The Best Knee Pads for Work. Review & Buyer’s Guide

If you are going to work as a flooring contractor, you will need something to make the job a bit more comfortable. Working in the flooring industry involves kneeling all day long. Spending hours on soft and hard surfaces with regularity can cause acute and debilitating knee pain.

Without proper protection, your knees are at a high risk. You can use them indoor/outdoor obviously with the landscaping or flooring works. I use them sometimes about seven hours a day six days a week. They last me probably about four to five months it’s about the same as the working shoes.

People seeking to get the job done without hurting their knees in the process are bound to stumble upon knee pads. Knee pads for flooring limit the movement of joints and support the stability of knees to prevent injury. When knee pads touch the ground they take the pressure to absorb it away from the knee redirecting it around the knee. That’s a wonderful feature throughout the workday you’re taking the pressure away from your knee.

Now, why is this important? Because I want to see men take better care of their bodies. Do you know the reason that women outlive us by seven years? Because they address problems and take care of their health much better than men do. So protecting your knees and protecting your hands and your shoulders is very important.

With this protective gear, your knees will not be affected by traction and pressure in general activities. When buying a knee pad, specific features should be kept in mind, based on your usage. On the other hand, it’s still going to come down to your personal preference. This article aims to assist you in making the right choice.

This article is intended to dissect the claims of various reputable brands and help you identify the best option. We have picked the best options available on the market and prepared this top 5 list to help minimize the selection hassle from your side. The knee pads list below serves versatile functions, and each of them excels in specific areas. Hang tight and let’s explore the best knee pads for flooring available in 2021.

Before you land on an online shopping page and browse randomly to find the perfect equipment, go through this list to make an informed choice. We have eased out things for you by mentioning some of the best knee pads you can get for yourself.

Knee Pads Comparison Table

Image	Product
Best Choice	NoCry – Knee Pads for Flooring Material: Nylon, PVC Gel: Soft gel Side to Side Mobility: No Check Price	Check Price
Best for Work	Thunderbolt – Knee Pads for Work Material: Nylon, Neoprene, PVC Gel: Thick gel Side to Side Mobility: No Check Price	Check Price
Best Professional	Sellstrom – Knee Pads with Foam Cushion Material: Plastic, Foam Gel: No Side to Side Mobility: No Check Price	Check Price
Best for Workshop	MaxxHaul – Rolling Knee Creeper Pads Material: Plastic, Foam Gel: No Side to Side Mobility: Yes Check Price	Check Price
Best for Gardening	ProPad - Knee Mat for Work Material: High-density foam Gel: No Side to Side Mobility: No Check Price	Check Price

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1. NoCry – Best Knee Pads for Flooring

What makes these knee pads so special? Is that they hinge just like your knee does. So that makes them ultra-comfortable and they have a comfortable gel cushion and EVA foam for your knee. They have a great strap. With this strap, you got one on the bottom which goes underneath your knee and then another one goes on top.

And I noticed that it keeps my knee from bothering me when I’m squatting down and getting back up constantly up and down every day. And when I don’t wear them even if I’m not on my knees if I’m squatting down I still notice a little bit of aching in my knees. I feel like they actually if also helped keep my joints. Almost like a knee brace kind of.

NoCry knee pads are one of the topmost available on the market as they are efficiently designed and user-friendly. This pair is available only in black color, and it weighs 1.21 ounces. The product is made up of high-quality materials like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Neoprene, 600D Polyester, nylon, and soft gel.

The pad incorporates a soft gel core and EVA foam padding which works as a set of cushions for your knees. It protects your kneecaps from fatigue, cuts, and injuries, ensuring comfortability for prolonged periods. Neoprene lashes provide a firm grasp to knees preventing the pads from moving around while working. NoCry pads have strap buckles which make them easy to wear.

Its durability is accredited to dense nylon thread with a polyester mesh allowing for proper aeration of the knees. NoCry pads are perfect for use on hardwood and concrete floors, for tiling, carpet installations, gardening, etc. They are non-scratchy when used on soft or thin surfaces like bamboo and are feasible to work without causing any damage to the floor. However, there are issues with the attachment rivets. The non-slip formula prevents users from rolling over or slipping on even surfaces.

Features:

• Gel: Soft gel core with EVA foam padding 
• Material: Nylon, PVC and assorted polymeric compounds
• Non-Slip: Yes
• Puncture Resistant: Yes
• Side to Side Mobility: No
• Stable Long-Term Kneeling: Yes

Pros:

• Perfectly fits most of the knee sizes
• Adjustable and stretchable
• They are slip-proof
• Easy to wash
• Long living and durable

Cons:

• Poor attachment rivets 
• Breathability issues  

2. Thunderbolt – Best Knee Pads for Work

Are you looking for the all-rounder safety kit of knee pads? Thunderbolt Platinum Pro-2X is just that, it is highly versatile and fit to satiate all of your needs. The pads is available in a combination of orange and black color, it is slightly heavy, weighing in at 1.47 pounds with extended straps of 7 inches. Its structure is made up of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Neoprene, and Ballistic Nylon. These Thunderbolt might be good because this has a flat surface too it has a strap that’s a little higher than in NoCry.

The double coat of extra-thick gel is a massive improvement in this model. It provides maximum comfort and protection to your knees owing to its strong material and reinforced stitching. The rough and slip-resistant shield in these knee pads is quite an impressive feature preventing your knees from grazing. These shields also protect you from nails, screws, glass, and litter.

The ergonomic design of Thunderbolt provides extra ease to your tendons and quadriceps. The provision of superior defense is done using thick core and soft gel core. The best feature of these pads is their pro fastening system providing a secure fit to every size of the knee with their free extended straps of 7 inches. The only downside is that the straps may itch the backside of your knees after prolonged use. Thunderbolt pads are very convenient to use in construction sites, warehouses, gardening, wood flooring, cleaning, and many more things.

Features:

• Gel: Thick gel layer present
• Material: Nylon, Neoprene, and PVC
• Non-Slip: Yes
• Puncture Resistant: Yes
• Side to Side Mobility: No
• Stable Long-Term Kneeling: Yes

Pros:

• Fully adjustable
• Highly breathable
• Durable for long periods

Cons:

• Double straps are itchy at the back of knees
• A bit pricy in comparison

3. Sellstrom – Best Knee Pads with Foam Cushion

Sellstrom KneePro Ultra Flex III knee pads consist of strong plastic outer shells including two metal hinged rivets extending above and below the knee. This pads is available in grey color, on the lower side, an orange-colored replaceable gripping strip is present. On the inside, they have a ¾” soft closed-cell foam adding a soft cushioning feeling to it. Soft and flexible woven straps with snap clips are available, and the whole structure weighs 1.19 pounds.

These heavy-duty knee pads are specifically designed for professionals working in tiling, flooring, landscaping, roofing, metal fabrication, and so on. The ¾” thick closed-cell foam pad consisting of a triple layer provides safety to the patella (kneecap). Moreover, this closed-cell foam restricts the entry of dirt and pollutants.

The solid plastic cover of Sellstrom knee pads is strong and long-lasting. It is provided with an articulating hinged structure, consisting of two metal hinged rivets, which permit ease of movement while working. The non-marking orange gripping strip facilitates a firm grip on surfaces where steadiness is needed and helps in maintaining the position of knee pads. 

Knee pads cause no marks or scratches and hence can be used on any surface. The extra-wide woven straps are not fastened behind the knees. Instead, they remain aligned with the legs; this way, you will not feel itchiness or cuts behind the knees. The plastic frame may be uncomfortable for some people but all in all, this is an excellent product.

The way that these things go on is you simply put this around the top part of your leg and it snaps right in place. And then you simply put the strap around the bottom part of your leg and it snaps in place. And you don’t even realize that you have these things on. They’re made of hard plastic and they’re super comfortable. But as I go down on one knee no pain whatsoever. These knee pads are fantastic.

Features: 

• Gel: No
• Material: Plastic and foam
• Non-Slip: No
• Puncture Resistant: Yes
• Side to Side Mobility: No
• Stable Long-Term Kneeling: Yes

Pros:

• Provide ease of movement
• Replaceable components extend their durability
• Convenient for elderly use
• For portability comes with mesh carry bag

Cons:

• Non-adjustable straps
• Plastic may be uncomfortable to some people

4. MaxxHaul – Best Rolling Knee Creeper Pads

MaxxHaul pads differ from usual knee pads as these have a rolling function. Its frame is made from durable ABS high-impact plastic along with pads that cushion your knees throughout your work. Moreover, the frame has five 2″ diameter swivel castors at the bottom and a holder connected with it. It has a lightweight frame, weighing no more than 4 pounds, and available in a red-colored frame and black pads. MaxxHaul knee pads are best for repair and maintenance work, painting, tiling, detailing, baseboard installing, landscaping, and so on.

With the safety of your knees guaranteed, the rolling knee pads are also ideal for smooth movement from side to side with the help of five 360-degree mini swivel casters. The accompanying tool tray allows you to keep your small tools nearby while working. MaxxHaul also reduces the discomfort and knee stress due to its frame without straps which saves your time. Although some might complain that the absence of straps does not allow the pads to grip as firmly, you can’t say that it itches.

Features:

• Gel: No
• Material: ABS and foam cushion pads
• Non-Slip: No
• Puncture Resistant: Yes
• Side to Side Mobility: Yes
• Stable Long-Term Kneeling: No, it is meant for rolling 

Pros:  

• Allows you to move around easily
• Save time and increase productivity
• Easily washable
• Comes with comfortable foaming on the inside

Cons:

• Does not provide a good grip to knees
• No straps

5. ProPad – Best Knee Mat for Work

These patent-pending kneeling pads have about 1 ½ inches extra thickness, making them ideal for extended work sessions. Propad is made up of the high density, non-recycled material, and is about 10.4 ounces in weight. The product is available in five different colors, including black, pink, grey, blue, and green.

Propad is a multi-tasker and is ideal for gardening, household chores, home installation, camping, exercise, yoga, auto repair. These pads are also a great help for tradesmen like carpenters, mechanics, plumbers, painters, floorers, and so on. ProPad kneeling pads with their extra layer provide unparalleled comfort and reduce stress to the knees while kneeling on hard and rough surfaces.

Propad is structured in a way that it will not break down or compress resisting the impacts of stones, rough and hard surfaces. Due to its high-density material, it is durable for years, the product will not deteriorate due to usage and is worth your money. Its innovative design accounts for its lightweight frame with a handle that helps in carrying it around easily. The material is water repellant and hence ideal for use on wet surfaces, though some may complain that it is a bit hard, this also reflects on its longevity.

Features: 

• Gel: No
• Material: High-density foam
• Non-Slip: Yes
• Puncture Resistant: Yes
• Side to Side Mobility: No
• Stable Long-Term Kneeling: Yes

Pros:

• Portable and lightweight
• Easily washable and dries quickly
• Durable for years 

Cons:

• Hard as ground 

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Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose Knee Pads for Flooring?

To get the best knee pad for flooring, you should be aware of the features that make an excellent knee pad. We have prepared a detailed buyer’s guide to help to single out your selection from an expansive pool of options so that you end up with the most suitable product.

There are four different applications for wearing knee pads. Gentle surfaces that you don’t want to mark. Rough surfaces like rocks and nails screws. You got laying tiles or stonework and you’ve got carpet. And within each one of those categories, we give the people the consumer the end-user the choice of the best knee pads.

Material

The comfort level and durability rely on the material used in the production of the kneepad. If you are looking for something robust, then you should get a hard-shelled option. Though hard-shelled kneepads are robust and sturdy, they can be painful for the wearer (try them on first to make an informed choice). They can also cause scratches on certain types of flooring.

Cloth-based knee pads are also a good choice as they do not damage the surface of the flooring. Few kneepads have gel padding which will flatten and adjust if you push against it. Rubber-based kneepads are best suited for surfaces like wood, concrete, or tiles. They have anti-slip qualities that help you in maintaining your posture while working.

If your work involves wet surfaces, you should buy a pair that has water repellant properties. There is no ideal or “one fix for all problems” material; all of them have their pros and cons. It is best to pick one that fits your work the best.

Size

You must know what size you should get for yourself. An ill-fitted knee pad will not only be uncomfortable but would be inconvenient while working. Most brands offer five sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. The dimensions of these sizes are 10 to 12 inches, 12-14 inches, 14 to 16 inches, 15 to 17 inches, and 17 to 20 inches, respectively. You can use a soft tape to measure the size of your knee and then pick the size that best fits your knees’ dimensions.

Durability 

Flooring projects can be tough. You’ll have to kneel for several hours on various surfaces in different conditions and drag yourself while kneeling. For such reasons, you must invest in a pair of pads that can sustain wear and tear and last for a long time. Such products may cost more, but it is advisable to make a one-time investment in something durable rather than buying cheaper models time and again.

Thigh support stabilization 

While working, your body weight is concentrated on your knees. Your knee pad must provide you with sturdy support so that you can avoid injuries. If your knee pad does not stay in one place, then you will not only be uneasy every time you kneel but would also lack adequate support. You should look for a knee pad that wraps snugly around your knee and does not move from its place while working. The knee pad should provide you with stability without crumbling while working. Flexible pads would do this job effectively.

Flexible

The flexibility of work knee pads is not supposed to be like the athletic brands, but they should have enough flexibility to let you move around with ease and comfort. When testing the knee pad for the first time, make sure to bent your legs a bit to estimate its flexibility. A rigid product will cause strain on your joints and make work harder for you, on the other hand, something too flexible (rubber) may not be suited for hard surfaces, choose wisely.

Non-skid

Sliding over the floor may seem hilarious in a cartoon movie, but in reality, there is a fair chance of getting seriously injured this way. This can also cause significant damage to the finishing of the floor you worked so hard to make perfect. To avoid such problems, you should get a pair equipped with a non-slip outer shell. A non-slip pair will give string anchoring to your knees and ultimately ensure your safety.

Price 

It is the conclusive factor whenever you go out shopping. The kneepad should not cause a huge cut to your pocket. Keep your affordability into account and consider what you are looking for in the product. Of course, we cannot endorse that you sacrifice quality to save a few bucks. What we are proposing instead is that you should find the perfect, above all, within your price range.

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FAQs

How can I protect my knees while working?

Working without protective gear in any capacity that involves physical activity is never a good idea, especially for a part as fragile as the knee. Many jobs including painting, flooring, tiling, gardening, etc. involve kneeling for long periods which can cause serious damage to the knees. For protecting your knees, you ought to invest in some decent knee pads which are by far the best solution to this problem. The choice of pads should be based on your personal preference, type of surface you work on, and comfort factor offered by the pads.

How do you wear knee pads for flooring?

Knee pads ensure safety by lessening the impact of hard surfaces by cushioning the front of the knee cap. You can find different types of knee pads on the market; some come with straps while others have alternative mechanisms. The ones with straps can be worn by placing the knee pad on the knee region with the fastening of its straps behind the knee. Rolling knee pads such as that offered by Propad are not worn instead you just have to place your knees over their surface while working.

What size of knee pads will fit you?

To find the knee pad best fit for your size, you must first measure your kneecap’s size. This can be done by outstretching your leg then measuring the kneecap by measuring tape. Once you know the dimensions of your kneecap, you can easily find the perfect size for them. Normally, pads come in extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large variants.

Can you wash your knee pads?

Yes, the majority of knee pads are washable. Depending on how frequently you use them, you’ll have to wash them accordingly. Washing knee pads are necessary as you sweat while working. Hence you need to get them to be germ-free before use.

Do knee pads get loose with time?

This depends upon the material of the knee pads. If the material is durable like PVC, Polyester, or another similarly sturdy polymer, then you should not worry about it stretching out. Remember to always check out the material and its details before buying a knee pad.

My knee pads are too tight, what should I do to loosen them?

If the knee pads are too tight, then consider stretching them out around a volleyball shoe or any object that might loosen them. Also, avoid putting them in the dryer or heat as they will shrink further as a result. The most prudent course would be to buy a product that fits perfectly in the first place.

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Final Thoughts

On the market, you will find many knee pads, however, there is a risk of buying them without knowing their features. All products described above ensure the safety and protection of your knees with additional exclusive features. If your work involves kneeling for hours, then you should go for a long-lasting and comfortable pads for flooring work. Remember, always prioritize comfort and quality but within the bounds of affordability and practicality.

About Scott Gamron

Scott attended Auburn University where earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Scott likes to research new DIY gear and supplies.