The best pads for inline skating prevent injuries from the impact of falls allowing you to skate confidently without worry.
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Buyers Guide: The Best Pads for Inline Skating
What are the best pads for inline skating to protect you from injury?
Wearing protective gear reduces the risk of injury while inline skating. Although pads won’t make you immune to injury, they will protect you from scrapes, bruises, fractures, and severe injuries. If you are new to skating, find smooth, flat surfaces with minimal traffic to practice at. It would be best if you were comfortable with the fundamentals of rollerblading, such as stopping, controlling your speed, and turning before you venture on roads and high-traffic areas.
In this article, we cover the best wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, padded impact shorts, and shin guards to wear when rollerblading. Not everyone needs to wear every type of pad, but every pad has its place, depending on your skill level, confidence, and the kind of skating you will be doing. Many pad options are available, and deciding which pads are best for you can be challenging. We have curated a list of the best safety pads for inline skating to make your decision easier.
Note: We have not included helmets in this article. However, they are an essential piece of safety equipment for rollerblading, so we dedicated an entire article to The Best Helmets for Inline Skating.
What are the best safety pads for Inline Skating?
We have compiled a list of the Best Safety Pads for Rollerblading below, but if you are short on time and want to hear our favorites, here they are!
| Best Wrist Guards | Ennui City Wrist Guard | $45 | View All Wrist Guards |
| Best Knee Pads | Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gaskets | $70 | View All Knee Pads |
| Best Elbow Pads | Triple 8 Stealth Elbow Pads | $60 | View All Elbow Pads |
| Best Combo Packs | 187 Killer Pads Six Pack | $56 – $85 | View All Combo Packs |
| Best Knee-Shin Combo | G-Form Pro-Rugged 2 | $129 | View All Knee-Shin Guards |
| Best Shin Guards | Ennui Park Shin Guards | $50 | View All Shin Guards |
| Best Impact Shorts | Ennui Blvd | $70 | View All Impact Shorts |
Wrist Guards
What are the Benefits of Wrist guards?
Although wristguards may not protect you from all injuries, they do protect you from most. I have had many hard-impact falls that would have led to a fractured or bruised wrist or hand had I not worn them. Wrist guards prevent bruising, dislocation, or fracture of the wrist and arm by using a plastic splint on the inside of the wrist that prevents the hand from hitting the ground. They protect you the most when falling forward, allowing you to slide and absorb the impact. When falling backward, most beginners try to catch themselves by putting their hands back, which can still cause a fracture or injury. The best way to protect your wrists is to avoid catching yourself with your hands when falling.
Triple 8 Wristsaver
Triple Eight Wristsavers offer a comfy fit while providing excellent wrist protection using shock-absorbing EVA foam and impact-resistant ABS splints on the front and back. The stretchy nylon mesh provides a snug fit around your wrist for added support. While reinforced double-stitching throughout will make them last.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | JR, SM, MD, LG |
| Price | $19.99 – $22.99 |
187 Wrist Guards
187 Wrist Guards encase your wrist to offer protection with a thick reinforced splint at the base of the hand where most impacts occur. The padded interior and contoured design provide optimal fit and comfort. They have a reinforced thumbhole and palm and feature double-stitching for long-lasting durability.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | JR, XS, SM, MD, LG |
| Price | $22.95 – $23.95 |
Ennui Street Wristguards
The Ennui Street Wrist Guard features a large slider plate on the palm, and an ultra-stiff splint on the back, that offers excellent support while protecting your wrists from injuries. The lining combines neoprene and CoolMax fabric to provide ventilation and increase comfort, while three velcro straps keep everything in place. The Ennui Street wrist guard meets European safety standards.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $24.95 – $26.20 |
TSG Professional Wrist Guards
The TSG Professional Wrist Guards not only protect your wrists from the impact of falls but are also one of the few safety-certified wrist guards, meeting EN and CE safety standards. Their ergonomic design provides superb protection and support without affecting your normal range of motion. At the same time, the removable plastic splint fits the contours of your palm for unparalleled comfort and fit. TSG used abrasion and tear-resistant Cordura fabric for the body and reinforced the palm with a faux leather pad.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1, CE |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $34.95 – $39.99 |
Ennui City Wrist Brace
I’ve been using the Ennui City Wrist Brace for the past few years and absolutely love them, as they’ve saved my wrists from multiple hard slams and impacts. The ultimate in wrist protection, the Ennui City Wrist Brace construction uses medical arm brace technology that keeps your wrist in an optimal position to prevent injuries. At the same time, they allow you to recover quicker from the falls you couldn’t avoid.
The City Brace uses genuine leather and non-abrasive Velcro to provide long-lasting protection and outstanding support. Furthermore, the neoprene sleeve with ample padding provides a comfortable and snug fit, while lightweight aluminum splints on the top and bottom are incredibly strong to keep your joints safe. This wristguard complies with the EN 14120 European safety standard.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $44.99 |
Ennui Urban Gloves
The 90s-inspired retro Ennui Urban Skate Gloves protect your wrists against sprains and abrasions upon impact. These vegan-friendly gloves feature a mesh lining and vent holes making them breathable, while anatomical plastic splints protect the palms while EVA inserts shield the knuckles. The fingerless design of the Ennui Urban gloves eliminates restrictions that come with most protective gloves while offering protection against scratches and cuts that regular wrist guards can’t provide, making the Ennui Urban one of the best protective gloves out there.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $49.95 – $52.45 |
Triple 8 Hired Hands Gloves
Triple 8 Hired Hands gloves are fully padded and designed with top-grain leather, offering maximum protection and making them an excellent choice for hardcore skaters. These stylish half-finger gloves use a thick neoprene support strap to provide a secure fit and double stitching for long-lasting durability. For added protection, they feature EVA shock-absorbing foam layers and top and bottom removable impact-resistant ABS splints.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $59.99 |
Related: The 15 Best Helmets for Inline Skating
Knee Pads
Should I Wear Knee Pads When Inline Skating?
Knee pads are essential in protecting your knees from the impact of an unexpected fall or collision, preventing patellar fractures. They also reduce the risk of a sharp object penetrating the knee. Wearing knee pads is a great idea for beginners as they tend to fall forward when losing their balance, allowing them to get up and try again without fear of hurting themselves. If you are an aggressive skater or plan on venturing into skateparks, knee pads will give you the confidence to learn new tricks without worrying about injury.
Triple Eight Street Knee Pads
Ergonomically designed Triple Eight Street Knee Pads feature impact-resistant polyethylene caps with high-density EVA foam padding to protect your knees while inline skating. The hard caps are secured with reinforced rivets to enhance their durability and lifespan. They utilize a butterfly closure system with velcro straps on the top and bottom to make putting them on and taking them off easy.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 1621-2:2003 |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG |
| Price | $24.99 |
187 Fly Knee Pads
The 187 Fly Knee Pads are the slimmest and most affordable knee pads from 187 that offer superb protection. Its contoured shape and form-fitting design cradle the knee, while the seamless interior provides a perfect fit with superb comfort. The foam cushioning absorbs shock, while the riveted-on ballistic nylon cap protects against abrasions and punctures.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $42.95 – $49.99 |
Bont Knee Pads
Bont Knee Pads provide heavy-duty protection from unwanted falls and collisions. EVA memory foam in the pads absorbs hard impacts, while the riveted high-density caps allow you to slide rather than stop. The pads easily slide on and off, have a ventilation hole in the neoprene backing, and comfortably cradle your knee.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $39.99 – $49.99 |
187 Slim Knee Pads
187 Slim Knee Pads have a low-profile design with three layers of foam providing excellent protection from impacts. The pads slide on and feature a memory foam groove that keeps the pad centered on your knee, preventing it from moving around when skating or falling. They use ballistic nylon with industrial stitching and a fast-drying interior, ensuring durability for years.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $64.95 – $72.84 |
Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gaskets
The Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gasket provides a snug fit around the knee, encasing it in a spiderweb of ‘super foam’ coated in thermoplastic rubber that cushions impact. They slide on and off easily, are comfortable, and lack the restriction of bulkier knee pads. You don’t even notice these safety pads while inline skating. Elastane strips inside at the top and bottom of the gasket help lock the pad in place and prevent slippage. Since this is not a genuine hard plastic cap, higher-impact skating disciplines may seek higher protection levels.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 1621-2:2003 |
| Sizes | XXS/XS, SM/MD, LG/XL |
| Price | $69.99 |
Bont Pro Knee Pads
Bont Pro Knee Pads are EN safety certified and utilize high-performance impact foam to dissipate up to 75% more impact energy than standard high-density foam. The outside of the pads features high-density caps to prevent abrasions and punctures when falling. The caps are mounted on with countersunk rivets not to damage the surface as you fall. An ergonomic recessed area inside the pads keeps it firmly in place over your knee while providing a comfortable range of motion. The neoprene butterfly staps make these pads easy to take on and off and don’t require you to remove your skates.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $63.99 – $79.99 |
Ennui Shock Sleeve Pro Knee Gaskets
The lightweight Ennui Shock Sleeve Pro Knee Gasket easily fits under your pants, allowing flexibility while providing excellent fall protection. The molded MYFIT Shock Protection Cushion (SPC) foam with abrasion-resistant Kevlar coating is soft to the touch but hardens on impact. Inside the top of the knitted cotton sleeve are elastane strips that prevent the gaskets from slipping.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 15613:2008, CE |
| Sizes | XXS/XS, SM/MD, LG/XL |
| Price | $98.98 |
187 Pro Knee Pads
187 Killer Pro Knee Pads provide the ultimate protection for extreme skating, making them one of the bulkiest pads in this guide, yet they are still flexible. The specially formulated V-22™ Dual Density Foam and ballistic nylon construction provide superior cushion and protection for multiple hard impacts and falls. The hard plastic cap is removable and replaceable. They feature an open-back design, making taking them on and off quick and easy without removing your skates.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | JR, XS, SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $99.95 |
Related: The Absolute Best Socks for Inline Skating
Elbow Guards
Should I Wear Elbow Pads While Rollerblading?
When falling, people tend to stick out their arms in an attempt to save themselves but, unfortunately, can end up landing on and injuring their elbow. Wearing elbow pads reduces your risk of injury, allowing you to skate stress-free. Although most people do not wear elbow pads, we highly recommend them for beginners or those who want to learn new tricks at the skatepark.
Triple 8 EP55 Elbow Pads
The Triple 8 EP 55 Elbow Pads feature heavy-duty EVA memory foam padding with a high-density, impact-resistant cap attached with reinforced rivets for excellent protection. The comfortable lycra sleeve helps wick away moisture, so you forget you’re even wearing them!
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $23.40 – $49.99 |
Bont Elbow Pads
The Bont Elbow Pads can take significant impacts thanks to their high-density caps and heavy-duty EVA memory foam padding that absorbs your fall. They easily slip on until your elbow rests inside an ergonomic recess that holds your pads into place, preventing slippage. The neoprene backing has a hole for ventilation to keep you cool and dry.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL |
| Price | $31.99 – $39.99 |
187 Elbow Pads
187 Elbow Pads are contoured to cradle the elbow and provide ultimate comfort and fit. In the case of severe impacts, EPS foam layers absorb the shock of the fall, while the plastic shell protects your elbows from abrasions and punctures. The pads use ballistic nylon with industrial-weight stitching to ensure durability.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL |
| Price | $37.95 – $39.99 |
187 Pro Elbow Pads
The extra thick foam padding of 187 Killer Pads Pro Elbow Pads provides maximum protection while keeping you comfortable. On the exterior of the pads, the size progressed caps protect your elbows from abrasions and sharp objects. They are made of ballistic nylon with industrial-weight stitching for long-lasting durability.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $44.38 – $49.99 |
Ennui Ave Elbow Gaskets
Ennui Ave Elbow Gaskets feature an external hard cap surrounded by high-density EVA foam inserts to protect you from high-impact falls and slides. Inside the neoprene sleeves are two non-slip silicon strips at the top and bottom openings and double straps on the outside to keep them in place.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1 2007, CE |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $49.95 – $52.45 |
Triple 8 Stealth Elbow Pads
Triple 8 Stealth Elbow Pads offer a low-profile design with high-density foam and a hidden plastic Hardcap under a tough Kevlar exterior that protects your elbows from the nastiest spills. The perforated neoprene construction allows great breathability, while the contoured slip-on design provides excellent comfort and security.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $54.99 – $64.99 |
G-Form Pro-X3 Elbow Guards
Our G-Form Pro-X3 Elbow Guards offer SmartFlex™ protection that is flexible as you skate yet hardens on impact in the event of a crash. They are so lightweight and unintrusive that you won’t even know you are wearing them. Furthermore, silicone grippers in the moisture-wicking compression sleeves secure the ventilated pads. They are fully waterproof and machine washable to keep them fresh and clean.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $41.25 – $59.99 |
Ennui Shock Sleeve Elbow Gaskets
The Ennui Shock Sleeve Elbow Gaskets use shock-absorbing foam safety pads that harden upon impact when falling while inline skating. The foam is coated in abrasion-resistant thermoplastic rubber to protect against impacts and scrapes while giving these pads long-lasting durability. Moreover, the low-profile pad can be worn underneath your clothing while delivering uncompromised protection. Skaters who are not interested in heavyweight protection offered by bigger, bulkier pads will love these gaskets! The cotton sleeve slides on and off and features no-slip strips that help secure the pad over the elbow.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 1621-2:2003 |
| Sizes | XXS/XS, SM/MD, LG/XL |
| Price | $59.99 |
Related: 50 Awesome Gift Ideas for Inline Skaters
Combo Packs
What Are Protective Gear Combo Packs?
Combo packs feature a combination of elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards bundled together at a reasonable price. They are excellent for beginners seeking quality safety protection without breaking the bank. Wearing all the pads is a wise choice to protect you from injury while providing confidence to learn.
Powerslide One Basic Pad Set
The Powerslide Basic Protective Gear 3pk is perfect for entry-level skaters looking for lightweight and slim protection that allows freedom of movement at a great price. The knee and elbow pads feature high-density EVA foam with large plastic caps with reinforced centers. The wristguards also use EVA foam padding and have large flat splints for excellent protection.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $24.97 |
Triple 8 Saver Series Pad Set
The Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set includes knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to protect from falls while providing confidence while learning to skate. The elbow and knee pads use lightweight, shock-absorbing, ventilated EVA foam that provides cool air flow and limits perspiration. Polycarbonate hard caps cover the padding, providing superb protection without restricting movement. The snug-fitting wrist guards feature high-density, impact-resistant molded ABS splints and 4-way stretch nylon mesh.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | JR, SM, MD, LG |
| Price | $35.92 – $44.95 |
Rollerblade X-Gear Protective Gear
Using high-impact materials, the Rollerblade X-Gear 3 Pack is the ultimate protective gear for wrists, knees, and elbows. The breathable pads feature a slim profile with anti-abrasion components, providing the ultimate fit. They feature right/left specific protection and removable liners for washing.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $35.96 – $59.99 |
Ennui Park Combo Pack
The Ennui Park Combo Pack is an excellent value for beginners who want to venture into the skatepark; that includes knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads to protect from abrasions and impacts. The knee and elbow pads use EVA padding with hardshell caps to provide outstanding protection while allowing plenty of movement. Furthermore, the wrap-around wrist guards feature thick splints that provide superb protection.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1 2007 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $59.99 |
187 Killer Pads Six Pack
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack is an easy and cost-effective option to protect yourself from injuring your knees, wrists, and elbows when falling. All the pads in this set are contoured and form-fitting to prevent slippage while offering superb comfort and mobility. Shock-absorbing foam and high-density plastic caps protection against abrasions and high-impact spills. Superior foam systems absorb the hard impacts, while high-density plastic hard caps protect from abrasion and minor bumps. They use ballistic nylon for long-lasting durability and are available in multiple colors and patterns.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | JR, XS, SM/MD, LG/XL, XXL |
| Price | $54.99 – $84.99 |
Related: The 36 Best Inline Skates and Rollerblades
Ennui Street Combo Pack
Designed with street skaters in mind, the Ennui Street Knee & Wrist Combo Pack offers excellent protection from impacts that require reliable padding. The knee pads feature high-density EVA foam with a narrow hard cap that absorbs and distributes the shock of an impact. The CoolMax lined wrist guards with polyethylene splints provide a firm wrap around the wrist using three velcro straps.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | EN 14120:2003+A1 2007 |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Price | $64.95 |
shin Guards
When Should I Wear Shin Guards For Inline Skating?
Designed with aggressive inline skaters in mind, shin guards protect you from impacts to the shin when missing tricks. Wearing shinguards will give you the confidence you need to exceed when skating ledges on the street or skating on a mini ramp at the park. Although they are one of the most important pads to protect aggressive skaters, they aren’t necessary for most rollerblading disciplines.
G-Form Pro-X3 Shin Guards
The G-Form Pro-X3 Shin Guards feature SmartFlex™ protection that is flexible as you skate yet hardens on impact in the event of a crash. And SmartFlex pads are fully waterproof, so machine wash them as needed.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | CE 15613 impact with 1621 coverage |
| Sizes | SM/MD, LG/XL |
| Price | $34.99 – $39.99 |
Ennui Park shin guards
Ennui Park Shin Guards are form-fitting, lightweight guards offering excellent shin protection. Park Shins have a formable hard cap underneath a layer of highly durable Kevlar. The elastic wraparound straps adjust to various sizes and have Velcro top to bottom for a secure fit. Inside, a terry cloth liner rests directly against your shin, with protective foam underneath to absorb impacts.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | CE, EN 13061:2009 |
| Sizes | SM/MD, LG/XL |
| Price | $54.95 |
Triple 8 Exoskin Shinguards
Designed to protect BMXers from the impact of their pedals, Triple 8 Exoskin Shin Guards also offer excellent protection from shin impacts experienced by aggressive inline skaters. These neoprene shinguards feature removable PE shin and side splints with shock-absorbing EVA foam beneath them for additional protection. Four Velcro® straps create a secure, custom fit.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG |
| Price | $44.99 – $59.99 |
Related: Best Aggressive Inline Skates
Padded Impact Shorts
Should I Wear Padded Impact Shorts When Rollerblading?
Padded shorts protect the thighs, hips, buttocks, and tailbone from impacts resulting from a fall or collision. They prevent bruising of the body and can save you from potentially breaking your tailbone. Impact shorts are a smart choice for beginners learning to skate to experts doing tricks or performing risky stunts.
TSG All Terrain Crash Pants
TSG All Terrain Crash Pants use EVA and ACF foam padding to protect the hips, thighs, and tailbone during an unexpected fall or collision. The slim and form-fitting spandex body with vented mesh panels has an elastic waist to keep them in place. Crash pants are so comfortable you won’t even know they are there. Skaters love crash pants because they provide the confidence to try new tricks without worry. All the foam padding is removable for washing.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | CE Certified (EU 2016/425), EN 13688:2013 |
| Sizes | SM (29.9″ – 31.9″), MD (31.9″ – 33.9″), LG (33.9″ – 35.8″), XL (35.8″ – 37.8″) |
| Price | $69.95 |
Ennui BLVD
The ENNUI BLVD are form-fitting, lightweight, breathable spandex padded shorts that protect against hard falls. Strategically located MyFit SPC super foam padding on the hips, thighs, tailbone, and lower buttocks offers excellent protection from significant impacts. Removable hard caps on hips and tailbone add further protection.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | CE, EN 1621-1:2012, Level 1, Type A |
| Sizes | SM/MD (24.8″ – 28.4″), LG/XL (28.4″ – 31.4″) |
| Price | $69.95 |
REKD Energy Impact Shorts
REKD Energy Impact Shorts feature a low-profile design that will fit under most jeans and shorts comfortably. These impact shorts offer padding to protect your glute, thigh, hamstring, and tailbone from impacts. The removable coccyx bone protector offers extra protection for your tailbone, while the REKD Energy Foam reduces up to 75% more impact than standard high-density foam. REKD Energy Impact Shorts are one-piece lycra to avoid pinching between pads.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS (26″ – 30″), SM (28″ – 32″), MD (30″ – 34″), LG (32″ – 36″), XL (34″ – 38″) |
| Price | $69.95 |
Triple 8 Bumsaver
Triple 8 Bumsaver padded shorts protect your thigh, hip, and tailbone through multiple wipeouts, boosting confidence and allowing you to take skating to the next level. The shock-absorbing EVA pads inside the lightweight, breathable, and form-fitting mesh construction are removable and washable.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | XS (22″ – 27″), SM (26″ – 30″), MD (29″ – 33″), LG (32″ – 38″), XL (36″ – 42″) |
| Price | $74.99 – $79.99 |
Tortoise Pads T2 Impact Shorts
Tortoise Pads T2 Impact Shorts protect your butt, hips, and tailbone from hard falls. T2 Padded Shorts feature seven lightweight, high-impact EVA foam pads inside minimally spaced pockets on the back and sides of the shorts. They provide excellent shock absorption, comfort, and maneuverability and fit easily underneath your pants or shorts.
| Specifications | |
| Certifications | N/A |
| Sizes | SM (30″ – 32.5″), MD (32″ – 34.5″), LG (34″ – 36.5″), XL (36.5″ – 40″), XXL (39.5″ – 43″) |
| Price | $90.95 – $103.95 |
Related: The 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids of 2023
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