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Have you clicked the ‘Women’ filter on Leatt’s website lately? I have. With only four products available to buy, it’s rather disappointing.
Arguably, Leatt's kit is mostly unisex (like these ReaFlex Hybrid knee pads) because there isn't a men's section, only ‘adults’. But still! Women aren’t mini men, so I’d expect more from a brand as well known as Leatt.
So, rather grudgingly, these knee pads are my favourites from 2025, despite not actually being mine…
- Read more: Best mountain bike knee pads in 2025
Comfort that doesn’t compromise quality
I can’t remember how I ended up borrowing my partner’s knee pads one day – I probably left mine at home – but since then, we have been fighting over ownership of these ReaFlex Hybrid pads.
It wasn’t a great feeling figuring out my thighs are as big as his, but if you ask my opinion, the knee pads are my size, my partner just stretches them to fit. Don’t let him convince you otherwise.
It’s a real testament to how stretchy the fabric is, though, without losing its tension over time. It follows every movement seamlessly, and they’re so comfortable I’m never conscious they’re on.
They have a silicone pattern around the cuffs to keep them up and it works rather well. Surprisingly, it hasn’t given me any skin rash after long rides either, which I’ve been prone to with other pads.
The Airmesh wicking fabric at the back is breathable and durable – despite the evil pins of my flat pedals and countless machine washes, it’s still intact.
The cut-out at the back of the knee is a simple but great solution to keep your legs cooler. I find other brands have often offered comfort, but lacked durability.
Although the 100% Teratec pads are great on that front, I find them a lot sweatier in comparison to the Leatts, so that’s why I rate these so highly.
It's important to note the ReaFlex Hybrids offer lighter protection and are more suitable for trail or all-mountain riding rather than enduro/DH.
Featuring ReaFlex gel impact protection that hardens on impact, these knee pads are CE tested and certified Level 1. But when you see what the pros hit with bare knees in XC races, I think the distinction between MTB categories is blurring more and more.
Being nowhere near pro-level, rides without knee pads are out of the question, and for what I’m capable of, these are definitely protective enough for my local rides.
I was surprised when I discovered the ReaFlex Hybrid’s price. I wrongly assumed they’d be cheaper because of their simple-looking design. But, at £119.99, they’re at the upper end of what you’d spend on such protection gear. Saying that, because they have proven to last, they are incredibly comfy and less sweaty than rivals, I would argue they're worth it.
I should really try to get hold of a pair rather than start another argument at home, shouldn’t I?
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