Top 5 Best Knee Pad for Volleyball

When you’re playing volleyball, there’s a lot of potential for injury if you don’t have the right gear. With this in mind, most people agree that a best knee pad for volleyball can protect the cartilage in your knee from damage and prevent unnecessary scrapes during rough play.

Things To Consider Before Buying Knee Pads for Volleyball

A good pair of kneepads can protect you from injuries that can sideline you for life, but fortunately, there are some genuinely great products out there on the market that can make a real difference, even if you are looking for a product for fat legs. Before you make a purchase, it’s a good idea to know what to look for, so here are a few features to take into account:

Odor Fighting

Stinky athletic wear is often caused by bacteria that can colonize in the fabric. Usually, these microbes are present in your sweat, and when the sweat dries, they stick around. These bacteria, over time, start to really cause an unpleasant odor, but some knee pads utilize antimicrobial technology that actively inhibits the spread of this type of bacteria so that the fabric stays fresh-smelling.

Adequate Padding

There are a few potential materials that a knee pad might use in order to protect the vulnerable structures of the knee. Typically, you’ll find foam, but some manufacturers use unique materials like VS-1 to protect your knees from injury. While you don’t always need super-thick padding in your volleyball knee pad, it’s a good idea to purchase a product that at least keeps the patella, lateral, and medial portions of the knee protected.

REVIEW: Top 5 Best Knee Pads for Volleyball

So, what are some of the top rated knee pads out there on the market for volleyball? In this section of the guide, we’re going to show you five of the most recommended products that can help keep your knee joint safe from injury.

VolleyCountry Volleyball Knee Pads

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The first product in our guide is manufactured by VolleyCountry. These are pads that will fit most knees and are designed with comfort in mind. These are also reliable knee pads; the company even backs their functionality with a guarantee that if you aren’t satisfied, you will get your money back with no questions asked. In addition, these VolleyCountry pads also have quite a few benefits for any volleyball player looking for a full level of protection and comfort.

Protective Features

If you’re looking to buy a pair of volleyball knee pads that have an all-around design, which is made to encompass the entire knee, then these VolleyCountry pads are a good option. These are very well-cushioned, so you’ll get a maximum level of protection.

This high level of protection is apparent from the first glance because of the fact that the cushioned portion of the knee pads extends reasonably far from the sleeve. These also use an advanced synthetic blend to provide the cushioning you need without putting too much weight on your knee when you need to pivot and turn.

Steady Comfort

These are also very comfortable. VolleyCountry utilized a blend that at once makes these very protective and also helps them feel almost nonexistent as you play. One of the biggest complaints about these types of knee pads is that they can be somewhat constricting, but thanks to a few unique features, these don’t suffer from this weakness.

For example, the product includes a thermal stabilizer that makes these very breathable, even when you’re playing outdoors. The pads allow fresh air into their structures so that you’ll be wicking away moisture as you play your best. Additionally, the bamboo components that have been woven into the design also make these feel incredibly soft on the skin.

Flexibility

You need to move without feeling encumbered, which is why the high degree of flexibility in the design of these knee pads is so useful. These move with you, and you’ll be surprised at how even the most acrobatic of volleyball moves will be supported by these pads.

Options

You’ll also be happy to know that these have several sizing options for just about any size of knee. In addition, they work well for libero, setters, or just about any position played in volleyball.

Pros:

• These are designed to be versatile; they have multiple sizing options.
• They are exceptionally comfortable, and they allow for a huge range of motion.
• The padding is very extensive; just about all of the knee is supported.

Cons:

• The sides aren’t that great for those that like to do a lot of slides.
• They can run a bit big for some legs.
• Some portions can get a bit warm.

Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads

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These pads, which are manufactured by Bodyprox, are also reasonably well-cushioned so that you can play without worrying about injury. Overall, they provide a fairly top-notch experience for anyone that’s looking for a high degree of ergonomics and comfortable use over long periods of play. That said, let’s take a look at what makes these shine in a more in-depth manner.

Aesthetic Design

While aesthetics aren’t the essential feature of the right volleyball knee pad, many still want a product that looks good on the field. These have a turtle shell design that looks attractive and also provides a good level of protection. This design also allows for the knee to be fully encapsulated, which can help you avoid injury during a game. These are also designed to be completely unisex.

Cushioned Protection

As mentioned, the turtle shell design of these is there to provide a good level of support and protection for your knees and the cartilage throughout the knee. This cushioning utilizes a high-density foam that is very thick and will absorb a lot of impact during games. Despite this, these also have a high degree of breathability so that you won’t be uncomfortably sweating throughout your game.

Do you like to play outdoor games in the cooler months? Fortunately, in addition to keeping your knees dry, the foam can also help keep your knees warm in colder weather. This cold weather resistance will also help your game since too much cold can lead to stiff joints and heightened muscle fatigue.

Slip-Resistance

Unfortunately, some of the prominent knee pads on the market also have a tendency to be hard to keep in place. This can expose your knee to injury at the wrong times. These are designed to never slip out of place so that you can play more confidently. This anti-slip feature even works when you’re combining these with compression tights, which is a type of garment that is notorious for causing these types of items to slip out of place.

Compression

In addition to all of the other advantageous features, these also provide a moderate level of compression for the knee, upper calf, and lower thigh. Compression is great for helping keep your blood circulating while you’re playing, and good circulation is essential for flexibility and health.

Pros:

• These can be used in a wide variety of sports, not just volleyball.
• They provide a high level of knee protection.
• These allow for balanced flexibility and comfort.

Cons:

• These will leave waffle-style patterns on your knee.
• There’s minimum protection on the sides.
• If you kneel on them for long periods, you can permanently compress the center pad.

Asics Ace Low Profile Knee Pads

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You don’t always need a lot of cushioning when you’re playing volleyball, especially considering that the sport isn’t always high-contact. These pads, which are manufactured by Asics, are designed to provide a good amount of support for your knee, and they even have a one-size-fits-all design, so you know you can rely on their flexibility.

Despite being low profile, these knee pads provide a good level of cushioning and also have a better-than-average level of comfort when used in daily wear.

Stylishness

Asics has become a line of products that is known for stylish design, and these knee pads are no exception. They have a unique aesthetic that incorporates a ridged design, which makes them look rugged and ready for any sport.

The Asics logo is also stitched directly into the padding using embroidery, and you’ll like the way that this logo accessorizes with most volleyball gear. Also, you can purchase these knee pads in either black or white, which gives you some aesthetic choice. When choosing the black knee pads, the logo is white, and the colors switch entirely if you select the white pair.

Top-Notch Construction

If there’s one area where Asics stands out, it’s in their commitment to providing their customers with well-made sports gear. These knee pads are made of 43 percent cotton, 33 percent rubber, and 24 percent nylon material. The result is a flexible and robust knee pad that resists abrasions and feels comfortable, even when you’re playing for hours.

Despite the durability, each of the embedded knee cushions has a very lightweight design, which can be helpful in an athletic sport like volleyball. You simply won’t feel bogged down thanks to the low profile design, and the pads also hug tightly to your knee so that there’s minimal slippage as you play. Asics utilized a unique dual-density padding in the construction of these pads, which adds to the shock absorption.

When you’re in a summer game, the last thing you need is to feel sweaty and hot, which is why the level of breathability on a product like this is crucial. These are designed to be well-ventilated, so when excess moisture in the form of sweat starts to form, the incoming air will quickly wick it away so that you’ll actually feel cooler.

Volleyball-Friendly Design

These are pads that are designed for a high degree of performance. Not only do they fit snugly and protect your knees and cartilage, but they flex freely as you play. These are even good for other sports outside of volleyball.

Pros:

• These come in two color options.
• They have a premium feel to them that’s backed with a high level of performance.
• These utilize antimicrobial technology, which will prevent odor.
• They are very lightweight.

Cons:

• They tend to run somewhat small.
• If you play high-impact games, these can feel like they aren’t protective enough.

Mikasa 832JR Competition Kneepad

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When it comes to these Mikasa knee pads, you get a lot of value. Not only do they not cost much in comparison to other products that might be found on the market, but they also have a high-performance design that adds a lot of value. These also come in both white and black variations, so you’ll have options when trying to accessorize.

Comfort and Support

These pads are made to be flexible yet also provide you with a good level of protection during volleyball. In fact, Mikasa designed the pads so that they have flex points that will help you move much more easily than with other knee pads. These flex points also provide a good amount of stability so that you don’t accidentally overextend during the game.

Even though these don’t have as much cushioning as some of the other reviewed products, they still provide some excellent protection. This because the manufacturer utilized a design that provide protection to the areas of the knee that need it like the patella and joints. As a result, the occasional tumble or slide won’t cause damage to your knee.

Fresh Design

When you’re working with any type of sportswear, one of the biggest factors that will determine how long you use a particular piece of gear is how well it keeps a somewhat fresh smell.

Mikasa calls their antimicrobial technology their Aegis Microbe Shield, and it prevents staph, yeast, and other fungal and bacterial infections. The fabric will also help you stay drier because of the fact that it actively wicks away moisture. This will help the knee pads keep your favorite youth or junior player’s skin dry during games.

Pros:

• These come in both black and white variants.
• They are relatively inexpensive.
• They minimize the cushioning but not the protection.
• They have antimicrobial protection.

Cons:

• These knee pads are primarily designed for the indoors.
• They have a tendency to run somewhat big.
• They can definitely feel a bit thin in some sections.

Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Kneepad

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This product gets high ratings in this guide due to the fact that it has one of the best cooling systems on the market. Your knee, upper calf, and lower thigh should remain very dry when you play with this product. In addition to this, these aren’t very bulky and feel great when you’re moving around in a game.

Targeted Design

One of the standout features of this product is its targeted protection zones that are designed to ensure that the patella, the lateral portion of the knee, and the medial section are well-protected. In fact, it’s relatively easy to see that the cushioning in these sections is noticeably thicker. To ensure that the knee gets the protection it needs during your games, the designers at Mizuno ensured that the pad has lots of grip so that it won’t slide down during any in-game moves.

This cushioning is constructed out of VS-1 padding rather than foam, which has a very high level of shock absorption and cushioning. With its targeted design, you’ll still experience complete protection of the knee, so falls and slides shouldn’t be too problematic for your knee or the material itself.

This Mizuno product is also designed to be easily slid on and off of the knee, even if you have sneakers on. This is due to the presence of a DF cut pad, which also grants a good level of freedom of movement when in the game.

Great Materials

When it comes to material construction, this VS-1 pad is very well made. Mizuno utilized a blend that uses polyester, cotton, rayon, and spandex, so there’s a good level of abrasion protection, comfort, and flexibility. The length of the sleeve is about nine inches, so you’ll experience the benefits of this excellent blend on other parts of your leg as well as you knees.

When it comes to breathability, these pads also have Mizuno’s intercooler ventilation system, which will at once keep your joints nice and cool and dry thanks to the airflow wicking away moisture. These materials are also easily washable, and they won’t shrink.

Pros:

• The VS-1 material is very versatile and comfortable.
• These have targeted cushioning that will protect your entire knee.
• They are very lightweight pads.

Cons:

• The sizing chart isn’t correct for all types of knees.
• The parts not contacting the knees can be a bit thin.
• The VS-1 padding can become compressed over time.

Final Thoughts

All of the products in this review of the best knee pads for volleyball have their advantages, and each will provide you with a robust game experience. Just about all of these can be used for setters or any other volleyball position, and having a good level of support will help you play like you want to play. Hopefully this guide has made it easier knowing how to choose the best pads for your games.