The Best Volleyball Knee Pads of 2023

High-performing, durable volleyball knee pads.

Whether your volleyball season is fast approaching or you’re mid-season and need an upgrade or replacement, you’ve got to have the right gear to play the game.

And with a physically demanding sport like volleyball, it’s also important to have gear that won’t let you down.

Volleyball is a sport that requires a lot of quick moving, diving, and high flying, so anything prone to fraying, shifting around, bunching up, or falling apart just won’t do.

When purchasing volleyball essentials, it’s definitely worthwhile to do a little research and invest in high-quality products from respected brands.

This is especially true if you’re an athlete that plays competitively.

One of those volleyball gear essentials is, of course, knee pads. Here, we’ve put together a list of the Best Volleyball Knee Pads for 2023.

What Makes For Great Volleyball Knee Pads?

Volleyball is a high-impact sport that requires a high-degree of effort and skill on nearly every play.

A lot of training, practice, and teamwork go into the precise moves and ball control executed on the court.

If you take a second to think about the huge range of motion required of volleyball players, from high-flying spikes to low-diving digs, it’s no surprise that players opt to wear knee pads for protection.

But not just any old set of knee pads will do.

You’ll want to look for knee pads from a trusted brand that are specifically designed for volleyball.

Great volleyball knee pads will check a few boxes.

For starters, they’ll be comfortable to wear, won’t require constant adjustment, and won’t cause any irritation or chaffing.

You’ll need a pair that offers you a full range of motion and doesn’t hold you back.

Also, you’ll want to look for durable knee pads with high-quality fabric and construction.

It’s the job of knee pads to take a beating, and even the best pairs eventually break down, but a durable pair will last longer and offer better protection.

You want protection that you can count on, because second-guessing on the court will negatively impact your play.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

1. Adidas Elite Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Adidas Elite Volleyball Knee Pads feature anatomical flex zones that comfortably fit the contours of your knee and flex with you as you move. These knee pads have thick padding to cushion impact and a 7.5” (19 cm) sleeve height to ensure you’re fully covered.

The US Women’s Volleyball Team wore these knee pads in the 2020 Olympics (pictured above), bringing home the gold medal!

2. Adidas Primeknit Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Adidas Primeknit Volleyball Knee Pads utilize memory foam padding for superior flexibility and gel inserts to cushion impact. These knee pads have a comfortable and durable knit sock and a 100% nylon seamless design.

3. Nike Streak Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Nike Streak Volleyball Knee Pads utilize a contoured design that’s soft on the inside for comfortable wear and have Dri-FIT technology for in-game sweat-wicking. These knee pads feature foam padding to cushion impact and provide quality elasticity that won’t slide down.

4. Nike Vapor Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Nike Vapor Volleyball Knee Pads feature shock-absorbing foam for impact protection and a contoured stretch fabric that allows a natural range of motion. These knee pads also sport an ergonomic design for a natural feel that reduces bunching.

5. Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads feature a minimalist low-profile design that offers only the coverage you need for an improved range of movement. These knee pads have VS-1 padding in high impact zones and a no-fold design that’s comfortable and won’t slide down.

6. Mizuno ELITE 9 SL2 Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Mizuno ELITE 9 SL2 Volleyball Knee Pads provide a shock-absorbing cushioning pads in a low-profile design that maximizes coverage. These knee pads have slightly curved upper and lower back seams for less bulk and venting in the back to wick away moisture.

7. Mizuno T10 Plus Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Mizuno T10 Plus Volleyball Knee Pads provide complete coverage with a long sleeve length and new slimmer design. These knee pads utilize a durable construction with comfortable performance material.

8. Under Armour 2.0 Volleyball Knee Pads

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The Under Armour 2.0 Volleyball Knee Pads are a lightweight and comfortable option with extra durable circular knit fabric. These knee pads feature dual density EVA foam for superior impact protection and a special hinged design to allow full mobility.

How to Wear Volleyball Knee Pads

While it might seem like there’s an obvious answer to this question…

How do you wear volleyball knee pads? Duh, on your knees.

The more precise answer may surprise you.

While they do sport the name “knee pads” and they are designed to protect your knees, the correct position for wearing volleyball knee pads is actually just below your kneecap.

When you pull them up, the top of your knee pads should rest right below the bottom of your kneecap.

So, why wear them in this position?

This is the angle at which the pad will protect and cushion your knee from contact with the surface of the court when you dive or lunge.

Also, when wearing volleyball knee pads be sure to always have the padded side facing the front of your leg and choose a size that will fit snuggly in place while still allowing you a full range of motion.

If your knee pads are shifting around when you move, causing the padding to fall out of place, they’ll be of little help when you need their protection.

On the other hand, you don’t want your knee pads fitting too tightly. If you’re experiencing any pinching or painful chafing, you’ll need to size up.

Take some time finding a pair of knee pads that work for you. Not only will the right pair help keep your focus in the game, but they’ll protect you from injury.

Always try out a new pair of knee pads before competition with movements that you’ll be using on the court.

Check the fit, check your range of motion, and check the placement of the padding.

A great pair of knee pads isn’t the only volleyball essential that you’ll need. Be sure to check out our top picks for the best volleyball shorts and the best volleyball shoes.

Get ready for volleyball season with the best gear using our Complete Volleyball Checklist.