Best MTB Knee Pads for all Types of Riders of 2025
Knees often bear the brunt of an accident
These mountain biking knee pads mean a wreck doesn’t wreak havoc on your ride
September 25th, 2025
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Knee pads are a mountain biker’s insurance policy on the trail—protecting your joints through unexpected spills while staying light, breathable, and comfortable. Today’s models come in all shapes, from lean cross-country sleeves to heavily cushioned downhill guards designed to absorb hard hits without bottlenecking your ride.
We narrowed the field from over 60 reviewed models down to nine of the most promising. Then, we wore them on real trail terrain—hills, downhill parks, and rugged sections in Colorado and Utah—testing fit, comfort, stability, and protection. Some testing ran into unplanned crashes; others involved slamming the pads against trees or a hammer for durability checks.
Our criteria focused on impact protection (using EN 1621-1 Level 1 or Level 2 standards), long-wear comfort, stay-in-place performance, breathability, sleeve length and knee coverage, weight, and pedal-friendliness. We also valued features like silicone grippers, removable foam, and how pads handled different trail types—from enduro to whip-through downhill runs.
Top Pick: The Leatt Knee Guard AirFlex Pro earns our overall winner distinction. After extensive riding on Colorado trails and downhill park runs—including places like Winter Park, Deer Valley, and Lunchbox Loop—these pads delivered breathable, padded protection with well-formulated stay-put grippers and multi-year durability.
Related: Best MTB Elbow Pads
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Best MTB Knee Pads Comparison table
| MTB KNEE PAD | TREELINE AWARD | SIZES | WEIGHT | PADDING TYPE(S) | CERTIFICATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatt AirFlex Pro | Best Overall Read why |
S-XXL | 8.7 oz | 3D-shaped impact gel | Level 1 |
| Fox Racing Enduro D30 | Best Enduro/Trail Read why |
XS-2X | 11.4 oz | D30 | Level 1 |
| Troy Lee Designs Raid | Best Downhill Read why |
SM-2XL | 17 oz | D30 | Level 2 |
| Kali Protectives Mission | Best Entry Level/Cross Country Read why |
S-XL | 8.5 oz | Polyurethane | Level 1 |
| Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard | Best Thigh Compression Read why |
XS-XL | 13.3 oz | D30 | Level 1 |
The Winners
Best Overall: Leatt Knee Guard AirFlex Pro
Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 8.7 Ounces
Padding Type: 3D-shaped impact gel, EVA Foam
Certification: CE Level 1
What we liked: Very comfortable and breathable with extra protection above and on the side of the knees. Bonus: It comes in multiple colors.
What we didn’t: Sharp objects could potentially pierce divots in the gel. Not the highest level of protection that primarily downhill riders want or need.
The Leatt Knee Guard AirFlex Pro are the best overall knee pads and are the knee pads we still pick up the most after testing all the knee pads we tested. We’ve taken these on trails throughout Colorado and used them on world-class downhill courses like Winter Park’s Trestle Park in Colorado and Deer Valley in Utah. On multiple crashes, while trialing on trails systems like Lunchbox Loops in Colorado, they’ve saved our knees from bruises and scrapes.
We’ve also had these knee pads the longest and have used them the most. Despite that, they stay in place, and we haven’t had any issues with them slipping off. We credit that to the silicone grippers at the top and bottom of the pad sleeves as well as inside the pads over the kneecap.
View The Leatt Knee Guard Airflex Pro
The Leatt Knee Guard Airflex Pro after more than 2 years of riding.
We found Leatt’s AirFlex Pro knee pads were extremely lightweight, comfortable and breathable—making them great on hot summer days. The articulated 3D-shaped impact gel is soft and flexible yet still achieves Level 1 protection. They also have padded inserts above the main pad and on its sides, providing well-placed protection for smashing into things on the thigh and sides of the knee.
For most trail and enduro riders who like to take on some tough challenges and need a durable, well-built knee pad with good kneecap and side protection, comfort, and ventilation, it’s hard to beat the Leatt.
Best Enduro/Trail: Fox Racing Enduro D3O Knee Pads
Sizes: XS-2X
Weight: 11.4 oz.
Padding Type: D30
Certification: Level 1
What we liked: Removable pad makes it easier to wash, good leg coverage
What we didn’t: Thigh sleeve might be too long for some, and not as much side coverage as other options
These pads from Fox Racing Enduro D30 Knee Pads are among the most reviewed and loved pads out there, and we agree. Using removable, highly pliable D30 foam inserts, the Enduro D30 pads from Fox Racing lie flat when off but easily conform to the knee for pedal-friendly, all-day trail riding.
For all but the most aggressive trail and enduro riders, a comfortable, conformable, and low-profile pad that can still handle some serious bumps is ideal. The D30 allows the pads to punch above their weight in absorbing impact. Still, these are more for trail riding and enduro riding than downhill riding.
The rubber grippers on the thigh kept the pads in place even when riding bumpy, jumpy downhill trails at Keystone in late summer. We also appreciated the large mesh panel on the back and the breathable, stretchy material throughout the pad on hotter days on longer trails, where this pad shined the most.
View The Fox Racing Enduro D3O Knee Pads
Fox Racing’s Enduro pads lived up to their name, winning the trail/enduro riding category in our testing.
The long sleeve covers most of the thigh, which some may like and others may not. The padding offers good protection above the knee and down onto the shin but not as much side protection as other options.
Personally, we don’t normally ride in our pads all day since the climb generally comes first, but on days when we’re facing multiple climbs and downhill sections, as at Centennial Cone Park, we’ll put these low-profile pads on and almost forget we’re wearing them, even on hot days when we’re climbing nearly 700 feet to get back out.
Best Downhill: Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard
Sizes: SM-2XL
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz.
Padding Type: D30, EVA foam, neoprene
Certification: Level 2
What we liked: Level 2 protection without a hard kneecap, great thigh and lateral protection, and designed to stay in place.
What we didn’t: Hotter and heavier than other options.
The Troy Lee Raid knee guards from Troy Lee are the burliest we tested and are most at home on downhill courses and bike parks. For downhill riding, you want a pad that offers more padding across the kneecap and on the sides, and one that anchors in place no matter how many bumps, berms, jumps, and ruts you ride through. The Raid delivers. Others agree: “The Troy Lee Designs Raid pads are some of the most protective pads here. Substantial D3O padding covers a large part of the knee area and extends reassuringly far down the shin,” BikeRadar notes.
The pads use thicker D30 than others, giving it Level 2 protection certification (in the most recent version) to protect the kneecap, upper fibula, and tibia. Encased in neoprene, the Raid also has the burliest foam protection above and on the sides of the knee to protect against smacking into trees, rocks, and the frame.
Compare Prices Of The Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard
The beefy Troy Lee Designs Raid won our downhill category, thanks to their thicker padding and Level 2 protection.
We used these pads at Trestle Park, on rowdy downhill trails like Maryland Mountain, and at Sunset Open Space’s mountain bike trails. They stayed firmly in place thanks to the silicone grippers, a hook-and-loop strap over the thigh, and the innovative Fit-Lock compression band over the top of the calf.
While we found the neoprene doesn’t breathe as well as other materials, the rear of the pads is almost entirely stretch mesh. These downhill pads aren’t meant for wearing all day on longer trails. But, since you’re not wearing these for substantial long climbs (you could, but there are better options) and only downhills, the ventilation and pedaling comfort aren’t as important as the protective factors are.
Still, they’re much more pedal-friendly than most Level 2 pads, especially those with plastic kneecaps, and they provide great protection when and where it’s needed most.
Best Entry Level/Cross Country: Kali Protectives Mission Knee Pads
Sizes: S-XL
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Padding Type: Polyurethane
Certification: Level 1
What we liked: Great price, lightweight and breathable. Also available in multiple colors.
What we didn’t: Not the best coverage and as impact resistant as other options.
The Kali’s Mission Knee Pads are a lightweight pad that offers decent Level 1 protection. We’ve found these for as low as $30, often around $50, making them a great inexpensive option. We wore these lightweight knee pads on hot summer days riding on Mustang Trail in White Ranch and Stanton State Park and were grateful that the entire back is mesh, allowing for excellent breathability.
The silicone grippers on the top and bottom of the sleeves kept these in place, and the preformed polyurethane foam copper our knees well. While these are left and right specific like others we tested, they were essentially identical, which means we never noticed if we wore each pad on the right or wrong side. With others, we would have noticed it much more.
View The Kali Protectives Mission Knee Pads
The Kali Mission Knee Pads were lighter than most others we tested, but are a great value for those looking for an entry-level pad.
These were among the lightest knee pads we tested (only the Sweet Protection was lighter) and were less protective, with less coverage than some of the other pads we tested. As such, we recommend these for those who are only wearing knee pads for short sections or riding cross country or less technical trails.
Best Thigh Compression: Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Pads
Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 13.3 oz.
Padding Type: D30, EVA foam
Certification: Level 1
What we liked: Sleeve offers great coverage of the thigh and upper shin. Available in multiple colors. Better than average Level 1 protection.
What we didn’t: Length of sleeve might be too long for some and interfere with chamois.
If you’re a mountain biker who likes extra thigh coverage and some compression, the Pearl Izumi’s Elevate knee pads are ideal. These Level 1 knee pads had the longest sleeves in our testing, riding high on the quads and hamstrings.
The subtle compression higher up on the thigh can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve endurance. The silicone grippers at the top and bottom held them in place on the Mountain Lion Trail at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and we barely needed hook-and-loop elastic straps to secure it above our calf muscles.
The D30 foam on the Elevate pads is thicker than many other Level 1 options and is pre-formed to curve around the knee, making them pedal-friendly. It’s also removable for washing. The front of the pad has a flexible, plasticized, and perforated cover to provide extra resilience and breathability.
The pads offer decent coverage of the upper shin and have small EVA patches inside and outside of the knee. However, the side coverage is less than other pads, like the Raid or Airflex.
View The Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Pads
With a longer sleeve than other models tested, the new Pearl Izumi Elevate pads offer more thigh coverage than other options.
Other MTB knee pads we tested
POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads
Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 11 oz.
Padding Type: VPD Compound
Certification: Level 1
The POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads had the shortest sleeve of any we covered. The VPD (viscoelastic polymer dough) absorbs impact well. Still, when we tested them, we found they don’t offer much extra upper knee protection, and the articulation of the padding makes them less comfortable for all-day pedaling. Ultimately we found that though it’s a great pad, pads like the Leatt AirFlex and the Fox Enduro offered more comfort and provided similar protection.
Compare Prices Of The POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads
Sizes: XXS-XL
Weight: 13.7 oz.
Padding Type: DK Impact Foam (thermoplastic polyurethane)
Certification: Level 1
The Dakine Slayer knee pad feels like the burliest kneepad we tested and is suited for downhill riding, but only offers Level 1 protection. The Cordura fabric is abrasion resistant and less stretchy than the other knee pads we tested. In testing, we found the thick, sculpted DK Impact foam felt less capable of spreading out the impact of a crash than D30 and other viscoelastic foams.
However, the Slayer is a favorite of many professional reviewers. We considered this for the downhill category, but with its Level 2 protection and much greater comfort, the Troy Lee Designs Raid is a better option for most riders.
Compare Prices Of The Dakine Slayer Knee Pad
Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Padding Type: SAS-TEC Viscoelastic foam
Certification: N/A
The Sweet Protection Knee Guards are the lightest we tested. Oddly, this knee guard was also the least breathable in our testing. We found the stretchy, neoprene-like material of the sleeve sweated more and that the mesh on the rear only covered a small portion of the protective pad. The SAS-TEC viscoelastic foam didn’t offer as much protection as other pads tested. Still, they’re a decent value for an entry-level pad. That being said, the Kali Protectives offered more comfort, value, and protection in an entry-level pad.
Compare Prices Of The Sweet Protection Knee Guards
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Weight: 10.4 oz.
Padding Type: Polyurethane
Certification: Level 1
The formed polyurethane foam of the Paragon Pro Knee Protector is stiffer than other knee pads tested. We also found that though the padding is formed when worn, it doesn’t conform to the knee as well as other options. This padding makes it more awkward for a rider to wear than other models.
We also found that the sleeve of the Paragon Pro didn’t stay up as well as other options like the Fox Enduro or Leatt Airflex Pro. That being said, they offer a wider range of sizes than many knee pads we tested, so could be a good option for someone looking for a 2XS or 2XL.
View The Alpinestars Paragon Pro Knee Protector
Sizes: S-L
Weight: N/A
Padding Type: D30
Certification: Level 1
The Fox Racing Launch D30 and its sibling pad, the Fox Racing Launch D30 Pro, are another line of often tried and tested knee pads that receive favorable reviews. However, we did not have a chance to test this model and benchmark it against others.
View The Fox Racing Launch D30
Types of pads
Even though modern pads are greater and lighter than ever before while adding increased protection through novel materials like D30, there are still many things to consider with knee pads. No one wants to wear knee protection all day on a 30-mile ride when they’re only hitting a few tricky spots, but you would want a light sleeve with padding for the tough spots.
Similarly, you wouldn’t want lightweight sleeves on your knees when jumping off the berms and wooden features at downhill courses on ski slopes in the summer. For that, you’d want a dedicated, Level 2 protecting knee pad. Here we delve into the subtle yet important differences in the types of pads and what the different levels of protection mean.
Different knee pads are intended for different purposes. However, there’s a fair amount of overlap between the categories. There are only two levels of certified protection for knee and elbow pads, EN1621-1 CE Level 1 and EN1621-1 CE Level 2, which we’ll explain a little more below. In the meantime, here are the broad strokes of the different types of knee pads.
Cross Country
These are the lightest and least protective knee pads — and the most pedal friendly. Cross Country knee pads, sometimes called knee sleeves, offer limited protection and are meant for riders who only need pads for short sections of the ride and for riders who need pads with maximum ventilation.
Enduro/Trail
Most riders will want enduro or trail-style knee pads. These are comfortable and should offer at least Level 1 protection. Most will stay in place thanks to grippers on the thigh and the long sleeves. These pads should also have at least some protection on the inside and outside of the knee. Many of these pads will use a thicker foam or viscoelastic material to provide protection yet are still pedal friendly.
Bryan, launching at Sunset Open Space, while testing Troy Lee Designs’ Raid pads. He took numerous hits in them on downhill courses and praised their effectiveness.
Downhill
Downhill knee pads offer the most protection. They’re designed for harder, bigger impacts, like those resulting in a tumble off a double-black trail. They’re not necessarily as comfortable or as vented as other options. They offer more wrap-around protection and are usually secured with a strap to keep them from falling on jostling trails. Some of these pads are soft, with thicker layers of foam, while others have hard plastic caps on them to provide better protection. The best offer Level 2 protection.
Regardless of what type of pad you need, you'll want to consider the following features when considering a knee pad.
The author testing Pearl Izumi’s Elevate knee pads at Staunton State Park.
What to look for in MTB knee pads
For mountain bikers spending time on the trail, knee pads are a must, secondary to only MTB helmets in terms of protection. Here's what to look for in knee pads.
Impact (EN1621-1) Certifications:
Two primary levels of padding certifications are used for classifying mountain bike pads. They’re both EN (European Norm) 1621-1 standards that meet one of two CE (European Conformity) levels of certification for joint protection.
To test impact resistance, they drop a 5-kilogram mass (about 11 pounds) on the pads and measure how many kiloNewtons (kN) are transmitted through it nine times over a small impact area. Essentially, they have to take the impact of a two-finger punch from a hulk-sized Bruce Lee and reduce it to less deadly levels. Check out this Wikipedia piece on motorcycle armor for more information.
CE Level 1
CE Level 1 is lighter protection. Less than 35 kNs of force are transmitted through the knee pad.
CE Level 2
CE Level 2 is more protective. Less than 20 kNs of force are transmitted through the knee pad.
Impact Absorption Materials
Most materials in a knee pad consist of an elastic sleeve and padding materials. Many models tested also included stretch-mesh panels at the back of the knee, and some even had large holes in the back to facilitate more ventilation to keep you from sweating too much while wearing the pads.
See our guide to Best Mountain Bike helmets for more on impact absorption.
Stay in place
All the models tested had rubber or silicone grippers at the thigh to help keep them in place, and some had velcro straps to ensure they stayed in place even more.
Types of Protection
All the pads tested use some sort of padding for protection. Some use only basic polyurethane foams, while others use multiple types of foams or foam treatments like D30 or hard plastics to increase protection (more on that below). Some pads primarily protect the kneecap. Others, like the Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard, offer more wrap-around protection.
Foam Inserts
The Raid and others also have foam inserts on the side of the pad as well as D30 over the knee cap. These pads protect the inside and outside of the knee from smashing against the bike frame, trees, rocks, or whatever else you might smash against in a crash.
Removable Pads
Some pads have removable pads, which makes it easier to wash them and replace a broken or damaged pad. Others have pads stitched into the knee pad. We didn’t have any problems with either style of attachment.
Plastic Cap
Some pads have a hard plastic cap on them. In this round, we didn’t test any of them. Research shows that modern viscoelastic materials offer better impact protection than hard plastic shells.
Non-Newtonian Materials and Impact Absorption
Most pads tested in this round use D30, a phase-changing viscoelastic or non-Newtonian material. Under normal use, it’s a lightweight foam that moves easily with pedal strokes and walking. However, when impacted, it hardens automatically, protecting the knee.
The best way to understand it is using the example of oobleck—cornstarch and water. It acts like a liquid until you apply pressure, then it acts more like a solid.
Here’s a fun Science Channel video of people running and biking across an oobleck pool to help demonstrate how it works:
What Kind of Liquid Lets You Run Across Its Surface? | Street Science
Yeah, that’s how these D30 pads work…
You'll see similar technology in elbow pads. We do a deep dive in our guide to The Best MTB Elbow Pads.
Comparison of sleeve lengths on some of the knee pads we tested, from shortest on the left (Kali Protectives) to longest on the right (Fox Racing).
Sleeve Length
We tested large and extra large knee pads that had almost no sleeve and were as short as 8.5” and just over the knee with almost no sleeve (POC VPD Air). On the other end of the spectrum, we tested pads with sleeves as long as 18” (Pearl Izumi Elevate), which covered a significant portion of the upper thigh.
Ultimately, we found a length a little longer than a foot offered significant coverage while still staying comfortable and in place, thanks to the grippers and elastic on the thigh side of the sleeve. These pads cover the lower thigh and part of the shin, like the 13.5” Leatt Airflow Pro.
Based on your height and the thickness of your legs, you may want a longer or shorter sleeve. Our main tester is 5’10” with a 32” inseam and weighs around 190 pounds.
Longer sleeves may help keep legs warmer in colder weather and provide more compression, but they may also be harder to wear with chamois liners since they may overlap. Shorter sleeves don’t offer much in the way of coverage above the kneecap and below the upper tibia and essentially are just a shin guard.
Tim, who describes himself as an extra medium, testing Fox Racing’s Enduro pads at Maryland Mountain, he praised their wraparound style for more protection than his previous pair.
Fit
Knee pads are like shoes—you want to try them on before buying them to ensure they fit properly. Most pad companies have fit guides recommending measurements above and below the knee. Usually, they recommend between 3 and 5 inches above the bent knee and around the largest part of the calf. Some manufacturers make it easy to find the size guide when looking at the pads, while others—for instance, Fox Racing—has their online fit guide buried in its help center.
*Pro tip: The easiest way to measure the circumferences of your legs for pads is with tailor tape. But if you don’t have one, you can use tape or paracord to wrap around your leg and then measure that length with a ruler or tape measure.
With knee pads, we found the sizing to be true to the claimed sizes on almost all models tested. However, we were surprised that our primary tester was a large or extra large in most pads and that many companies didn’t offer much in terms of larger sizes, especially since he knows larger riders with much bigger legs. Although some companies offer men’s and women’s versions of pads, they seem truly unisex in terms of sizing.
Weight
Manufacturers’ claimed weights of the pads were not always easy to find, which makes sense, as we found the weight of some pads inconsistent between the left and right sides. As such, we measured the weight of both pads in the tester’s size (usually large or extra large).
Sustainability
We always look for sustainability and environmental information about the pieces we test. In this case, we didn’t find much about sustainable fabrics or foams used in these pads. We imagine this may be partly because these products often have longer cycles between new iterations than other products.
Polyurethanes can be made from plants and vegetable oils, but we haven’t seen labels discussing this in knee pads. Looking ahead, look for products with materials like D30 Bio, a plant-based version of the material used in many of these pads. In the meantime, we recommend proper care and maintenance to extend a product’s life, keeping it out of a landfill for as long as possible.
Some pads, like Fox Racing’s Enduro pads, have removable D30 inserts, making cleaning easier.
Maintenance and Care
Knee pads can handle a beating on the trail, and with proper care, they should last 3 or more years, but they need care when they’re not worn. And they can get stinky after multiple sweaty rides, so they will need to be washed over time. There are many different types of materials in knee pads, foams, elastics, and silicone grippers, among other things, that make them difficult to wash.
Many manufacturers recommend hand washing them and letting them air dry. If the padding is removable, it should be removed and washed separately. If you want to wash them in a machine, avoid using one with a central agitator. Wash them on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent in cold or cool water, and let them air dry afterward.
Knee pads, particularly those with soft foams like these, should last for multiple seasons and through multiple impacts. Still, inspect them after a serious crash to ensure no debris has worked its way under the fabric of the pads and that the foam in the pads isn’t ripped or torn. When the elastic on the pads starts to weaken, and they won’t stay in place, it’s time to replace them.
FAQ
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Yes, knee pads are essential protective gear for mountain biking second only to MTB helmets in importance for rider safety. Falls are inevitable in mountain biking, and knees often bear the brunt of crashes into trees, rocks, and trail debris. Even lightweight options like the Kali Protectives Mission ($30-50) prevent painful scrapes and bruises during technical sections. Cross-country riders can choose minimal sleeves for occasional protection, while downhill riders need heavier-duty pads like the Troy Lee Designs Raid with Level 2 certification.
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Level 1 pads transmit less than 35 kN of impact force, while Level 2 pads transmit less than 20 kN under standardized drop testing with an 11-pound weight. Level 1 protection like the Fox Racing Enduro D30 and Leatt AirFlex Pro suits most trail and enduro riding with adequate protection while remaining pedal-friendly. Level 2 protection like the Troy Lee Designs Raid is designed for serious downhill and bike park riding where higher impact forces are expected from bigger crashes and jumps.
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Knee pads should fit snugly without restricting blood flow or causing fatigue during extended rides. Measure leg circumference 3-5 inches above the bent knee and around the largest part of your calf according to manufacturer sizing charts. The Leatt AirFlex Pro stays in place with effective silicone grippers at top and bottom, while the Fox Racing Enduro D30 uses thigh grippers to prevent slippage. Properly fitted pads won't slide down during aggressive riding or cause numbness from over-compression.
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D30 viscoelastic foam offers superior impact protection while remaining flexible during normal pedaling motions. D30 material stays soft and conformable until impact, when it instantly hardens to absorb force before returning to its flexible state. The Fox Racing Enduro D30 and Pearl Izumi Elevate both use this technology effectively. Traditional polyurethane foam like in the Kali Protectives Mission works for lighter protection, while the Troy Lee Designs Raid combines D30 with EVA foam and neoprene for maximum downhill protection.
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Modern knee pads like the Leatt AirFlex Pro and Fox Racing Enduro D30 are designed for all-day comfort with breathable mesh panels and lightweight construction. However, many riders prefer removing pads during climbs and putting them on for descents to prevent overheating. Lightweight options under 9 ounces work best for extended wear, while heavier downhill pads like the Troy Lee Designs Raid (1 lb 1 oz) are better for shuttle rides or bike park days with minimal climbing.
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Quality knee pads use silicone grippers and proper sleeve length to maintain position during aggressive riding. The Leatt AirFlex Pro features grippers at top, bottom, and inside the kneecap area for maximum security. Some pads like the Troy Lee Designs Raid include hook-and-loop straps and compression bands for additional anchoring. Proper sizing is crucial - pads that are too large will slide regardless of gripper design. Look for 12-13 inch sleeve lengths that provide adequate thigh coverage without being excessive.
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Removable padding like in the Fox Racing Enduro D30 offers easier washing and replacement capability, extending pad lifespan and improving hygiene. Removable inserts can be washed separately and replaced if damaged from crashes or wear. However, permanently attached padding like in the Leatt AirFlex Pro often provides more consistent positioning and can be more cost-effective. Consider removable padding if you ride frequently in muddy conditions or prefer thorough cleaning between rides.
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Replace knee pads every 3-4 years or after significant impact damage depending on usage frequency and crash history. Inspect pads regularly for compressed foam, torn fabric, or weakened elastic that allows slippage. The D30 material in pads like the Fox Racing Enduro retains protective properties longer than traditional foam. Replace immediately if padding is visibly damaged, silicone grippers lose effectiveness, or after any crash that compressed the padding significantly. Proper care including hand washing extends pad lifespan.
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The Leatt AirFlex Pro offers superior ventilation with 3D-shaped gel padding and extensive mesh panels for hot weather riding. The Kali Protectives Mission also excels in heat with a fully mesh back panel and lightweight 8.5-ounce construction. Look for pads with moisture-wicking mesh panels and avoid bulky designs like the Troy Lee Designs Raid that trap heat. Consider removing pads during climbs and putting them on for descents when temperatures exceed 80°F to prevent overheating and chafing.
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Beginners should start with comfortable, lightweight pads like the Fox Racing Enduro D30 or Leatt AirFlex Pro to build confidence without feeling restricted. Heavy-duty pads can create a false sense of security and encourage riskier riding before skills develop. The Kali Protectives Mission offers excellent entry-level protection at $30-50 for budget-conscious new riders. Focus on pads that encourage consistent wear rather than maximum protection - unused pads provide no safety benefit. Upgrade to Level 2 protection as skills and riding difficulty progress.
Why you need MTB knee pads
Protection against injuries
The primary reason for wearing knee pads is to protect your knees from injuries. Falls are inevitable for mountain bikers. Knee pads cushion the impact, reduce the risk of cuts, bruises, or fractures.
Enhanced confidence
Many mountain bikers find that wearing knee pads can significantly boost their confidence on the trail. Knowing that your knees are protected allows you to take on more challenging trails and obstacles as much concern of getting hurt. This confidence can develop your skills faster.
Improved comfort
Compared to the past, modern MTB knee pads are designed to be both protective and comfortable. Everything we considered has lightweight, breathable materials that allow for flexibility and ease of movement.
Prevent long-term damage
Repeated minor injuries can lead to long-term damage and chronic pain in your knees. Wearing knee pads helps prevent these small injuries from accumulating over time.
Weather protection
Knee pads also offer an extra layer of protection against the cold weather, especially when riding in spring or fall or at night. They can help keep your knees warm in cold weather.
Overgrown trails
Overgrown trails are common on mountain bike trails, so knee pads also help with scrapes from branches and rocks. [Pro tip: When you're hitting aggressive, overgrown trails that require knee pads for protection, mountain bike glasses are crucial to keep rocks and branches from hitting your eyes during high-speed descents.]
Versatility
Many MTB knee pads can be used for BMX biking, skateboarding, and even snowboarding. Check certifications before you try it, but you may be able to save some money if you do a few outdoor sports that require pads.
How We Researched And Tested
We've been testing MTB knee pads for the past three years, considering everything from sizing and comfort to the protection offered and padding used. We wore them on trails and downhill courses in Colorado and Utah, primarily on downhill sections where falls could lead to injury.
We tested side-by-side with testers of different sizes, shapes, skill and experience levels.
While we didn’t purposely crash in each of these pads—thankfully—but we unintentionally crashed in some of them. We purposely practiced our high knees in them by smashing them against trees and performing our own knee-jerk reaction tests with a hammer.
We tested MTB knee pads at Winter Park's Trestle Park, Deer Valley, Utah, Lunchbox Loops, Colorado, Keystone downhill trails, Centennial Cone Park, and Maryland Mountain and Sunset Open Space.
We evaluated knee pads by impact absorption materials, whether they stay in place, how they fit and how comfortable they are, sleeve length, the weight, and sustainability of materials. Depending on the purpose of the knee pad, we considered foam inserts, removable pads, and whether they have a plastic cap and how they perform compared to similarly designed knee pads.
Our Testing Process
Extensive research and field testing across Colorado & Utah
Testing Locations
- Winter Park's Trestle Park
- Deer Valley, Utah
- Lunchbox Loops, Colorado
- Keystone downhill trails
- Centennial Cone Park
- Maryland Mountain & Sunset Open Space
What We Test
- Impact protection & certification levels
- Comfort & all-day wearability
- Stay-in-place performance
- Breathability & ventilation
- Sleeve length & coverage
- Weight & pedaling comfort
Chris Meehan riding his bike on one of his favorite trails in Colorado.
As an outdoors writer covering adventure and gear, I have written multiple pieces about mountain biking, and I have a long history with the sport. I have also contributed multiple guides to Treeline Review, Backpacker, and other outdoor publications/organizations.
My experience with mountain biking stretches back to the Appalachians in the late 1980s when Specialized, Trek, Gary Fisher, and Cannondale were among the first companies to mass-produce mountain bikes — my first ‘mountain bike’ was a 10-speed Huffy Scout, which I got around ‘87. It was around the time that the first clipless pedals for a road bike were allowed in competitions and shortly after were introduced for mountain biking. Before that, bikers used toe clips for more power and connection to their pedals. I think I had my first pair of clipless pedals around ’92.
These days, I spend most of my time mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, climbing, and crisscrossing Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. I enjoy using my knowledge of gear and skills to learn about new equipment and how it will benefit me (yes, I’m selfish) and Treeline’s readers.
I have authored multiple outdoor guidebooks. My most recent Falcon Guide is Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures: The Greatest Hiking, Climbing, Paddling and More From Denver to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. In it, I cover the best hiking, biking, climbing, and rafting in the region.
I’m also the author of Falcon Guide’s Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners: From the Easiest Hikes to the Most Challenging Climbs and edited Justin Lichter’s excellent guide to thru-hiking titled Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Guide To Ultralight Hiking And Backpacking. This experience has helped me become a first-rate gearhead and product tester.
I have 20-plus years of exploring, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, guiding, and playing in the wild. I worked with National Geographic and their mapping division in developing their Colorado 14ers Map Pack Bundle. I’ve written about hiking and climbing for Elevation Outdoors, including stories about Colorado 14ers and outdoor apps to boost adventures.
At Treeline Review, we strive to offer unbiased reviews to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept native advertising or paid reviews. I am not sponsored by any companies, nor are any of my family members sponsored by or employees of, or ambassadors of any of the companies in this review.
You can see all of Chris’s stories on his author page.
