Best Ski and Snowboard Padded Impact Shorts and Pants In 2023
Our Top Pick After 20 Hours of Reviewing and Testing:
Breathable and ventilated
EVA pads stay securely in place
Can be worn under or over shells
2.5-centimeter thick foam
Adjustable elastic waist
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Did you know that injuries to the tailbone are some of the most common suffered by skiers and snowboarders? While an injured tailbone may not be fatal, it’s serious enough to sometimes require surgery and keep you off the slopes.
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, it’s inevitable that eventually, you’re going to fall on your butt.
Thanks to our anatomy, our butts provide a good amount of natural padding. However, that is not to say out butts are invincible. Even with some cushioning, we are vulnerable to contusions, deep bruising, scratches, scrapes, and even fractures. We need to take steps to protect ourselves out there so that a tumble doesn’t turn into a serious ordeal.
This article outlines five of the most popular ski and snowboard impact pants and shorts. The major aspects of each are discussed along with the overall value and pros and cons. Hopefully, this information will help you to make an informed decision before you hit the slopes, with some new safety gear that just might save your butt.
Padded Impact Shorts & Pants Reviews
1. Soared 3D Protection Padded Short Pants
The Soared 3D Protection padded pants are an excellent option in terms of performance, comfort, durability, and cost. They provide exceptional protection of the lumbar region, butt, hips, and thighs in the event of a fall. They stay securely in place thanks to fixed EVA padding. The pants are available in a wide variety of sizes.
They are comfortable and breathable, with ventilated material. This ensures that you will not overheat no matter how hard you work out.
Full Coverage
The padding protects your lower region from injury. If you should fall at a high rate of speed at the wrong angle, you will be grateful for your impact pants.
An injury to the tailbone can ruin an entire season, and may even require surgery. Like a helmet, impact pants are an easy way to protect yourself from a needless injury.
Adjustable
The pants are available in many sizes, from youth to adult. The elastic waist is adjustable from 18” to 40” and stays securely in place.
Cost and Value
The Soared 3D pants are sold at a consumer-friendly, fair price. For a low cost, you receive a durable, well-constructed, comfortable set of impact pants that will keep you protected. Overall, they are an excellent value and a smart choice.
- Breathable and ventilated
- EVA pads stay securely in place
- Can be worn under or over shells
- 2.5-centimeter thick foam
- Adjustable elastic waist
- Padding deteriorates after washing and drying
- Does not disperse the energy of impact
Criteria Ratings
Material: 99
Shock Absorption: 98
Comfort: 100
Fit: 99
Protection: 100
Average: 99.2
2. Bodyprox Protective Padded Shorts
The Bodyprox impact shorts fit like a second skin. They mold to your natural physique and provide the exact protection you need. Your vulnerable lower trunk is protected with a suit of EVA armor.
The impact shorts, which are worn underneath a shell, are virtually undetectable. They are not bulky, nor do they hinder movement. This is important to note because a bulky appearance is a common complaint among other impact pants. These are flattering, lightweight, breathable and strong; almost deceptively so. They allow you to move with agility, and in the event, you do fall, you will be protected by EVA padding.
Quick-Dry Technology
The impact shorts are made of several different materials including nylon and spandex. The materials are skin-friendly. The fabric is prevented from sticking to your skin thanks to quick-dry, ventilated material.
The impact shorts remain soft and mobile. Uncomfortable chafing due to excessive heat and sweating is not a factor thanks to intelligent design.
Extreme Sports
The Bodyprox impact shorts are perfect for a wide array of extreme sports and are not just limited to skiing and snowboarding. They are also ideal for ice skating, rollerblading, cycling and more.
They are versatile and guaranteed to get a lot of use. As previously mentioned, they can be worn in any weather and not just meant for winter sports.
Cost and Value
The Bodyprox impact shorts are on the expensive side. The extra cost is justified by the advanced features, solid reputation, incomparable protection, and impressive comfort. By spending a bit more, you get a great product.
- Quick-dry technology
- Skin-friendly materials made from latex and spandex
- EVA foam that protects the thigh, rear and hip areas
- Relaxed fit that keeps you cool and fresh
- Worn like boxer briefs
- Sizing runs small
- Padding difficult to replace
Criteria Ratings
Material: 99
Shock Absorption: 98
Comfort: 98
Fit: 97
Protection: 99
Average: 98.2
3. Kuyou 3D Padded Shorts
The Kuyou 3D padded shorts are so named because of their incredible textured design. Kuyou’s designers and engineers were not messing around when they created this set of EVA armor, which fully protects the lower body.
Adjustable Waist
The waist can be adjusted thanks to a dual elastic and velcro design. The elastic waist is adjusted to fit your specific size, then it is properly secured with velcro tabs. The tabs are strong and stay put.
Ultimate Impact Resistance
Thanks to the Kuyou’s impact shorts design and padding placement, the shorts offer the ultimate impact resistance. Should you take a hard fall on the ice, land on a rocky surface or suffer some other sort of trauma, the impact will be blunted and absorbed by the EVA padding.
Cost and Value
The Kuyous impact shorts are on the less expensive side and consumer-friendly. As far as overall value, they are reliable, strong, effective and built to last.
- 3D design; multi-stage protection
- Padding will not become deformed, even after heavy use
- Dual elastic and velcro design adjustable waist
- Unisex and available in a wide variety of sizes
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sizing runs large
- The waist area is itchy and irritating
Criteria Ratings
Material: 97
Shock Absorption: 96
Comfort: 97
Fit: 96
Protection: 97
Average: 96.6
4. BenKen 3D Padded Short Protective Hip Butt EVA Impact Shorts
The BenKen 3D padded shorts are ideal for novices. It’s important to remember that for beginners, accidents are inevitable. Even professional athletes occasionally take a spill. Selecting a pair of shorts with optimal protection is key. BenKen’s 3D shorts are known for their unique anti-crash protection. This works along with layers of strategically placed EVA padding.
Anti-Crash Protection
BenKen impact shorts uses patented hot-pressure EVA technology to create an anti-crash system. The padding, along with the overall design of the shorts, conforms to your body to create an impenetrable force.
The padding does not hinder your body’s natural movement; it enhances it. The most fragile areas of your trunk are protected from injury even at high speeds. Impacts are absorbed by the powerful padding, keeping you safe from injury.
Powerful Shock Absorption
The combination of EVA padding and memory foam results in incredible shock absorption. Even the most powerful impacts are prevented from reaching your body.
Cost and Value
The BenKens impact shorts are considerably more expensive than the other padded shorts and pants reviewed here. They offer excellent protection and are ideal for novices. They are a good investment in terms of personal safety, though it is unclear if their price tag, roughly two times the average, is warranted.
- Zipper and velcro for an adjustable fit
- Amazing protection
- High-density padding
- Hot-pressure EVA technology
- Perfect fit provided by memory foam
- Sizing runs small
- Cost is higher than average
Criteria Ratings
Material: 96
Shock Absorption: 95
Comfort: 96
Fit: 94
Protection: 97
Average: 95.6
5. Legendfit Protective Impact Shorts
The Legendfit Protective Padded Shorts get high marks for comfort and wearability. They provide great protection and impact resistance as well. However, it’s important to note that Legendfit’s designers absolutely nailed it when it comes to being comfortable while out on the slopes for hours on end.
The Legendfit impact shorts do not chafe, overheat, need constant adjustment or itch. They are soft, breathable, well-ventilated and stay in place as intended.
Comfort
The Legendfit impact shorts truly earn their name. They fit comfortably for hours on end. They do not chafe or irritate the skin, nor does the waistline itch (a common complaint among wearers of impact shorts). Rather, they truly do fit like a second skin. They are lightweight, breathable and stay on securely. They are a pleasure to wear.
Protection
The Legendfits impact shorts provide excellent protection of the fragile coccyx area. Like several other models reviewed here, the padding has a raised 3D design. EVA padding serves as a layer of powerful foam armor.
The 3D design also offers excellent shock absorption. Even after a powerful fall or strong impact, the padding retains its shape and does not become flattened or deformed.
Cost and Value
The Legendfits impact shorts are priced right in the middle of the market. They are certainly fairly priced, considering their superior comfort and overall protection. They do not have some of the advanced features that other models reviewed here boast, but their comfort is second to none.
- 3D EVA armor design
- Excellent comfort
- Breathable, mesh material; well-ventilated
- Flexible and adjustable
- Lightweight
- Sizing runs small
- Waist area runs tight
Criteria Ratings
Material: 95
Shock Absorption: 95
Comfort: 95
Fit: 93
Protection: 94
Average: 94.4
Criteria Used For Review
Material
Material is quite possibly the most important criteria to consider when reviewing padded shorts and pants. The pants must be durable, of course, and able to withstand serious use. Even one day on the slopes is enough to destroy pants that are made of inferior materials.
Materials must be breathable and ventilated to keep you comfortable. This is why so many manufacturers use mesh in their designs; it dries quickly and draws moisture away from your skin.
Additionally, it is important that the materials used to create the shorts do not chafe or irritate your skin. As such, latex and spandex are often used. They are skin-friendly and conform nicely to your body’s shape. That way, your impact shorts or pants are virtually unnoticeable all day long. That is unless you happen to take a spill. Then, you will absolutely notice your impact shorts as they will undoubtedly have protected you from a nasty injury.
Shock Absorption
The shock absorption of a pair of impact shorts or pants is largely determined by the padding used. In all five of the models reviewed above, EVA padding is used to serve as the pants’ cushioning and shock absorption material. EVA is lightweight yet powerful, designed to absorb even the most powerful of impacts so that no trauma reaches your body.
In order for shock-absorbing cushioning to work, it must retain its shape and not become deformed. Therefore, the padding must be strong and durable in order for it to properly protect you.
Comfort
Comfort is paramount when selecting impact shorts or pants. Even the slightest imperfection can drive you crazy after a few hours. The need to retain a certain degree of heat in order to keep you warm enough, but not too warm, lest you overheat. They need to be ventilated and breathable so that your body is at a constant temperature within the acceptable range.
As previously mentioned, part of being comfortable is making sure that any excess moisture is pulled away from your body. Otherwise, sweat can cause chafing and irritation. The overall design also determines comfort. Several models reviewed here have issues with the waist area fitting a little too snugly, which can cause discomfort over time. The Legendfits, however, are noted for their superior comfort, even for all-day-long skiing and snowboarding expeditions.
Fit
If impact pants and shorts do not fit properly, they will not protect you the way they should. If the fit is off and you should fall, the padding will not absorb the impact. In fact, your tailbone could be completely free of padding due to an ill-fit, leaving you vulnerable to bruises, bumps, and breaks.
A proper fit is not just limited to how a pair of impact shorts or pants fit when you initially put them on. The shorts must properly stay in place for the duration of time that you wear them, without requiring constant adjustments. Otherwise, if a pair of shorts slips out of place, you are left exposed to injury.
Impact Protection
Protection from injury is the entire reason to invest in a pair of impact pants. This is particularly true if you are a beginner. The risk of injury is something to consider. Just like you wouldn’t go skiing or snowboarding without a helmet, you shouldn’t get off of the ski lift without a pair of impact pants on. Without impact pants, fragile areas like your tailbone, butt, crotch, thighs, and hips are vulnerable.
Falls and accidents are an inevitability. Some are more serious than others; you might get away with a small bruise without impact pants on, or you might suffer the misfortune of a broken coccyx. Eliminate that risk; protect yourself with a well-constructed pair of EVA padded impact pants. If nothing else, they will help you to build confidence as you learn how to maneuver. They will not overly burden you financially, yet the protection they offer you is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are impact shorts and pants machine washable?
A: The should be hand washed and line dried. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage to the padding. Cleaning instructions are included with purchase.
Q: What is EVA padding?
A: EVA stands for Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate. It’s a synthetic copolymer known for its tensile strength and lightweightedness. It’s light yet durable, which is why it is such a good material for both cushioning and shock absorption. It’s considered to be more environmentally friendly than other materials, and it is also breathable while maintaining adequate heat to keep you comfortable. It’s a true state-of-the-art material that is perfect for making safe, effective protective gear.
Sources
- Slope Side Gear, Snowboarding Impact Shorts – Protect Yourself While You Ride
- SnowboardAddiction, Protective Gear for Snowboarding
- Healthfully, Fractured Tailbone While Snowboarding
- Sicuro, How to Choose Snowboard Padded Shorts
- CrashPads, Tailbone Protection for Extreme Sports
