Motocross is a sport involving off road racing with power-driven motor vehicles. Knee & shin guards are power-driven, an important fact to remember when thinking about what's the best knee & shin guards for Motocross for you.
Best knee pads and shin pads for Motocross must be durable, fit and perform differently to other forms of pads.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to select a good knee & shin guard for yourself, what to look out for when buying a pair of Motocross knee & shin guards and give you a number of recommendations so you can easily find the best Motocross knee & shin guards for yourself.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| SHIFT Racing Enforcer Adult Knee/Shin Guard Dirt Bike Motorcycle Body Armor | Best Overall |  |
1. SHIFT Racing Enforcer Adult Knee/Shin Guard Dirt Bike Motorcycle Body Armor
Pros:
- Provides a high level of protection without being too bulky (LOVE THIS)
- Comfortable
- Well made
- Protective padded parts on inside of legs
Everything you want from protective motorcycle gear without the bulk of a big set of leathers. Construction quality is strong, they're relatively breathable, and don't restrict movement.
2. EVS 2016 Option Adult Knee Guard Off-Road Motorcycle Body Armor
Pros:
- Breathable and easy to clean
- Vented for summer riding
- Affordable
- Fits a wide range of lower leg shapes
- Padded with EVA
Cons:
- Some users complain that the cups are too hard
- Not the strongest plastic
The EVS is a well-made, lightweight, and comfortable pair of knee guards. These are guaranteed with its superior quality materials and wearability. Whether it’s for a long time use, or for motorbike riding, this pair of pad will surely meet your expectations.
They are lightweight and does not hamper your movement. Its perforated straps are also available at the sides and will give you breathability for a comfortable wear.
In addition, the collar clips are just enough to secure your knee pads. The EVS knee pad also has the advantage of covering wider area in the front and in the back than other pads in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best knee brace for motocross?
Most good quality motocross knee guards will be made from either nylon or plastic, and you should go for one of these materials to ensure the greatest level of impact absorption. You should also pay attention to the straps as they come in different styles. Some are more complicated than others and some add more comfort.
Many good knee guards will also be adjustable to allow you to customize your fit. This is a nice feature for your long term comfort and flexibility.
Another important consideration is the way that knee pads are secured. You have two options: either straps or a neoprene sock. Straps are great for providing good support. However, neoprene socks are extremely comfortable and because they don’t have straps, they won’t damage your leg. This allows you to wear bike shorts and motocross pants over the knee guards, which is incredibly convenient.
What knee braces do pro motocross riders wear?
Pro motocross riders wear full knee braces that cover the entire knee and lower leg. They achieve this by connecting all the parts around the knee with strong velcro straps. These braces are so strong that they often look bulky to outsiders. The design of the braces covers the knee like a shell but doesn’t restrict the rider’s movements.
The knee braces notable for their locking and closure system which relies on hook-and-loop fasteners. When the fasteners are not in place, the leg is protected from kneecap impact. When the straps are locked, the fasteners seal and provide maximum protection. Though the design is simple, knee protection strength is greater than other knee braces in the market.
Should I wear knee braces for motocross?
Knee and shin guards are a key part of your motocross gear, but should you wear braces for motocross? In a word, yes. Knee braces serve to stabilize and support your knees by alleviating the pressure of your shin guard and knee pads against your skin. You might think this sounds counterintuitive, but believe me, you’ll be thankful you got braces when that size 6 needle jumps out and puts you on the ground. Knee guards are designed to protect all around the knee.
Wearing braces for motocross will also help your knee retain its natural alignment. Shoulder surgeries are common in motocross; they are usually the result of dirt bikes reactions over rough terrain. While protective gear can protect your knees, they do not offer any protection for your shoulder joints. So keeping your good knee in good shape is of utmost importance.
What is the best knee brace?
The safety of your knee joints is dependent on a combination of comfortable fit and supportive joint coverage. The best motocross knee brace for you will be the one that fits well and gives you the most support for your buck. In terms of fit, you’ll want to look for a brace that will fit well around your knee and ankle. Since the brace stays in place through movement, it’s important that you can move your knee freely without the brace coming into contact with your skin or binding.
The second important feature of a great knee brace is the type of protection it offers. Some more lightweight designs will not protect your knee from a serious impact on the same level as a heavier, more protective brace. If you’re a beginner, you might not need the extra safety (and weight) of the heavy-duty models.
Conclusion
In actual use, we found that these guards offered great protection and we happily recommend them. The ROKTEKs have a nice thin and flexible design that not only allows for temporary comfort but also for a very close and tight fit. The MGP-Pro's are also very comfortable but they do take a bit of time to get used to (like adjust the hold and break in). The BOA's offer a wide range of adjustability and comfort for sizes, although the guards are not extremely flexible.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| SHIFT Racing Enforcer Adult Knee/Shin Guard Dirt Bike Motorcycle Body Armor | Best Overall | |