EVA foam is a solid choice if you're a casual or recreational skier who wants basic knee protection without spending a lot. It's lightweight, flexible, and provides consistent cushioning against everyday bumps and bruises on the slopes.
The trade-off is that EVA foam isn't a "smart" material—it doesn't stiffen on impact the way D3O or Poron XRD does. It absorbs energy the same whether you take a light tap or a hard crash. It also tends to compress and lose some cushioning over time with heavy use.
If you're mostly cruising groomers and want affordable, comfortable protection for peace of mind, EVA foam knee pads get the job done. But if you're charging hard in the park, racing, or skiing aggressive terrain where impacts are more likely and more severe, stepping up to a smart material is worth the investment.