Which brand of volleyball knee pads is better? How to choose sports protective knee pads? Options and materials

Let's be honest, what kind of knee pads do you wear when playing volleyball?
Which knee pads do you recommend and which ones do you not recommend wearing under any circumstances?
Do you really need knee pads? Do you think all professional players should wear knee pads?

At the same time, I will share my observations with you.

I played almost my entire adult volleyball life wearing only knee pads - the simplest amateur Asics model for 300 rubles. They were standard black with a thin white edging around the edges. It seems that this is still one of the most common options in sports schools and halls where people play for their own pleasure. Of the models currently presented, they are closest to the Asics "Classic".
In general, when these knee pads were given to me, I was extremely pleased, because at the sports school I worked out without them. Well, at that time it also seemed like a very status thing.

But gradually certain shortcomings of these knee pads began to emerge.
Firstly, if, when you fell to your knees, you tried to slide in these knee pads in this particular state, they could fly off your feet.
Secondly, the pads of the knee pads themselves were not very thick, that is, you did not notice an unaccented blow, but it was not worth just throwing yourself on your knees: it could be quite painful!
Thirdly, and this became the most significant drawback for me, it was relatively rare, but still there were cases when I fell and folded my legs to the side. Sometimes this happened when receiving a distant ball, sometimes when playing as a safety net. At the same time, I was surprised to discover that the knee joints are much more vulnerable from the side; even weak blows to the knees were very painful! I had no intention of throwing away my old knee pads, but fate decided to speed up the arms race, and somehow I accidentally lost them.

As a result, any person is faced with a choice of what to play. Let's look at 5 standard options.

1) Volleyball knee pads Asics Gel-Conform - the most advanced model from Asics, at least those available in Russia. Overall this model was my favorite. The gel filling of the pillow almost completely absorbed the force of the impact, and from a physical point of view, this is a rather fruitful idea. The edges of the pillow fit well onto the side of the knee, that is, the problem of protecting particularly vulnerable areas of the knee was solved. Interesting, but Asics have started using relatively advanced locking technology kneecap the knee pad itself. At the same time, something like separate rays extend sideways from a single gel pad, which duplicate the knee ligaments. I would finally settle on this option, but for some reason this model only has one size. And for me this size was too tight. That is, it was possible to play, but the knee was pinched so much that, for example, when removing the knee pad, the socks were torn off along with it...

2) The next two options are more popular among professionals. I'm not sure it's deserved, because... I really liked the Asics option. The advanced version from Mizuno also fixes the kneecap, but is too intrusive regardless of the size. What I didn't like most about these knee pads is that the filling in them is not gel, but a denser, harder substance, something like a foam crust. And these same “rays” moving to the side can put quite unpleasant pressure on some areas of the knee. Personally, I don't think kneecap fixation is necessary at all.

3) The option that I eventually settled on is the fairly popular Mikasa MT-6 model. Of all three advanced models, this model best protects the lateral areas of the knees. There is no provision for fixing the kneecap, which, however, is for the best. It is possible to choose the size so that, on the one hand, the knee pad fits snugly, and on the other, it does not pinch the leg. The knee with this model is perfectly protected from any impacts and from any falls, and you begin to feel somehow more ready to play defense. The filling here is also quite dense, but the inside of the knee pad is softer than the version from Mizuno, so it does not begin to put so much unpleasant pressure on different parts of the knee. Needless to say, the protective material is divided into sections that can bend and rotate against each other to better fit your foot!

4) A purely amateur option - a knee pad from a previously unknown to me company, McDavid. But for an amateur this is a very good option. The knee pad pad, although it consists of one section and does not hug the knee (and as a result, does not protect the sides of the knee), is noticeably thicker than on my previous amateur Asics model. Therefore, nothing will stop you from landing on your knees in this model and sliding further in them. That is, they protect the knees from a frontal collision with the floor no worse than the already mentioned professional models.

5) Well, the last - the easiest option - is to start playing without knee pads. In general, if you do not play very actively, then you can stick to this option, since, probably, nothing threatens you. By and large, nothing threatens the knees during a classic fall with the chest forward with softening by the hands: the knees in this case touch the ground (if this happens at all) last. And there are some disadvantages in playing with knee pads: firstly, they will in any case hinder your movements and “steal” centimeters of your jump, and secondly, playing in the same Mikasa MT-6 is very hot on the knees. After just four games wearing these knee pads, your legs will feel like they came out of a bathhouse! So this is not an acquired taste.
I understand when diagonal or central players play without knee pads. The finishing players look a little more strange without knee pads - such players are worth keeping an eye on, they are probably underperforming in defense. But again, this is a matter of personal preference and, above all, habit.
But volleyball players playing in the libero position look very strange without knee pads. It's almost the same as a boxer without a mouthguard. After all, playing without knee pads for them means constantly being afraid of a painful blow and being overly insured. This underlying fear will one way or another hinder their play; they will involuntarily be wary and not play at 100% of their capabilities. Whereas playing with knee pads gradually weans you from such fear and gives you freedom.

How to choose the right volleyball equipment?

Volleyball, although it seems harmless, is actually a very dangerous sport. Bruises, dislocations, sprains, and God forbid, fractures - await an unprepared volleyball player.

In order to avoid the above injuries, you need to take your equipment seriously.

High-quality volleyball equipment will help you win the match and stay healthy, it consists of:

— shoes (sneakers);

— clothes (shorts, T-shirt or T-shirt);

— protective elements (knee pads, elbow pads, elastic bandages);

Let's look at each point in detail.

Shoes. When buying sneakers for playing volleyball, you should pay attention to the sole (it should not be slippery) and the “lightness” of the material (sneakers with special cutouts on the sides to provide air for the feet are best). Naturally, the shoes shouldn’t be too tight for you, but they shouldn’t be bigger either. The leg must be clearly fixed. Sneakers that cover the ankle are ideal to help prevent sprains.

Cloth. Shorts, a tank top or a T-shirt should be made of breathable fabrics. It is desirable that in these clothes you feel spacious (as you will have to do jumps and raise your arms high), so do not be afraid to buy a size larger.

Elements of protection. When playing volleyball, you often have to “sacrifice” yourself for the success of the team. Knees and elbows are often injured. Therefore, it is necessary to wear protective elements for the elbow and knee joints - knee pads and elbow pads. When purchasing knee pads and elbow pads, be sure to try them on, they should fit tightly and fix the joints well.

Very often the hands and wrist joints suffer - dislocations, sprains. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase bandages against sprains and fix the hand. It is important to bandage the hand strictly according to the instructions (Fig. 1), in order to avoid swelling, constrictions, and sprains.

(Fig. 1) correct tightening of the bandage

And of course, don’t forget about the volleyball ball.

Unlike other ball sports, volleyball uses a soft, elastic ball so players can hit it with their hands without hurting themselves. When purchasing it, you should pay attention to the seams between the elements of the ball; they must be internal. Under no circumstances should you use a football one, much less basketball, they are heavier and are not at all suitable for playing volleyball.

Choosing the right volleyball equipment is the key to victory!

Anyone who has been at least a little involved in this or that sport knows that the most important thing here is to take care of your joints, which receive colossal loads the most. This is especially true for those who play sports on hard surfaces. This is where sports knee pads come in handy. However, it is worth knowing that even such an item must be able to choose correctly.

Basic Rules

When choosing this sports equipment, you should focus on its convenience and reliability of fixation, and you need to check this immediately before purchasing. It is worth knowing that all knee pads, including those for volleyball, have their own sizes. They are designated by numbers from 1 to 4. The first size, that is, the smallest, is simply ideal for those who have a thin build. However, if this size causes even the slightest inconvenience, you should choose size 2. If you have a fairly large build, then size 3 is already suitable, but size 4 is usually chosen by those who play volleyball.

Another rule that concerns sizes. It is worth paying attention to the fact that, for example, Chinese knee pads have their own sizes, which are very different from the world standard. For example, if you compare ASIX knee pads for volleyball from Japan and similar models from China, the difference will be obvious.

In addition, the quality of the material from which this additional Sports Equipment. It is better to choose those models that are more expensive, but they are much better quality and will last longer, which is very important.

Reliable protection

In a sport like hockey, special requirements are placed on knee pads. Hockey is a very active and rather tough game, which means that here the player must be protected as much as possible. This is especially true for an athlete’s knees. The second name for this important element uniforms - hockey pads.

These elements are designed not only to protect the person himself. During the game, they should in no case interfere with the athlete himself, but at the same time be convenient, reliable and comfortable. This means that you only need to choose them by size. However, you should not immediately buy the first model you come across.

The shields themselves need to be carefully examined from all sides, be sure to try on and walk around in them for several minutes. During this time, your legs will get used to it, and you will be able to tell for sure whether you are comfortable in such equipment. If there is even the slightest discomfort, then it is better to choose another model or size.

It is worth knowing that the knee pads of both the players themselves and the goalkeeper can have very different colors. And here the right to choose completely remains with the person himself. There are times when white shields fit just fine, but red ones somehow don’t fit so well, although both of these pieces of equipment have completely identical sizes. So everything here is strictly individual.

Comfort and convenience

Volleyball knee pads are an individual product and you should never choose them by eye. However, the leader here is Asics. And the most common models here are those containing helium. It is these inserts that help reduce the risk of injury and protect against impacts during the match.


Another feature is its ergometricity, that is, after several games, such an object takes on a strictly individual shape, taking into account all the features of a person’s knee. On inner surface There is also a small hole here that helps ensure maximum ventilation, which is very important during intense gaming.

These knee pads are most often chosen professional athletes- volleyball players. And you can buy this product not only on the Internet, but also in Sportmaster stores. At the same time, buying goods in a store is much preferable, since here you can try on everything yourself, touch it, and even walk around, in order to understand whether this protective item is right for you.

Stylish and safe

Today, dancing is a very popular activity and people of almost all ages practice it. However, here too it is simply impossible to do without knee pads, especially if you train almost every day and take care of your health.

You must choose this item wisely. The most important thing is, of course, matching the size. And if the knee pad is too large or, on the contrary, too small, then in this case the risk of injury increases many times. The materials from which these items are made are also of great importance. It is better to choose only natural materials, or at least semi-natural ones. They will allow the skin to breathe during training and performances.

Again, you can buy such an item either in store or online. But it is recommended to buy on websites only if you know exactly your size and want to buy a model that, for one reason or another, has simply become unusable. If you are buying knee pads for dancing for the first time, then you should use the services of a specialized store, for example, “Sportmaster”.


Extreme Sports

Particular attention should be paid when choosing knee pads for alpine skiing and others extreme species sports. What should such models “be able to do”?

  1. Excellent knee protection in case of falls.
  2. Freedom of movement.
  3. Light weight, which is practically not felt by a person.
  4. Reliable fasteners.
  5. Naturalness of the material.
  6. The ability to let the skin breathe.

And if at least one requirement is not met, then it is better to abandon this model and look for a more reliable copy.

You need to choose knee protection yourself, and not entrust this important task to acquaintances or friends. After all, the most important thing here is to choose the right size. This is one of the most important factors that this piece of equipment will definitely be able to protect the knee during a fall. IN otherwise a person can get very seriously injured, and in some cases even have to forget about sports.

And again, when choosing a knee pad for sports, the Sportmaster specialized store is perfect, which always has all the necessary models, sizes and, of course, colors.

A special case

Sometimes it happens that the knee has some minor damage. It doesn’t seem to interfere with taking part in competitions, but at the same time I want to protect my knee well from re-injury. In this case, sports orthopedic knee pads are ideal.

Before buying such an item, you should definitely consult with your doctor and find out exactly which model you need, because there are very, very many of them produced today. Well, you can buy this item either at a pharmacy or at a specialized sports store.

And finally, sports knee pads for children. The most important thing is to choose the exact size. The level of joint protection will depend on this. But children’s joints are much more susceptible to damage, because children are several times more active than adults, which means their protection must be at an appropriate level.

It is advisable to use knee pads for playing volleyball. IN beach volleyball they are practically not used, but this type of equipment is needed for serious training and competitions. Knee pads perform one important function - they protect the athlete's knees and joints. Volleyball is not the only sport in which it is necessary to protect your knees and joints. Similar equipment is used in wrestling and football.

They have a number of differences. While football products are massive, volleyball equipment is made from lighter materials. In volleyball there are no products that would protect the entire shin along with the Achilles tendon; there is no need for such equipment.

- These are products that serve only to protect the knee. They may or may not have adjustable straps. When purchasing, it is better to choose products with an adjustable part. Such knee pads are more comfortable and can be easily adjusted to a specific athlete. If necessary, you can even give them to someone for a while.

Volleyball knee pads are made from lightweight modern materials, usually polymers. Foam products are very easy to use. The foam is located inside the knee pads, they are outer part consists of a special quick-drying material. If an athlete sweats a lot during training, the protective equipment will not become saturated with sweat, it will remain dry, because the material from which the knee pads are made promotes the evaporation of moisture.

Washable. Moreover, this should be done after every workout. Then the equipment will last longer, and the athlete will not experience discomfort during serious games.

Everyone knows that sport is good for the body. However, injuries occur quite often, especially in active species sports - such as hockey, football, running, volleyball, skiing.

The main load falls on the legs, and the knees are most often injured. To avoid this and protect the knee joint, you need to use sports knee pads - special orthopedic structures.

There are many types of them and it is very important to choose the right one to ensure maximum effectiveness in the prevention, and sometimes treatment, of injuries.

Knee pad – what is it?

The knee pad is a special orthopedic aids, whose task is to support knee joint. They provide fixation and some stabilization of the knee and patella, support the collateral ligaments and menisci.

Indications for the use of knee pads are:

Types of knee pads

Depending on their purpose, knee pads can be preventive, therapeutic or sports. They all have different structures, degrees of fixation and compression, and are made from different materials.

Conventionally, sports knee pads can be divided into 3 groups:

  • Soft. To these sports knee pads include elastic and knitted models. Their task is to provide weak or medium fixation, gently clasping the knee and the surrounding area. They also provide protection to the kneecap, preventing it from rocking from side to side. Also, such knee pads gently distribute the load. This type is used for minor injuries, mild joint diseases, and also for protection against injuries during sports. Often such knee pads have a warming effect due to improved blood flow or have an additional micro-massage effect.
  • Semi-rigid knee braces have additional reinforcements and splints on the sides. This ensures fixation of the joint and does not allow it to dangle from side to side, which in turn protects the lateral ligaments from damage. This type of knee pads is usually equipped with special fasteners (belts, Velcro) that allow you to control the fixation. The most common representatives of this group are those with a hole for the patella, which fix it and limit the movement of the cruciate ligaments. This type of bandages is used in the post-traumatic period.
  • Tough. This type of knee pads is only used in medicinal purposes and must be selected individually for each patient each time. They provide for almost complete or complete immobilization of the knee joint.

Materials from which knee pads are made


Choosing a knee pad depending on the type of sport


How to determine knee pad size

No knee brace will help you if the size was initially chosen incorrectly. Each company produces its own knee pad sizes, so you need to choose individually each time. The box with the product always contains information with a size scale.

Usually, to determine it, it is enough to measure the circumference of the knee joint in the center of the kneecap in a standing position and compare it with the scale, choosing the appropriate one.

Sometimes additional measurements of the lower leg and thigh are required. In any case, an orthopedic doctor or sales consultants will always be able to help determine the correct size.

Contraindications to wearing knee pads

There are practically no contraindications to the use of these orthopedic devices. Relative contraindications are:

  • allergies caused by the material of the knee pad;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • inflammation and violation of the integrity of the skin where the knee pad is worn;
  • purulent inflammation of the joint and in cases of contraindications to thermal procedures.

In any case, before purchasing a knee brace, you need to visit an orthopedic doctor, who will help you decide on the appropriate knee brace model and confirm the need for it.


Well-known manufacturers of knee pads: Rehband, ASICS, McDavid, TORRES. Products can be purchased in specialized departments of stores or on the Internet at prices ranging from 460 to 6,000 rubles, depending on the type.

It is important to know that knee pads intended for athletes are not always suitable for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, since their patterns are developed taking into account the requirements for protection in a particular sport. If knee pads are not selected correctly, then instead of receiving benefits, you can cause serious harm to your health.