Even volleyball can be brutal sometimes. Although lots of people consider volleyball as a soft sport due to no constant doesn’t mean it can’t be painful. If we exclude joint injuries, volleyball involves lots of diving, which can be extremely painful (especially on the knees). That’s why having quality volleyball knee pads is almost essential for every beginner until you learn how to dive properly.
To keep your knees safe, you will need quality knee pads. There are many brands to choose from from Adidas to NineSquared, and each differs in design and quality. It is becoming a trend that players started to wear also basketball knee pads, due to their more trendy design, which is especially the case for men’s volleyball players. As a professional libero myself, I wore many different brands of knee pads. I even played without them and got a good picture of volleyball knee pads.
In this article, we will go through our best 3 volleyball knee pads to hopefully help you decide which one to buy and help you dive better and prevent unwanted pain or injuries.
Best 3 volleyball Knee pads:
- Mizuno LR6 Knee pads (Best performance)
- Adidas PrimekNit Volleyball Knee Pads (Best overall )
- Mcdavid (Best looking )
1. Mizuno LR6 Knee pads (Best Performance)
Mizuno LR6 Knee Pads offer minimalist design with maximum protection. They feature tri-density zones and lightweight energy-returning foam, providing excellent impact resistance and flexibility for volleyball players.
Rating
10/10
2. Adidas PrimekNit Volleyball Knee Pads (Best Overall)
Adidas Primeknit Volleyball Knee Pads offer superior comfort and protection with their seamless construction. They feature ventilation holes for breathability and are made with at least 50% recycled materials.
Rating
9.4/10
3. Mcdavid HEX Knee Pads (Most Stylish)
McDavid HEX Knee Pads offer excellent protection and comfort with their HEX technology. They provide superior impact resistance, moisture-wicking fabric, and a snug fit, making them ideal for volleyball players.
Rating
8/10
| Name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Mizuno LR6 Knee Pads | Best Performance | $29.95 |
| Adidas Elite Volleyball Knee Pads | Best Overall | $26.95 |
| Mcdavid Knee pads | Best Looks | $39.99 |
Cait de Witt strugar on How to wear knee pads
The style of the kneepads you like will greatly depend on how you wear them. I also believe that generally speaking men and women wear them differently. Men also typically wear them less often than women. I would attribute this to the differing style of play that are inherent between men’s and women’s volleyball.
Create confidence!
It’s not a requirement to wear them, but they help younger volleyball players develop confidence when stepping on the court. Using kneepads can be seen as injury prevention by protecting your knees. And sometimes a hindrance to more experienced players. Personally, I wear them for protection – guarding my knees against floor burns, assisting in diving, (sliding across the floor versus on skin), and also because I end up on the floor quite often. For me, they are a tool of use.
Use them to your advantage
Other positions or players might find them restricting. I have played with and against many people who will not wear them because they allow for “shortcuts”. If you are a mid to advanced-level player, try practicing without them to test your ability to get to the ball without dropping to your knees. They may eventually make your reaction times better and hold you accountable for being quick to the ball and avoiding diving unnecessarily!
Others may wear them out of comfort. As seen on many NBA players, a sleeve over the knee helps to keep it warm and supported. Covering a vulnerable spot on your body can support you psychologically. Diving on the floor for the ball is no longer scary. Knowing that the knee is protected will create confidence in the skill. You won’t have to think twice about going for the ball. However, going without them on occasion or during practices could improve your technique.
Different ways to wear them
Generally, there are two ways to wear kneepads. You will either pull the kneepad so that the entirety of your kneecap is covered by the pad, or just below It. To create protection around the lower part of the knee, they are worn up to the knee joint and not over it. I like this style because if you’re kneeling on the ground, only the bottom half of the knee joint is actually touching the floor. Additionally, I find that the top band of elastic is too tight around my thigh. This is the classic “American” way to wear them.
Over the knees
The other way IS to wear them over your entire knee, putting the top band of elastic over the knee joint entirely. The kneepad will be covering your knee and because the elastic band is on your thigh, it won’t fall down as easily. Longer kneepad styles can serve the function of also keeping the joint warm and protecting more of the joint.
Hopefully you got an idea which knee pads you will bring on your next practice. Having a quality pair of them will definetly help with preventing unwanted injuries or bruices. If you have any idea or suggestions for our list of best knee pads feel free to give your suggestion in the comments down below.
FAQ
Should volleyball players wear knee pads?
Yes, we recommend it, especially to beginners. Knee pads protect the knees and skin when diving or sliding on the parquet. You could stop wearing knee pads only when you learn to dive correctly.
What type of knee pads do volleyball players wear?
There are two types of knee pads for volleyball. The ones with short sleeves (which are more volleyball specific) and the long sleeves (basketball knee pads) are getting popular among volleyball players. One of those brands that provide long sleeve knee pads is Mcdavid.
How do I choose knee pads?
It depends on your playing position and how much you are diving. If you are libero, for example, you should look for knee pads that provide better durability and more padding due to lots of dives and sliding on the floor.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you’re looking for new shoes to level up your volleyball game, don’t forget to read our article about the 13 Best Volleyball Shoes for 2025! Plus, enjoy a special 10% discount on your purchase!
