Knee pads can come in very handy when you are riding. They will give you a little extra protection from impact, which is excellent for beginners and snowboarders who have any sort of injury or issue with their knees.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has spent thousands of days on the mountain. I’ve used several knee pads over the years and know what to look for in a high-quality option that will give you solid cushioning and comfort.
The Burton Basic is my choice for the best snowboard knee pads. These feature very durable construction and plenty of padding to keep your knees in good shape if you take a bad fall.
I’ll show you a few of my other recommended options in the post so you can make an informed choice on what pads are best for your knees, riding style, or any other preferences you might have.
Let’s get after it.
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Top Snowboard Knee Pads
Here are my top picks for the best snowboard knee pads. All of these will give you good cushioning to absorb impacts and are comfortable enough to wear all day long when you ride.
1. Burton Basic
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Good padding, comfortable, multiple sizes available, breathable, secure fit
- Padding: Medium
- Fit: Low profile
- Cost: $$
The Burton Basic is my choice for the best overall snowboard knee pads. These are a quality option that will work well for most riders by providing a solid amount of cushioning without being too bulky or uncomfortable.
They have a medium amount of padding, which I think is the ideal amount most snowboarders need. You’ll get good impact cushioning, and the pads will hold up well for long-lasting performance you can rely on.
A secure fit is provided by a stretch synthetic material that stays firmly in place on your leg and knees. You won’t need to worry about these sliding around or slipping down. They will remain in place so that the padding will be over your knees.
The pads come in various sizes, from extra-small to extra-large, so you can choose the one that works best for you to achieve a perfect fit.
They are also very breathable, so you won’t feel uncomfortable when you ride or experience irritation. A lower profile design helps make them easy to wear underneath your pants or a base layer, as well.
These don’t have the greatest amount of padding if you are dealing with a knee injury or just want extra cushioning.
==> You can also get it at Buckman’s or Evo or Tactics.
2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads
- Best for: Budget Pick
- Key features: Affordable, anti-slip design, decent padding, breathable, ergonomic design
- Padding: Medium-Thick
- Fit: Medium profile
- Cost: $
The Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads are my budget pick. These are a highly affordable option that will still give you plenty of protection when you are snowboarding.
I like that these have an anti-slip design. They will reliably stay in place on your knees, even though they have a somewhat smaller length construction. A stretchy construction makes this possible, and it’s highly effective.
They also come with a medium thickness level of padding, which is excellent for impact protection or guarding an already sensitive knee. It’s made of a high-density foam that does a great job of absorbing impacts.
The pads are also made of a very breathable fabric that will keep your skin dry and comfortable. Even if you do work up a sweat while wearing these, you will dry out quickly to eliminate any potential discomfort.
These can fit a little tightly, so you might want to choose a size up. They also aren’t the most durable option due to their lower price.
==> You can also get it on Bodyprox or Walmart or Catch.
3. POC Joint VPD System
- Best for: Padding
- Key features: Innovative padding system, lightweight, flexible, comfortable, secure fit, breathable
- Padding: Polymer
- Fit: Low profile
- Cost: $$$$
If you want one of the best padding systems around, you’ll want to check out the POC Joint VPD System. These pads aren’t thick, but they have a unique polymer padding that provides tremendous impact resistance.
This polymer material stays soft when you are riding but hardens upon impact. It’s kind of like a space-age design that is innovative and effective. You get the best of both worlds in terms of cushioning and comfort.
They are also very lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to wear all day long. They won’t bunch up or slide around and will move with your knees naturally. You won’t notice any restricted movements wearing these pads.
The pads are also highly durable thanks to a polyamide yarn construction that is very strong and able to withstand impact after impact. These will last you for many seasons, even if you fall all of the time, adding plenty of value.
The material is also very breathable and will dry out quickly if they get wet. They will naturally wick away sweat while remaining comfortable the entire time. Multiple sizes are available to match your leg size, as well.
The downside of all this innovation is their costs. The Joint VPD System is the most expensive knee pad on this list.
==> You can also get it on Competitive Cyclist or Jenson USA or The Pro’s Closet.
4. McDavid 6440 Hex
- Best for: Low Profile
- Key features: Hex technology, low profile, comfortable, Moisture Management Tech
- Padding: Light
- Fit: Low Profile
- Cost: $$
The McDavid 6440 Hex is the best low-profile knee pads for snowboarding. These are a super comfortable and lightweight option that can easily be worn underneath a base layer.
Even though they have a minimal design, they still give you pretty decent impact protection thanks to Hex Technology padding. This uses closed-cell foam that provides a solid layer of cushioning without being very bulky.
The pads are also very flexible, thanks to their low-profile design. They won’t restrict your movement at all and are very easy to wear. Moisture Management Technology helps make them very breathable and quick drying.
They are also very durable, thanks to a synthetic construction that is built to last, even if you are constantly slipping and sliding around the snow on your knees.
These don’t have the most padding because of their low-profile design. They can also run tight, and you might want to order a size up.
==> You can also get it at United Sports Brands or Walmart or DICK’S Sporting Goods.
5. Triple Eight Undercover Snow Knee Pads
- Best for: Fit
- Key features: Great fit, comfortable, form-fitting, EVA foam padding, two elastic straps, multiple sizes available
- Padding: Medium-Thick
- Fit: Medium-Profile/Secure
- Cost: $$
The Triple Eight Undercover Snow Knee Pads are the best fitting knee pads for snowboarding you can find. These will sit comfortably over any rider’s knees while providing you with solid cushioning along the way.
They have a solid amount of cushioning made possible by EVA foam padding. This is an effective and reliable padding that provides a significant amount of impact resistance.
The pads are made out of a form-fitting neoprene material that easily slides up over your knees and will hug the natural contours of your legs. This gives you a reliable fit that won’t slip and will always stay in place.
To increase the fit another step, these also have two velcro straps on the top and bottom of the material that lets you secure them as tight as you want to. They are also available in several different sizes.
They are a little bulky, so they might not be the best option to wear underneath a base layer.
==> You can also get it at Christy Sports.
Best Snowboard Knee Pads: What to Look For
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when shopping for a good pair of knee pads for snowboarding.
Padding
Padding is obviously one of the most important considerations when deciding which knee pads to get. If you want the best protection from impacts, you’ll want to get thick padding to provide you with the most cushioning.
Heavier padding means you will be wearing thicker pads, which can be somewhat annoying when you ride. Lower profile options are available that will still give you decent protection without being big and bulky.
Comfort
You also want to look for pads that will be comfortable enough to wear all day long without thinking about it. If you’re uncomfortable, it can affect your riding, and you may end up taking the pads off.
Look for options that have stretchy materials that will fit snuggly around your legs without being too tight. Elastic, neoprene, and spandex are all great to look out for. Also, make sure you get the right size, so you have a good fit.
Breathability
A good knee pad should also be breathable, so your legs and knees don’t get too wet and uncomfortable when you wear them. If they aren’t breathable, the bag of your legs can chafe or itch.
Look for synthetic materials that dry out quickly. These tend to be more breathable than some other cheap materials. And check to make sure that the product you are buying is listed as breathable.
Also Read: Best Knee Brace for Snowboarding
My Verdict
The Burton Basic is my pick for the best snowboard knee pads. They might be basic, but they give you everything you need and want in comfort and protection. These will work for most riders who are looking for solid impact protection and a good fit.
All of the knee pads you’ll find on this list can work great. Just make sure you select one with the thickness of padding you are looking for to keep you well-cushioned. A little protection is better than none at all!
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