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Football Thigh, Hip, Knee Pads


There is always a balance to find between protecting yourself on the field and staying mobile and agile to play your best. Some players, most at the higher levels of the game, try to play without thigh, knee, and hip pads, thinking that the extra padding slows them down. However, these pads are there for a reason, and protect the body from hip pointers and thigh contusions, which can sideline a player and lay him/her out for quite some time. In fact, pads are becoming mandatory across lower level leagues, and may eventually become mandatory in the NFL, as it is currently on the table in the NFL Collective Bargaining. The bottom line here is that pads protect players, and that is more important than anything. Read the following football pad buyers guide to learn how to choose, size, and wear pads.
Best Selling Knee, Thigh and Hip Pads
Adams Adult 7 Piece Complete Pad Set $29.95	Adams USA Varsity Knee Pad Set $7.99	Schutt AiR Flex Lightweight Youth Thigh Pads $14.99


What is the difference between slotted and snap-in pads?
Thigh, hip, and knee pads are designed to fit into or onto a player's football pants or football girdle. Players typically wear one of two types of pants; one with snaps for their pads to attach to, or slots in the fabric where pads can slide into. Slotted or snap-in pads tend not to vary in quality, so a slotted pad is no different than a similar quality snap-in pad. The difference only lies in how they attach. For instance, a snap-in hip pad would snap onto the matching snaps on a snap-on football pants, while a slotted hip pad would attach to the hips of a pair of football pants with a belt or in appropriate slots on the pants. The choice between pads and pants is typically based on personal preference or budget. Some players use Integrated Pants or Integrated Girdles, with the pads permanently sewn in. These do not require additional padding.
Adams Youth Football 7 Piece Slotted Pad Set $29.95	Schutt Youth Lightweight 7 Piece Snap-In Pad Set $14.99

Is a lightweight pad better than a normal weight pad?
That's a matter of personal preference, but pads deemed "lightweight" are not simply just lighter than traditional pads. They are also less dense, and in turn, not as protective as normal pads. Lightweight knee, thigh, and hip pads keep a player more mobile and agile than do other pads, however, as is typically the case, you tend to lose a bit in overall protection when you go lightweight.
Adams USA Varsity Football Thigh Pad Set $14.99	Schutt Adult Reinforced Universal Lightweight Football Thigh Pads $11.99

What is a high-rise pad?
High rise pads refer hip pads that stick up higher than normal hip pads, protecting more of the area than typical hip pads do. These pads also tend to restrict movement more than traditional hip pads.
Adams Slotted High Rise Intermediate Football Hip Pad Inserts $8.95
What is included in 7 piece complete pad sets and 3 piece sets?
All of the pads you need for your lower half are included in complete, 7-piece pad sets. You get 2 hip pads, 2 thigh pads, 2 knee pads and a tailbone pad. A 3-piece pad set includes 2 hip pads and a tailbone pad. These can be very cost effective if you need a complete set or are replacing many pads.

What kinds of advancements or technologies have there been in knee, thigh, and hip pads?
Most pads are made of a durable foam and plastic shell to cushion and protect vital areas of the body. This design hasn't changed too much over the years, but some companies such as Schutt and Gear 2000 have improved their processes and materials to give the player a more comfortable and safer experience. Gear 2000 has developed Z-Cool hip and thigh pads. This patented design technology has a 3-way air flow system that manages temperature and moisture, keeping the player cool when the heat is on. Schutt has recently developed AiR Flex thigh pads, which use Beaded Brock Quilt technology that absorbs and dissipates the force of impact, reducing injury and keeping players safe on the field. Schutt also covers the inside of their pads with an anti-microbial and breathable fabric that keeps the player cool and dry, while preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Be sure to choose your pads carefully and consult your trainer for additional guidance or advice. If you have further questions be sure to call our resident football expert Jamie at 1-800-693-6368

Rumor has it that legs pads will be mandatory in the NFL next year due to recent injury trends. There have been too many injuries to player's quads and hips and many knee bruises. So that being said, we want you to be protected by using a good set of thigh, hip and knee pads.

We offer a lightweight, complete 7 piece set of leg pads from Schutt for youth and adults. You can get them in either black or white. This set includes a pair of snap-in hip pads, a snap-in tailbone pad, pair of thigh pads and a pair of knee pads.

If you don't need a complete set of pads or are just looking for certain replacement pads you can buy each type of pad separately. We recommend a great pair thigh pads from Gear 2000. The Gear 2000 thigh pads are constructed with Z-Cool technology so not only do they provide great protection but they also are lightweight and help keep the moisture off of your skin. Also check our great selection of football rib protectors and flac jackets to protect your ribs.