Squat knee pads are protective gear designed for individuals who perform squats or other exercises that put stress on the knees. They are made of various materials, such as foam, neoprene, or plastic, to provide cushioning and support to the knees. Squat knee pads come in different sizes to fit individuals of different leg lengths and knee circumferences.
- 1 How to Choose Knee Sleeves
- 2 Who are squat knee pads suitable for?
- 3 Why Use Knee Wraps for Squats?
- 4 How We Tested
- 5 DO KNEE COMPRESSION SLEEVES REALLY WORK?
- 6 ARE TIGHTER KNEE SLEEVES BETTER?
- 7 How much do knee sleeves cost?
- 8 What are the benefits of knee sleeves?
- 9 What Do Knee Sleeves Do?
- 10 Do Knee Sleeves Prevent Injury?
- 11 Does Wearing Knee Sleeves Weaken The Knees?
- 12 What Is The Difference Between A Knee Sleeve, Knee Brace, And Knee Wraps?
- 13 Is squatting with knee wraps cheating?
- 14 What material are knee pads made of?
- 15 Do knee pads affect squat form?
- 16 What size knee pads should I buy for squats?
- 17 Can knee pads be worn for other exercises?
- 18 Are there any safety certifications for knee pads?
- 19 How much do knee pads for squats typically cost?
They can help reduce the risk of injury, allowing individuals to lift heavier weights, and can also improve comfort during squats. It’s important to choose knee pads that fit properly, allowing for full range of motion, and to make sure they meet any relevant safety certifications. The cost of squat knee pads varies, ranging from a few dollars to over fifty dollars.One of the most common fitness accessories you’ll see people using these days are knee sleeves. A knee sleeve AKA knee compression sleeve can help you stay injury free while providing extra support and stability or pain relief while you train.
Knee sleeves are an important piece of gear in every gymgoer’s equipment bag. They can help to provide joint protection, warmth, and stability. They can even help to inspire confidence when you know you have the right ones on, which is why we have compiled a list of what we think are the best knee sleeves on the market. Like most pieces of supportive equipment, their use comes with a time and place, so it’s not a bad idea to keep yourself equipped with a pair for times you need them most. A sleeve’s benefits will be dependent on your strength sport, preferences, and knee sleeve wants/needs.
10 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats 2023：Tested and Reviewed
- Overall Best Knee Sleeves:Rehband Rx Knee Support 7751
- Best Knee Sleeves for the Money:Gymreapers 7MM Sleeve Pair
- Best Knee Sleeves For Squats:7mm Knee Sleeves (Pair) for Weightlifting & Powerlifting
- Best Knee Compression Sleeve:RDX Knee Wraps Pair Weightlifting
- Best Knee Sleeves For Running:Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeves For CrossFit:UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Support
- Best Powerlifting Knee Sleeves:Harbinger Red Line 78-Inch Knee Wraps
- Best Knee Sleeve For Arthritis:Mava Sports Pair of Knee Compression
- Best Lightweight Knee Sleeve:POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
- Best Knee Sleeves for Mobility:Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Before you slide into just any fitness accessory, however, there are a few details to understand. Namely, what these products are designed to do, what makes a quality pair and how to find the right set for your next heavy training day.
#1.Rehband Rx Knee Support 7751
Pros
- Handcrafted since 1955
- Excellent fit
- Very hardwearing
- Tried-and-tested design
- USAPL/IPF approved
- USPA approved
Cons
- Not sold as a pair
- Buying two may be too expensive for some users
Rehband 7 mm knee sleeves are especially popular with lifters with knee injuries, and many physical therapists insist on them.They provide firm but flexible support, and their contoured shape makes them very comfortable to wear – even for long periods.With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you’ll also be able to match them to your workout outfit.
If Rehband knee sleeves have a disadvantage, they are sold singularly and not in pairs.Most people who wear knee sleeves for squat performance and support tend to wear two.
Because this is a premium product, that means a pair of Rehband knee sleeves could prove expensive.However, you do get a premium product for your money.
#2.Gymreapers 7MM Sleeve Pair
Pros
- Contoured design is more ergonomic to the joint, leading to less gaps between skin and material
Cons
- Only available in 7mm thickness
I felt no stability or compression issues during my typical squats and leg presses, and also appreciated the contoured design that fit my frame a little better than straight-tubed silhouettes. These sleeves also performed just as well in CrossFit training scenarios, providing sufficient mobility despite the 7mm-thick neoprene.
I would recommend rolling these sleeves down between sets or workouts, however, as there isn’t a lot of breathability across the neoprene construction, leading to plenty of sweat buildup if you’re not mindful.
#3.7mm Knee Sleeves (Pair) for Weightlifting & Powerlifting
Pros
- Anti-slip tech
- 7mm thickness
- Longer than many knee sleeves
Cons
- Some people have sizing issues
These knee sleeves are constructed from 7mm thick SCR neoprene material that offers extra support and stability through comfortable compression.If you’re someone who likes to compete in strength sports you need not worry because these knee sleeves are approved by USPA & IPL.
The 3-D design allows these sleeves to sit over the knee joint seamlessly while the breathable material helps to keep your knees warm and compressed. This sleeve features a longer 11.5-inch length of coverage which is 2 inches longer than most knee sleeves on the market. The double reinforced stitching used gives these sleeves a tight, snug fit without drastically reducing your range of motion.
To keep these sleeves properly placed on the knee joints Iron Bull used an anti-slip technology that consists of double silicone gel strips. This is an awesome achievement that can save you wasted time trying to readjust the sleeves during your training session.If you’re looking for a quality knee sleeve that can help you avoid knee injuries while providing some pain relief then look no further.
#4.RDX Knee Wraps Pair Weightlifting
Pros
- Best comfort
- Innovative design
- Reliable velcro
- Best value for money
- Good stitching
Cons
- Poor package
First of all, I want to write a few words about comfort. These knee wraps fit your leg really well – the material is rather soft on your skin. They didn’t annoy or distract me at all. I’m sure, it will be the best choice if comfort comes first on the list of your expectations.
RDX also turned out to be the most innovative and eager to stand out. They decided not to follow a standard knee wrap scheme and make their tail and velcro rounded. I must say that it looks interesting and is convenient in practice as well.
Despite RDX use quite a lot of details for their knee wraps, everything looks neat and reliable. These guys really take care of the stitching quality to make their accessories as durable as possible.
As to the downsides, the package is pretty plain – just a simple wrap. It doesn’t make much difference, however, it is a disadvantage in case you are looking for a present. But if you put a fancy package over it, your friend won’t be disappointed with what they find inside.All in all, RDX knee wraps are a 100% winner that has no competition for such a price.
#5.Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
Pros
- High-quality product
- Firm yet flexible support
- Very comfortable
- Made to last
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Not IPF/USAPL approved
- Available in one color only – jet black
Nordic Lifting is a relatively new company founded in 2013 specializing in weightlifting, powerlifting, and Cross Training gear.Nevertheless, they manufacture high-quality products, despite their recent entry into the marketplace.
Even better, their customer service is top-notch, so you can get through to them if you have an issue.They have a wide range of products, from weightlifting belts to Olympic lifting shoes and knee sleeves.
#6.UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Support
Pros
- Low-cost option
- Overall positive reviews
- Breathable material with silicone gel strips
Cons
- Not meant for high-impact or intense training
These knee sleeves a made from 3D knitted material that provides 4-way stretch while the super breathable latex, nylon and spandex mesh results in a comfy fit. They also incorporated double silicone gel strips to ensure the compression knee sleeves don’t slide down or bunch up during your workout sessions.
The Uflex Athletics knee sleeve is a good choice for people who want to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the knee joints. So if you’re a runner, walker, or want to participate in some dynamic sports these could be a good cheap option to get the job done.
#7.Harbinger Red Line 78-Inch Knee Wraps
Pros
- Strong support
- Reasonable price
- Best package
- Good stitching
- Highly-resistant
Cons
- No velcro system
Harbinger knee wraps might be a good choice for hardened professionals who seek the highest support and no extra details. This option is more costly than our winner, but the quality it offers is definitely first-class and makes the price reasonable.
Harbinger knee wraps are not very elaborate in terms of details, so they just can’t fail with the stitching quality. Therefore, this product is highly durable and will easily handle years of heavy training.
As to the drawbacks, there is no velcro. It might not bother some athletes, but, for me, it is less convenient for fastening. You have to tuck a loose end under another loop to fix it in place. It may take some time to learn how to do that quickly and effectively.
#8.Mava Sports Pair of Knee Compression
Pros
- Perfect for beginners
- Budget-friendly option
- Good color options
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not an extensive range of sizes
Mava Sports compression knee sleeves are an essential but well-made product that will provide your knees with warmth and support for squats, weightlifting, and CrossFit training.Anatomically shaped for comfort, these knee sleeves are especially well-suited for beginners.
At less than half the price of some of the premium knee sleeves on review, this product is ideal for beginners who aren’t sure if they want or need knee sleeves.But, despite the low price, these knee sleeves for squats are just as functional and supportive as the more expensive models.
Because these compression knee sleeves are only available in five sizes, you may find that you can’t get the exact size you need.If you are between sizes, go down a size because tighter is generally better than looser when it comes to getting enough support.
#9.POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Anti-slip system
- Budget-friendly
- Compression from all angles
- Breathable material
- 6-month 100% money back guarantee
Cons
- Not the best choice for heavy lifting
With the PowerLix knee compression sleeve you get even pressure across your knee joint. The knitted design gives you compression from all sides while still allowing for the optimal range of motion.
Use these compression knee sleeves for a range of activities including running, basketball, weight lifting and more. As you push hard during your training you don’t have to worry about stinky odor as the breathable fabric material will help you stay cool and dry.Another feature that makes these the best knee compression sleeves is the fact they employed the use of an anti-slip system by using double silicone that helps keep a nice grip so that you don’t have to worry about readjusting them frequently.
#10.Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Pros
- Comfortable on the skin
- Reliable velcro
- Different colors available
- Good price
Cons
- Simple design
- Plain package
Mava Sports knee wraps are a good starter for newbies. The price is not the highest, so it won’t be too risky in case you don’t like this accessory at all. Still, you can get better quality for a lower price if you go for our winner.
The only thing that makes Mava special is its range of prints and colors. Nevertheless, the package is rather plain and hides even a catchy design until you unwrap everything.As to the structure, I haven’t found anything special or worth attention, everything is standard and time-tested.
I think Mava Sports might be a good option for newbies in terms of comfort. They don’t irritate your skin and fit your knees pretty comfortably. The quality is also decent, so they are not likely to fall apart after a few workouts.
How to Choose Knee Sleeves
As is the case with most workout gear — from weightlifting belts to gym shoes — knee sleeves aren’t one size fits all. There are key features to consider when choosing a pair for your needs that can affect your training experience for better or worse.
Size
One of the most important factors to look at when purchasing a quality pair of knee sleeves is the sizing. After all, would you want to work out in a shirt that’s too baggy or shorts that are far too tight? Finding the right size knee sleeves is vital as there’s no room for alterations, and ill-fitting sleeves can mean less compression across your joint, limiting the effectiveness (and comfort) of your gear. Unfortunately, though, every knee sleeve is measured differently in terms of the brand’s sizing. Be sure to follow each brand’s specific sizing guide and take proper measurements to find the right size prior to purchase.
Material
Outside of sizing, your knee sleeve’s material will have the next biggest impact on performance. The most common material used in knee sleeves is neoprene due to its flexible makeup while still remaining rigid enough for continued use. Nylon, Spandex and cotton can also be used in tandem with neoprene to keep your sleeves soft and comfortable across the skin. Some knee sleeves can also feature silicone strips across the interior to help keep them in place during movement without slipping down your leg or bunching up at the back. While not completely necessary, this can be a nice benefit, especially for particularly sweaty workouts.
Thickness
A knee sleeve’s thickness is what gives this training tool its rigidity. A thicker sleeve can provide more compression and stability to your knees, but also limits mobility. Thinner knee sleeves can provide great warmth and structure for dynamic movements but might leave you lacking in terms of energy load when squatting or leg pressing a heavier weight. Knee sleeves for training typically range in thicknesses from 3–7mm, with 5mm sleeves serving as a solid in-between thickness. Think about your workout goals and what you’re aiming to accomplish to find the thickness that aligns with your ambitions.
Durability
You want your gear to be as hard-nosed as your workouts, right? Well, if your knee sleeves aren’t up for countless pulling and stretching, odds are you’re likely to forgo training with them, leaving your knees unsupported and your wallet less full. To ensure your gear is fit for the trials ahead, look for knee sleeves that feature reinforced stitching and hemmed or enclosed edges. This can help ensure you’re not damaging or fraying the ends when pulling your sleeve on or off. Also, look for quality materials like the aforementioned neoprene, nylon and Spandex, as these textiles are less prone to stretching out over extended sessions.
Other Features
There are a number of other factors that can go into finding the ideal pair of knee sleeves for your setup but may not be top of mind. For example, if you’re looking to compete in strength sports, make sure your chosen knee sleeves are approved by your governing body, like the International Powerlifting Federation. Also, knee sleeves can begin to gather some funk over time, especially since they’re worn atop your sweaty knees session after session. Some knee sleeves can be easily thrown in the washing machine, while others require hand care to help preserve rigidity. Make sure to take this into consideration if you’re looking for more convenience.
BENEFITS OF KNEE SLEEVES:
Knee sleeves can provide a number of benefits to those who wear them while training. Let’s look at the common reasons why you should wear knee sleeves.
PROVIDES COMPRESSION
One of the main advantages of wearing a knee sleeve is that they compress your joint therefore many people will refer to it as a knee compression sleeve. This compression leads to increased blood flow, keeping the joint warm and lubricated plus can help reduce rain and swelling both during or after a workout. These aspects can help you to recover quicker after a grueling workout. Also by keeping the joint warm you might mitigate potential injuries.
ENHANCE STABILITY
Knee sleeves can give you extra support and stability by limiting the movement in the knee area. Many athletes tend to use knee sleeves as they stabilize the knee joint which helps improve balance.
PREVENT INJURY
Knee sleeves help with preventing injuries by keeping the knee joint warm, improving the blood flow, and boosting your stability. We always recommend taking preventative measures like wearing knee sleeves rather than dealing with knee injury later on.
Who are squat knee pads suitable for?
Squat knee pads are suitable for weightlifters, CrossFit athletes, powerlifters, and bodybuilders who perform squats and other exercises that put pressure on their knees. They can also be used by people who have knee pain or knee injuries and want to provide extra support and cushioning while performing weight-bearing activities.
Why Use Knee Wraps for Squats?
You may wonder what a piece of elastic material on your knees can do. I will walk you through all the main benefits you get after wrapping your joints.
But first of all, I want to say that knee wraps are rather a professional accessory for the most extreme workouts. It isn’t the first thing that you need while training in the gym. Thus, analyze your needs and only then make up your mind in order not to fork out a significant sum with no sense.
Elastic Power
If you have ever tried high-quality knee sleeves, imagine their elastic power doubled, and you will get the idea of knee wraps. Their first purpose is to help you squat or leg press the most extreme weights, thus, their elastic power has no competition among other accessories.
Knee wraps allow you to lift much more than your regular weights. You will feel a huge strength boost at the bottom of the squat – it feels like a spring. In this way, knee wraps help you out at the most difficult and even ‘sticking’ points.
Better Technique
Knee wraps put a lot of compression on your joints and keep them in place. It helps to feel their position better and improves mechanics in this way.
If you tend to drive your knees together while squatting the highest weights, knee wraps won’t let you do that. They will fix the joints firmly and make you more aware of their movements so that you can control your technique more effectively.
Less knee load
Knee wraps work the same way as knee sleeves, taking extra load away from your joints. The compression they put on your legs keeps everything fixed in the proper position throughout the whole movement. They keep your joints safe and protect you from various injuries during the most extreme sets.
Such knee protection for squats also comes in handy in case you had any knee issues in the past that stop you from going heavy. Compression works as great pain relief by numbing your weak areas. Therefore, knee wraps let you hit PRs without any discomfort.
How We Tested
I’ve been using knee sleeves in my training for a number of years, and that experience has resulted in a fair share of replacement pairs and upgrades. I’ve always made note of a sleeve’s thickness and rigidity, particularly during heavier lifting sessions, as well as how easy it was to determine the proper size for my frame.
I’ve also worn a handful of these picks through more circuit-based workouts that required me to keep my joints protected while still promoting some much-needed flexibility. Additionally, I’ve also tested a few knee wraps across my powerlifting-focused regimens, noting how easy these tools were to lock in before a set, as well as their effectiveness in comparison to my normal sleeved setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO KNEE COMPRESSION SLEEVES REALLY WORK?
Yes, knee compression sleeves work well if you purchase a quality product and use the correct size. Knee compression sleeves will help provide some support, keep your joints warm, improve blood flow, and aid in helping you recover faster. Knee sleeves are not great for people coming back from injuries or who have had weak knees or other stability issues. In these cases, knee braces will provide you with more benefits.
ARE TIGHTER KNEE SLEEVES BETTER?
It’s essential to get the correct sized knee sleeve if you want it to function properly. Knee sleeves should be tight yet not too tight that they restrict blood flow or limit your mobility too much. Make sure to look at the brand’s sizing guidelines before you make a purchase. Loose knee sleeves on the other hand won’t provide you with any benefits so the correct size is vitally important.[1]How Tight Should Knee Sleeves Be?
How much do knee sleeves cost?
Knee sleeves, like any piece of lifting gear, range in price from relatively inexpensive at around $20 per pair — which may only last a few lifting sessions — to the most expensive, high-end sleeves at around $60 or more. Higher-end knee sleeves tend to hold their elasticity better, are generally made to last longer, and often even have anti-microbial linings.
What are the benefits of knee sleeves?
Knee sleeves offer multiple benefits for fitness enthusiasts and strength athletes. Their main benefit is providing a light level of support around the knee joint.Another major benefit is that they provide warmth to the knee joint, which is beneficial for athletes working out in colder settings or want help warming-up. Lastly, they can be a tool for providing mental reassurance under heavy loads.[2]The Benefits Of Using Knee Sleeves
What Do Knee Sleeves Do?
Knee sleeves help to increase blood flow and provide knee stability as lifters attempt heavy sets. They are often made of a neoprene material or a blend of neoprene and other materials.[3]How Knee Sleeves Can Improve Your Squats
Do Knee Sleeves Prevent Injury?
Though many brands claim that their knee sleeves or compression braces prevent injury, it’s not wise to rely on a knee sleeve for injury prevention, no matter how high-quality. If you have a pre-existing knee injury, recently recovered from a knee injury, or have severe or unrelenting joint pain, you should talk to a physical therapist about your options and how to safely resume exercising.
Does Wearing Knee Sleeves Weaken The Knees?
Wearing quality knee sleeves during physical activities should not cause any knee problems. However, using any type of support tool too frequently can cause you to become reliant on it. It’s not a bad idea to reserve compressive knee sleeves for heavy weight training or high-impact movement, and wear no sleeves or thinner sleeves for less intense activities.[4]Does Wearing Knee Support Weaken Muscles?
What Is The Difference Between A Knee Sleeve, Knee Brace, And Knee Wraps?
Knee sleeves are support tools for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Also called “knee compression sleeves,” they are intended to provide support during weight training or during dynamic sport movements.A knee brace is something you’d likely get from a physical therapist or other medical professional after an injury such as an ACL sprain or muscle strain, or to deal with knee pain from osteoarthritis or tendonitis. Medical-grade knee braces often have open patella spaces or patella gel pads for support and pain relief.[5]Knee Sleeves vs Knee Wraps: Differences, Pros, Cons
Is squatting with knee wraps cheating?
As to the competitions, you are only allowed to use them in equipped powerlifting, and it isn’t considered cheating there.
What material are knee pads made of?
Knee pads can be made of a variety of materials, including foam, neoprene, and plastic.[6]Common materials used in knee pads
Do knee pads affect squat form?
Wearing knee pads can affect squat form if they are too thick or don’t fit properly, causing the knees to deviate from their proper alignment.[7]Do Knee Wraps Work For Squats?
What size knee pads should I buy for squats?
Knee pads should be bought in the correct size for the individual’s leg, taking into account both the knee circumference and the length of the leg.
Can knee pads be worn for other exercises?
Yes, knee pads can be worn for other exercises, such as lunges and box jumps, that put stress on the knees.
Are there any safety certifications for knee pads?
Yes, there are safety certifications such as CE certification, which ensure that the knee pads meet certain safety standards.
How much do knee pads for squats typically cost?
The cost of knee pads for squats can vary greatly, ranging from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the brand, material, and design.
References