Best Knee Pads for Installing Flooring
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Working as a floor installer is hard on your knees. Knee aches and stiffness are part and parcel of the job, and sometimes you have to hold on to something just so you can stand or sit without causing more pain to your knees.

That’s why proper knee protection is essential if you’re working as a floor installer, plumber, cleaner, or any job that requires you to be on your knees more often than not. Knee pads cushion your knees against the hard floor, as well as act as shock absorbers when your knees hit hard surfaces. They can prevent scrapes, fractures, and punctures. Moreover, knee pads can make working more bearable if you have bursitis, tendinitis, and other knee problems.

But what makes a good pair of knee pads? Is it the type of material used by the manufacturer? The knee pads size? Or whether they stay in place or not while you work?

There are a lot of things you have to consider when buying knee pads, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best knee pads for installing flooring, as well as discussed some of the important knee pad features you have to check out before buying a pair. Check them out below.

1.
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Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro Knee Pads for Construction, Gardening, Flooring - Pro Protection & Comfort for Men & Women (Multiple Colors),Orange/Gray
Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro Knee Pads for Construction, Gardening, Flooring - Pro Protection & Comfort for Men & Women (Multiple Colors),Orange/Gray
  • PRO PROTECTION: Ultra Flex III knee pads have a super hard outer plastic shell that’s strong and durable. They’re made for professionals whose work calls for kneeling, crawling or squatting
  • SOFT PADDING: Its triple layer, 3/4" thick, closed cell foam pad provides the ultimate protective layer, plus the best comfort you’ll find. Sold as a pair of 2 knee pads
  • NO PRESSURE: Soft elastic woven straps are positioned well above and below the knee and have a speed clip for quick attachment. Adjustable, unisex design can be worn by adult men and women
  • FLEXIBLE MOVEMENT: Knee pads are constructed with a metal rivet hinge, which offers ease of movement when walking or kneeling. Its non-marking grip strip can be safely used on any floor or surface
  • PROFESSIONAL USES: Heavy duty knee pads are a must-have for many jobs, including military/tactical, flooring, tiling, roofing, landscaping, and HVAC work. Comes with a mesh carry bag for portability
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ToughBuilt - Gelfit Thigh Support Stabilization unisex Knee Pads - Heavy Duty, Comfortable and Adjustable - (TB-KP-G3), black
ToughBuilt - Gelfit Thigh Support Stabilization unisex Knee Pads - Heavy Duty, Comfortable and Adjustable - (TB-KP-G3), black
  • RESISTANT AND DURABLE - Made with the highest standards to ensure durability, withstand harsh work environments, and save time and money on having to constantly buy replacements. Covered by our limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in material.
  • COMFORTABLE GELFIT - Unique gel cushion and foam design embraces the natural shape of the knee and upper shin, maximizing pressure distribution for an extremely comfortable fit. Put them on and leave them on.
  • STAY ADJUSTED - Combination elastic/EVA/buckle thigh and calf straps comfortably hold their place without cutting off circulation. Kneepad never rotates off your knee, so no time wasted on having to constantly adjust your equipment.
  • MOBILITY - Thigh support keeps the knee ergonomically centered within the kneepad, so your range of motion is not compromised. Our design provides ultimate stability combined with easy side-to-side agility.
  • PREMIUM MANUFACTURING - Made with abrasion-resistant 1680D fabric, rugged double-injected shell with non-slip rubber and shatter-resistant plastic. They are heavily textured on contact surfaces, so you feel safe and at ease while on the job.
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3.
TROXELL USA SuperSoft Leatherhead Kneepads - (Large Size / Bagged in Pairs)
TROXELL USA SuperSoft Leatherhead Kneepads - (Large Size / Bagged in Pairs)
  • Single Front Fastening Strap design won't pinch the back of your legs
  • Can be worn with shorts - Super Comfy on the Knees
  • Won't Pinch The Back Of Your Knees; Wear em with Shorts!
  • Patented- Troxell USA Technology
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4.
CLC Custom Leathercraft G361 Professional Ultra-Flex Gel Kneepads, Bule
CLC Custom Leathercraft G361 Professional Ultra-Flex Gel Kneepads, Bule
  • Special CLC "Comfort Zone" gel center provides maximum cushioning for all-day wearablility
  • Super thick, high density closed cell foam for all day comfort
  • Soft, flexible outer shell protects and grips most surfaces without scratching or scuffing
  • Super-accordion, Ultra-Flex construction for comfort and protection
  • Durable rubber straps are adjustable to fit all sizes
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Ergodyne ProFlex 380 Kneeling Pad, Foam Knee Cushion, Water Resistant Kneeling Mat, 14' x 21' x 1', Orange, Standard
Ergodyne ProFlex 380 Kneeling Pad, Foam Knee Cushion, Water Resistant Kneeling Mat, 14" x 21" x 1", Orange, Standard
  • DURABLE FOAM PADDING – Made with high density, thick NBR foam rubber that will not compress over time, protecting knees against hard surfaces
  • LIQUID RESISTANT – Water resistant and petroleum resistant construction make it perfect for everything from bath time to work in the garage
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Kneeling pad is lightweight and has a built-in handle making it easy to carry and transport and convenient to hang and store
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL – Use to support pressure away from other areas; cushion elbows, shoulders, hips and other body parts when working in tight, constrained, twisted postures
  • SIZE DIMENSIONS – 14in x 21in x 1in (36cm x 53cm x 2.5cm)
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6.
Klein Tools 55629 Knee Pads, Tradesman Pro Professional Knee Protection with Foam Padding and Gel Cushion, Quick-Fasten Buckle
Klein Tools 55629 Knee Pads, Tradesman Pro Professional Knee Protection with Foam Padding and Gel Cushion, Quick-Fasten Buckle
  • Five layers of impact resistant material for protection and comfort
  • For comfort: an inner fabric layer of neoprene, an over-sized impact-absorbing gel layer, a molded polyurethane foam layer
  • For protection: a super-tough 600d outer fabric layer, a protective outer shell with stabilizing non-slip surface
  • Single strap doesn't bunch behind your leg
  • Quick-fasten buckle
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Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro Knee Pads for Construction, Gardening, Flooring - Pro Protection & Comfort for Men & Women (Multiple Colors),Orange/Gray

1. Sellstrom KneePro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads

Pros:

  • Your knees are protected by high-density and dirt-resistant closed-cell foam.
  • The outer shell is made of flexible plastic.
  • The non-marking orange grip strip prevents your knees from slipping on tile and marble flooring. 
  • The knee pads are held in place by adjustable elastic straps.
  • They cover and protect the entirety of your knee area and not just the kneecaps.

Cons:

  • The plastic exterior will degrade sooner or later.

Sebring Tip:

You’re not getting any younger, and your knees are feeling your age. They’re often stiff, and they become painful after kneeling for several hours while installing some laminate or tile flooring. At your age, you can’t even last 30 minutes on your knees with hard concrete beneath them without feeling that lingering tightness and pain. So, if you’re looking for a good set of flooring knee pads, then you might want to consider the Sellstrom KneePro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads.

This pair of knee pads feature durable and flexible plastic exteriors. The plastic shell is made up of two parts that protect the whole knee from wounds and fractures. They are connected by metal rivets that keep them flexible. 

The interior is made up of soft and thick closed-cell foam that cushions your knee caps. They are lightweight, and they don’t limit your movement at all. The knee pads are held in place by sturdy elastic straps that can be adjusted to fit around your knees better.

ToughBuilt - Gelfit Thigh Support Stabilization unisex Knee Pads - Heavy Duty, Comfortable and Adjustable - (TB-KP-G3), black

2. Toughbuilt TB-KP-G3 Knee Pads

Pros:

  • The molded Comfortable GelFit™ gel and foam provide fantastic support for the knees.
  • The durable outer shells are hinged together for greater flexibility.
  • The elastic straps come with hook-and-loop fasteners and can be adjusted to fit your knees better.
  • The knee pads have a locking mechanism that wraps the straps around your knees securely.
  • It covers the entirety of the knees, as well as supports the lower thighs.

Cons:

  • The knee pads eventually slide down, so you might need to adjust them throughout the day.

Sebring Tip:

Protecting your knees is a must if you work as a flooring installer. The Toughbuilt TB-KP-G3 Knee Pads were created for people like you with their protective outer shell and thick inserts that cushion your knees.

These knee pads are molded to the curve of your knees for improved ergonomics. The entirety of the kneecaps are protected, and the pads are kept in place and supported by straps that wrap around your lower thighs. The outer shells are made of heavy-duty plastic, and they are coated with non-marking rubber so you can work on tiles and marble floors without slipping.

Your knees are cushioned by Toughbuilt’s GelFit™ gel and foam. They are thick, and they are molded to the shape of your knees for utmost comfort. The knee pads are secured around your knees by an elastic strap that can be adjusted for optimum comfort. They use two kinds of closure: hook-and-loop and a simple locking mechanism at the sides.

These knee pads are a little pricier than other products we have reviewed.

TROXELL USA SuperSoft Leatherhead Kneepads - (Large Size / Bagged in Pairs)

3. TROXELL USA Supersoft XL Leatherhead Kneepads

Pros:

  • The inserts, which are made of closed-cell foam, are soft, thick, and durable.
  • The outer shells are made of heavy-duty leather that doesn’t leave marks on the floor.
  • The straps are made of elastic and heavy-duty neoprene.
  • These knee pads are wider.

Cons:

  • The stitching falls apart after heavy use.

Sebring Tip:

Take care of your knees with the TROXELL USA Supersoft XL Leatherhead Kneepads. The design of these knee pads is quite simple. They feature soft and thick closed-cell foam inserts that provide more-than-adequate protection to your knees as you install laminate, carpet, or hardwood flooring. The foam cushion is covered with long-lasting leather that doesn’t leave behind ugly marks on the floor.

The pads are secured around the knees by a neoprene strap with hook-and-loop closure. The closure is snug and secure once attached, but it inevitably slips down every time you move. 

The stitching leaves much to be desired, and because of this, the knee pads tend to fall apart after several months. This can be improved by adding another stitch to make them stronger.

CLC Custom Leathercraft G361 Professional Ultra-Flex Gel Kneepads, Bule

4. CLC Custom Leathercraft G361 Professional Ultra-Flex Gel Kneepads

Pros:

  • The padding is a combination of Comfort Zone gel and high-density closed-cell foam.
  • The knee pads are lined with smooth tricot fabric.
  • They have a flexible and non-skid knee cap shell.
  • The Memory-Flex™ synthetic rubber straps wrap snugly around the knees.
  • The straps can be replaced.

Cons:

  • The upper strap tends to pinch the skin if you’re wearing shorts.
  • The foam insert is not too durable.

Sebring Tip:

The CLC Custom Leathercraft G361 Professional Ultra-Flex Gel Kneepads are some of the most unique products on this review. Instead of the usual fabric or hard plastic outer shell, these knee pads are covered with a protective and flexible clear-cap shell. Their surface is textured, so working on slippery tile or marble flooring is safe and stress-free.

The combined gel and high-density foam padding are soft and comfortable. Plus, chafing is eliminated thanks to the smooth tricot lining. 

The knee pads come with sturdy rubber straps with button closure. Unlike other knee pads with neoprene straps and hook-and-loop closure, these straps do not collect dirt and sweat. The knee pads are easy to clean and do not leave marks on the floor.

Ergodyne ProFlex 380 Kneeling Pad, Foam Knee Cushion, Water Resistant Kneeling Mat, 14' x 21' x 1', Orange, Standard

5. Ergodyne ProFlex 380 Kneeling Pad

Pros:

  • This is one of the most versatile kneeling pads in the market.
  • It has a total width of 21″ which allows it to accommodate a wide variety of body types.
  • It is made of durable and thick closed-cell foam.
  • It is easy to use — no straps or closures to adjust or fiddle with.
  • Unlike other knee pads, this is liquid-resistant so you can use it in damp environments.

Cons:

  • It’s pretty expensive for such a simple product.

Sebring Tip:

If you’ve tried a lot of conventional knee pads but you haven’t found the right one, then maybe it’s time to take a step back and try something simple, such as this Ergodyne ProFlex 380 Kneeling Pad. It looks so simple, but it can cushion your knees as no other knee pads can.

You can say goodbye to painful knees after a long day at work as the pad is made of heavy-duty and high-density foam with a 1″ thickness. It is pretty wide, so it can accommodate your knees even if you’re on the heavier side.

The best thing about this kneeling pad is that it is very versatile. It is not just for installing tiles or laminate boards. You can also use it for yard work, yoga, household chores, and even while maintaining your car. It is made of water-resistant foam, so you can use it during bath time or even outdoors in the rain.

Klein Tools 55629 Knee Pads, Tradesman Pro Professional Knee Protection with Foam Padding and Gel Cushion, Quick-Fasten Buckle

6. Klein Tools 55629 Tradesman Pro Knee Pads

Pros:

  • Knees are cushioned by a soft gel layer and molded polyurethane foam layer.
  • The lining is made of soft and smooth neoprene.
  • The outer shell is covered by a durable outer shell and reinforced by a 600d fabric layer.
  • The outer shell is textured to prevent slips while working.
  • These knee pads have easy slip-on closures and strap adjusters for a snug yet comfortable fit.

Cons:

  • The stitching on the straps is not very durable.

Sebring Tip:

Working as a floor installer ain’t easy. You’re on your knees almost all day, every day, and your old knee pads don’t seem to provide the cushion you need any more. Luckily, there are the Klein Tools 55629 Tradesman Pro Knee Pads. These knee pads feature a gel and foam layer that cushions your knees and absorbs the impact each time you kneel. There’s a neoprene layer between foam-gel padding and your skin to prevent chafing.

These Klein Tools knee pads are covered in durable fabric, plus a textured, non-slip outer shell. They are completed by durable straps with easy slip-on closure. The straps can be adjusted to fit your knees better.

These knee pads are impressive, but keep in mind that no product is perfect. There is only a strap per knee pad, so they might move around if they are not wrapped snugly around the knees.

Flooring Knee Pads Buying Guide

Flooring Knee Pads Material

Knee pads are made of different materials, and each material has its own pros and cons. The most common knee pad insert is foam, specifically closed-cell foam. 

This type of foam is sturdy, and it offers greater resistance to wear and tear than ordinary foam. It is also non-porous, and provides fantastic protection to your knees, especially when working on concrete and other hard surfaces. But be prepared for sweaty knees as it is not as breathable because of its density.

Gel is another type of material used as a knee pad insert. This material is more responsive than closed-cell foam, and molds to the contours and movement of your knees to make working more comfortable. Just like foam, however, gel knee pads are hot and can make your knees sweat profusely.     

Some manufacturers combine the responsiveness of gel inserts with the durability of closed-cell foam inserts in their knee pads. Choose whichever is most comfortable for you, and that fits your budget. 

Light Duty vs Heavy Duty Knee Pads

Light duty knee pads are ideal for occasional projects. These knee pads are thinner and more flexible as you probably won’t spend more than 30 percent of your time at work on your knees.

What if you’re a professional floor installer or you have a job where you spend more than 50 percent of your time at work on your knees? Then it’s best to purchase a pair of heavy-duty knee pads. Choose knee pads with excellent gel or foam inserts and better shock-absorbing properties.

best knee pads for flooring

Knee Pad Outer Shell

If you want a versatile pair of knee pads, then those with flat shells might be the ones you are looking for. These knee pads are some of the most common and least expensive in the market. Flat-shell knee pads can be used on hard and soft surfaces, and are great if you’re not going to move around a lot.

Choose knee pads with hard plastic outer shells if you’re planning to kneel on carpets and other softer surfaces. The smooth plastic shell allows you to slide easily on softer surfaces. The downside is that it might scrape laminate flooring, or it might not be as comfortable if you’re working on other hard surfaces.

Other knee pads come with rubber outer shell. These caps are softer and are often textured for improved traction on slippery floorings, such as tiles and marble. They are more versatile when it comes to movement, so you’ll be able to move side to side or pivot easily. If you want this type of knee pad, then make sure that the outer shell is textured to prevent you from slipping on the floor while you work.    

Fit 

When buying the right knee pads, always consider the type of clothing you’re going to wear while using them. If you mostly wear long pants at work, then make sure that the straps are longer and they can be adjusted to fit the fabric around your legs. You should also make sure that the straps will not pinch your skin if you frequently wear shorts at work. 

Always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart when buying a pair of knee pads. If you can visit the store, then it’s better to do so. Try them out and make sure that they will fit properly and that they are comfortable. 

Go for knee pads that fit snugly around your knees, but are not too tight nor too thick that they cut off the circulation in your legs. Moreover, make sure the knee pads stay in place when you kneel, move side to side, or swivel.

best knee pads for flooring

Important Characteristics To Look For

Style

When it concerns flooring, there are various types of knee pads to select. You should think about the stuff you’ll be working with and how much you’ll use it.

Hard-Cap Knee Pads

These knee pads will be an excellent alternative for people who need to work on softer surfaces such as carpets or grass. They can let you swivel and slide more, but if you’re on hard surfaces, this may not be the most comfortable option.

Curved Soft Caps

With these knee pads, you’ll have a rubber cover that allows you to move from side to side while without restricting your movement too much. They’re suitable for both hard and soft surfaces, and they’re one of the more popular flooring options.

Flat-Cap Knee Pads

This is the final and most popular type of knee pads you’ll come across. They have contact throughout the whole surface of the pad, making them ideal for more stationary applications.

Adjustable Straps

One of the most important aspects is the straps that link the knee pads to your knees. You’ll be able to tighten them up to fit snugly, and you should be able to wear them comfortably for an extended period.

Conclusion:

The best knee pads for installing flooring is this pair of Sellstrom KneePro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads. These knee pads cover the entirety of your knees, as well as a part of the lower thighs. These are unlike your ordinary knee pads that cover and protect only the patella and leaves the area surrounding your knees vulnerable to injury.

The outer shells are made of heavy-duty polypropylene plastic that can protect your knees from impact. Meanwhile, the inner cushion is made thick closed-cell EVA foam molded to fit and protect your knees. Don’t worry about slipping and sliding while working on tile or any slippery surface as these knee pads come with large non-marring orange grip strips.

These knee pads are secured around the knees with a soft elastic strap. Each strap has a convenient slip-on closure and can be adjusted to make them more snug around the knees.   

These knee pads are also some of the least expensive ones on the market. So if you want something budget-friendly and sturdy enough, then the Sellstrom KneePro Ultra Flex III Knee Pads are a good choice.

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