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Knees take a lot of abuse from bending, kneeling, and crawling, especially when in contact with hard surfaces. Those who work in construction can attest to the considerable wear and tear on their joints caused by an average day’s work. The solution is a good pair of work knee pads.
Preserving knee health can help offset the likelihood of preventable knee injuries and extend the years a worker can spend in a labor-intensive career. Work knee pads provide protection from hard surfaces. Cushioning materials against the knee absorb shock while heavy-duty exterior plates provide strength and support. Work knee pads are also designed for maximum mobility and all-day wear without obstruction or inconvenience.
Depending on your line of work, some knee pads are better suited to your environment than others. All knee pads have interior cushioning, though the exteriors vary. Softer versions are made with pliable materials like leather, and heavy-duty versions are constructed with firm polyester.
Roofing and hardscaping: If you’re a roofer or laying paving stones, chances are good that you’ll opt for knee pads with firm exterior plates. The heavy-duty polyester plates are grooved and ridged to absorb shock from contact with shingles and concrete, and they hold strong against sharp, stray items like nails and rocks.
Flooring and carpentry: Wood and laminate are comparatively soft materials, susceptible to scratches and dents. If you install flooring, you may prefer leather-covered work knee pads because they’re softer and gentler on these surfaces. Leather also allows you to glide across the floor, so you don’t have to pick up your knees every time you move.
Landscaping/gardening: The materials you’re working with and intensity of your landscaping tasks determine what type of knee pads you need. If you’re working with soil mixed with rocks, harder plates are preferable. On the other hand, if you’re enjoying some leisurely gardening, something softer would be well suited to kneeling on grass or soil.
In addition to the exterior plates, other parts of the work knee pads are made of different combinations of synthetic materials to facilitate wear and keep them fastened securely.
Padding: The interior cushioning touches the knee, so this component is typically made of soft, compact materials, such as memory foam, gel, or dense fiber.
Wrap: Work knee pads are generally wrapped with flexible synthetic fabrics like neoprene, latex, and spandex. They provide a comfortable fit with special attention to securing the inner layers of the knee pads.
Inexpensive: Knee pads that cost $15 to $20 have a modest amount of cushioning, and the coverage is limited to the knee joint.
Mid-range: Knee pads that cost $20 to $30 may have gel cushioning and protection that extends to the lower thigh.
Expensive: Closer to the $40 mark you’ll find work knee pads that have sophisticated hinges or articulation features with high-grade polyester materials and neoprene straps.
Q. I use my work knee pads daily. Is possible to wear them out?
A. The padding, which is made of gel, memory foam, or other soft materials can eventually compress and provide less cushioning. Just like running shoes made with these materials, it’s a good idea to replace your work knee pads when you begin to notice a decrease in cushioning or support.
Q. Do work knee pads come in different sizes, or are they one size fits all?
A. Generally speaking, knee pads come in one size because they can be adjusted. With that said, there are certain manufacturers that make men’s and women’s versions of the same model with some size differences.
