A volleyball player’s knees take a beating during digs and defensive plays throughout a match. Whether you are a beginner or advanced volleyball player, knee protection from hard indoor volleyball courts is essential.
Today’s top brands for volleyball equipment offer a variety of knee pads priced from $10 to $40 (USD) and range from basic protection to competition quality. When looking to buy new volleyball knee pads, review top brands for performance qualities, style and price.
ASICS Brand Volleyball Knee Pads
Active volleyball players are most certainly familiar with the ASICS brand for volleyball equipment. ASICS volleyball shoes and apparel are very popular among avid players, so it is no surprise that ASICS manufactures some of the best volleyball knee pads available.
Compared to other top brands, ASICS offers one of the largest selections of knee pads. Most styles are available in a regular fit and junior fit for younger players. This dedication to variety ensures there is a fit, style and price point to choose for nearly any volleyball player.
Top models for ASICS volleyball knee pads include:
- ASICS International – made with memory foam and designed with full coverage but a very low profile. (MSRP $18 USD)
- ASICS Competition – features a unique Kinetofoam™ technology that wraps around joints for a comfortable fit. Available as Competition 2.0 (MSRP $24 USD) or Competition 3.0G with a GEL® cushioning system (MSRP $28 USD).
- ASICS Slider – an ultra low profile knee pad with full coverage and engineered flex zones. (MSRP $16 USD).
- ASICS Rally - a lightweight knee pad with anti-microbial fabric. (MSRP $16 USD).
Best Mizuno and Tachikara Volleyball Knee Pad Styles
An active player in volleyball gear options, Mizuno is a popular brand for volleyball shorts, jerseys, apparel and shoes as well as equipment accessories. Mizuno kneepads include innovative technologies that are designed specifically for the protection needs of volleyball players.
Mizuno knee pad technologies include:
- D.F. CUT™ technology for greater freedom of movement
- VS-1™ padding for protection of high impact zones (patella, lateral, and medial)
- Mizuno Intercool™ ventilation system to reduce sweat
Top styles for Mizuno volleyball kneepads include the Mizuno LR6 with D.F. CUT ™ and VS-1™ (MSRP $24 USD), Mizuno VS-1 with D.F. CUT ™,VS-1™ and Intercool™ (MSRP $40 USD) and the Mizuno T10 with contoured padded sections (MSRP $15 USD).
Tachikara, a popular volleyball brand for volleyballs, also produces a good selection of volleyball knee pads. Tachikara is known for their “bubble” knee pad design that provides extra cushioning for hard hits to the knees. However, this style can make sliding during digs and defensive plays less smooth. Tachikara TKP, Tachikara TK-2000 and Tachikara TK-Smash are all very reasonably priced between $11-14 USD.
Options for Buying Volleyball Knee Pads
Most top brands are widely available in national chain sporting goods stores and volleyball specialty stores. For serious, competitive players, volleyball specialty stores can also offer custom fit knee pads that are formed to mold with your knee. Players with knee pain or discomfort from overuse injuries can also consider volleyball knee braces for extra support and protection.
Although top volleyball knee pad brands like ASICS, Mizuno and Tachikara are not necessarily considered expensive, the price ranges across styles are typically commensurate with quality and special performance features. For cheaper options, consider buying brands like Wilson, Nike or an athletic store generic brand. These brands offer basic protection but are designed with less technology features found in top competition grade volleyball knee pad brands. Consider aslo selecting a brand of volleyball knee pads to match quality volleyball socks and high performance volleyball shoes.
Sources:
ASICS America, Mizuno and Tachikara
Diane Seltzer - Diane is a branding, pr and social media marketer with experience ranging from advertising to corporate marketing and consulting.
