Best MMA Knee Pads in 2021

If there is one area that most MMA fighters seem to give up on, it is their knees. Workout is difficult, whether it is technique or endurance training. Even stretching and recuperation may be taxing on the knees. Throw in aging and a slew of other issues other than MMA, and it’s easy to understand why our knees don’t last as much as we would prefer them to.

Fortunately, there are techniques to safeguard our knees when training. Knee pads, such as boxing gloves or chest protectors, are becoming a vital piece of equipment, whether it’s impact prevention from surface burns or high-grade support following damage. With that specific goal, we conducted our analysis and identified the Best MMA Knee Pads in 2021.

Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads
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Quick Overview of Top 3

#1 Winner

Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads

Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads

#2 Runner Up

McDavid Bionic Knee Brace

McDavid Bionic Knee Brace

#3 Third

ASICS Unisex-Adult Slider Kneepad

ASICS Unisex-Adult Slider Kneepad

Buying Guide

Materials

When it comes to materials, you must first grasp the construction of the knee pads. It generally consists of three parts: the sleeve, the padding, and the closure. Frequently, all three are composed of diverse materials. When it comes to sleeves, elastic cotton is a possibility, but neoprene, which is flexible, is the benchmark. Next time you come across one, go for it.

Comfort

You should ensure that the knee pads are comfy, just like everything else you’ll be wearing when exercising. When you initially put them on, they may be annoying, and it may take some time for you to become used to them.

However, you must ensure that they will not cut into your legs or impede your movement. If you can’t bend or stretch your knees, they’re too tight. Furthermore, if the material is not pleasant on your skin, you may become quickly distracted. Keep in mind that the knee pads are correctly fitted and comfy so you can execute your best.

Durability

The durability of knee pads is determined by several factors, including the quality, amount of usage, and material. To get long-lasting MMA knee pads, you need carefully consider these three factors and get feedback from other users. After perusing the article, you would have a better idea of which knee pads are the fastest to wear and which will last the longest. The degree of care you provide your pads also impacts their lifetime.

Padding

Padding is critical since it contributes to the cause you’re wearing knee protectors. The cushioning might be in the shape of a shell or a cap. Furthermore, the pads are made of foam, polyester, latex, or carbon fiber. The sort of cushioning you use decides which portion of your knee will be protected the most. Furthermore, they determine the amount of protection and shock absorbing provided.

Protection

You should consider how much protection you require for your own knees. If you’ve never been injured, you can usually get away with less cushioning and a decent wrap. However, if you’re recovering from an injury or have a known weakness, it’s critical to purchase knee pads with adequate cushioning and protection.

Top 9 Best MMA Knee Pads

Bodyprox’s protective knee pad is designed specifically, and high-quality, making it appropriate for a wide range of activities, including grappling. It is an absolute must for MMA.

Bodyprox designed it to be exceptionally breathable and stretchy, but its high-density sponge material also absorbs shocks and resists force impact.

Furthermore, flexibility of movement is essential for precise acts that might lead to success.

And this knee pad does exactly that, protecting while loosening up your knee joints with compressions and shaping that increase blood circulation to ensure that your joints do not tighten up.

Despite the high level of protection provided, these knee pads are incredibly lightweight and will not weigh you down. This is owing to the usage of a permeable lightweight material.

Bodyprox not only provides the ultimate MMA training experience, but they also provide their knee pad at such a low price, providing you the flexibility and protection you need—both on the mat and in your pocket.

Pros

  • Design for ergonomics
  • The right to move freely
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Large elastoplastic force

Cons

  • Quite bulky
  • Cushioning is prone to deterioration

The Bio-Logix MultiSports Sleeve is included on these McDavid knee pads. The Bio-Logix idea is entirely centered on the reality of human form. This design is used to create products that organically expand the biomechanics of natural human boundaries.

This product is crafted to be the most sophisticated knee support pads available, with a strategic mixture of stiff and soft materials. You also have the compression sleeve built into the fabric, which gives extra support. The knee pads may be worn with or without the compression pad.

The knee pads include a strap adjustment system that provides an outstanding range of adjustability as well as structural support.

Furthermore, the Flex-Fit shin and thigh wicking and lining pads maximize ventilation, ensuring maximum comfort during high-intensity activity. The fact that the inner pads are washable is an added bonus.

Pros

  • Lining pads that can be washed
  • Extensive strap adjustment range
  • Consist of the Bio-Logix multi-sports Sleeve

Cons

  • After prolonged use, the knee brace may break

For those searching for basic protection at a cheap cost, the Asics Slider V offers many of the features that you would expect to find in a premium knee pad.

These come as a pair, which is always a plus, and they are still extremely low on the pricing scale.

The knee pads have a very large coverage area that should protect your whole knee as well as the sides.

The pads are divided into two portions to protect the sides, a big pad for the foot of the knee and the knee cap, and a pad over the top of the knee. The cushioning is constructed of polyurethane, which compresses when squeezed and then comes back.

They come in one size that should fit almost everyone, although if you’re on the larger side, they could be a little snug.

While they aren’t very good at wicking away moisture or being antimicrobial, they are quite easy to wash, so that’s a plus.

Pros

  • Knee pad made of gel
  • Specific to the right or left
  • Padding on both the sides and the front of the pad

Cons

  • Insufficient padding

PISICI is a brand recognized for striking the ideal mix between high quality and low cost. PISICI integrated all necessary aspects in these knee caps, from the fabric to the design, incorporating features such as closed foam cushioning.

The knee cap leg sleeves are made of ultra-high-density elastic nylon fabric and are pleasant, breathable, and long-lasting. They absorb perspiration and keep your legs dry even after prolonged use. On the interior, there is a double-layer and wavy silicone anti-slip strip. This prevents the knee caps from slipping off, regardless of the intensity of your exercise. Furthermore, even after extensive use, the structure of these knee caps stays intact and does not deform.

These pads provide four-way stretch and compression capabilities, which assist enhance muscular endurance without impeding blood circulation. You won’t have to worry about damp or stinky knee caps thanks to the moisture-wicking technology.

Pros

  • Fabric is stretchable, breathable, and long-lasting
  • Features technology for wicking away moisture
  • Soft and comfy

Cons

  • After continuous use, the elasticity may deteriorate

The McDavid Protective Knee Pads are another entrance into the knee pads that you will want to utilize for MMA.

Because of their adaptability, it’s clear that these aren’t specialty pads, but that doesn’t make them terrible. To begin with, you should anticipate paying a reasonable price for them, but they do come in a pair as well as a range of different sizes and colors.

The cushioning in this model is noteworthy since it is 12 closed-cell foam padding composed of polyurethane. The impact protection is adequate, but the pads truly shine for mat practice where you’ll be on your knees a lot.

The cushioning is long-lasting and springy, so it won’t sink in and never come back. However, because the protecting component of the pad isn’t segmented, it’s one huge piece that covers a large amount of the knee. 

Nonetheless, the pads are enough for protection and give decent comfort due to the elastic sleeve, which makes it simple to put on and take off as needed.

Pros

  • Various sizes and colors are available.
  • Breathable thanks to hDC moisture management technology
  • Very long-lasting
  • Improved fit with a larger size
  • Warming treatment for the muscles

Cons

  • After 6+ hours, it may become hot around the knees if you don’t wear an extra layer
  • Constant upkeep is required

The Meister MMA knee wrap is a little different from the others on this list.

Now, each knee ailment is unique.  Most sleeves are designed to handle a wide range of issues while also providing support and protection to the knee overall.

However, if you have a particular issue region around the knee that requires more assistance, these knee wraps are for you.

If the area right above the knee cap frequently twinges and hurts during practice, add an additional layer or two of cushioning there when you put on the wraps. If you want to use your knee wraps for lifting weights as well, they are the ideal option because they are widely utilized by power lifters and muscle trainers while trying personal bests.

Pros

  • Adjustability is achieved through the use of a loop and wrap architecture
  • Velcro closure for further security
  • Provide more than adequate assistance
  • Stretchy substance that is long-lasting

Cons

  • It takes some skill to wrap them properly

Cliff Keen is a wrestling brand, but its kneepads are equally appropriate for MMA. They are aware of the most susceptible regions of the knee and have a better grasp of how to protect them while keeping you comfortable.

Because it is highly form-fitting, these kneepads will not be visible under your gi or stick out.

It has 5 cushioning portions on each side, somewhere along the knees, and one that protects the knee cap itself, and is specially intended to give padding over a vast region of your knee.

The cushioning isn’t as thick as some, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less efficient at absorbing impacts.

Cliff Keen goes to considerable efforts to guarantee that their pads are comfortable to wear. It has air vents that allow the knee pad to breathe, and the back of the pad has mesh panels that stretch and bend with the wearer.

Pros

  • Extensive cushioning provides plenty of protection
  • Provides a high level of assistance
  • Design with a low profile
  • Ventilated to allow for better circulation
  • It is simple to put on and take off

Cons

  • Only black is available
  • Not sold as a set

If you’re seeking for additional lightweight support, we suggest the RDX Knee Support Pads. They’re also an excellent alternative for those on a tight budget.

The RDX Knee Support Pads accomplish exactly what they claim. They are made of a lightweight, flexible, and robust woven carbon fabric that will provide optimum resilience.

 The Supremo-shock foam cushioning provides great comfort.

These knee support pads also have an extra layer of Spon X padding that will provide ideal cushioning when subjected to high-intensity force, making them an excellent choice for boxers.

Furthermore, the extra cushioning will not impede mobility, and the flat-locked joints would guarantee the kneepads can survive frequent, heavy-duty use.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Design that is both durable and robust
  • Hook and loop is a low-maintenance design

Cons

  • Some people consider them to be bulky

This fantastic pad is available at KO Sports Gear in a number of sizes, including children’s sizes, so you can choose the precise model that fits you properly. This sleeve is intended to move with the knee joints, allowing you to maneuver and respond quickly without being restricted by the sleeve.

The sleeve is fully cushioned, with additional cushioning around the knee cap. Practicing double legs as well as other shoot takedowns may be quite taxing on your knees, but with these, you can keep shooting without having to slow down because of pain.

Pros

  • Neoprene padding
  • Great breathability
  • High-quality material
  • Helps keep the joints warm

Cons

  • Individually sold

FAQs

How do knee pads work?

Knee pads work by employing protective cushioning to cushion the blow from a strong impact. They also contain layers to protect your knee from scrapes and bruising.

Why should I use knee pads?

You wear knee pads to protect yourself from potentially fatal injuries such as arthritis or ligament rips, which might terminate our careers in grappling sports such as MMA, Muay Thai, or grappling.

When should knee pads be worn?

Whereas knee pads must always be worn during a fight, they may also be worn during practice or even throughout the day to protect the knees from damaging impact.

How long can knee pads be used?

Typically knee pads have a life span of about 2 years of consistent usage, based on what they are in use for. However, other factors, like material and design, can dramatically vary that figure.

Bottom Line

Knee pads are an essential component of your MMA gear, whether you have chronic knee problems, are recuperating from a knee damage, or wish to avoid potential knee injuries. You want to be certain that you obtain a quality set of pads that are right for you.

When making your selection, keep the quality of the pads in mind so that you are not distracted while training.

You must also have the appropriate fit so that they can work for you. Check to see whether they have enough insurance to function with you and if the prices are all within your budget.

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Timmy

Timmy

I'm Timmy and I'm the chief-editor and co-founder of Jiu-Jitsu Street. You'll usually find me on the mats and also cross-training Muay Thai. Besides martial arts I'm also into functional fitness and all things health. Jiu-Jitsu Street was created to provide useful information for BJJ beginners and seasoned practitioners alike to help you on your journey and love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Oss!

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