It depends on the type of skiing you do and how you plan to wear the pads. Padding thickness typically ranges from 5mm to 30mm, and finding the right balance between protection and comfort is key.
For most all-mountain skiers, 10–18mm is the sweet spot. This range offers solid impact protection without excessive bulk, and it still fits comfortably under standard ski pants. If you're a recreational skier who just wants lightweight bruise protection and plans to wear pads under a base layer, 5–10mm low-profile options work great.
On the other hand, if you're racing, hitting the park, or skiing big mountain lines where hard falls are likely, consider 18–30mm pads for maximum protection. Just know that thicker pads may not fit under tight-fitting ski pants and can restrict mobility if they're too bulky. Don't assume thicker is always better—pick the thickness that matches your actual risk level and layering setup.