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Quick picks
- Best overallSnickers AllroundWork holster trousers
- Best valueScruffs Trade trousers
- Budget classicDickies Redhawk Action trousers
- Don't skip theseKnee pad inserts (EN 14404 Type 2)
Carpenters, tilers, floor layers and electricians spend half the day kneeling. Trousers with knee pad pockets and decent inserts are the cheapest way to protect your knees for the long term.
What to look for
- Knee pad pockets. Look for pockets that hold inserts in the right place when you kneel. Height adjustment is a bonus.
- Proper inserts. Thin foam that comes with cheap trousers isn't enough. Buy inserts to EN 14404 Type 2.
- Holster pockets. Hanging pockets at the front hold screws and nails. Useful for first and second fix.
- Stretch panels. Make kneeling and climbing much easier.
- Size up for pads. Try them on with pads in. They take up room.
Side by side
| Pick | Type | Knee pad pockets | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers AllroundWork holster trousers | Holster, stretch options | Yes | All-day kneeling | £££ |
| Scruffs Trade trousers | Holster | Yes | Starting out | £ |
| Dickies Redhawk Action trousers | Classic | Yes | Tight budgets | £ |
| Knee pad inserts (EN 14404 Type 2) | Insert | n/a | Any trouser above | £ |
Snickers AllroundWork holster trousers
Premium · stretch options · holster pockets
The trousers a lot of pros swear by. Well cut, built to last, and designed around Snickers' own knee pad system.
Good
- Excellent fit and pocket layout
- Long lasting
- Designed for proper knee pads
Not so good
- Expensive
- Pads sold separately
Scruffs Trade trousers
Budget · holster pockets · knee pad pockets
A lot of trouser for the money. A sensible first pair while you work out what you like.
Good
- Low price
- Holster and knee pad pockets
Not so good
- Won't last as long as premium pairs
- Sizing can run large
Dickies Redhawk Action trousers
Budget · knee pad pockets
Plain, tough and cheap. No holster pockets, but they take knee pads and survive a lot of abuse.
Good
- Very cheap
- Hard-wearing
Not so good
- No holster pockets
- Basic fit
Knee pad inserts (EN 14404 Type 2)
Inserts for trouser pockets
The bit that actually protects your knees. Check they fit your trousers' pockets.
Good
- Proper protection
- Swap between trousers
Not so good
- Brand-specific shapes can fit badly in other trousers
Quick answers
What does EN 14404 mean?
It's the standard for knee protectors. Type 2 are inserts that go in trouser pockets.
Are holster pockets worth it?
For carpentry and fixing work, yes. For dusty or tidy jobs, plain trousers are fine.
How many pairs do I need?
Two to start, so one can be washed. Add a waterproof pair for winter on site.
Verdict
Get trousers with knee pad pockets and buy proper inserts. Scruffs for value, Snickers if you kneel all day.