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Best Kids' Skating Knee Pad Sets

Updated April 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Pro-Tec Black Street Kids Skateboarding Protection Set
Pro-Tec
Black Street Kids Skateboarding Protection Set
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Metal Reinforced
Bottom Line

A smaller version of the classic Pro-Tec model, these are built for impact and include metal-reinforced wrist guards.

Pros

Recommended for ages 5-10. Comes in youth small or medium. Also includes a pair of elbow pads and a pair of wrist guards. Metal-reinforced wrist guards to prevent scrapes. Offers great protection with minimal slipping. Looks cool.

Cons

Not as comfortable as others, but it's because they have more substance and structure.

Best Bang for the Buck
JBM International Adult/Child Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Protective Gear Set
JBM International
Adult/Child Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Protective Gear Set
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

These will stay in place and protect against falls and scrapes.

Pros

Also includes 1 pair of elbow pads and 1 pair of wrist guards. Made of durable, soft EVA-padded material with tough plastic plates. Multiple elastic straps and hook-and-loop closures for secure fit for various leg widths. Comes in a variety of colors. Breathable elastic. Stays in place on the body.

Cons

Best for recreational use, not for aggressive skate tricks.

Simply Kids Knee & Elbow Pad Set
Simply Kids
Knee & Elbow Pad Set
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Stylish Protection
Bottom Line

A stylish option that offers extra protection and easily adjustable straps.

Pros

Comfortable and easily adjustable. Velcro straps make it easy for small hands to put on and take off on their own. Materials used are breathable while the padding is thick to offer extra protection. Come with extra protection, as they double as shin guards as well.

Cons

Shin guards make them look bulky.

Fantasycart Children/Kid's Cycling Inline & Roller Skating Knee Elbow Wrist Protective Pads
Fantasycart
Children/Kid's Cycling Inline & Roller Skating Knee Elbow Wrist Protective Pads
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Best for Girls
Bottom Line

A versatile pink set that are easy to put on.

Pros

Also includes elbow pads and wrist guards. Made of durable, soft EVA-padded material with plastic plates. Bio-Foam padding for comfort and cooling. Have a little give compared to models with hard plastic shells. Easy for children to put on themselves.

Cons

Wrist guards may seem large compared to the sizing for the rest of the set.

KUKOME-SHOP Kids Knee Pads + Elbow Pads + Wrist Pads
KUKOME-SHOP
Kids Knee Pads + Elbow Pads + Wrist Pads
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Best for Younger Kids
Bottom Line

Best for ages 9 and younger, these come in several colors and provide good coverage for beginners.

Pros

Also includes 1 pair of elbow pads and 1 pair of wrist guards. Come in small or medium sizes. Durable, 4mm plastic plates with soft EVA-padded, adjustable elastic band. Best for children ages 9 and younger. Good for beginner skaters. Children can put on themselves.

Cons

May run small, so consider sizing up when ordering.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best kids' skating knee pads

Skating is a fun activity for kids, but taking a tumble is more or less inevitable, so it's important your child has the right safety gear. Kids' skating knee pads help prevent skinned knees and far more serious knee injuries when your child falls, so they’re a must for any young skater. Knee pads also help give kids the confidence to get up and keep going after a fall.

You'll need to consider a range of factors when choosing a set of kids' skating knee pads, including fastening type, the amount of padding, and the size and quality of the shell.

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A quality set of kids' skating knee pads should allow total range of motion in the knees. If the pads are hampering your child’s ability to skate, they may be too small or simply of poor quality.

Considerations

Individual pads vs. set

Decide whether you just want a pair of kids' skating knee pads or you'd like a set that contains other protective gear, too. In addition to the knee pads, sets can also contain wrist guards, elbow pads, and a helmet. It's surprisingly difficult to get a pair of kids' knee pads on their own. Most are part of a set aimed at beginning skaters, which can be frustrating if you already own other protective gear or if your child needs better-quality knee pads. You can find individual pairs of knee pads on the market if you shop around a little.

Shell size

The hard shell on the outside of each knee pad is vital when it comes to protecting a child’s knees. It needs to be large enough to cover the whole kneecap, whether the knee is bent or not. If the shell isn't large enough, the edge will bang into the knee when your child falls, causing discomfort.

Padding

Inside the shell, there needs to be plenty of padding to absorb shock and give your child a soft landing. Although the amount of padding in a kids' skating knee pad is important, the quality of the padding also matters. High-end knee pads contain advanced types of foam that offer better protection than the foam in cheap knee pads.

Features

Fastener: You can choose between knee pads that simply pull on and those that fasten with hook-and-loop straps. Pull-on knee pads can be easier for kids to put on alone, but they are more prone to slipping.

Comfort: Some kids' skate knee pads have a totally seamless interior, which makes them more comfortable to wear and helps avoid chafing.

Color: Although black is the most common color for kids' knee pads, you'll occasionally find pads featuring bright colors or bold prints.

Price

Inexpensive

You can find basic kids' skating knee pads that don’t offer a huge amount of protection for around $10 to $15. They're fine for beginners or occasional casual use.

Mid-range

For more active skaters, you'll need to spend between $20 and $50.

Expensive

If your child is serious about skating, high-end knee pads usually cost between $50 and $100.

Tips

  • Insist that your child wear knee pads while skating. Some children will resist, but it must be mandatory for the sake of your kid's safety — no knee pads, no skating. Establishing this habit will help them when using other equipment, like hoverboards.

  • Check the size. Some types of knee pads come in various sizes. Others are one size only and are unlikely to fit all children, so check the measurements first.

  • Fasten the knee pads correctly. The knee pads need to be fastened securely enough that they won't slip down but not so tightly that they restrict blood flow.

  • Teach your child how to put on the knee pads. Your child should be able to reposition and secure the pads if they slip down or need adjusting, especially if your kid is old enough to go skating alone or with friends.
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If the knee pads get sweaty, let them dry thoroughly before storing them or they could become musty and moldy.

FAQ

Q. How do I clean kids' skating knee pads?

A. The majority of them are machine washable, but washing instructions vary. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before you take the plunge.

Q. Do kids' knee pads fit under clothing?

A. Many highly padded knee pads are too bulky to fit under pants, so they'll need to be worn on top of pants or with shorts or skirts. Some slimmer knee pads will fit under relaxed-fit pants, but they won't offer quite as much protection.

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