5 Best Tough Mudder Knee Pads (Mud Runs/Spartan Races)

Tough Mudders, Mud runs, Warrior Dash, and Spartan Races are super-fun and challenging non-tradition obstacle course race in which the terrain is mud.

Examples of obstacles on these courses are climbing structures, crawling under wires, and swinging on bars.

Having ran seven of OCRs , I speak from experience when I say that obstacle course races put the knees at risk of injury including gashes and bruises. 

The 5 Best Tough Mudder Knee Pads

1. SPOMAT Knee Pad

2. McDavid Hex Protective Knee Pad

3. ANOOPSYCHE Knee Pad 

4.NEENCA Knee Sleeve

5. Mava Sports Knee Sleeve

The Best Overall Knee Pad for OCR

#1
Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Men and Women. Perfect for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Running, Gym Workout, Squats and Pain Relief - (Black, Small)

 Good knee support with no stiffness. No itching. No slipping, no rolling off, no sliding down.

Perfect amount of protection for Tough Mudders, Spartan Races, Mud Runs or any OCR. 

4.4 of 5 Stars

The 5 Best Knee Pads for Tough Mudders, Spartan Races or ANY Obstacle Course Race (OCR). 

Many Tough Mudders use knee pads in order to protect from injury. While the are many knee pads to choose from,

I tested five that I like and tested out during my last few OCR. Below are the 5 best knee pads for tough mudders or any obstacle course race. 

1. SPOMAT: For Added Protection

SPOMAT Breathable Thickened Knee Protective Pads Compression Leg Sleeves for Volleyball Football Basketball Rollerskating Sports, 1 pair Medium

The SPOMAT Knee Pads help protect the knees during tough mudders. They are made with a thicker sponge pad in order to help with stability and support. Originally designed for Volleyball, these knee pads come with added protection on the knee. 

The fit is snug, but it still allows for movement comfortably. The tight fit and support both help protect the knees. These knee pads are suitable for the Arctic Enema because they are made with high-elastic silk, which is light and breathable.

What I Do Not Like: They are a little bulky. As a speed runner I like to go through Tough Mudders and OCRs fast so I felt these slowed me down a little.

They absolutely work but if you are looking to speed through a Tough Mudder like me, these might not be for you. If you plan on going through at a normal pace, these would be a great option. 

SPOMAT Breathable Knee Brace Sleeves Anticollision Protective Pads Elasticated Shield Protector for Volleyball Basketball Baseball Football Rollerblading Sports, 1 pair Medium
47 Reviews
SPOMAT Breathable Knee Brace Sleeves Anticollision Protective Pads Elasticated Shield Protector for Volleyball Basketball Baseball Football Rollerblading Sports, 1 pair Medium
  • BREATHABLE AND ENHANCED FIT - Made from light air permeable Lycra with high resilience to match your knees perfectly.
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN - With non-slip silicone designed on cuffs and special elasticated shield sharp designed on pads to prevent it fall off and slide down easily.
  • EXCELLENT ANTICOLLISION - With thickened EVA, the pads have better collision avoidance than others made by sponge. Keep you safe and comfortable in different sports.

McDavid Hexpad Knee Or Elbow (Black, X-Large)

The McDavid Hex Technology were my favorite because of there design. These knee pads offer a closed cell foam padding which protects the knee when you are crawling under the Birth Canal.

The hex shaped padding provided unbelievable protection against collision and scrapes. The other key element that I like is that my knees stayed fairly dry (all things considered) their Moisture Management Technology kept my skin fairly dry.

These knee pads did a great job and stood up to the beating they took throughout the entire OCR. 

McDavid Hex Knee/Elbow/Shin Pds Pair Blk XL
602 Reviews
McDavid Hex Knee/Elbow/Shin Pds Pair Blk XL
  • Hex Technology is superior, closed cell foam padding that gives every athlete, in any contact or collision sport, the remarkable advantages of protection, durability and confidence.
  • Can be used for the knee, elbow or shin
  • Moisture Management Technology is all about cool and dry

3. ANOOPSYCHE Knee Pad: Best Value

ANOOPSYCHE Knee Compression Sleeve, 2 Packs Knee Brace for Men Women, Knee Support with EVA Pad for Running, Basketball, Weightlifting, Gym, Pain Relief, Arthritis - M, L, XL

The ANOOPSYCHE Knee Compression Sleeve are really designed for sport use and not specifically for Tough Mudders however, if you need a little extra protection for your knees these might be the best best for you.

The price is relatively inexpensive and they hold up throughout the race. As long as you don't plan on re-using these, the ANOOPSYCHE Knee Compression Sleeve would be a good fit for you.

The thicker sponge pads are made with high-density strengthen foam, and the material gives full-cushion for collisions. Temperature is kept regulated during hot or cold weather because it is made with high-elastic silk. 

ANOOPSYCHE Knee Compression Sleeve, 2 Packs Knee Brace for Men Women, Knee Support with EVA Pad for Running, Basketball, Weightlifting, Gym, Pain Relief, Arthritis - M, L, XL
15 Reviews
ANOOPSYCHE Knee Compression Sleeve, 2 Packs Knee Brace for Men Women, Knee Support with EVA Pad for Running, Basketball, Weightlifting, Gym, Pain Relief, Arthritis - M, L, XL
  • 🏃Professional Compression Knee sleeves - Still afraid to do your favorite strenuous exercise for fear of knee injury? Our company developed this knee brace after three years based on a survey of 1,000 fitness enthusiasts. Perfectly fit for the physique and leg shape of the British. Using the perfect combination of 88% nylon + 12% spandex, seamless stitching technology. Achieve the latest 4-way stretch Lycra knee sleeves. Patented EVA pads is added to protecting your knees in all directions.
  • 🏃Perfectly Fit All Sizes - Many people are troubled by their knee sleeves slipping during exercise. This knee sleeves completely solves this problem. It has a special silicone anti-slip band on the upper part of the knee pads. keep this knee brace from sliding down or rolling up during physical activity. We also prepared three sizes of M, L and XL for you. Please refer to the size range in the picture. Measure 4” above your knee cap and choose the right size.
  • 🏃Patented EVA Pads - The tight, smooth and soft knee braces are fully enclosed. 360° Wraps around your knee cap and thigh muscles. High stretch, breathable Lycra fabric is the best quality knee pad material. It can make the largest 4-way stretchable. EVA pads full protection when you fall. Keep your knees flexible and stable while still protecting you.

4. NEENCA Knee Sleeve: For Compression Support

NEENCA 2 Pack Knee Brace, Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Knee Pain, Running, Work Out, Gym, Hiking, Arthritis, ACL, PCL, Joint Pain Relief, Meniscus Tear, Injury Recovery, Sports—Unisex. ACE-48

The NEENCA Knee Sleeve provides stability and decreases pressure while intensively exercising the legs.

These are made with micro-fiber fabric, which is a nylon blend and highly-elastic and kept my knees fairly dry throughout the race. 

The compression helped reduced stiffness in muscles and knees dafter I crawled through the Quagmire and over the Skidmark, and kept my knee area at a comfortable temperature. By using compression, these are designed to stay put and they did just that for me. 

NEENCA Knee Braces for Knee Pain Women & Men -2 Pack Knee Sleeves for Knee Pain Set, Knee Brace Compression Sleeves, Knee Support for Sports, Running, Meniscus Tear, ACL, PCL, Arthritis Pain Relief...
6,371 Reviews
NEENCA Knee Braces for Knee Pain Women & Men -2 Pack Knee Sleeves for Knee Pain Set, Knee Brace Compression Sleeves, Knee Support for Sports, Running, Meniscus Tear, ACL, PCL, Arthritis Pain Relief...
  • NEENCA KNEE SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY—With high-elastic and breathable compression fabric to 360° perfectly fit your knee curve, It will help improve poor circulation & increase oxygen to optimize the natural healing process, helping increase blood circulation, and reduce varicose veins, inflammation for leg or knee pain relief from acute or chronic joint injuries. It will strengthen side support and maintains joint stability, keeping your knee warm, BEST CHOICE for sports protection and pain recovery!
  • BETTER PERFORMANCE— Overcome the defects of similar products, Medical-grade knee braces with no allergies and itchiness. Non-slip silicone strips and high-elastic compression fabric to avoid sliding and rolling during exercise, It will stay position all day. Innovative functional fabrics has the effect of keep your knee warm and reduce stiffness, reducing inflammation and swelling, increase oxygen flow. So it will prevent potential sports injuries without sacrificing your performance!!!
  • TARGETED RELIEF & SUPPORT— NEENCA got a well balance between compression and comfort. Adopt Anti-Inflammatory Therapy and improves circulation around knee area, which will effective reduce the pressure of knee joint and help the meniscus to recover. Wrap around Patella to enhance the stability of kneecap and relax tendons, prevent muscle strain. Relieve ACL, MCL, PCL pain, prevent ligament injury, meniscus tear, swelling, inflammation and so on. It is Perfect for Injuries Recovery or Workout.

Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Men and Women - Perfect for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Running, Gym Workout, Squats and Pain Relief

Tough Mudders, Spartan Races, Mud Runs and Warrior Dashs can make your knees swollen during a race. The Mava Sports Knee pads provide a comfortable fit while protecting your knees AND if you knees become swollen they expand while not cutting off circulation. 

My right knee became swollen during my latest Tough Mudder and these knee pads kept it protected and supported.

My knee didn't swell to an enormous size but it was visible larger than the other and these knee pads were a perfect fit. These compression knee pads also help with recovery after the race. Added bonus - they come in tough mudder colors!

Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Men and Women - Perfect for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Running, Gym Workout, Squats and Pain Relief
8,818 Reviews
Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Men and Women - Perfect for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Running, Gym Workout, Squats and Pain Relief
  • PAIN RELIEF from arthritis, joint pain relief, tendonitis, post-surgery, swelling as well as strains and sprains. The Mava compression knee sleeves reduce inflammation and swelling associated with injuries.
  • ANATOMICALLY SHAPED to prevent injuries and accelerate your recovery. Its heating effect improves circulations and promotes muscular recovery. Great for healing, recovery and rehab.
  • ANTI-SLIP SILICONE and elastic support material to offer stable compression. No slipping, no rolling off, no sliding down. So you won’t have to readjust them. They will stay put.

Conclusion

There you have it! The 5 best tough mudder knee pads. These knee pads provide the protection that you knee, support throughout the race, the ability to keep you dry and they stay put.

Coupled with a great pair of tough mudder shorts, gloves and socks you will be all set for your next OCR! 


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