Best Hip Thrust Pads:
Stop Bruising Your Hip Bones
A barbell across your hip crease at 135lb without padding is a specific kind of misery. Here's what actually works — and what to skip.
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The Short Answer
Any thick barbell pad with a center groove works fine for most people. If you thrust heavy (185lb+), invest in a contoured pad — it's worth the extra $15.
The Rankings
Thick Barbell Squat Pad (Hip Thrust Edition)
The workhorse. Gets the job done for most people.
A good thick foam squat pad with a center groove doubles as a hip thrust pad. Look for at least 1.5 inches of dense foam — not the thin spongy ones that compress to nothing under load.
Dedicated Hip Thrust Pad (Contoured)
Worth it if you thrust heavy and often.
Contoured hip thrust pads are shaped specifically for the crease of your hip. Better contact, more padding where you need it, less shifting under load. Higher price but meaningfully better comfort at 200lb+.
Pad + Resistance Band Combo
Smart buy if you're just getting started.
Combos that include a pad plus fabric resistance bands give you everything for hip thrusts and activation work in one purchase. Good value for home gym setups.
What to Skip
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