5 Best Work Trousers with Knee Pads (Review) in 2023
Finding the best work trousers with knee pads is no easy feat — you’ve got to try them on, use them daily, or read reviews by people who’ve had them for a long while. While it’s all time-consuming, the analysis is worth it if you want to make an informed purchase.
That’s why this 5-minute guide of the best work trousers both with knee pads and knee pad pockets is exactly what you need. We’ll show you the cheapest and best value work trousers, suitable for domestic and site work for plumbers or gas engineers, carpenters, builders, electricians or plasterers. And of course, you’ll get our verdict for each pair.
No time to read? Jump to your favorite brand of knee pad trousers:
- Scruffs Work Trousers
- Apache Work Trousers
- Dewalt Work Trousers
- Dickies Work Trousers
- Snickers Work Trousers
The Best Work Trousers with Knee Pads
Based on our extensive testing we found these to be the 5 best work trousers with knee pads.
1. Scruffs 3D Work Trousers
If you’ve not heard of Scruffs work trousers, you’ve been hiding. They’ve been catching up with the likes of Snickers since 2003.
The Scruffs 3D are not expensive, but they cost more than double the Apache equivalent.
Why buy these?
The Scruffs work trousers are incredibly breathable. If you’re not a fan of shorts but want to stay comfortable on hot summer days, these site trousers are a grand option. Apart from their breathable material, these Scruffs work trousers have an inner meshed zip that opens vents — and this adds a whole new level of breathability.
Storage-wise, you’ve got everything you need — from a hammer loop on the waist to cargo pockets on the leg.
As expected, the knee pad insert space is covered in Cordura, so you won’t be wearing those out any time soon. Perfect for rough site work.
I’m a bit slimmer than most, and I found that the legs are a somewhat loose, especially towards the ankle, even though everything else fit perfectly.
Looking for the cheaper version? Scruffs do a “Worker Plus”. These Scruffs work trousers offers many of the same qualities as the 3D, but they’re priced at just £35.
2. Apache Holster Work Trousers
I’ve got a few different pairs of Apache work trousers, but the Holster pair are the best.
Made from Cordura fabric, they’re nice and thick. That said, they weigh just 1kg — and this light weight makes them exceptionally breathable.
Unless you’re hitting the peak of summer and it’s time for shorts, you’ll be good to go — as a hot weather option, the Apache Holster work trousers do the trick.
Why buy these?
These work trousers are lightweight, breathable, and I found that light rain wasn’t an issue either, as they’re water-resistant (but not waterproof).
When you compare the Apache Holster to other leading workwear brands, they offer a lot of bang for the buck, weighing in at just under £30.
There’s plenty of space for knee pad inserts. What’s more, the pockets for knee inserts are reinforced, so they don’t wear out quickly like those of other brands.
Are these the best all-round knee-padded work trousers? Probably not. But, they certainly are the best cheap work trousers.
3. Dewalt Polycotton Work Trousers
Dewalt produce a tonne of polycotton breathable knee pad equipped work trousers If you’re looking for a mid-range option, I recommend the Low Rise model, which will set you back around £35 — which is more than reasonable.
Why buy these?
These Dewalt work trousers are made with Cordura material protecting the knee pad area (you can get Dewalt’s knee inserts for these trousers if you like).
Like their Scruffs 3D counterparts, the Dewalt work trousers are breathable, thanks to a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. You’ll also find that both the front and rear pockets here are wider than most.
4. Dickies Redhawk Action Work Pants
If you’re looking for a cheap pair of knee pad pocket work trousers, but without all the storage space, the Dickies Redhawk Action work pants are for you. Not all of us want to fill our pockets with rubbish, and this is exactly who these trousers are designed for.
Why buy these?
You’ll still get a few slim, zipped pockets, and the trousers come with space for knee inserts.
What’s more, these work trousers are breathable too — again, thanks to a 65%/35% blend of polyester and cotton, respectively.
Keep in mind though, the pockets aren’t exactly loose, so you definitely won’t want anything big or sharp in there.
These Dickies work trousers feel thicker than most, too — and that means they do tend to get a bit toasty in the summer. The flip side of that is they’re also toasty in winter!
5. Snickers RuffWork Work Trousers
If you want top banana work trousers with knee pads, then look no further than Snickers. They’ve got two pairs of high-end knee pad trousers — the Ruffwork and the Cooltwill.
Not only are the Ruffwork cheaper, they look a hell of a lot better, so let’s review those.
Why buy these?
First things first, this is the best pair of lightweight work trousers. Most work trousers will weigh in the 950g-1.2kg range; the Snickers Ruffwork weigh just 750g.
Now, the actual weight makes absolutely no difference to your comfort. Carrying an extra 200g or so on top of whatever you’re shifting on site really doesn’t change things.
What does matter, is that this reduced weight translates into tonnes of extra breathability, which makes these Snickers work trousers incredibly comfortable.
Another factor helping breathability is the back of the knee, where there’s a mesh air vent.
The Snickers RuffWork are packed full of Cordura, which means they’re some of the most durable work trousers despite their light weight. And although their fabric is tough and durable, you’ll find that these trousers are quite flexible — perfect for working in tight spaces.
Best of all, with these trousers’ Advanced digital KneeGuard Pro, you know you won’t feel like a cripple jumping into the van on the way home.
Work Trousers with Knee Pads: VERDICT
You’ve got two options here — budget, and best-of-the-best.
In the budget category, I can’t knock the Apache Holster. At under £30, these Apache work trousers are ridiculously cheap, yet still durable and comfortable.
But if you’re looking for the overall best knee pad work trousers, it’s a no brainer — Snickers.
The Snickers RuffWork are comfortable, durable, breathable, lightweight, and they look cool, too. Just bear in mind, you’ll fork out nearly twice as much as for you would for the Apaches.
RELATED READING: Best work boots for safety and comfort
What’s Next?
Thanks for reading our guide to the best knee pad work trousers.
Interested in other workwear?
You can read about safety trainers/shoes and rigger boots, too. And for the summer months, we’ve also covered work shorts and work t-shirts.
Got an opinion?
Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
I have a pair of Pfanner floor layers trousers from Austria.
Totally synthetic fabric means no moisture retention or potential hypothermia issues. Stretch characteristics of Schoeller fabric makes them extremely comfortable in use.
Additionally Kevlar knee pockets makes them extremely hardwearing.
Have never seen similar in UK as they are Austrian origin.
Far superior to UK products for reasons outlined above.
Sounds like a great buy, Paul 🙂