What Are Impact Shorts?

Impact shorts, also known as padded shorts and crash pants, are crafted to shield thighs, hips, and buttocks from impacts during a fall. This gear can prevent bruises during your skating session. Padded shorts are comfortable, easy to wear, and fit seamlessly under your jeans.

Are Impact Shorts Worth It?

Wearing crash pants is an excellent way to protect your hips and tailbone from hard ground impacts. While padded shorts are highly recommended for beginners learning to balance on skates, they are also very popular among professionals. Unintended falls can happen anytime, and even the most skilled skaters use them for protection during high-intensity activities.

Choosing the Right Impact Shorts

The first thing to consider when purchasing crash pants is the size. Fit is crucial. If they are too loose, they will shift around and fail to absorb impact forces. If they are too tight, they will restrict movement and could stretch out the foam, reducing its elasticity and impact absorption capabilities. Different brands vary, so always refer to the product’s size chart. The protective material in crash pants can sometimes get damaged in the wash, so look for fabric that offers good ventilation and moisture absorption.

Regarding material, you can choose between soft padding or hard plastic padding. Hard pads provide maximum impact protection but do not bend during movement. Soft pads are more flexible with slightly less shock absorption but still protect against bruises.

If you are searching for shorts tailored to winter sports, explore our Impact Shorts for Snowboarding, Skiing, or Ice Skating.