Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board
Gel knee pads can be a tremendous help if you are suffering from knee pain, have injured your knee or recently had knee surgery.
They are great if you are having pain kneeling down and can be used to provide padding and protection to the knee joint from impact injuries.
Protecting your knees with these pads can reduce your pain, speed up healing and enable you to keep doing the activities you love.
Gel knee pads are a must for anyone who spends time on their knees whether it's gardening, housework or manual labour, such as roofing and carpet laying.
They are particularly useful for conditions such as Osgood Schlatters, Arthritis, Housemaids Knee, Chondromalacia Patella and anterior knee pain as they provide a soft cushioned surface to kneel on and reduce the pressure through the knee.
Knee pads also help spread out the force going through the knee, rather than it all going through one point.
There are loads of different gel filled knee pads out there, made of
different materials, with different brands available in different
countries. Here I share with you my favourite ones from the US & Canada and the UK.
Overview: These pads have a special "comfort zone" gel centre which provides great cushioning for your knee. Surrounding this is a thick, high density foam and a soft, flexible outer shell. The pads grip well to most surfaces without scratching. Flexible straps ensure a great fit
My verdict: Great mid-range option. These work well either over clothes or against skin. They stay in place well and are extremely comfy - people forget they have them on.
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Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $48 $23.51
Read: Product Info Buy Now: RRP CDN $45.32
Overview: These gel filled knee pads reduce harmful, painful pressure on the front of the knee and redistribute body weight evenly. They are extremely comfortable, even when worn all day.
Their long cap design optimises comfort and stability. The upper and lower elastic sleeves ensure the pad stays in place and there is an extra elastic strap with a hook and loop closure towards the bottom of the pad.
My verdict: Top of the range, suitable for
garden work, construction, roofing etc. These are extremely comfortable
gel knee pads – one person stated they felt like kneeling on soft clouds
or pillows! Comes in pairs.
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Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $49
On Sale $41.30
Read: CDN Reviews Buy Now: RRP CDN $82.79
Overview: These knee pads are perfect for wearing around the house and garden. Comfortable to wear, lightweight yet durable design and an easy to use adjustment strap. Sold as a pair.
My verdict: Great budget option. Comfy, easy to move around in, and provide good cushioning.
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Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $16
On Sale $14.95
Read: CDN Reviews Buy Now: RRP CDN $10 On Sale CDN $8.97
Overview: Pair of neoprene knee pads with gel padding for ultimate comfort. Hard plastic caps protects against rough surfaces. Single, adjustable strap on each pad to ensure a good fit. The sewn cap prevents any debris getting underneath
My verdict: For jobs when you are constantly
kneeling for long periods, these are the bee's knees. People with small legs tend to find they slip down when walking though.
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Read: User Reviews Buy Now: RRP £13
On Sale £7.89
Overview: These gel knee pads are designed to put maximum protection where it is needed most. The built-in flexibility provides long-lasting comfort and the embedded I-Gel insert provides maximum impact resistance. The non-marking cap will not damage surfaces. They are made of non-slip material to avoid sliding around on hard surfaces. Breathable perforated neoprene straps.
My verdict: These are my favourite if you are likely to be up and down a lot, as they stay in place well due to having two straps, even when you are walking around. Really comfortable and can be worn all day. They are the largest of the three – best to wear over your trousers.
One customer review “I have bought quite a few sets of knee pads over the years from various manufacturers and found none of them as good as these, well worth the money paid.”
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Read: User Reviews Buy Now: RRP £27.32
On Sale £24.09
Overview: Pair of knee pads that contain a gel foam core for maximum comfort. They also have plastic cups for extra protection. They come with elasticated straps with Velcro fastenings to ensure a perfect fit. They are comfortable and easy to wear, and are designed for prolonged use.
My verdict: Great budget option. Comfortable even when worn all day.
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Read: User Reviews Buy Now: RRP £10.59 On Sale £8.66
Gel knee pads are a great way to reduce pain when kneeling. If you are also having problems with pain and weakness in the knee when doing activities, have a look at the brace guide. Or if you are wanting help working out what is causing your pain, go to the Diagnose your Pain section.
Page Last Updated: 18/01/23
Next Review Due: 18/01/25
*Prices correct as of May 2023. All prices are subject to change. Please note we do not stock products directly and therefore have no control over price changes. See advertising policy for more information.
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