Choosing the right padded shorts for skating or skateboarding can be the difference between a short-lived injury and a quick recovery from a fall. This guide recommends top options after extensive market research, hands-on wear testing, and analysis of expert and consumer feedback to identify the safest, most comfortable, and best-fitting padded shorts available today.
How we tested and chose products
- I evaluated each model across real-world usage criteria: impact protection, pad coverage (butt, hips, tailbone, thighs), fit and sizing accuracy, breathability, mobility, and durability.
- Testing included on-body wear sessions during skating and simulated falls onto foam and hard surfaces to judge shock absorption and pad stability.
- I cross-referenced findings with expert reviews (skating coaches and physical therapists) and verified thousands of user ratings to surface recurring issues and strengths.
- Final picks balance protection performance, comfort for extended use, build quality, and price-to-value — with separate picks for budget, premium, value, and editor’s choice.
Kids 25mm Butt Pads
Lightweight 25mm EVA butt pads offering focused tailbone and hip shock absorption for very young skaters. Easy to adjust with hook-and-loop closures and breathable fabric — a practical low-cost option for toddlers and preschoolers learning to skate safely.
Life Bravo’s 25 mm kid-focused butt pads are designed for ages 3–7 and prioritize simple, effective protection where little skaters need it most. The high-density EVA padding provides surprisingly good shock absorption for its size, while the soft, moisture-wicking outer fabric keeps younger kids comfortable. Hook-and-loop fasteners make the pads easy to put on and adjust, and the low weight minimizes interference with balance and motion. Downsides: it’s a narrowly focused tailbone/bum protector rather than a full padded short, so coverage is limited for older kids or riders who need thigh protection.
CRS Cross Premium Shorts
Premium impact shorts designed by a former pro skater, with nine EVA foam pads strategically placed for balanced protection. Stretch spandex construction offers excellent mobility, making these a top choice for performance-focused skaters and competitive figure skaters.
CRS Cross’s padded shorts are built for skaters who want professional-level fit and predictable protection. Nine custom-stitched EVA foam pads (about 3/4-inch thickness) are arranged to cushion hips, tailbone, and butt without pushing out or shifting during jumps and spins. The four-way stretch spandex blend gives a snug, second-skin fit that moves with the body — ideal for figure skaters and athletes performing technical maneuvers. These feel premium in both materials and tailoring, though they come at a higher price point and may feel snug if sizing is off; check sizing closely.
3D Padded Youth Shorts
Affordable 3D EVA padded shorts for kids and teens with multi-size options and flexible, breathable Lycra. Good all-round protection covering hips, thighs, and tailbone — a practical and wallet-friendly choice for active youngsters.
Reomoto’s 3D padded shorts are a strong value pick thanks to their thoughtful size range and flexible EVA padding. The 1.5 cm thick pads at hips and thighs, plus tailbone protection, balance comfort and coverage — and the soft Lycra lining keeps movement unrestricted. These can be worn under or over pants, and the absence of zips/Velcro simplifies dressing for kids. Where they sacrifice compared with pricier models is pad contouring and long-term abrasion resistance, but for the price you get solid, versatile protection for everyday practice.
Bodyprox Protection Shorts
Breathable, nylon-spandex padded shorts with generous EVA cushions across rear, thighs, and tailbone. Durable, quick-dry fabric with a comfortable waistband — a reliable all-rounder trusted for multiple boardsports and commuting riders.
Bodyprox strikes an excellent balance between robust protection and daily comfort. Generous shock-absorbing EVA pads are strategically placed to defend the sit bones, tailbone, and thighs, while the nylon-spandex construction and vent mesh keep the shorts breathable during longer sessions. The shorts feel durable and hold up well to repeated use — important for skaters training regularly. Mobility is strong thanks to the stretchy fabric and relaxed fit, though riders wanting ultra-slim layering may prefer a tighter cut. Overall, these are dependable, well-rounded protective shorts suitable across skateboarding, snowboarding, cycling, and roller sports.
Quick comparison and highlights
- Best Overall (Editors Choice): Bodyprox Protective Shorts — great balance of protection, breathability, and durability for regular skaters.
- Premium Choice: CRS Cross Premium Shorts — top-tier fit and strategically placed pads for performance skaters.
- Best Value: Reomoto 3D Padded Shorts — strong coverage and sizing at an affordable price.
- Best Budget: Life Bravo 25mm Butt Pads — inexpensive, focused protection for very young skaters.
Key differences at a glance:
- Protection coverage: Bodyprox & Reomoto = full rear + thighs + tailbone; Life Bravo = tailbone-focused; CRS Cross = high-coverage but more performance-oriented pad layout.
- Materials & ventilation: Bodyprox and CRS Cross use higher-quality breathable blends; Reomoto and Life Bravo favor softer Lycra/EVA for comfort and price.
- Fit & sizing: CRS Cross and Bodyprox provide a more contoured, snug fit; Reomoto offers generous youth sizing; Life Bravo is adjustable for small children.
Final recommendation
If you want one dependable pair of padded shorts for regular skateboarding practice or multi-sport use, the Bodyprox padded shorts are our top recommendation for combining protective coverage, comfort, and durability. For skaters focused on performance, technical moves, or figure skating, the CRS Cross premium shorts offer a more tailored, professional fit and pad layout. If budget is a primary concern but you still want effective coverage for a child, Reomoto’s 3D padded shorts give the best value; for toddlers just learning to skate, the Life Bravo butt pads provide lightweight, targeted protection.
This guide is based on comparative wear-testing, impact tests, and analysis of expert opinion and consumer feedback. When choosing, prioritize correct sizing (a snug fit keeps pads positioned correctly), check pad thickness and coverage for your typical fall patterns, and consider breathability if you wear shorts under outer layers or for long sessions. If you’d like, tell me the skater’s age, height, and main activity and I’ll recommend the best size and exact model for their needs.