Find the best kids’ safety pads to prevent injuries and boost confidence in skating and action sports.
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Kids’ Protective Gear Buyers Guide
Ensuring your child wears protective gear significantly reduces the risk of injuries while inline skating, roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, or using scooters. While safety pads can’t completely prevent injuries, they protect against scrapes, bruises, fractures, and more serious harm. For beginners, finding smooth, flat areas with little traffic where your child can practice safely is crucial. Before venturing onto roads and busier areas, children should feel comfortable with basic skills such as stopping, managing speed, and making turns.
This article reviews pad sets that include elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards, offering excellent safety for kids without breaking the bank. Encouraging your child to wear all the pads protects them from potential injuries and boosts their confidence as they learn. With numerous safety pad options available online, finding the best protective gear for your child can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best safety pads for kids.
Note: We have not included helmets in this article. However, helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment for kids, so we dedicated two articles to them, The 5 Best Skate Helmets for Kids and The 14 Best Bike Helmets for Kids.
The Best Safety Pads for Kids
Below, you’ll find our compilation of the best safety pads for kids. However, if you’re pressed for time and prefer a quick overview of our top picks, here they are!
| Our Choice | 187 Killer Pads Jr. Six Pack | $50.49 |
| Runner Up | Triple Eight Youth Little Tricky | $44.99 |
| Best for Bigger Kids | Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set | $34.99 – $47.99 |
| Best for Toddlers | Simply Kids Knee and Elbow Pads | $28.95 |
| Best Value | Outdoor master Protective Gear Set | $21.99 |
| Best Set with Helmet | Spofine Safety Gear Set W/ Helmet | $39.99 |
| Best Soft Shell Pads | LaScoota Knee and Elbow Pads Set | $26.99 |
| Honorable Mention | Smith Scabs Safety Gear Set | $28.95 |
187 Killer Pads Jr. Six Pack
When it comes to safety and protection, the 187 Killer Pads for Juniors stand out as the finest in the industry. The expertise and artistry that have been proven in our Pro Series are applied to ensure that this junior set offers the best fit, utmost comfort, and exceptional durability. Renowned by the world’s premier skaters, 187 Killer Pads is the trusted brand you can rely on.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | SM, MD |
| Colors | Available in 19 different colors and patterns. |
| Price | $50.49 |
Related: The 5 Best Skate Helmets for Kids
Triple Eight Youth Little Tricky
The Little Tricky Protective Pack offers superior protection for active youths engaged in high-impact sports. It includes ergonomically fitted knee and elbow pads made from high-grade materials, providing comfort and unrestricted movement. The wrist guards feature impact-resistant splints for added support. The pack comes with wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, an instructional safety DVD.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | Youth |
| Colors | Black |
| Price | $44.99 |
Related: The 14 Best Bike Helmets for Kids
Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set
The Triple 8 Saver Series Pad Set for juniors and kids is a comprehensive protective package that ensures all-around safety during various activities. The knee and elbow pads are thoughtfully designed for comfort and movement, utilizing high-quality fabrics, EVA foam padding, and full-coverage polycarbonate caps for top-notch safeguarding. The wrist guards provide robust defense with impact-resistant molded ABS splints and durable 4-way stretch nylon mesh for a snug fit. All pads are easily wearable thanks to their sleeveless design, featuring wide reinforced elastic straps and adjustable hook and loop closures for a secure fit.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | Junior, Small |
| Colors | Black, Charcoal Camo, Floral, Pacific Beach, Shaved Ice, Sunset, Tie Dye |
| Price | $39.56 – $41.32 |
Related: The 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids
Simply Kids Knee and Elbow Pads
The safety pad set from Simply Kids features three layers of heavy-duty material that effectively absorb impacts, providing advanced protection before your child feels it. The soft-pad technology guarantees uninhibited movement, ensuring your child’s freedom of motion. These pads are resistant to scrapes, lightweight, easily bendable, and well-ventilated. A key feature is their washability, preventing odors and ensuring a comfortable experience for your child’s skin.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG |
| Colors | Available in 23 different colors and patterns. |
| Price | $28.95 |
Related: The Best Roller Skates for Kids and Teens
Outdoor master Protective Gear Set
The Outdoor Master Protective Gear Set provides excellent security for your child in case of falls. The knee and elbow pads feature high-quality PP shells, accompanied by a special PE foaming layer that absorbs impact, safeguarding muscles and joints. These pads are designed to cover a larger protection area while allowing easy movement in sports. The material is gentle on the skin, promoting comfort and breathability, and reducing the risk of allergies. Specifically tailored for kids aged 3 to 15, the ergonomic design ensures a snug fit for knees, elbows, and wrists, aiding in joint flexibility.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | SM, MD |
| Colors | Unicorn Tail, Aqua Squad, Camo, Fairy Hut, Little Bee, Ninja Clan |
| Price | $19.99 |
Spofine Safety Gear Set W/ Helmet
The Spofine Protective Gear Bundle includes a set of knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. Available in four different colors, Spofine offers sizes for kids, teenagers, and adults. Hook and loop closure allows easy entry, and the slow absorbent foam and hard caps protect the knees and elbows. A rigid plastic brace protects wrists from impact, while the helmet protects the body’s most precious commodity.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Silver |
| Price | $29.99 |
Related: The 24 Best Scooters for Kids from Toddlers to Teens
LaScoota Kids Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set
The LaScoota Kids Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set is an ideal choice for children requiring protection during activities like riding scooters, roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, and other sports. Crafted from quality, tested, and breathable materials, these knee and elbow pads offer durability. Additionally, the set includes gloves that enhance mobility, unlike bulky kids’ wrist guards, while effectively safeguarding against scuffs resulting from falls.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | SM, MD |
| Colors | Blue, Black, Purple, Pink |
| Price | $26.31 |
Related: The 10 Best Ice Skates for Kids and Teens
Smith Scabs Safety Gear Set
The Smith Scabs pad set is an excellent choice for reliable protection, offering a supple and secure pad that consistently delivers. Designed for young skaters, the Youth 3-Pack encompasses perfectly sized knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. With a convenient Velcro closure, slipping into them is effortless. The absorbent slow memory foam and durable hard caps ensure thorough safeguarding for knees and elbows. Meanwhile, a sturdy plastic brace provides crucial wrist impact protection. Count on Smith Scabs for unmatched safety and flexibility, ready for every skating adventure.
| Specifications | |
| Sizes | Youth |
| Colors | Red/Black, Black/White |
| Price | $28.95 |
Related: The 36 Best Inline Skates and Rollerblades
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential safety pads does my child need for skating and other action sports?
For optimal protection, your child should wear a set of elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. These pads help prevent scrapes, bruises, fractures, and more serious injuries during falls and impacts.
How do I determine the correct size of safety pads for my child?
To find the right size, measure your child’s elbow, knee, and wrist circumference. Most manufacturers provide size charts based on these measurements. Choosing pads that fit snugly but comfortably without restricting movement is essential.
Are there any specific features I should look for in safety pads for kids?
Look for pads with adjustable straps, breathable materials, and sturdy plastic caps for impact protection. Washable liners and ergonomic designs that conform to your child’s body can enhance comfort and usability.
Can safety pads be used for multiple sports?
Yes, many safety pads are versatile and can be used for various activities, including inline skating, roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, and scootering. Ensure the pads are designed for the specific sport to provide adequate protection.
How often should I replace my child’s safety pads?
Regular inspection is key. Check the pads for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps, cracked plastic caps, or compressed padding. Replace them immediately if they show significant damage. Typically, safety pads should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on frequency of use and condition. This proactive approach ensures your child’s safety is always a priority.
How can I encourage my child to wear safety pads consistently?
Lead by example. Choose safety pads with fun designs or colors that appeal to your child. Explain the importance of wearing protective gear and show them that you also wear your own safety equipment. This influential approach, along with consistent reinforcement and positive reinforcement, can help build good habits.
