Junior & Youth Elbow Pads

Fall proof. Shop our collection of elbow pads for ages 4-13. Designed with hard plastic caps to absorb ice impacts and secure velcro straps to keep them from sliding down.

Alpha Member Member Savings: Kids grow fast. Save up to 30% on every size upgrade.

Buyer's Guide: Sizing Kids' Elbows

Elbow pads are the trickiest item to size for kids because their arms are thin. If the pads are too big, they will slide right off.

1. Sizing by Height

Use your child's height as the primary guide.

  • Youth Small (Ages 3-5): Height 3'3" - 3'7"
  • Youth Large (Ages 6-8): Height 3'10" - 4'2"
  • Junior Small (Ages 8-10): Height 4'3" - 4'7"
  • Junior Large (Ages 11-13): Height 4'11" - 5'4"

2. The Slide Test

Put the pads on over their base layer (undershirt). Fasten the straps. Hold their wrist and try to pull the pad down. If it slides easily over the elbow, it is too big. It will not protect them when they fall.

3. Hard vs. Soft Caps

Always choose Hard Plastic Caps (covered in foam) for ice hockey. Soft pads are for street hockey only. When a child falls backward on ice, a hard cap disperses the energy. A soft pad will still hurt.

Pro Tip: If your child has very thin arms, look for pads with a "Y-Strap" or cross-strap system. These are designed to wrap tighter around the forearm than traditional single straps.

Common Questions

Left vs. Right?
Yes, elbow pads are specific to each arm. They will be marked with an "L" or "R" on the tag or inside the foam. Wearing them on the wrong arms feels bulky and restricts movement.
Can they wear them on bare skin?
They can, but we recommend a long-sleeve moisture-wicking undershirt. This prevents the velcro straps from scratching their skin and keeps the pads from getting too sweaty/smelly.