Best Wrestling Knee Pads Reviewed: Tips, Pros & Cons + Buyer's Guide
Contents
- Top 5 Best Wrestling Knee Pads Reviewed
- 1. McDavid Knee Pads – Best Overall
- 2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads – Best Budget
- 3. Bear KompleX Compression Sleeves – Best in Comfort
- 4. ASICS Unisex Knee Pads – Best Gel Cushioning Option
- 5. Matman Neoprene Youth – Best For Youthful Wrestlers
- What To Look For In Knee Pads For Wrestling?
- Material Quality & Protection Offered
- Sold Individually Or As A Pair?
- Affordability VS Quality
- Bottom Line
- Sources
Wrestling is hard on the knees.
Better yet...
If you’ve taken up wrestling, your knees will hit the mat thousands of times. Repeated blows to the front of the knee can inflame the bursa over the kneecap, and OrthoInfo lists wrestling as a risk for this prepatellar bursitis. A good pair of knee pads cushions those impacts.
My personal favorite is the McDavid Knee Pads For Sports & Wrestling, but you’ve got several other competitive options, and I would not blame you if you were to pick another product.
Enough pep talk; let’s get started!
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. McDavid Knee Pads For Sports & Wrestling | 1. McDavid Knee Pads For Sports & Wrestling Editor's Pick | Exceeds Expectation - Impressive Comfort - Premium Grade Pads - Great Cushioning - 100% Latex-Free - 100% Money Back | Check Current Price |
| 2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads | 2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads Best Budget Buy | Comfort & Safety - Breathable - Comfort & Support - Non-Slip Feature - Lightweight - Affordable | Check Current Price |
| 3. Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves | 3. Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves Best In Comfort | Perfect Cushioning - Optimally Sized - Handsomely Designed - 60-Day Return Policy - Counters Impact | Check Current Price |
| 4. ASICS Unisex Knee Pads | 4. ASICS Unisex Knee Pads Best Gel Cushioning | Excellent Shock Absorbency - Free From Latex - Very Lightweight - Thorough Protection - Sold Individually | Check Current Price |
| 5. Matman Neoprene Youth Knee Sleeves | 5. Matman Neoprene Youth Knee Sleeves Best For Young Wrestlers | Abrasions Resistant - Lightweight - Great For Injured Knees - Non-Slip Feature - Sold Individually | Check Current Price |
Top 5 Best Wrestling Knee Pads Reviewed
1. McDavid Knee Pads – Best Overall
Whether you want to cushion your knees against mat impacts or protect a scrape while it heals, you will find much use in the McDavid Knee Pads. I must confess that the manufacturers have exceeded my expectations at such a convenient price level.
Not only are the McDavid Knee Pads immaculately designed, but it also features an impressive comfort factor.
Wearing one of these, I felt that my knees were cushioned perfectly, enough to withstand an impact but not so much to hinder movements.
If you have a minor scrape on your knee, the pad keeps it from rubbing on the mat. The materials are flexible and latex-free, which helps if you have a latex allergy.
The pads are made up of premium-grade components that allow perfect breathability, all the while offering an appreciable level of support. The price tag seems to be more or less of a steal.
Check the current listing for return and warranty terms before you buy.
Pros
- All materials used in the making of these pads are of premium-grade
- They offer an impressive level of comfort and cushioning
- The pads are completely latex-free
Cons
- These pads cannot be compared to high-end products
Verdict
If I were to name the first product that came to my mind after hearing “best knee pads for wrestling,” I’d undoubtedly say McDavid Knee Pads For Sports & Wrestling because of the comfort and reliability they offer.
2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads – Best Budget
Do you want some decent protection for your knees but can’t afford to break your bank over it? I understand. So do the makers of Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads because they are willing to offer you the comfort and safety you need at a surprisingly low price.
Since it is a low-budget option, you might not be expecting any high-end features from it, and you’d be right not to. But is it worth it? Hell yeah! For starters, the pads are available in two size options, and both provide perfect cushioning and support.
The material is breathable and does not hinder joint movements at all. Best of all, no latex, only high-quality materials like polyester, rubber, and EVA. They are light and comfortable while padding the front and sides of the knee.
A non-slip design helps keep them in place during practice.
All of these features, combined with the shocking affordability, have earned them a place on this list of the best knee pads for wrestling.
Pros
- These knee pads are surprisingly affordable
- They offer solid protection despite being deceptively lightweight
- The materials are all very premium in quality
- These pads stay on even during a rough fight due to their non-slip feature
Cons
- They fade in comparison to high-end models
Verdict
No matter how you look at it, the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads offer a sweet deal: they are affordable and cushion your knees well against mat impacts.
3. Bear KompleX Compression Sleeves – Best in Comfort
Whether you wish to escape the pains of an intense workout or face off against a formidable foe in the ring, the Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves will be perfect for any confrontation. These knee sleeves offer a level of comfort that is unparalleled by subpar models.
How they do so is no mystery either. It is a combination of factors. First of all, they have an optimal size, allow blood to flow unrestricted, and provide the perfect cushioning to your knees.
Keep in mind that compression sleeves add warmth and light support, but they have little padding and won't protect a damaged ligament. If you have a knee injury, get it checked before you return to the mat.
Lastly, the design... I have to say that these knee sleeves/pads are among the most handsome ones I have seen so far.
Pros
- These knee sleeves/pads are immaculately designed
- They offer decent support to your knees
- They are perfect for countering the impact
- The materials used for this product are of a premium grade
Cons
- These pads are not as affordable as some other options mentioned so far
Verdict
Based on the features listed above, it should come as no surprise that the Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves have made their way into the best knee braces for wrestling.
However, they also come at a higher price than some other models mentioned on this list.
4. ASICS Unisex Knee Pads – Best Gel Cushioning Option
The ASICS Unisex Knee Pads found their way onto my list because of the effort that the manufacturers put into perfecting this product.
ASICS has a reputation for collaborating with athletes and employing scientific knowledge to produce some of the most iconic sporting equipment available in the market. And these knee pads are no exception
The thing I love the most about them is their unique gel cushioning system.
It is a different approach from the foam cushioning of most competing products, and many wrestlers like how it absorbs impact.
As with all other products mentioned so far, this one too is free from latex. However, it does differ in the way that it is sold individually rather than in a pair. This may work for some people, not for others.
Overall, one cannot help but see why it deserves to be among the best knee braces for wrestling.
Pros
- The iconic and unique gel cushioning system is very helpful
- The pads are very lightweight
- They offer optimal comfort and keep the knee joints perfectly mobile
- They offer a thorough protection
Cons
- They are sold individually
Verdict
Overall, there is no doubt that this list would’ve been incomplete without the mention of ASICS Unisex Knee Pads and their iconic gel cushioning mechanism.
5. Matman Neoprene Youth – Best For Youthful Wrestlers
Looking for youth-oriented protective pads? Then Matman Neoprene Youth might be what you’re looking for. Not only are they deceptively lightweight, making them perfect for younger players, but are also, at the same time, perfectly protective.
They help protect against mat burns and abrasions and are comfortable to wear.
Neoprene, the main material, keeps the knee warm, and the sleeves stay put during matches. Lastly, they are available in a variety of youthful sizes ranging between small and extra-large.
Pros
- Deceptively lightweight
- Thoroughly protective
- Won’t slide off mid-fight
Cons
- They are not sold as a pair but rather individually
Verdict
Overall, the Matman Neoprene Youth Knee Sleeves cushion the knees against everyday mat impacts, and since they are available in a variety of youthful sizes, they are perfect for younger wrestlers.
Just one problem, though, they are sold individually.
What To Look For In Knee Pads For Wrestling?
All of the wrestling knee pad reviews in the preceding section are only one phase of the whole process.
Buying protective sleeves for wrestling is way beyond looking at some selected products. You may come across any number of excellent, high-end knee pads and get the urge to buy them. Or perhaps you came across an online sale that is offering them for an unbelievably low price.
In either case, you will want to judge a product against some standards before finalizing your decision, and in this section, I will show you just how you can do that.
Material Quality & Protection Offered
When it comes to materials, you’ve got many options to consider from the pool, and while each has its merits and demerits, you can differentiate between high-quality and “wanna-be” materials.
Usually, Lycra spandex, neoprene, and nylon are the preferred choice, and they generally perform very well too. However, when it comes to material preference, your experience will also count.
If you’ve worn knee pads featuring a certain material and had a good time with it, stick to your choice! Similarly, the padding should also be scrutinized because the protection these pads offer is more important than you can imagine.
These days, not every product sticks hard and fast with foam-based cushions; instead, we have an assortment of options such as gel-based cushions, sponges, and similar layered protection.
While all of these work almost as well as the other, virtually, you should consider the quality factor. A high-end foam-based cushion may prove to be much better than a low-end gel-based system.
This is the sort of thing you can only tell once you’ve worn the pads or if you browse through user comments for a product posted online.
Sold Individually Or As A Pair?
This part is totally up to you. Do you want protective padding for both knees (I highly recommend it) or just one? In either case, you’ve got options. Some brands sell their pads as pairs and even offer warranties for both pieces.
However, other brands only sell their knee sleeves individually, meaning that if you want them for both knees, you’ll have to order two. There is no right or wrong here, although pairs are comparatively more economical.
At this point, let me also mention that your ears need protection too. Read our guide to the best wrestling headgear to prevent cauliflower ear.
Affordability VS Quality
Instead of going for the fanciest or the cheapest product available, consider this: is going cheap once only to get trapped again better than a one-time long-term investment? Of course not.
You need to watch your spending, I understand that, but if you do have to buy a product, make it a good one. Look for the things you need rather than want and go for something that delivers those features in the price range you can afford.
Learning budget management is essential to buying any product, both online and in person.
Before we wrap things up, here is a very helpful YouTube video about why you should always have your knee pads on when wrestling:
Bottom Line
All of the products listed above are not only my personal favorite but have earned their positions due to the value they bring to the game.
The McDavid Knee Pads For Sports & Wrestling are my personal favorite owing to their versatility and resilience but if you’re on a tight budget, then the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads will do a fine job too.
Knee pads can't prevent every knee injury, but AOSSM says they are designed for prepatellar bursitis and can help prevent it or soften impacts once it develops. Wear them in matches and practice. As the famous saying goes: “it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Until next time, play it safe.
Sources
- Prepatellar (Kneecap) Bursitis, OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Wrestling Injuries tip sheet, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (STOP Sports Injuries)
