How do I know if the pads are positioned correctly over my hip joints?

The hip joint you need to protect is the greater trochanter—the bony prominence on the outside of your upper thigh, roughly at the level of your crotch. Put the shorts on and feel for this bone through the pad. The center of the pad should sit directly over this point. If the pads are too close together (common for women in unisex shorts) or ride up above the hip joint, they won't protect you in a fall. Walk around, squat, and mimic a skiing stance—if the pads stay over the bone through movement, the fit is correct.