Best Crutch Pads for Comfort (Underarm and Hand)

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The best crutch pads for comfort are soft gel or memory-foam underarm covers paired with cushioned hand-grip covers. Stock pads are thin and hard, so upgrading both contact points is the most affordable way to make crutches more comfortable for long days.

Why stock pads are uncomfortable

Basic crutches ship with thin, firm foam pads to keep the price down. That foam compresses fast under your weight, so by the end of a long day you feel the bar through it, both under your arms and in your palms. Replacing those two contact points costs far less than new crutches and makes a noticeable difference in comfort through the day.

One thing padding will not do is cancel out bad technique. If you lean on the underarm pads instead of pushing through your hands, even thick pads will hurt. Get your height right first (see how to stop armpit pain from crutches), then add padding for extra comfort.

Types of crutch pads

• Foam underarm pads. The standard upgrade for anyone starting a short recovery. Memory foam holds its shape better than the thin stock foam and distributes contact pressure across the axillary bar. It is the standard first upgrade from stock pads.
• Gel underarm pads. The top pick for people who will be on crutches for several weeks or longer. Gel spreads out contact pressure across a wider surface area than foam and does not compress as quickly under sustained weight. For users whose underarms take concentrated pressure on long walks or full days out, gel is the step up.
• Sheepskin underarm pads. Real or synthetic sheepskin adds softness and breathability. The practical choice for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin, or for use in warm weather where a non-breathable cover creates friction.
• Hand-grip covers. Gel or foam sleeves that slide over the existing grips. Because the hands carry all the weight on crutches, palm pressure is just as much of an issue as underarm pressure over a long day. Grip covers are especially useful for anyone carrying full body weight on the handles across a long day, where palm-to-grip contact compounds over time.

A combined set (underarm pads plus grip covers) is usually the best value because both contact points matter.

At a glance: pad type comparison

What to look for

• Fit. Most underarm and hand-grip pads are universal and stretch over standard crutches. If you also need replacement crutch tips, the standard crutch shaft and tip size is 7/8 inch, which fits most adult underarm crutches.
• Thickness. Thicker gel or memory foam cushions more but can sit slightly higher, so recheck your crutch height after fitting new underarm pads.
• Cover material. A removable, washable cover stays fresh over weeks of use.
• Secure attachment. Look for hook-and-loop straps or a snug stretch fit so the pad does not slide while you walk.

Skip the pads if your crutches already cushion well

Some crutches come comfortable out of the box. The Vive Health crutches ship with soft foam underarm and grip padding (our comfort pick), so you may not need aftermarket pads at all. If you want cushioning built in rather than added on, our best ergonomic and shock-absorbing crutches guide covers the pivoting saddles and shock systems worth paying for. If you are still shopping for crutches, start with our best underarm crutches roundup or take the 2-minute quiz to get matched.

Bottom line

For most people, a gel or memory-foam underarm pad plus a padded hand-grip cover turns sore, thin stock crutches into something you can use all day. Confirm the 7/8 inch fit, set your crutch height correctly, and let your hands do the work.