Best Mountain Biking Knee Pads for Trail Protection

Mountain biking is full of adrenaline and excitement, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. One essential piece of protective gear that no rider should overlook is a pair of high-quality knee pads.

Whether you’re pushing your limits on aggressive downhill trails or just want a little extra security on all-day cross-country rides, the best mountain bike knee pads can make the difference between brushing yourself off after a fall or nursing an injury.

We’ve tested and reviewed a range of knee pads to bring you the top 8 options for 2024, each suited for different riding styles and needs.

Why Wear Mountain Bike Knee Pads?

Protection isn’t always a priority until it’s too late, but wearing knee pads can be the deciding factor between getting back on your bike after a spill or having to spend weeks off the trail.

With more riders taking on fast, challenging trails on enduro mountain bikes, knee pads are becoming as critical as a helmet.

In recent years, knee pads have evolved, offering more protection with improved comfort, meaning you no longer need to put up with uncomfortable, restrictive pads.

From heavy-duty pads designed for pure downhill runs to lighter, more flexible options suitable for pedaling, this guide covers a wide range of knee pads.

We take a look at everything that matters—from high-tech impact materials to advanced designs that ensure breathability and comfort.

Among our top choices are Rapha’s Trail Knee Pads, which excel in all-day comfort, and the lightweight Endura MT500 Lite that provides excellent protection without breaking the bank.

Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads

Choosing the right knee pads can make all the difference between a fun ride and a painful crash. Check out the best options available, each carefully tested for comfort, protection, and suitability for various styles of mountain biking.

1. Best Overall: Rapha Trail Knee Pads

• Reasons to Buy: Great fit, no slippage, comfortable for pedaling, lightweight and well-ventilated
• Reasons to Avoid: More focused on trail protection than enduro-level impacts

Rapha’s Trail Knee Pads bring the brand’s road expertise to the world of mountain biking, offering a highly comfortable, reliable option for trail riding.

These pads use a sleeve-style design that houses a flexible insert made from Rheon Labs’ active polymer material. The polymer remains pliable while you pedal but stiffens instantly upon impact to protect your knees.

The combination of the secure sleeve fit and the responsive polymer means that the Rapha Trail Knee Pads are barely noticeable during long rides.

Ventilation is another standout feature, with enough airflow to keep your legs cool on hot summer rides. These pads are also slim enough to fit under tight race pants without any issues.

Overall, the Rapha Trail Knee Pads excel at providing protection without compromising comfort or mobility, making them a top choice for trail riders.

They are designed to stay in place with no need for adjustments, even after long climbs and intense descents, ensuring that you stay focused on your ride.

2. Best for Aggressive Trail and Gravity Riding

• Reasons to Buy: Comfortable fit, good size range, effective shock absorption
• Reasons to Avoid: Limited side padding

The Sweet Protection Knee Pad is perfect for riders who are tackling aggressive trails and gravity-focused rides.

The pad features a removable SAS-TEC SCL 2 viscoelastic foam cup, also known as memory foam, which offers impressive shock absorption. This foam molds to your knee as it warms up, making it more flexible and comfortable as you ride.

The minimal side padding keeps the weight down while maximizing comfort. The sleeve is breathable and allows freedom of movement, ensuring that you won’t feel restricted during climbs.

Overall, the Sweet Protection Knee Pad provides a well-balanced mix of comfort and protection, making it ideal for both trail and enduro riding.

3. Best Lightweight: Endura MT500 Ghost

• Reasons to Buy: Ultra-flexible, lightweight, breathable, easy to store
• Reasons to Avoid: Limited protection against sharp objects

The Endura MT500 Ghost knee pads are an excellent choice if you need lightweight protection that doesn’t hinder your movement.

Designed in collaboration with D3O, the MT500 Ghost pads feature the brand’s Ghost protection technology, which is the thinnest and most flexible impact protection available while still exceeding Level 1 impact standards.

The breathable, open grid structure of the pad keeps sweat at bay, even under riding pants, while the rollable design makes it easy to stash these pads in your backpack when not needed. T

hese are perfect for those who want protection that won’t weigh them down or restrict movement during pedaling-heavy rides.

4. Best for All-Day Comfort: 7 Protection Sam Hill Knee Pad

• Reasons to Buy: Full coverage, stable fit, all-day comfort
• Reasons to Avoid: Can be slightly stiff at first

Designed in collaboration with downhill legend Sam Hill, the 7 Protection Sam Hill Knee Pads provide ample coverage and comfort for all-day riding.

These pads feature an impact-absorbing SAS-TEC foam cup that remains flexible for pedaling but stiffens on impact, offering great protection.

The mesh backing ensures good airflow, while silicone grippers keep the sleeve securely in place, even during long rides or after a crash.

The Sam Hill Knee Pads are ideal for enduro riders who want dependable coverage and confidence-inspiring stability.

5. Best for Big Impacts: IXS Carve Race Knee Pads

• Reasons to Buy: Excellent impact absorption, secure fit, lightweight
• Reasons to Avoid: Can get hot during summer rides

The IXS Carve Race Knee Pads are designed for those who need the highest level of protection for tackling tough trails.

The pads feature a 3D-molded piece of ‘Xmatter’ material that wraps around the knee and extends down the shin for added protection. The abrasion-resistant sleeve holds everything in place, with silicone grippers to prevent slippage.

These pads are lightweight enough for extended use, but they do get a bit warm on hot days, which is a common trade-off for this level of protection.

Despite that, the Carve Race Knee Pads excel in providing reliable, all-day comfort and impact absorption.

6. Best for Freeride: Fasthouse Hooper

• Reasons to Buy: Solid protection, lightweight, comfortable fit
• Reasons to Avoid: Knee cup lacks flexibility compared to other options

The Fasthouse Hooper pads are designed by Tyler McCaul and built for all-around riding, whether you’re tackling jumps or freeriding in the backcountry.

The injected foam pads firm up on impact, providing a good level of protection without being too bulky.

A mesh back panel and silicone grippers ensure these pads stay in place, and they’re slim enough to fit comfortably under riding pants.

The knee cup may not be as flexible as some other high-tech options, but it offers effective protection without sacrificing comfort.

How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads

When choosing knee pads, consider the type of riding you plan to do. For downhill and aggressive trail riding, you’ll need pads with excellent impact absorption.

For all-day rides, comfort and flexibility are key factors. Look for pads with breathable materials and a secure fit, so you don’t have to adjust them constantly.

Modern knee pads use advanced materials like D3O or SAS-TEC that remain flexible while riding but stiffen upon impact, offering the best of both worlds—comfort and protection.

How We Test

Our team has decades of experience testing mountain biking gear in real-world conditions. We conduct extensive rides in a variety of terrains to bring you unbiased, practical insights into each product.

Protect yourself and enjoy your ride with the right knee pads for your style of mountain biking. Browse our detailed reviews above to help you make the best choice for your needs.