How Much Do Volleyball Knee Pads Cost? (Breakdown Per Brand)
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While all knee pad brands for volleyball are affordable, rarely rising above the $30 mark, not all brands are built the same.
Some are decidedly more durable, while others have different approaches to providing that all-important cushioning. Between the durability and cushioning of the knee pads, the price is going to vary.
So, how much do volleyball knee pads cost? Most volleyball knee pads cost between $20 and $30. They can be found at similar prices either online – such as on Amazon or the individual brands’ websites – or in person at sporting stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods. Generally, the difference in sizes does not contribute to cost.
If your knee pads are in good condition and properly taken care of, you might not need to change them out for several seasons. For players who dive constantly, having proper pads is a great (and cheap!) investment towards preserving your knee health.
Below, I’m breaking down not only how much the different brands of volleyball knee pads cost, and help you get the best value from your money as possible.
Factors That Influence Volleyball Knee Pad Costs
Knee pads aren’t complicated.
Essentially, they consist of foam blocks for the padding, elastic to keep the pads in place on your knee, and some kind of fabric to bring it all together. Simple materials serving a simple purpose doesn’t leave a lot of room for deviation, but you might be surprised at the amount of innovation that volleyball brands have brought to the competition.
The research and design that is necessary to have developed the more complicated knee pads necessitates their higher costs, just as the simplicity of “single pad” designs explains their affordability. The biggest factor in knee pads’ cost is their design.
I’ve included a brief explanation of the four different types below:
1. Single Pad Cushioning
Single pad cushioning involves one, intact piece of foam or other material that covers the entire knee.
This kind of cushioning is much less durable than other types as the movement of the knee and the zones of impact cause the material to suffer increased strain.
2. Split/Foam Padding
Some knee pads utilize split/foam padding.
This type of cushioning splits the foam into multiple bands that move with the knee, increasing its durability.
3. Compression Sleeve
Support pads and compression sleeve cushioning seeks to give the knee joint as much support as possible.
Like other compression equipment, its purpose is to stop injuries before they happen and aid in recovery.
4. Modular Cushioning
Lastly, we have modular cushioning.
This type of cushioning uses deliberately cut shapes of foam or gel-padding to conform to the shape of your knee and give the best possible protection. By far the most durable and effective at its job, this is the type that I always recommend to my students.
Cost of Volleyball Knee Pads Per Brand
Brand | Style | Durability | Cost | Available At |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics | Split/Foam Padding | Good | Low | Amazon |
| Body Prox | Single Pad | Bad | Low | Amazon |
| McDavid | Support Pads + Compression Sleeve | Good | Low-mid | Amazon |
| Mikasa | Modular Cushioning | Good | Mid | Amazon |
| Mizuno | Modular Cushioning | Good | High | Amazon |
| Nike | Single Pad | Bad | Mid-High | Amazon |
I’ve tested and reviewed pretty much every knee pad and sleeve on the market. If you want my advice, check out my other article on the Best Volleyball Knee Pads.
Asics
Asics has been around a while, since 1949 in fact. They’ve been a major player in volleyball equipment since the beginning, and their shoes are worn all over the world.
When it comes to knee pads, the Asics brand is a mid-range knee pad averaging $20 between all its products. Decently durable, they are great starter pads especially for kids starting out in the sport. The only problem I’ve found is they can be a little too big for my taste and feel cumbersome, but that’s entirely a personal choice.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the Asics Low Profile Knee Pad on Amazon.
Bodyprox
Body Prox is a new company on the market, founded in 2017 with the goal to provide great protective and recovery-focused equipment to various athletes of many sports. Unfortunately, while their knee pads are on the lower end of the cost spectrum, averaging $20 a pair, they just aren’t as durable or effective as the competition.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the Bodyprox Knee Pad on Amazon.
McDavid
McDavid is a huge player in protective equipment and knee support, starting in 1969 with its first product: a knee brace for American football.
Because of their long, professional experience in sports medicine, McDavid’s knee pads do what Body Prox attempts to do, but better. Averaging low-medium on the cost spectrum, they have good durability and use built-in compression sleeves for the most protection possible.
While they do make legitimately decent products, I like my knee pads separate from my compression sleeves, so I combined one of their normal sleeves underneath my knee pads when I play.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the McDavid Jumpy Volleyball Knee Pad on Amazon.
Mikasa
Started in Hiroshima over 89 years ago, Mikasa is another brand with a long tradition of sport-first mentality. One of the “Big Three” volleyball brands, their knee pads use clever modular padding and are on the medium range of cost. Good products, and great knee pads.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the Mikasa 830JR Competition Antimicrobial Knee Pad on Amazon.
Mizuno
As always, no list is complete without Mizuno. The only company on this list over 100 years old (founded in 1906), Mizuno embodied excellence in all things, always.
Their knee pads are the best on the market, not only in value but in true performance and durability. However, they are also some of the most expensive, so be mindful when shopping.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pad on Amazon.
Nike
Nike needs no introduction, but the athletics behemoth is a new player on the stage of volleyball and still finding its place in the equipment tiering. Having chosen a single pad layout for their knee pads, they fail to stand up to competing products, and just don’t offer what others can for cheaper.
Check out today’s price and more reviews of the Nike Essentials Volleyball Knee Pad on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Mizuno Knee Pads Cost?
Mizuno knee pads can cost between $20-$40. At the high-end, the Ventus Volleyball knee pads cost $40, which is for the serious athlete. At the low-end, the T10 Plus Kneepad costs $20, which is for players just starting out or anyone not putting their body on the line to get the ball.
How Much Do Asics Knee Pads Cost?
Asics knee pads can cost between $20-$25. At the high-end, the Gel Low Profile Kneepad costs $25, which is for players with sensitive joints. At the low-end, the ACE Low Profile costs $20, and is suitable for every player on court.
How Much Do Nike Knee Pads Cost?
Nike knee pads can cost between $25-$40. At the high-end, the Nike Adult Vapor Volleyball Knee Pads costs $40, which is for players who need a little more compression support from their knee pads. At the low-end, the Nike Streaks costs $25, which is suitable for players just starting out in the game.
Should You Pay For More Expensive Knee Pads?
Yes, you should opt for more expensive knee pads. As no knee pads can truly be called “expensive”, with a mere $10 difference between brands, it’s always worth taking care of your knees as best as you can, especially if you dive a lot.
Does Walmart Carry Cheap Volleyball Knee Pads?
Yes, Walmart carries cheap volleyball knee pads. My recommendation is the Mizuno Volley Elites.
Does Target Carry Cheap Volleyball Knee Pads?
While Target does carry knee pads, they’re not the cheapest that you can buy. Target carries Mizuno knee pads, which are a little pricier. Check out the Mizuno Elite 9 SI2 Volleyball Knee Pads as one good example.
Does Amazon Carry Cheap Volleyball Knee Pads?
Yes, Amazon carries all the major brands, and you can find a price and product for any knee pad you’re looking for. I would recommend staying with brands discussed in this article, however, as off-brand knee pads perform terribly and are a waste of money.
More Volleyball Knee Pad Resources
- How to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads Without Wrecking Them
- How Long Do Volleyball Knee Pads Last? (Honest Perspective)
- Volleyball Knee Pad Sizing (Do They Stretch?)
- What Are Volleyball Knee Pads Made Of? (Materials Explained)
- Volleyball vs Basketball Knee Pads: Differences, Pros, Cons
- Best Volleyball Knee Pads For Liberos
About The Author
Ailan Samuel is a writer and athlete who has played volleyball at the university, club, and national level since 2012. He has competed successfully in both beach and indoor competitions, resulting in four silver and two gold medals, and was awarded the Half-Blue while playing in Scotland. He received his MA in English and Medieval History from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and is currently studying for his MA in Publishing and Creative Writing at Bournemouth University.
