The 10 Best Skateboard Pads of 2023
By: Steve Settles: Skate Buyer | June 2, 2023
A couple of decades ago, when everyone and their mother was obsessing over Tony Hawk's video games and big money vert skating contests on television, the liberally applied moniker for skateboarding as an "extreme sport" was coined. Although skaters have collectively been trying to shake off this label ever since, it was well earned for the natural risks that come with the territory of pushing your limits flying through the air on a wooden toy. Because of this inherent danger, the best skateboard pads, like the ones seen in those highly televised vert events, not only minimize the chances of getting hurt but also build a new skater's confidence and make natural progression come with peace of mind. With these benefits in mind, we've assembled a list of our favorite safety equipment for 2023 (aside from helmets, which can be found on our best skateboard helmets list) manufactured by the fine folks at Triple 8, Pro-Tec, and 187 for skaters of every size and skill level.
New This Year:
As skateboarding continues to evolve, 2023 brings more varied sizing options and colors for some products. Be sure to refer to the sizing guide for all pads as you make your way through our selections, as they may vary slightly between styles. The three brands featured here have spent decades fine-tuning their skateboard pads to be the safest and most functional available today, so regardless of what you select, you or your child will be rolling securely. The worst safety gear is no safety gear, so whatever you do, pad up!
This Year's Best Skateboard Pads:
Pro-Tec Spade Series Skateboard Pads 3-Pack - Big Kids'
Avoid scrapes and keep them safe the next time they hit the skatepark with the Pro-Tec Spade Series Skateboard Pads 3-Pack. With elbow, knee, and wrist guards, this pack has everything you need for protecting their limbs from the inevitable fall.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $19.95 |
Triple 8 Little Tricky Jr. 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set - Big Kids'
The Triple 8 Little Tricky Jr. 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set is designed for kids like Mitchie Brusco who get after it on the ramps and therefore have a tendency to really eat it. This pack will protect wrists, knees and elbows in case of a gnarly tumble.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $44.99 |
187 Six Pack Skateboard Pad Set
All the protective gear you need to start skateboarding in one package! The 187 Six Pack Skateboard Pad Set provides durable designs and protection thanks to a ballistic nylon fabric, industrial-weight stitching, and streamlined shapes to minimize bulk and increase mobility.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $79.95 |
187 Pro Skateboard Elbow Pads
The 187 Pro Skateboard Elbow Pads are designed for maximum elbow cushion and comfort. Extra thick padding and a mobile, articulated design offers maximum range of motion without compromising superior safety. Protect your body and get the most out of your riding with the 187 Pro Skateboard Elbow Pads.
| Type | Original Price |
| Elbow Pads | $49.95 |
Triple 8 Wristsaver Slide On Wrist Guards
You won't be popping many bottles nor will you be looking very attractive with both hands in a cast. Ride with the Triple 8 Wristsaver Slide On Wrist Guards and protect your wrists, weekends, and look. Triple 8 knows riders aren't fond of pads that constrict your skate flow. Therefore they've slimmed down the profile with a 4-way stretch nylon and added EVA foam between the ABS splints and nylon for softer landings and unbroken wrists. Leading to a less noticeable pad with improved performance that adds confidence to riders for quick progression.
| Type | Original Price |
| Wrist Guards | $24.99 |
Triple 8 Saver Series High Impact 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set
The Triple 8 Saver Series High Impact 3 Pack Skateboard Pad Set offers you all the bodily protection you need in case of a gnarly tumble. The knee pads and elbow pads are made of high grade durable fabrics, EVA foam and polycarbonate full coverage caps to provide superior protection without restricting movement. The wrist guards are made with ABS backers to help protect the wrist in the case of a spill or two.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wrist Guards Set | $39.99 - $44.99 |
187 Pro Skateboard Knee Pads
The 187 Pro Skateboard Knee Pads use proven technologies and superior materials for the ultimate in protection and comfort. The Pro Knee is the preferred choice of skaters and athletes worldwide seeking the best knee protection around.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads | $99.95 - $109.95 |
Pro-Tec Street Knee & Elbow Skateboard Pad Set
Falling in front of a crowd is always embarrassing, and it's bound to happen. What matters is how you handle it. Ride with the Pro Tec Street Knee & Elbow Skateboard Pad Set and you'll at least have your dignity - and bones - fully intact after gnarly crash.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, & Elbow Pads Set | $49.95 |
187 Killer Pads Wrist Guards
Hitting the park with extra protection lets you drop in confidently and send tricks you never thought you could land. It's all fun and games till you end up in a hard cast attempting to write with your left hand, so let's skip all that and let the 187 Killer Pads Wrist Guards keep you in the game with a superb fit and heavy-duty straps that can take a beating.
| Type | Original Price |
| Wrist Guards | $24.95 |
Triple 8 Street Protective 2 Pack Skateboard Pad Set
The Triple 8 Street Protective 2 Pack Skateboard Pad Set is great for the skateboarder who is just getting into rails, stairs, and hard falls. The set includes knee and elbow pads made with high density contoured EVA foam, making them great for hitting the pavement.
| Type | Original Price |
| Skate Knee Pads, & Elbow Pads Set | $49.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Skateboard Guides:
Check Out Our Favorite Skateboard Gear
The Selection Process:
Our skate buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things skateboard stemming from years of experience in the skateboard industry in tandem with their countless hours on a board. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Steve Settles
I knew Santa Claus was real when a shiny new complete skateboard was waiting for me under the tree in the winter of ’92. Skateboarding has been in my life ever since. Somehow I have been lucky enough to work in the skateboard community since legally possible. Started behind the counter selling skateboards, moved up to store manager of a retail location, recruited to work in Event Marketing running the largest amateur skateboard contest in the US, then landed the job at evo with opening and managing Seattle’s only indoor skatepark – All Together Skatepark.After the first 5 years of running All Together Skatepark, I slowly started taking on buying responsibilities for evo skate products and have most recently moved to buying full time. Skateboarding has taught me to look at the world differently and openly by breaking down all barriers of age, race, gender, and culture. Skateboarding is for all humans. For that perspective, I am forever grateful!