Hip thrusts are one of the best glute exercises, but a loaded bar on your hip bones hurts fast. The right pad spreads the load so you can focus on the movement and lift heavier.
We picked six pads specifically for hip thrusts based on foam density, hip coverage, grip and ratings. For general picks, see our best barbell pad guide and our barbell pad review. Many lifters do hip thrusts off a bench; see our best adjustable weight benches.
Top 3 Barbell Pads for Hip Thrusts
- Dense foam, neoprene cover
- Hip thrust, squat, lunge
- Secure fit
- Multiple colors
POWER GUIDANCE Square Hip Thrust Pad
- Square wide pad
- Anti-slip points plus two straps
- Hip thrust and bench use
- Portable
- High-density EVA foam
- Anti-slip Oxford fabric
- Ergonomic design
- Squats, lunges, glute bridges
Hip Thrust Pad Comparison
| Barbell Pad | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad | Best for Hip Thrusts | Dense foam, neoprene cover; Hip thrust, squat, lunge; Secure fit | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 2. POWER GUIDANCE Square Hip Thrust Pad | Widest Coverage | Square wide pad; Anti-slip points plus two straps; Hip thrust and bench use | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| 3. DMoose Barbell Hip Thrust Pad | Best Anti-Slip | High-density EVA foam; Anti-slip Oxford fabric; Ergonomic design | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. Fitgriff Barbell Hip Thrust Pad | Best Lightweight | High-density EVA foam; Lightweight, flexible; Practical slip-on design | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 5. Iron Bull Strength Advanced Squat Pad | Best Contoured | Ergonomic contoured design; Thick high-density foam; Quick-slip on | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 6. POWER GUIDANCE Barbell Squat Pad | Best Budget | Thick foam with anti-slip surface; Fits standard and Olympic bars; Distributes load on neck, shoulders and hips | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
1. Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad – Best for Hip Thrusts
- Dense foam, neoprene cover
- Hip thrust, squat, lunge
- Secure fit
- Multiple colors
Pros
- ✓ Dense foam keeps its shape
- ✓ 3,200+ ratings at 4.8
- ✓ Good for heavy hip thrusts
Cons
- ✗ About $20
- ✗ Neoprene gets warm
- ✗ Bulky for squats
Gymreapers is our top hip thrust pad because heavy hip thrusts need dense foam that does not collapse, and this pad keeps its shape under big loads. The neoprene cover feels comfortable on the hips, and over 3,200 buyers rate it 4.8 stars.
It costs about $20 and is too bulky to suit back squats, but for glute training it is the one to get.
Best for: Heavy hip thrusts and glute bridges
May not fit: Back squats
2. POWER GUIDANCE Square Hip Thrust Pad – Widest Coverage
- Square wide pad
- Anti-slip points plus two straps
- Hip thrust and bench use
- Portable
Pros
- ✓ Wide square shape covers more of the hips
- ✓ Straps keep it fixed
- ✓ About $23
Cons
- ✗ 4.3 average
- ✗ Only about 450 ratings
- ✗ Bulky
POWER GUIDANCE’s square hip thrust pad is wide enough to cover both hip bones and straps to the bar so it cannot rotate.
4.3 average and bulky.
Best for: Lifters with bony hips
May not fit: Small storage
3. DMoose Barbell Hip Thrust Pad – Best Anti-Slip
- High-density EVA foam
- Anti-slip Oxford fabric
- Ergonomic design
- Squats, lunges, glute bridges
Pros
- ✓ Oxford cover grips the bar
- ✓ 4,000+ ratings
- ✓ Comfortable for heavy thrusts
Cons
- ✗ About $21
- ✗ 4.7 average
- ✗ Bulky
DMoose’s Oxford cover grips the bar, and its EVA foam is shaped for thrusts and bridges.
About $21.
Best for: Pads that keep sliding
May not fit: Lowest price
4. Fitgriff Barbell Hip Thrust Pad – Best Lightweight
- High-density EVA foam
- Lightweight, flexible
- Practical slip-on design
- Multiple colors
Pros
- ✓ 4.8 stars on 1,400+ ratings
- ✓ Light yet firm
- ✓ Good for glute bridges
Cons
- ✗ About $22
- ✗ Fewer ratings than POWER GUIDANCE
- ✗ No straps
Fitgriff’s EVA pad is light, firm and rated 4.8.
Fewer ratings than leaders.
Best for: Gym-bag carry
May not fit: Max thickness
5. Iron Bull Strength Advanced Squat Pad – Best Contoured
- Ergonomic contoured design
- Thick high-density foam
- Quick-slip on
- Hip thrusts, squats, lunges
Pros
- ✓ 7,200+ ratings
- ✓ Contoured shape stays centered
- ✓ About $20
Cons
- ✗ 4.7 average
- ✗ Thick for squats
- ✗ No straps
Iron Bull’s contoured pad stays centered across the hips.
No straps.
Best for: Centered fit
May not fit: Strap needs
6. POWER GUIDANCE Barbell Squat Pad – Best Budget
- Thick foam with anti-slip surface
- Fits standard and Olympic bars
- Distributes load on neck, shoulders and hips
- Slip-on design
Pros
- ✓ 12,900+ ratings at 4.8
- ✓ About $10
- ✓ Works for squats and hip thrusts
Cons
- ✗ Basic, no straps
- ✗ Can rotate on very smooth bars
- ✗ Single size
POWER GUIDANCE’s tube pad costs about $10 and works well for moderate hip thrusts.
Can rotate on smooth bars.
Best for: Budget glute training
May not fit: Very heavy loads
Buying Guide: Pads for Hip Thrusts
Density beats thickness
A dense pad protects better than a soft, thick one that collapses.
Hip coverage
Wider or square pads cover both hip bones at once.
Stop the roll
Straps or grippy covers keep the pad from rotating as the bar moves.
Bench height
Use a stable bench about knee height and anchor it so it does not slide.
FAQ
Do I need a pad for hip thrusts?
Most people do once the weight gets heavy. A pad, folded mat or towel reduces pain on the hip bones.
What is the best pad for heavy hip thrusts?
A dense foam pad like Gymreapers or a wide strapped pad like POWER GUIDANCE’s square model.
Can I use a squat pad for hip thrusts?
Yes. Most barbell squat pads are used mainly for hip thrusts.
Final Verdict
Gymreapers is the best barbell pad for hip thrusts thanks to its dense foam. Choose POWER GUIDANCE’s square pad for maximum coverage or DMoose if your pad keeps sliding.
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