great success with many of their protective gears which range from different varieties of simple and affordable knee sleeves to more expensive high-tech braces. In this review of the best basketball knee pads, the Shock Doctor 865 Knee Compression Sleeve caught our attention and made it easily into this best basketball knee pads review.
The high-density build of Neoprene used on this knee sleeve ensures that the product fulfills its intended purpose despite being an entry-level knee sleeve. Unlike the Nike Combat Pro Knee Sleeve above, this comes with an open patella that makes for a comfortable fit while further enhancing the ability to move the legs around freely.
For athletes who suffer from light to moderate pain from arthritis, tendonitis or patellar alignment, this could be what you’ve been missing all along due to the excellent amount of support this Shock Doctor Knee Sleeve offers. For athletes who prioritize free movement along with reducing pain during and after the game, this Shock Doctor 865 Knee Compression sleeve may be all you need.
Key Features of the Shock Doctor Knee Sleeve
- Build quality and design
This Shock Doctor protective knee sleeve features a pre-curved fit-sleeve design and has an open patellar that helps to improve comfort and freedom. The gear has been constructed from a high-density neoprene material that offers great comfort and protection to the knee without compromise with durability.
- Excellent fit and comfort
Breathable mesh window design along with lycra binding helps with improved comfort. There are also these convenient finger tabs which offer easy grip pull when fitting. All of these contribute to the added comfort and support that comes from using this Shock Doctor Knee Sleeve.
- Offers excellent support and protection
- Remains comfortable and fitting around the knees
- Has a warm and therapeutic feel
- Comes with technology to reduce bacteria and odor
- Offers support for pain during and after sporting activities
- Reasonable pricing for maximum value
- It is an entry-level model
- Its knee compression is not as great as that of the Shock Doctor Ultra 875 Knee Brace
9. McDavid 429X Hinged Knee Brace
Our best basketball knee pad reviews have covered protective gears that offer great support to the knees as well as the elbow. From knee sleeves to knee pads up to high-tech knee braces, we have for you the next member of this Top 10 Best Basketball Knee Pads Review as the widely-cherished McDavid 429X Hinged Knee Brace. This provides excellent support and protection and can be great sources of stability for athletes recovering from knee injuries such as MCL or ACL ligament tears.
The brace is easy to put on and use and can be done in less than a minute. You can simply slip it over your ankle and then pull it up to your knees, close the ligament X-straps in the front along with the back and you’re good to go. The brace has steel hinges on both sides which protects against excessive lateral movement as this helps prevent re-injuries to the side ligaments of the knee. A stopper that prevents the knees from hyperextension is also featured making this knee brace a perfect choice for injured and recovering athletes.
The added support and hinges makes the McDavid 429X Hinged Knee Brace appear somewhat bulky. It is therefore likely to impede free movement of the legs but that is acceptable considering the added support and protection
Key features of the McDavid 429X
- Design and Build
The anatomical pre-curved design and build quality of this knee brace is superb. As discussed above, this build offers great support while the design is aimed purposefully at preventing more injuries to the already-injured recovering athlete. The latex-free knee protective gear is constructed from high-performance neoprene material whose durability and quality is not in doubt.
- Support & Protection
If there is a gear that offers great support and protection, then it is this McDavid 429X Knee Brace. The steel hinges restrict the legs’ free mobility to stave off more injuries. This support and protection are needed to speed up recovery.
- Comfort
The patella padding along with the X-straps makes for a more comfortable and adjustable fit. Though bulky it may seem, this knee brace is still lightweight enough and comfortable to be worn for action.
- Unparalleled support and protection
- Superb comfort and adjustable fit
- Excellent for protection during recovery
- Seems a little bit bulky
10. Actpe Basketball Strengthen Kneepad
Rounding off our list of recommendations in this Best basketball knee pad review is the Actpe Basketball Strengthen Kneepad with honeycomb design. This knee protection gear comes with a standard as well as enhanced features making it suitable as it offers great protection and maximum comfort for use in basketball games as well as other outdoor sporting activities.
The pad was constructed using the honeycomb design and comes fitted with an anti-slip band which helps to prevent the knee pad from falling off. The knee pad is available in two colors and comes in three sizes. The comfort from its breathable and elastic fabric is second to none as it also helps to wick away sweat and moisture from the skin surface.
Key features of the Actpe Strengthen Knee Pad
- Build quality & Design
The knee pad is made from a high-quality polyester fabric which we found to be soft and breathable enough for great protection and comfort. The anti-slip band with the honeycomb design of the pad guards the leg against floor impacts as well as body contact from opposing players.
- Support & Comfort
The honeycomb pad offers protection against crash while the comfort of the breathable mesh fabric is superb. The anti-slip band keeps the pad in place to ensure it stays on and does not slip off easily. You also have the flexibility of sizes as you can choose from the four size ranges wherein you can find your perfect size. The knee pad is also suitable for use in other sports such as football, volleyball, cycling, baseball and much more.
- Fits easily on most players
- Comes in stretchable and extended sizes to fit many players
- Soft and comfortable build quality
- The thick padding offers excellent support for knees and elbows
- Modest and affordable retail prices
- It is not machine-washable
- The anti-slip band is not that durable
Verdict
Having to go through a lot of the different product brands and models on sale could be stressful and time-consuming. We’ve helped you with these by providing you the ten best options as far as the best basketball knee pads are concerned. After long hours of vigorous and in-depth research, we’ve come up with the ten knee pads above and believe it you can hardly go wrong with any of these after going through this review.
Conclusion
Knee pads are great for athletes as they help reduce the risk of injuries which is always associated with high-intensity sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, and much more.
While you may easily decide to go for the next available product you see, only the best basketball knee pads will provide you that optimal protection and support of the knees without significant compromise to your comfort and mobility. Up above are ten of the best as far as knee pads are concerned.
You can choose from this today to provide you the needed support, protection and comfort during basketball games as well as with recoveries from injuries.
Choose your pick from these best basketball knee pads reviewed above and you can bring along some more confidence and stability into your games with maximum comfort and protection.
