Basketball protective gear

Falls, contacts and dives: exposed knees

In basketball, knees take a lot more than just jumps. They collide with opponents' knees during screens and drives in the paint, hit the floor when a player lands awkwardly after a contested rebound, and slide on the ground during dives to save a ball. These repeated impacts cause bruises, abrasions and pain in the kneecap, which can hinder the rest of the season. The padded knee brace has become essential on professional courts as well as those of amateur clubs: it absorbs direct impact without restricting flexion, and reassures players who defend closely or are returning from a blow to the knee.

The other gear

Basketball gear also comes in:

• Accessories.
• Bags.
• Care.
• Caps.
• Club space.

All equipment is gathered on the equipment page.

McDavid and the Hex padding

McDavid was founded in 1969 in the United States, when Dr. Robert F. McDavid Jr. designed a protective knee brace for athletes: the brand has always approached gear from the perspective of sports medicine and injury prevention. In the early 2000s, it launched the Hex technology, a closed-cell foam cut into small hexagons and bonded to a fabric that wicks away sweat. The cells move with the leg and distribute the force of impact. By 2008, most professional basketball teams were already using Hex protection, which had become a staple on the courts.

Basket version or multi-use: choose wisely

The basketball McDavid Hex knee brace looks like an elastic sleeve that keeps the padding centred on the kneecap during jumps. The multi-use version, which is shorter, can be slid onto the knee, elbow, or shin as needed: handy for protecting an elbow that grazes the floor during dives. You choose your size based on the leg circumference specified by the manufacturer, measuring with the leg extended: the protection should stay in place without slipping or being tight enough to constrict circulation. It should be washed at a low temperature, turned inside out, and dried in the open air to preserve the foam.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a predictable pattern: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why wear padded knee braces in basketball?

They absorb shocks during falls on the court, dives to save a ball, and contacts under the basket. They prevent bruises, abrasions, and knee pain that can hinder play for an entire season.

Knee brace or support: what's the difference?

The padded knee brace protects from impacts but does not stabilise the joint. In cases of sprains, persistent pain or knee instability, a support advised by a healthcare professional is necessary.

Does a knee brace hinder jumps and shooting?

If properly fitted, no: the hexagon cut follows the flexion of the knee and the elastic fabric stays in place. A brace that is too large slips and folds, while one that is too small compresses, which is why choosing the right size is important.

Can children wear basketball knee braces?

Yes, as long as you choose a size that stays in place without slipping on a thinner leg. Young players, who often fall while learning how to defend and grab rebounds, appreciate being protected from bruises on the court.

When should you replace your knee braces?

When the sleeve loosens and the protection slips down during a game, or when the foam compresses and no longer absorbs shocks. A fabric torn at the seams also signals the end of the knee brace's life.