Essential Knee Protection Gear For Lacrosse Players
Essential Knee Protection Gear For Lacrosse Players
Choose Pads With Maximum Cushioning and Impact Protection For Optimal Knee Safety
When selecting lacrosse knee pads, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of cushioning and impact protection they provide. As a fast-paced, high-contact sport, lacrosse players are constantly vulnerable to hits and collisions that can result in knee injuries if not properly protected. The ideal knee pads will have thick, shock-absorbing foam or gel padding that serves to disperse the force of impacts before they reach the knee joint and surrounding structures.
Advanced pads often utilize multi-layered cushioning systems with varying densities of foam to optimize impact absorption from all angles. This is crucial for goalies in particular, who dive and land on their knees repeatedly when making saves. Maximum cushioning thickness of around 1/2 inch or more is recommended for goalies and field players alike, to safeguard the fragile knee joints, ligaments and tendons from bruising, strains or worse.
It’s also advisable to look for knee pads engineered with innovative materials like Aerogel or D3O that “lock” on impact to provide exceptional shock dissipation. This type of intelligent cushioning offers protection from high-velocity shots or checks without restricting mobility or adding excess bulk. Essentially, the more shock-absorbing the padding, the better protected players’ knees will be as they pivot, cut and collide on the field. Choosing lacrosse knee pads with robust multi-layer or gel-based cushioning could make all the difference in preventing serious knee injuries during play.
Opt For Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Materials For Comfortable Lacrosse Knee Pads

When shopping for lacrosse knee pads, it’s important to consider the type of material they are made from. Opting for breathable, moisture-wicking materials can make a big difference in keeping players comfortable and avoiding overheating during games and practices. The inner lining of knee pads touches directly against the skin, so breathability is key for ventilation and sweat control.
Polyester and spandex blends are common moisture-wicking materials used in high-performance knee pads. The polyester fibers have capillary action that draws sweat away from the skin, while the spandex adds stretch for flexibility. This helps prevent the buildup of heat and sweat inside the pads, which can cause chafing and irritation. Meshpaneling made from polyester interwoven with ventilation holes can also enhance breathability in targeted areas.
Some brands also utilize advanced moisture-wicking technologies like Dri-FIT or CoolMax fabric for maximum sweat absorption. These fabrics have special cross-sections and hydrophilic treatments to rapidly pull perspiration outward so it can evaporate. This keeps knees dryer and prevents overheating during intense gameplay in warm weather.
For cold weather play, merino wool or bamboo viscose offer soft, breathable padding layers to help regulate body temperature. They provide warmth without overheating or sweat retention. Companies like Maverik optimize breathability by strategically placing moisture-wicking fabrics in high-heat zones while using insulating neoprene or rubber in high-impact areas.
Proper ventilation is vital for goalies in bulky pads during summer tournaments and practices. Breathable knee pads promote air circulation and evaporation around the joint, keeping players cool, dry and comfortable in any climate.
Look For An Anatomical and Ergonomic Design For Optimized Fit and Mobility in Lacrosse Knee Pads

When selecting knee pads for lacrosse, it’s advisable to look for an anatomical, contoured design to ensure an ergonomic fit that won’t hinder mobility. Unlike basic strap-on pads, anatomically designed pads curve to properly cup and protect the natural shape of the knee joint.
This close-fitting ergonomic shape helps prevent the pads from shifting or sliding out of place during athletic maneuvers. A tight, second-skin fit is crucial for unrestricted movement in a sport like lacrosse that requires constant pivoting, cutting, and direction changes on the field.
Advanced lacrosse knee pads utilize flexible, molded polyethylene plates that contour to the knees for full coverage protection without restricting motion. Some brands also incorporate flexion notches and grooves right below the knee cap to allow for a full range of bending motion.
For goalies, anatomical shaping ensures the pads move fluidly with the body and stay in place when dropping into butterfly position or quickly popping back up to make kick saves. Proper stabilization is key with the constant impact forces involved in goalkeeping.
Moisture-wicking stretch fabrics like lycra, neoprene and jacquard knit mesh are often integrated into lacrosse knee pads to enable dynamic flexing and prevent bunching behind the knee. An optimized anatomical fit tailored to lacrosse helps maximize protection and maneuverability for all positions.