What Knee Pads are the Best for Pole?
- Sage Isabella
- Feb 27, 2023
- 3 min read
So you want to dance on the floor, kip from your back and land softly on your knees, or are simply worried about falling over in 8 inch platforms, but don't know what knee pad to best protect your knees? Do not worry – this post is here to help!
What makes a good pole knee pad?
Durability
It is important that your knee pads last, not just for your dance sessions, but for years to come! You want the fit of the knee pads to stay good as they get worn in and the fabric softens. Ideally the fabric will not tear from friction with the floor, pole, or being transported back and forth to the studio.
Cushioning
The whole point of knee pads is to protect your knees, so we need for them to actually have enough cushion to prevent harmful levels of impact. Bonus points if the cushioning is replaceable.
Grip
If you want to do leg hangs then you likely need to access grip in your knee pit. This can be done with a "sticky" fabric or by having an open space at the back of the knee pads (or both). Note that if you try to do this yourself by cutting a hole in "normal" knee pads you might lower the durability, by making the fabric too loose.
Slide-ability
You are likely going to want to be able to slide on knee pads. This is a big advantage of knee pads for those who want to wear more exposed clothing but to still be able to slide around like Magic Mike "Swiffer-ing" the floor with gyrating knees.
Movement
You are going to be dancing in these so you need them to not be too bulky. It is important to be able to bend and land on your knees without your blood circulation being cut off. There is no point in getting knee pads to dance in if they prevent you from dancing.
Washability
This is often taken for granted until a few weeks have past and you inevitably end up wondering "what is that smell" in the middle of your floor routine.
Ease of Access
This is how easy the knee pads are to take on and off. If you want to practice your heels routine first with knee pads and then take the knee pads off WHILE keeping your heels on this is important for you.
Brand Review
Here is my review of a couple common pole knee pad brands that I have tried. I will keep updating as I try other brands and as the knee pads wear over time.
Poldancerka
Durability: ★★☆☆☆
Cushioning: ★★☆☆☆
Grip: ★★★★☆
Slidyness: ★★★☆☆
Movement: ★★★★☆
Wash-ability: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
These knee pads are slim on the leg, go from XS-XL and come in a variety of colors, including a mix of skin tones. The cushion is built in and cannot be removed. You are welcome to add additional cushioning, which you can buy from their website.
The mesh on them is quite see through, but not very durable (mine have holes like old stockings). The main cushioning can also wear out since it is sewn in and not replaceable, it is also pretty thin. There is a grippy side on the inside of the knee and an open knee hole for grip.
These can get loose on the knee when worn in causing the main pad to shift to the side. Although sliding on the knee is not as effortless as it could be due to the textured surface and grippy side panel, they move great for dancing and have a cute look.
see website
Bee's Knees (BKKP)
Durability: ★★★★☆
Cushioning: ★★★★☆
Grip: ★★★★☆
Slidyness: ★★★★☆
Movement: ★★★★☆
Wash-ability: ★★★★☆
Ease of Access: ★★★★★
To be honest, I won these in 2021, which is why I was able to get them in Europe. My getting them for free has no bearing on this review.
These have become my go to knee pads for teaching and training at the studio because they are so convenient and sturdy. You can put them on after having your shoes on since they use velcro to strap on to the leg. This means also that you can adjust how tight they are on the leg. They come in sizes XS to XL, but you can also buy strap extenders and the XL is larger than that of Poledancerka or Queen Pole Wear.
The mesh on these is some miracle material, because the fabric has yet to tear. The pads are completely replaceable and you have a large gap for your knees! My thread has started to pull from the elastic lining in some places with extensive use, but so far the knee pads are still functional.
see website
Queen Pole Wear (Grippy Garter Straps)
Durability: ★★★★★
Cushioning: ★★★★☆
Grip: ★★★★★
Slidyness: ★★★★☆
Movement: ★★★☆☆
Wash-ability: ★★★★☆
Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
I bought these for a competition and they are very cute on, with adjustable garter sizing. While cute, I don't recommend garters for everyday use as they may still slide a bit depending on how cone shaped your thighs are. They come in sizes XS-XL. The grip is perfect for all you want to do on the pole but the knee part is smooth for sliding. Note that this review is for the knee pads that have extra grip, not the "classic" model.
These knee pads have three replaceable pads that wrap around the knee to protect it from all angles. Due to a lack of mesh in the main part of the knee pad, they are very durable, but less breathable, meaning you are more likely to sweat. These are washing machine approved for when that sweat has built up and they start to get funky.
Getting the right size for these is important and they will stretch a little over time. When you first get them it might be a little more challenging to move until they start to fit your body.
see website
Decathlon
Durability: ★★☆☆☆
Cushioning: ★★★★★
Grip: ★☆☆☆☆
Slidyness: ★★★☆☆
Movement: ★★☆☆☆
Wash-ability: ★★☆☆☆
Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
Decathlon is one of the go to affordable sports stores in the EU. Anyway, my first pair of pole knee pads I got from there and cut holes in the back. Must say, I do not recommend.
The knee part was too fluffy, the pads weren't replaceable and they are not really made for sliding around the floor. After I cut the holes they got too loose and then the pad would slide with me. If you are good at sewing, I think it might be worth going for to take some cheaper knee pads and make your own.
I just am of the mindset that some people already put in the effort to figure out what is needed for pole knee pads and designed them, so it is worth supporting smaller companies such as the ones above than generic mass marketed knee pads that might not work as well for dancing.