How to Choose the Right Protective Pads for Skating

May 27, 2025

Whether you’re just starting out, training for roller derby, or dropping into a bowl at the skate park, one thing is always true: you need good protective gear.

At Bont, we design our pads to be comfortable, secure, and reliable, because skating should be fun, not painful. This guide will walk you through what protective pads you need for different skating styles and which Bont gear is best suited for the job.

Protective Pads for Recreational & Outdoor Skating

If you’re skating paths, rinks, or streets, the most important thing is all-day comfort and basic protection.

Recommended Pads:

Best Option: Bont Knee Pads, Elbow Pads & Wrist Guards

Slide-on design with elastic straps for a secure fit
EVA memory foam padding and high-impact caps
Breathable neoprene backing
Certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 safety standards

These pads are great for beginners, casual skaters, and anyone skating on footpaths, driveways, or bike trails.

Best Pads for Roller Derby

Roller derby is fast and physical. You need gear that stays put and protects you during high-impact falls and hits.

Recommended Pads:

Best Options:

Bont Pro Knee Pads – Slim profile, superior impact foam (disperses up to 75% more energy), butterfly closure for easy wear over clothes
Bont Standard Knee Pads – A solid option for beginner derby players
Elbow Pads & Wrist Guards – Durable, supportive, and built for contact sports

All derby pads are certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 and used by skaters around the world.

Best Pads for Park Skating & Street

Skating bowls, ramps, or street means serious impact potential. Your pads need to absorb shock without limiting movement.

Recommended Pads:

Why Go Pro:

Bont Pro Knee Pads are made with layered EVA memory foam and a hard cap that helps you slide out of falls
The butterfly closure makes it easy to put them on over jeans or leggings
Elbow pads and wrist guards are designed for maximum impact resistance with non-slip construction

This setup is ideal for aggressive skating, skatepark sessions, and street tricks.

Protective Pads for Kids

We offer two great pad sets for younger skaters. Both come with knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, but are designed with different use cases in mind.

1. Junior Triple Pad Protection Set

Certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007
EVA foam and hard caps for protection
Ergonomic fit
Dual-splint wrist guards with three heavy-duty straps
Ideal for park skating, beginner roller derby, and regular outdoor skating

2. Bont Kids Protective Pad Set (Entry-level)

Lightweight PVC and ventilated EVA foam
Elastic straps for a secure, adjustable fit
Great for casual skating, scooting, and general outdoor play
Not safety-rated so best for light use only
Sizing:
- Small (ages 5–8)
- Medium (ages 8–12)
- Large (ages 12–16)

Note: For certified protection, choose the Junior Triple Pad Protection Set.

Don’t Forget Your Helmet

A skate helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you can wear. While we don’t sell helmets at Bont, we strongly recommend wearing one every time you skate, especially for park skating, roller derby, or if you're just starting out.

What Size Pads Do I Need?

Getting the right fit is just as important as choosing the right type. Pads should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight they cut off circulation. If your pads shift or slide while skating, try a smaller size.

Check out our full pad size chart below:

Still Not Sure What to Get?

No worries! You can always visit the individual product pages for more detail, or contact us and we’ll help you choose the right pads for your skating style.

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