Painting can be a strenuous task, more than some people know, and you can spend a lot of time on your knees. To keep your knees in working order and make your job easier and more comfortable, you must get the right knee pad for the job.
The Best Painters Knee Pads
Below are six of the most outstanding knee pads any painter would want. There’s a pair to suit every preference and painting style.
NoCry Durable Knee Pads for Work
These knee pads are a must for anyone who spends hours on their knees each day for work. With a soft gel core, durable EVA foam padding, and heavy-duty, scratch-resistant poly covers, these NoCry knee pads are all you’ll need to save your knees from possible damage.
The straps are fully adjustable and come equipped with quick-release buckles. Your knees will thank you for using these. Working without knee pads can have dramatic and life-long consequences.
Not only is it downright painful to kneel for long periods without cushioning, but the cartilage in the joint can wear down to the point that the bones start to rub together. It can also damage the tendon and ligaments and lead to chronic knee pain and mobility issues.
These NoCry professional knee pads are suitable for working on any surface as they won’t scratch or damage the floor, and they’ll prevent slipping and won’t shift out of place on your knee.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable
- Comfortable and supportive cushioning
- Scratch-resistant
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Quick-release buckles can come undone
NoCry Knee Pads with Enhanced Non-Slip Heavy Duty Cap
For those who often work on surfaces like wood flooring, it can be difficult to stay upright when your knee pads slide right out from under you. Luckily, NoCry makes the perfect tool for the job: non-slip heavy-duty knee pads.
These bad boys can take the abuse, protect your knees, and prevent you from sliding over during a crucial moment of painting. The last thing you want is to mess up the paint or fall off the scaffolding.
These pads come equipped with a soft gel core and durable EVA foam padding to ensure maximum comfort and protection, but they also showcase patented Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) caps. TPR is a unique copolymer that blends plastic and rubber to enhance the best features of both.
Like plastic, the caps are solid and firm but also flexible and bounce like rubber. These special TPR caps and the anti-slide rubber coating ensure your knees stay grounded no matter what you’re doing.
Pros
- Non-slip
- Heavy-duty and long-lasting material
- Raised ankle support
- Fully adjustable straps
Cons
- Quick-release buckles can come undone
NoCry Thigh Strap Knee Pads
One of the worst parts of wearing knee pads is the strap digging into the back of your knee all day. That, and having to readjust their placement every time you get up and down. Well, that’s why thigh strap knee pads were created.
The NoCry thigh strap knee pads sit comfortably above and below the knee, eliminating the annoying knee strap issue. They also stay in place better, especially for those who stand and squat often. The higher strap also keeps the pad centered during side-to-side movement when on your knees; you won’t have to worry about the pad rolling to the side and leaving your knee unprotected.
With comfortable EVA foam, a gel core, and anti-slip rubber-coated shields, these knee pads will protect and serve like no other. The raised ankle support and two-layer straps will make you want to wear these knee pads all the time.
Pros
- Thigh strap
- Anti-slip
- Stay in place during any movement
- Comfortable
Cons
- Quick-release buckle can come undone
Milescraft 360 Knee Blades
The Milescraft 360 Knee Blades are a revolutionary design for those who hate shuffling around on the ground. The three-wheeled design provides stability while also allowing the user to roll from location to location without having to get up or hobble on their knees.
The pads have a gel core and contoured plastic shell. They can also unclip from the wheels to be used alone as pads. The single strap design keeps the pads in place while also offering a lighter, more streamlined feeling.
Whether you need to cover great distances or just want an easier way to make minor adjustments to your posture and positioning, these knee blades will serve you well.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver and adjust
- Minimalist design
- Innovative
- Detachable
Cons
- The pads are pretty thin
ToughBuilt Gelfit Thigh Support Knee Pads
Another thigh strap knee pad, these ToughBuilt Gelfit Thigh Support Knee Pads are perfect for painters. The abrasion-resistant fabric wicks away sweat while the thigh support provides stability and agility. The rugged non-slip, hard shell knee pads protect the knee and help maintain ergonomic alignment of the leg.
The straps are made of fabric and EVA foam to make for more stable, comfortable wear, and the lower platform offers ankle protection by angling the shins higher off the ground.
These pads get their awesome support from a combination of EVA foam and Gelfit gel.
The strap will always hold the proper adjustment, and the rigid structure provides much support. These knee pads are a must for anyone who works long hours and struggles with ergonomic posture or leg alignment pain.
Pros
- Extra tough material provides protection and support
- The knee hinge keeps the leg aligned
- Thigh strap
- Ankle protection
Cons
- On the pricier side
McGuire-Nicholas Shock Absorbing Gel Foam Protective Knee Pads
While regular knee pads provide protection and support, they can be beaten down by constantly crashing upon them. Not only does this damage the knee pad over time, but it will also take a toll on your joints. Invest in some shock-absorbing pads to lessen the impact and save your knees and pads.
The McGuire-Nicholas Shock Absorbing Gel Foam Protective Knee Pads will not only support the crushing forces of kneeling but also protect from impacts.
The very shape of these knee pads is designed to relieve pressure from your shins, while the split-strap and hook and loop system keeps the straps from bunching.
While these foam pads may not look as robust as hard-shell ones, they are more versatile. They won’t crack if you hit the ground hard and provide plenty of traction on any surface.
Pros
- Shock-absorbing
- Split-strap design
- Stays in place well
- Hook and loop fastener
Cons
- Won’t last as long as other pads
What Makes These Knee Pads the Best?
These six pairs of knee pads rank at the top of the list for several reasons. There are a few characteristics that any good knee pad should have, and these have them in spades.
Protection
First and foremost, knee pads are there to protect your knees. They must keep your joints and skin safe while allowing you to continue your work comfortably and efficiently. A good set of knee pads offers layer upon layer of protection and uses various materials to ensure maximum safety.
Comfort
The second most important responsibility of the knee pad is to provide the wearer with a comfortable place to rest their knees. They must be suitable for long hours and provide enough support to maintain ergonomic function.
Durability
The whole point of knee pads is that they take the damage instead of your knees. Therefore, they have to be able to take a beating.
The best knee pads can hold up against any surface with a lot of downward force on them. They have to be able to withstand worksite conditions and all possible impacts.
Work Appropriate
Lastly, the knee pads have to be appropriate for the type of work you’re doing. While painting isn’t always done on your knees, you may find yourself crawling around on the floor for hours at a time. Therefore, the pads for the job have to be able to provide hours of comfort and support as well as proper mobility and agility. They need to be versatile and sturdy.
Frequently Asked Questions
For any remaining inquiries, take a gander at these frequently asked questions.
What are the two types of knee pads?
There are two basic types of knee pads: protective and medical. The ones we discuss here are protective. Medical knee pads include items like knee braces.
Which is better: gel pad or foam pad?
Foam is better as it doesn’t shift the way a liquid would, but combining the two provides even better protection.
What are knee pads used for?
Knee pads have a variety of uses, including medical purposes, absorbing impacts, protecting the knee caps, offering comfort and support while kneeling, reducing joint fatigue, and protection against cuts and bruises.
How do you know what size knee pads to get?
Many knee pads only come in one size. If the size isn’t specified or there aren’t options, assume it is made to fit the average adult man.
If there are size options, measure your knee around the knee cap. If you measure 10-12 inches, buy an extra small. 12-14 inches is a small size. 14-16 is a medium. The large size is 15-17 inches around, and the extra large is 17-20 inches.
