6 Best Snowboard Padded Shorts

Sometimes you just need a little extra cushion. Padded shorts can help prevent injuries and absorb impacts when you are out riding. I know many park enthusiasts who like to wear them, and they are an excellent item to have in case you need them. 

I’m a certified snowboarding instructor with years of experience on the mountain. I wear padded shorts from time to time, so I know what to look for in a good option. I always keep a good set of these in my equipment box. 

The Bodyprox Protective is my pick for the best padded shorts for snowboarding. These give you a good amount of cushioning for your hips, butt, and tailbone. They are also comfortable and easy to wear all day long. 

In this post, I’ll show you a few other solid options so you can choose a padded short option that works best for your needs. If you like to go big in the park or anywhere on the mountain, extra padding can always help. 

Pull up your shorts, and let’s go. 

Who Should Get This

The shorts in this guide are made for snowboarders who don’t mind taking a fall. That primarily means park riders who like going off of jumps. If you’re a person who wants to get air, padded shorts can help you out and prevent injuries and bruises.

New riders may also like a pair of padded shorts. Even if you take it slow, it’s pretty easy to fall or take a spill when you’re just starting. Extra cushion around your legs helps to make bouncing back that much easier.

Top Snowboard Padded Shorts Reviewed

Here are my top picks for the best padded snowboard shorts:

1. Bodyprox Protective

• Best for: Overall
• Key features: Great cushioning, strong construction, comfortable, good fit, breathable, quick-drying, flexible
• Padding: EVA Foam
• Fit: Long
• Cost: $$

The Bodyprox Protective is my pick for the best overall padded shorts. These are a great option for snowboarders because they give you ample cushioning where you need it and are comfortable enough to wear all day long. 

EVA foam padding is strategically placed all over these shorts. This gives them excellent cushioning in the hip, butt, and tailbone areas. As a result, your chances of getting bruised or sustaining a tailbone injury will be reduced with these shorts on. 

They are also constructed out of a durable and flexible nylon and spandex blend of material. This adds to the comfort factor and allows them to be stretchy to move with you, not against you when you ride. 

The shorts are also very quick drying and breathable. They won’t make you feel stuffy or too warm, and if you do work up a sweat, the quick-drying nature means you won’t get cold from evaporation. 

They also come with crotch protection, which isn’t necessarily needed for snowboarders and can feel bulky.  

==> You can also get it on Bodyprox or Walmart or Sears.

2. Tortoise Pads T2

• Best for: Padding
• Key features: Customizable pad thickness, lots of cushioning, comfortable, breathable, drawstring closure
• Padding: High-Quality Multi-Density Foam
• Fit: Mid
• Cost: $$$

If you want a lot of padding, the Tortoise Pads T2 will give you an exceptional amount of cushioning in the areas where snowboarders need a little extra protection. 

These shorts have seven different pockets filled with high-quality multi-density foam for serious protection from impacts and falls. You’ll get serious coverage over your thighs, hips, butt, and tailbone to help reduce the risk of injury. 

What’s great about the T2 is that you can customize the thickness of your pads. If you want extra padding, you can insert an extra layer that results in a whopping ¾-inches of padding. If you don’t need the extra layer, they still provide ⅝-inch of padding. 

They also have a flexible multi-layer design that won’t restrict your movement that much when you ride. An extra strong waistband with a drawstring cord makes sure that the shorts stay in place, no matter who big you go. 

They can feel a little bulky if you have the extra layer installed. 

==> You can also get it on Walmart or Sears.

3. Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax

• Best for: Fit
• Key features: Great fit, comfortable, vented foam, durable construction, moisture-wicking
• Padding: Vented Foam 
• Fit: Mid
• Cost: $$$

The Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax is one of the most comfortable pairs of padded shorts you can find. They have plenty of padding while still giving you solid freedom of movement that won’t restrict your riding in any way. 

They feature a relaxed fit that provides you with an anatomical design that matches the curves of your legs. It also has flatlock seams that help reduce chafing and make them suitable for all-day use. 

Vented foam pads provide you with solid protection and cushioning in all of the critical areas. These help make the shorts more breathable without limiting the effectiveness of the pads. 

The material is also breathable and quick-drying to prevent odor from building up and making the shorts a little more durable. I’d still wash them after a hard day on the mountain, however. 

This is another option that has a crotch/jock protection that you might not want to use. They are also a little expensive. 

==> You can also get it on United Sports Brands or Walmart or DICK’S.

4. Burton Women’s Total Impact Shorts

• Best for: Women’s 
• Key features: Next-to-skin fit, comfortable, women’s specific design, breathable, quick-drying
• Padding: G-form pads
• Fit: Long
• Cost: $$$$

The Burton Women’s Total Impact shorts are the best option for female riders. These have a women’s specific fit that will easily contour around your hips, waist, and legs for excellent comfort and lots of protection. 

They have a next-to-skin fit that is very comfortable and flexible. The shorts won’t hold you back and allow for a complete range of movement when riding. 

Good padding is built into all of the critical areas of these shorts. You’ll get a patented G-Form padding in the hips and tailbone for protection you can rely on. These are minimal in size and not bulky at all. 

The shorts are made out of a DryRide Ultrawick fabric that is highly breathable and quick to dry. As a result, these won’t feel stuffy and will dry out in a hurry if you work up a sweat. 

They don’t have much padding in the things, and they are on the expensive side. 

==> You can also get it on Evo or PRFO.

5. Kungix 3D Protective Padded Shorts

• Best for: Budget
• Key features: Affordable, good padding, ergonomic fit, breathable, flexible
• Padding: EVA Foam
• Fit: Mid
• Cost: $

My top budget pick is the Kungix 3D Protective Padded Shorts. These are a highly affordable option that still delivers in terms of decent cushioning and comfort.

They have a flexible mid-thigh fit that will give you plenty of coverage in the areas where you need it. In addition, EVA foam pads are located on the hips, tailbone, and thighs for excellent cushioning if you take a spill on the hill.  

A blend of nylon and spandex gives you a flexible and breathable material. This is designed to be heat-resistant (meaning it will keep you cool) while being very flexible for a full range of motion. 

The shorts also have a vent mesh included in the construction that adds ventilation and helps prevent overheating. 

These aren’t the most durable option, and you’ll trade a little quality for the low price. 

6. Ass Armor Compression Shorts

• Best for: Low Profile/Tailbone
• Key features: Comfortable, flexible, breathable, low-profile, lightweight, form-fitting
• Padding: Foam
• Fit: Short
• Cost: $

If you are only worried about hurting your tailbone and don’t want a fully padded pair of shorts, check out the Ass Armor Compression Shorts.

This option gives you padding in just one critical location – the tailbone. That makes them a perfect choice for anyone who wants a little cushioning but plenty of movement with no restrictions. 

The shorts are lightweight and breathable, thanks to a nylon and spandex construction. This makes them very flexible and comfortable as well. 

They are also very breathable and do a great job of wicking moisture and sweat away from your body when you ride tough. 

They obviously don’t have the most padding but still will cushion your tailbone effectively.  

How to Choose Padded Shorts for Snowboarding

The following factors are important to keep in mind when looking for a quality pair of padded shorts for snowboarding. 

Fit

Padded shorts are bulkier than normal ones due to their extra cushion. While that makes them great at preventing bruises, it does mean they might not sit on your body in the same way as regular shorts.

Do your best to get a pair that sits snugly on your body and that can easily fit under long pants without bunching up or being too bulky.

Protection

Padded shorts are all about protection. That means you want ones that support you in the right areas. Always take notice of where they have extra padding and do what you can to find options made with solid materials.

Also, give special priority to models that put a lot of focus into guarding the tailbone, as that area is one of the most injury-prone on your entire body.

Construction

Your padded shorts need to be well made, but there are quite a few fun materials to pick from when getting a new pair. Many popular models utilize nylon or polyester, but cotton mixed with a synthetic substance is soft and flexible.

Length is another consideration to keep in mind with the construction of padded shorts. For example, you might want an option that goes almost to your knee, or you might prefer a shorter option that only extends to mid-thigh. 

FAQs

Here are a few quick answers to some common questions regarding padded shorts and snowboarding. 

Are padded shorts good for snowboarding?

Yes, they are. This is especially true if you often like to spend time in the park or are a beginner rider. Padded shorts will help limit the effects of a fall or crash. This will help you stay out in the snow longer and enjoy your day. 

What are the best Impact shorts for snowboarding?

The Bodyprox Protective is my recommended choice for the best impact shorts for snowboarding. These will give you a solid amount of cushioning all around your hips, tailbone, and but. They are also really comfortable to wear. 

Are snowboard pants padded?

Generally, no. I’ve seen a few snowboard pants on the slopes over the years that had pads built into them, but I could never find these for sale anywhere when I looked around. That’s why padded shorts are a good idea if you want extra cushioning. 

How do I protect my bum when snowboarding?

Padded shorts can help protect your bum when you are out riding. Just make sure you get a set that features a good amount of padding in the rear section. Tailbone injuries are some of the most common for snowboarders, and padded impact shorts can help. 

Useful Tips

The padding afforded by the above shorts is a great way to reduce bruises, but staying safe on the slopes is more than just buying the right gear. You also need to follow proper safety tips to ensure you never get caught off guard.

Padded shorts are an excellent boarding accessory. However, they are not the only ones out there. Many fantastic devices on the market can take your runs to the next level.

• Snowboarding Neck Gaiter
• Best Snowboard Bags
• Best Balaclava for Snowboarding
• Best Snowboard Backpacks
• Best Snowboard Wrist Guards

My Verdict

My pick for the best snowboard padded shorts is the Bodyprox Protective. These hit all the marks when it comes to cushioning in all the right places and comfort. They aren’t very bulky but still provide you with top-notch protection from impacts. 

Padded shorts can help you go huge in the park or learn the basics of the sport, and all of the options found here are highly recommended. A little extra cushioning is never a bad idea, and every snowboarder should have a pair of padded shorts in their closet. 

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