Elbow pads are the piece of safety gear people most often skip. They seem less important than a helmet and less obviously useful than knee pads. Then comes the first fall onto the side, and the elbow takes all of it.
Here is the short answer. The best elbow pads for skateboarding and longboarding have a hard cap, firm padding and a fit snug enough to stay in place when you slide along the ground. As with all pads, the right size matters more than the brand.
This guide explains when elbow pads matter most, the types available, and how to measure for them. It also covers how to wear them with other gear, and suggests four options.
Quick answer
A hard cap, firm padding and a fit that stays put
Elbows hit the ground in sideways and backward falls. A pad that has slipped down your forearm protects nothing.
- 🛡️ Hard cap
- 🧽 Firm foam
- 📏 Sized by arm measurement
- 💪 Room to bend
Do you really need elbow pads?
It depends on how you ride, but for most learners the answer is yes. Here is why elbows are at risk.
When you fall forward, your hands and knees usually hit first. When you fall sideways or backward, which happens whenever a board shoots out from under you, your elbow and hip take the impact. The point of the elbow has almost no natural padding. There is skin, a little tissue and then bone.
A pad does two things there. Its foam cushions the knock, and its hard cap slides on the ground instead of catching. That slide matters as much as the padding, because it stops the skin being dragged across rough tarmac.
| How you ride | How much they matter | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Learning the basics | A lot | Falls are frequent and unpredictable |
| Cruising and commuting | Worth wearing | Falls are rarer, but tarmac is unforgiving |
| Tricks and freestyle | A lot | Boards slip out sideways all the time |
| Sliding and freeride | Essential | Elbows and forearms touch down in slides |
| Downhill | Essential | High speed makes every impact worse |
| Skateparks and ramps | Essential | Hard surfaces and falls from height |
Where do elbow pads rank against other gear? A helmet always comes first. For most riders, wrist guards and knee pads come next, because hands and knees meet the ground most often. Elbow pads complete the set. If you are buying everything at once, a three-piece pad set is the simplest way to cover all of it.
Types of elbow pad
Elbow pads come in a few styles. The differences are in how much they protect and how they go on.
| Type | Protection | How it goes on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hard-cap pad | Good | Straps, sometimes with a sleeve | Most riders |
| Pro pad | Highest | Sleeve and straps | Sliding, speed, ramps |
| Sleeve pad with cap | Good | Pulls on over the hand | Riders who want a secure, low-bulk fit |
| Soft pad without a cap | Low | Pulls on | Light protection under clothing |
A standard hard-cap pad is the right choice for most people. It has a plastic cap over foam and fastens with adjustable straps above and below the elbow.
A pro pad is thicker and covers more of the arm. It is built to take repeated hard hits, which is what riders at skateparks and riders learning to slide need.
A sleeve pad has a fabric tube that pulls up over your hand and forearm. The tube holds the pad in position better than straps alone, though it has to go on before your wrist guards.
A soft pad has no hard cap. It guards against grazes and light knocks, and it is comfortable. It will not slide on tarmac the way a capped pad does.
How to measure and size elbow pads
Elbow pads are sized by the measurement around your arm. Each maker measures a little differently, so the chart for the pad you are buying is the one that counts.
- Find a soft tape measureString and a ruler will do if you do not have one.
- Check what the maker wants measuredSome ask for the measurement around the elbow joint. Others ask for the forearm or the upper arm. Read the size chart first.
- Measure with your arm relaxedKeep the arm slightly bent, and wrap the tape snugly without pulling it tight.
- Find your sizeUse the chart on the product page. Sizes are not the same from one brand to the next.
- Test the fitPut the pad on, bend your arm fully and straighten it several times. The pad should stay centred on the point of your elbow and should not pinch in the crook of your arm.
📌 Between sizes?
Follow the maker’s advice if they give any. Otherwise, think about your build. Slim arms usually suit the smaller size, so the pad does not slip. Muscular arms usually suit the larger one, so the straps do not cut in.
What to look for in an elbow pad
| Feature | Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | Hard plastic, securely fixed | It slides on the ground and spreads the impact |
| Padding | Dense foam that covers the point of the elbow | It absorbs the knock |
| Straps | Two adjustable straps | They stop the pad rotating or slipping |
| Sleeve | A fabric sleeve, if you want extra hold | It keeps the pad in place |
| Shape | Curved to follow a bent arm | You can move freely |
| Lining | Smooth, with no rough seams | Comfort on longer rides |
Straps and fit
This is where elbow pads differ most from knee pads. Your arm tapers from the upper arm down to the forearm, and a pad naturally wants to slide toward the narrow end. Two straps, one above the elbow and one below, are what hold it in place. Fasten them firmly. A pad you can spin around your arm is too loose.
Freedom of movement
You bend your arms constantly when you ride, for balance and when you push. A good elbow pad is shaped to follow a bent arm, so it does not bunch up or dig in. If a pad feels as if it is fighting you, you will stop wearing it.
Bulk and warmth
Thicker pads protect more and are hotter and bulkier. For everyday riding in warm weather, a slimmer pad that you actually wear is better than a thick one left in a bag.
Our picks: 4 elbow pad options
These four cover a thick pad for hard riding, a sleeve-style pad, a slimmer standard pad and a complete set for beginners.
🔎 How we chose these
We picked these pads by the specifications listed on Amazon and by how well they fit the job. We have not ride-tested them, and we do not show prices or star ratings because they change often. Specs were checked in October 2026, so confirm the details on the product page before you buy. LongboardHub earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
🏆 Best for hard riding
187 Killer Pads Pro Elbow Pads
Best for: Riders at skateparks, and anyone learning to slide.
A heavily padded elbow pad. The listing says the articulated design keeps your range of motion while the cap grows with each size for more coverage.
- Padding Extra thick
- Design Articulated
- Cap Size-progressed
- Interior Seamless
- Strap Adjustable
✅ Why it works
- Extra thick padding is listed for impact protection.
- An articulated shape bends with your arm.
- A seamless interior reduces rubbing.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Stock was low when we checked, so availability may vary.
- Thick pads are warmer than slim ones.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
💪 Best sleeve-style pad
Triple Eight EP 55 Elbow Pads
Best for: Riders who want a pad that stays exactly where it is put.
A sleeve-style elbow pad. You pull it on over your arm, and the two straps hold it in place.
- Padding Heavy duty EVA memory foam
- Cap Impact-resistant, riveted
- Sleeve Lycra
- Straps Top elastic, bottom adjustable
✅ Why it works
- A sleeve holds the pad in position during a fall.
- Riveted caps are listed as impact resistant.
- A Lycra sleeve is described as comfortable and cool.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Sleeve pads must go on before wrist guards.
- Availability varies by size, so check your size on the listing.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
💨 Best slimmer pad
187 Killer Pads Elbow Pads
Best for: Everyday riders who want protection without much bulk.
The standard 187 elbow pad. The listing describes a contoured shape that cradles the elbow and a streamlined design that keeps you mobile.
- Padding Foam system
- Fit Contoured
- Interior Seamless
- Fabric Ballistic nylon
- Closure Hook and loop
✅ Why it works
- A streamlined shape does not get in the way.
- A seamless interior reduces rubbing.
- Ballistic nylon with heavy stitching is listed for durability.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Stock was low when we checked, so availability may vary.
- It has less padding than the Pro version.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
🎁 Best set for beginners
Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set (knee, elbow, wrist)
Best for: New riders who need elbows, knees and wrists covered at once.
A three-in-one set: one pair each of knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. It is a simple way for a new rider to get covered in one purchase.
- Includes Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards
- Padding EVA foam
- Caps Polycarbonate, full coverage
- Wrist guards Molded ABS splints
- Closure Elastic straps, hook and loop
✅ Why it works
- One purchase covers knees, elbows and wrists.
- A sleeveless design goes on and off easily.
- Sizes are offered for kids and adults.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- The set is sized by the wrist guards, so check the chart carefully.
- Set pads are lighter duty than separate pro pads.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
| Product | Style | Padding | Best for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187 Pro Elbow | Pro pad | Extra thick | Skateparks and sliding | View on Amazon |
| Triple Eight EP 55 | Sleeve with straps | EVA memory foam | A secure fit | View on Amazon |
| 187 Elbow | Standard hard cap | Foam system | Everyday riding | View on Amazon |
| Triple Eight Saver Set | Three-piece set | EVA foam | Beginners | View on Amazon |
How to wear elbow pads with other gear
The order you put your gear on matters more than you might think.
- Elbow pads firstIf your pads have a sleeve, they have to go on before anything is on your hands.
- Then wrist guardsFasten them over bare wrists or thin sleeves.
- Then knee padsSleeve-style knee pads go on before your shoes.
- Helmet lastFasten the strap so you can fit no more than two fingers under your chin.
- Check everything after five minutesPads settle as you warm up. Tighten any strap that has loosened.
Over or under clothing?
Elbow pads grip best against skin or a thin, close-fitting layer. Worn over a loose sleeve, a pad can slide with the fabric. If it is cold, wear a thin base layer under the pads and a jacket over the top.
🛡️ A helmet comes before everything else
Pads protect joints and skin. A helmet protects your head. Never treat pads as a reason to skip it. See our safety guides.
Skateboarding vs longboarding: do you need different pads?
The same pads work for both. What changes is how you are likely to fall, and so how much pad you want.
| Factor | Skateboarding | Longboarding |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fall | Slipping out on ramps, rails and flat tricks | Low-speed slips, or slides at speed |
| Surface | Concrete parks and street | Tarmac paths and roads |
| Common choice | Pro pads for parks and ramps | Standard pads for cruising, pro pads for sliding |
| What matters most | Thick padding for repeated falls | A cap that slides on rough tarmac |
Skatepark riders fall often, from height, onto smooth concrete. They tend to wear thick pro pads. Longboard cruisers fall less often but usually onto rough tarmac, where a hard cap that slides is what saves your skin. Longboarders who slide or ride fast need the same heavy protection as park riders.
Elbow pads for children
Children need pads in their own sizes. An adult pad on a small arm slides straight down to the wrist. Look for junior or extra small sizes and measure the child’s arm against the chart. Sets made for children usually include knee pads and wrist guards too, which is the easiest way to get everything in a matching size. Check the fit again every few months, because children outgrow pads quickly.
What about slide gloves and forearm protection?
Riders who learn to slide often find that their forearms touch the road as well as their elbows. Some pro pads extend a little way down the forearm for this reason. Slide gloves, which have hard pucks on the palms, are a separate piece of gear and are essential for sliding. They do not replace elbow pads.
Looking after elbow pads
- Let them dry. Hang pads up after riding. Sweat left in a closed bag makes them smell and breaks down the foam.
- Wash them as the label says. Many can be hand washed in cool water with mild soap. Air dry them, away from direct heat.
- Fasten the straps before washing. Open hook-and-loop strips snag everything.
- Inspect the caps. Deep gouges are normal wear. Cracks are not.
- Check the stitching and rivets that hold the cap on.
When to replace them
Replace elbow pads when the foam no longer springs back, when a cap is cracked or coming loose, when the straps no longer grip, or when the elastic has stretched so far that the pad slides down your arm. After a very hard fall, check them carefully before you rely on them again.
Real-life examples: which pads would they choose?
The riders below are made-up examples, based on the kind of questions people often ask in longboarding groups and forums. They are not real people or reviews. See which one sounds most like you.
The beginner
Kai, learning to push and turn
Kai has a helmet and nothing else.
Good choice: a three-piece set with elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards. One purchase covers everything.
The park skater
Rin, learning to drop in
Rin falls backward a lot on ramps.
Good choice: thick pro elbow pads. Repeated falls on concrete need the most padding.
The longboard commuter
Alba, rides to work
Alba wants protection that fits under a jacket.
Good choice: a slimmer hard-cap pad with a thin base layer underneath and the jacket over the top.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
❌ Skipping elbow pads altogether
Elbows take the hit in sideways and backward falls.
✅ The fix: Wear them while you learn, and whenever you ride fast or slide.
❌ Guessing the size
A pad that is too big slides down to your forearm.
✅ The fix: Measure your arm and use the chart for that pad.
❌ Leaving the straps loose
The pad rotates and the cap ends up in the wrong place.
✅ The fix: Tighten both straps until the pad stays centred when you bend your arm.
❌ Wearing them over loose sleeves
The pad moves with the fabric.
✅ The fix: Wear them against skin or a thin, close-fitting layer.
❌ Putting wrist guards on first
Sleeve-style pads will not go over them.
✅ The fix: Elbow pads first, then wrist guards.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best elbow pads for skateboarding and longboarding?
The best elbow pads have a hard cap, dense foam and two adjustable straps that keep the pad centred on your elbow. Thicker pro pads suit skateparks and sliding. Slimmer hard-cap pads suit cruising. Well-known makers include 187 Killer Pads and Triple Eight.
Do I need elbow pads for longboarding?
They are recommended while you are learning and essential for sliding and downhill. Elbows hit the ground in sideways and backward falls, and the point of the elbow has very little natural padding.
How do I measure for elbow pads?
Check the size chart for the pad you want, because makers measure differently. Most ask for the distance around your elbow, forearm or upper arm, taken with the arm slightly bent.
How tight should elbow pads be?
Snug enough that the pad stays centred on your elbow when you bend and straighten your arm, and cannot be spun round. It should not pinch or restrict blood flow.
Are elbow pads or wrist guards more important?
For most riders, wrist guards come first, because hands go out in most falls. A helmet comes before both. Elbow pads complete the set and matter most for sideways falls, tricks and sliding.
Your elbow pad checklist
Check these before you buy, and again when the pads arrive.
- I have checked how this maker measures, and measured my arm.
- The pad has a hard cap.
- It has two adjustable straps.
- The padding suits how I ride.
- It stays centred when I bend and straighten my arm.
- It is comfortable enough to wear every ride.
- I also have a helmet and wrist guards.
The best elbow pads are the ones you forget you are wearing until you need them. Measure properly, choose a hard cap, fasten both straps, and the fall that would have cost you a week of soreness will be over in a second.
Still deciding?
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Product specs and availability were checked in October 2026 and can change. Always confirm the details on the product page before you buy.
