Skateboarding is an exciting and thrilling activity that combines skill, balance, and agility. However, like any extreme sport, it also comes with its risks. To reduce the chances of injury, especially for beginners or those pushing their limits, wearing protective gear is essential. Among the most important pieces of gear are skateboarding pads — knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These pads help absorb the impact from falls and provide extra cushioning to protect vital joints.
In this article, we’ll look at The 8 Best Pads for Skateboarding, evaluating their features, comfort, protection, and overall value. Whether you’re a casual skater or a pro, choosing the right set of pads can make a significant difference in both safety and performance.
1. 187 Killer Pads Pro Knee Pads
Best for: Professional Skaters and Aggressive Riding
When it comes to top-tier knee protection, 187 Killer Pads Pro Knee Pads stand out. Known for their durability and professional-grade build, these knee pads offer excellent protection during high-impact skateboarding sessions. They are especially favored by skaters who perform tricks, street skating, or vert riding.
Features:
Multi-layer padding: The combination of EVA foam and a hard cap provides solid protection without compromising comfort.
Ergonomic design: The curved fit ensures that the pads move with your body, allowing for a full range of motion.
Durability: Reinforced stitching and a heavy-duty exterior make these pads long-lasting, even under rough conditions.
High-impact protection: They provide excellent protection against knee injuries, including bruises, scrapes, and more severe trauma.
The 187 Killer Pads are ideal for riders who push their limits, offering premium protection where it’s needed most. Although on the pricier side, they offer exceptional value for serious skaters.
2. Triple 8 KP 22 Knee Pads
Best for: Comfort and Protection for All Levels
Triple 8 KP 22 Knee Pads are known for their comfort and secure fit, making them an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate skaters. They are also a popular choice for longboarding and other skate activities due to their superior padding and breathable material.
Features:
Vented mesh interior: The breathable mesh helps prevent overheating, making these pads great for warm-weather skating or long sessions.
Hard cap protection: The plastic caps provide a hard, protective surface that helps to absorb and deflect impacts.
Adjustable straps: The dual straps ensure a secure and snug fit, so the pads don’t slide or shift during use.
Affordable: Triple 8 pads are well-priced, making them a solid choice for beginners or those looking to upgrade from basic knee protection.
These pads provide reliable protection while being comfortable
enough to wear for extended periods, especially for those just getting into the sport.
3. Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads
Best for: Skateboarders on a Budget
If you’re looking for a reliable knee pad without breaking the bank, Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads are a great option. With a long-standing reputation for quality in the skateboarding community, Pro-Tec offers excellent protection at a more affordable price point.
Features:
Classic design: These knee pads feature a traditional design with a foam core and a tough outer shell.
Comfortable fit: They come with padded straps to keep the knee pads in place, and their lightweight design ensures they don’t weigh the skater down.
Affordable: Pro-Tec pads are budget-friendly and still offer decent protection for casual or beginner skateboarders.
Versatile: These knee pads are suitable for both street and ramp skating, giving you the flexibility for different types of skateboarding.
For those new to the sport or casual riders who don’t need the most heavy-duty gear, these pads provide solid protection at an affordable price.
4. 187 Killer Pads Elbow Pads
Best for: Elbow Protection During Aggressive Riding
While knee pads are essential, protecting your elbows is just as important — especially for skaters prone to falling onto their sides. The 187 Killer Pads Elbow Pads offer premium protection and a great fit, designed for aggressive and street skaters who demand both comfort and security.
Features:
Hard cap protection: Like their knee counterparts, these elbow pads feature a hard shell exterior that helps deflect and absorb the impact of falls.
Comfortable fit: The ergonomic design ensures the pads stay in place without restricting movement.
Heavy-duty construction: Reinforced stitching and premium materials make these elbow pads durable enough to withstand intense use.
Breathable interior: The inner lining keeps your elbows cool and comfortable even during long sessions.
The 187 Killer Pads Elbow Pads are perfect for skaters who frequently perform flips, grinds, or other tricks that require elbow protection.
5. Triple 8 Hired Hands Wrist Guards
Best for: Protecting Wrists During High-Impact Skateboarding
Wrist injuries are common among skateboarders, particularly during falls. The Triple 8 Hired Hands Wrist Guards are designed specifically to protect the wrists, making them a must-have for anyone looking to prevent wrist fractures or sprains.
Features:
Dual-strap design: Provides a snug and secure fit, reducing the risk of slippage or movement during falls.
Impact-resistant splints: The guards feature protective plastic splints on both the front and back of the wrist, offering maximum protection.
Comfortable padding: The interior is padded to reduce friction and improve comfort.
Breathable fabric: The materials used allow for airflow, ensuring your wrists stay cool even during extended sessions.
These wrist guards are an excellent choice for skateboarders who often experience falls or practice tricks with a higher risk of landing on their hands.
6. Smith Scabs Knee Pads
Best for: Advanced Protection and Durability
Smith Scabs Knee Pads are another excellent option for skaters who demand the best in terms of protection and performance. These pads are particularly favored by downhill longboarders and aggressive street skaters due to their durability and comfort.
Features:
Anatomical design: The design contours to the knee, allowing for a secure fit while maintaining maximum mobility.
Heavy-duty padding: Thick padding combined with a hard cap gives the knee excellent protection during falls.
Double-strap closure: The straps provide a customizable fit to prevent slippage during intense activity.
Impact resistance: With their reinforced shell and extra padding, these knee pads offer outstanding protection from high-impact falls.
Smith Scabs Knee Pads are ideal for skaters who need top-notch protection, especially those who push their limits or skate at high speeds.
7. Dakine Wrist Guards
Best for: Comfort and Lightweight Design
Dakine Wrist Guards combine comfort, functionality, and a lightweight design. These guards offer a balance between flexibility and wrist protection, making them suitable for skaters of all skill levels.
Features:
Slim profile: The wrist guards are low-profile, making them comfortable for everyday use and less bulky than some alternatives.
Dual strapping system: They feature two adjustable straps to secure the guard in place while allowing for easy adjustments.
Breathable materials: A breathable mesh lining helps wick away moisture, keeping your wrists cool and dry.
Flexible support: The guards are designed to allow for mobility while still offering excellent protection against impacts.
The Dakine Wrist Guards are a great choice for skaters who prefer something less bulky but still offer reliable wrist protection.
8. TSG Junior Knee And Elbow Pads
Best for: Young Skaters and Beginners
For younger skaters or beginners just starting their skateboarding journey, TSG Junior Knee and Elbow Pads offer the perfect blend of protection and comfort in smaller sizes.
Features:
Soft yet durable: These pads offer softer materials that are gentle on young skaters while still providing adequate protection.
Adjustable straps: The straps ensure that the pads fit securely, providing stability while preventing slippage.
Lightweight design: These pads are not too heavy or bulky, allowing young riders to feel comfortable while skating.
Full protection set: The set includes knee and elbow pads for full protection during practice and trick sessions.
Perfect for younger riders, the TSG Junior pads are designed to give kids the protection they need without compromising comfort or mobility.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pads for skateboarding is crucial for protecting yourself from falls and impacts, especially if you’re trying out new tricks or pushing your limits. The eight options we’ve discussed offer a wide range of features, from basic protection for beginners to high-performance gear for professional skaters. Whether you’re looking for knee, elbow, or wrist protection, these pads provide comfort, durability, and the level of safety you need to stay injury-free while enjoying the thrill of skateboarding.
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