The 8 Best Skateboard Pads of 2022
By: Steve Settles: Skate Buyer | June 3, 2022
A couple of decades ago when everyone and their mother was obsessing over Tony Hawk’s video games and big money vert skating contests on television, the liberally applied moniker for skateboarding as an “extreme sport” was coined. Although skaters have collectively been trying to shake off this label ever since it was well-earned for the natural risks that come with the territory of pushing your limits flying through the air on a wooden toy. Because of this inherent danger, the best skateboard pads, like the ones seen in those highly televised vert events not only minimize the chances of getting hurt but build’s new skater’s confidence and make natural progression come with peace of mind. With these benefits in mind, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite safety equipment for 2022 (aside from helmets, which can be found on our best skateboard helmets list) manufactured by the fine folks at Triple 8 and Pro-Tec for skaters of every size and skill level.
New This Year:
New to our list this year are more varied sizing options and colors for some products. Be sure to refer to the sizing guide for all pads as you make your way through our selections, as they may vary slightly between styles. The two brands featured here have spent decades fine-tuning their skateboard pads to be the safest and most functional available today, so regardless of what you select you or your child will be rolling securely. The worst safety gear is no safety gear, so whatever you do, pad up!
This Year's Best Skateboard Pads:
Pro-Tec Open Back 3-Pack - Big Kids'
Although their bodies at this age seem more or less made of Jell-O, accidents do happen. Get your grom fully protected in the Pro-Tec Street Gear Junior Skateboard Pads 3-Pack and give yourself some much needed peace of mind.
This pad set is exactly what any young skater needs as they fall in love with skateboarding: Protective enough that they’ll feel confident pushing their abilities, but flexible enough that they’ll enjoy a full range of unfettered movement. The Street Gear Junior Skateboard Pads 3-Pack from Pro-Tec is sized for bigger kids who are aging into death-defying stunts, and available in Youth Small and Youth Medium size runs. Each pad features an open design to increase ventilation and create a secure, malleable fit over small knee and elbow joints. Finally, this pad set is available in a handful of stylish colorways and patterns to impress even the coolest pre-teen trying to rebel against geeky safety gear.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $39.95 |
Triple 8 Saver Series Color Collection Pad Set
The Triple 8 Saver Series Color Collection Skateboard Pad Set includes Wristsavers, Kneesavers, and Elbowsavers for nonstop progression.
Another epic kids' pad set, this time from our friends at Triple 8! The Saver Series Color Collection is six pads for young knees, elbows, and wrists constructed with maximum comfort and uncompromising protection in mind. Ruggedly durable stretch nylon on each pad ensures a snug and secure fit, while EVA foam and impact-resistant ABS shells and splints are ready to support all the essential joints even in a bad spill. These pads are available in four youth sizes and several fun colors, they are an ideal fit for child skaters of any skill level.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $44.99 - $49.99 |
Triple 8 Saver Series High Impact 3 Pad Set
The Triple 8 Saver Series High Impact 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set offers you all the bodily protection you need in case of a gnarly tumble. The knee pads and elbow pads are made of high-grade durable fabrics, EVA foam, and polycarbonate full coverage caps to provide superior protection without restricting movement. The wrist guards are made with ABS backers to help protect the wrist in the case of a spill or two.
This High Impact 3-Pack is just that, a serious pad set for serious skaters pushing their limits on gnarly terrain. Like the aforementioned sets, there are six pads included for full-body protection. Triple 8 again utilizes ABS plastic pads and splints, along with EVA foam cushioning, but adds ultra-secure spandex sleeves to maximize staying power even under the most extreme conditions. If your little shredder has graduated from the mini-ramp to the vert ramp before leaving grade school, be sure to give the Saver Series High Impact pad set some strong consideration.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $44.99 |
Triple 8 Little Tricky Jr. 3 Pad Set - Big Kids'
The Triple 8 Little Tricky Jr. 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set is designed for kids like Mitchie Brusco who get after it on the ramps and therefore have a tendency to really eat it. This pack will protect wrists, knees, and elbows in case of a gnarly tumble.
Designed with help from former child ripper Mitchie Brusco, these pads are favorable for their streamlined versatility as well as the major defense they provide in the event of a Brusco-sized slam. This is a one-size-fits-all set for growing children who are progressing quickly on their skateboards. Like the other products on this list from Triple 8, the Little Tricky Jr. 3-Pack combines ABS plastic with EVA padding for industry-leading defense. This set is for young rippers getting aggressive at the skatepark and not looking to be held back by bulky or stuffy safety equipment.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $44.99 |
Pro-Tec Street Open Back Skateboard Knee Pads
The Pro-Tec Street Open Back Skateboard Knee Pads have been around the block. These high-quality, durable pads offer full coverage caps and a breathable back for long, hot sessions.
As the name implies, these knee pads are ventilated from the rear to keep you cool even when things are getting intense. Composed of Pro-Tec’s EVA cup foam underneath durable flex fabric, these pads are meant for skaters of all ages, sizes, disciplines, and skill levels to get gnarly with confidence. Pro-Tec knee pads are available in sizes ranging from youth to adult XL, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to keep your precious knees intact for the long haul, look no further.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads | $29.95 |
Pro-Tec Street Skateboard Elbow Pads
Try telling yourself you're too old for skateboard pads when you've taken a nasty fall and skinned your elbows like crazy. Let's avoid getting to that point - protect yourself with the Pro-Tec Street Skateboard Elbow Pads. Made with durable, high-quality fabrics and equipped with full-coverage caps, these low-profile pads will help you skate with confidence without making you feel like you're five years old.
Like the aforementioned knee pads, these elbow pads from Pro-Tec are well-suited to any and all skaters willing to take a heavy slam in the name of progression. Available in sizes to fit anyone who owns a skateboard, it’s never been easier to avoid a raspberry scab on your elbow. These pads are made up of high-grade, durable fabrics, EVA cup foam padding, and full-coverage hard external shells, and will work just fine on any skater regardless of skill level or preferred terrain.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Elbow Pads | $24.95 |
Triple 8 Wristsaver Slide On Wrist Guards
You won't be popping many bottles nor will you be looking very attractive with both hands in a cast. Ride with the Triple 8 Wristsaver Slide On Wrist Guards and protect your wrists, weekends, and look. Triple 8 knows riders aren't fond of pads that constrict your skate flow. Therefore they've slimmed down the profile with 4-way stretch nylon and added EVA foam between the ABS splints and nylon for softer landings and unbroken wrists. This leads to a less noticeable pad with improved performance that adds confidence to riders for quick progression.
Perhaps the most important piece of safety gear outside of a helmet, wrist guards will make sure you maintain your priceless dexterity no matter how hard you go on your board. The Wristsaver Slide On wrist guards are aptly named, as they utilize a straightforward design that slides on and off with ease thanks to the tough-yet-flexible 4-way stretch nylon throughout. Cushioned with shock-absorbing EVA foam and held fast with dense ABS splints on either side, the Wristsaver Slide On is a phenomenal piece of gear and an essential in every skater’s quiver of pads.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Wrist Guards | $24.99 |
Pro-Tec Street Skateboard Wrist Pads
Protect what matters most with the Pro-Tec Street Skateboard Wrist Pads. These pads feature an ergonomically designed splint with full wrap straps to provide palm protection and wrist support without compromising your range of motion.
With a neoprene backing and three velcro straps for snug security, these ergonomic beauties from Pro-Tec will keep your wrists secured during any harsh run-ins with the skating surface below. Fine-tuned with decades of knowledge using a classic design, the Street Skateboard Wrist Pads are hard to beat. Regardless of your age or what you ride, your palms and forearms will take the brunt of the impact in any slam situation. We recommend you take the initiative with these guards before you roll, so you don’t have to teach yourself to write with your other hand later.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Wrist Guards | $19.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Skateboard Guides:
Check Out Our Favorite Skateboard Gear
The Selection Process:
Our skate buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things skateboard stemming from years of experience in the skateboard industry in tandem with their countless hours on a board. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Steve Settles
I knew Santa Claus was real when a shiny new complete skateboard was waiting for me under the tree in the winter of ’92. Skateboarding has been in my life ever since. Somehow I have been lucky enough to work in the skateboard community since legally possible. Started behind the counter selling skateboards, moved up to store manager of a retail location, recruited to work in Event Marketing running the largest amateur skateboard contest in the US, then landed the job at evo with opening and managing Seattle’s only indoor skatepark – All Together Skatepark.After the first 5 years of running All Together Skatepark, I slowly started taking on buying responsibilities for evo skate products and have most recently moved to buying full time. Skateboarding has taught me to look at the world differently and openly by breaking down all barriers of age, race, gender, and culture. Skateboarding is for all humans. For that perspective, I am forever grateful!