FAQ

What is your warranty?

We warranty our padded shorts and other products against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 180 days from the date of purchase by the original owner. This warranty is not transferable to any subsequent owner. Tortoise Pads® padded shorts are undergarments and must be worn under shorts, pants, or other outer wear. This warranty does not cover 1. normal wear and tear; 2. damage caused by tears or holes in the outerwear; 3. damaged caused from use of the product without wearing outerwear; 4. damage caused by use of the product in manners other than its normal and customary use. This warranty does NOT extend to and excludes products purchased from non-authorized dealers. Please contact Tortoise Pads® Customer Service to file a warranty claim.

I ordered too soon! Can I cancel my order?

Please contact Tortoise Pads® Customer Service if you choose to cancel your order. To receive a full refund of product cost, taxes and shipping charge you must cancel your order before it is shipped. All refunds will be issued in the same payment method as the original payment. Additionally, custom and special order products are non-refundable.

Shipping information and international taxes.

See out Shipping Page for shipping details

My order was damaged during shipping. What can I do?

If your order arrives damaged please contact Tortoise Pads® Customer Service to file a damaged in shipping claim.

Can I return my pads?

If you are not completely satisfied with your order from Tortoise Pads®, you can return unused merchandise in its original condition with all the original packaging within 30 days from the receipt of your order. You must have a dated proof of purchase to return an item. We will only refund the cost of the merchandise and US sales tax. We will not refund shipping charges or import taxes and fees paid, except in the case of product defect. All refunds will be issued in the same payment method as the original payment. Contact Tortoise Pads® Customer Service to request a return authorization.

Keep in mind that when trying on your Tortoise Pads® padded shorts for size and fit you must wear additional underwear. We do not accept the return of soiled garments. If you use your Tortoise Pads® for any activity, you cannot return them, except in the case of product defect.

Holiday Extended Return Policy – Orders placed from November 1 through December 31 are given an extended return period and may be returned until January 31 of the following year. You must contact customer service to receive a return authorization.

How can I tell which model of Tortoise Pads® Shorts I have ?

T2 Model – The T2 shorts have pockets on the outside of the shorts for accessing the pads. The pocket material is a solid spandex fabric and the pads cannot be seen through it. See the T2 Sizing Chartclick here

Original Model – The original Tortoise Pads Shorts have slits on the inside of the shorts to access the pads. The outer fabric of the shorts is a mesh material and the pads can be seen thought the mesh when looking at the outside of the shorts. See the Original Shorts Sizing Chartclick here

How do I turn my shorts inside out with the pads still in the pockets?

How do I replace my pads if I have the Tortoise Pads T2 or T3 Padded Shorts

These instructions apply to the Tortoise Pads T2 and T3 Padded Shorts

1) Turn shorts inside out. Watch our video on our website to see how this is done.

2) Carefully remove the pads through the pocket openings. There is a large flap on the inside of each pocket that keeps the pads in place. Look on the inside of the shorts before removing the pads to see the flap. Pull the flap over the top of the pad and then remove it.

3) If you are using add-on pads, pair them with the original pads in the desired configuration. The various thickness options are shown on the product package insert and on our website. The colored layer goes towards the outside of the shorts.

4) Inserting the Pads. PLEASE NOTE: Freezing the pads for 1-2 minutes will make them easier to insert. Insert the tailbone pad set first. Hold the pad set firmly and push it in the pocket as far as it will go. Grabbing the pads with kitchen tongs will help with this process. Then pull the fabric up from the bottom of the pocket. Work it along each side, alternating from the left and then the right. Keep pulling more fabric from the bottom of the pocket and work it up towards the top of the pad. You will eventually have the pad all the way in and can then pull the flap over the top.

5) To pull the flap over the top of the pad, reach in the pocket with one finger and hook the flap starting on one side. Pull it up and over that corner of the pad while pushing on the pad with your other hand from the inside of the shorts. Slide your finger across to the other corner while pushing the pad from the inside until the flap is entirely over the top of the pad.

6) Repeat the process for the 2 sets of glute pads, leg pads and hip pads.

7) Check all the flaps to make sure they are completely pulled over the pads and that the edge of the flap is lying flat against the pads.

8) Turn the shorts right side out, the same way you turned them inside out. You’re now ready to go.

How do I replace my pads if I have the Original Tortoise Pads Shorts?

These instruction apply to the Original Tortoise Pads Shorts

1) First, carefully remove the pads through the opening in each pocket.

2) Next, turn shorts inside out.

3) Then insert the leg pads located below the hip pads. Fat side of pad goes in first.

4) Now, insert the two glute pads and then the tailbone pad.

5) Then turn the shorts right side out.

6) Finally, insert the hip pads through the top of the shorts and you’re ready to go.

Can I use smaller sized pads in the new T2 shorts?

Sometimes – The T2 replacement shorts can accommodate pads that at are equivalent in size or that are one size smaller. For example: If your original Tortoise Pads were a size 28 but you have grown and need the Adult Small (size 30 equivalent) T2 shorts. Your size 28 pads will fit in the Adult Small shorts.

Use this chart to convert your Original Tortoise Pads size to the equivalent T2 size.

What are multi-density pads?

Multi-density pads have multiple layers of foam with each layer being a different density. The combination of multiple densities of foam results in a pad that gives greater protection while minimizing foam thickness.

How can I clean my pads?

You should hand wash your Tortoise Pads® padded shorts in cold water with no bleach. You can wash with the pads in or out. Hang or lie flat to dry. Do not leave pads in direct sunlight. Do not machine dry. Allow shorts to dry completely before use. If you need to remove the pads, please review our instructions on “How to Replace your Pads” prior to removing them from the shorts. You will find the instructions in the FAQ section of our website. Inserting the pads can be challenging at first, but will become easier with practice.

How do I join the Tortoise Pads Riders?

Tortoise Pads® Riders represent our products through social media and networking. Additionally, they are part of our brand and promote our company image in a positive manner. Therefore, you must meet certain criteria to apply to be a part of our team. Unfortunately, we are currently not adding to our rider list.

If I wear your pads can I still get injured?

We have designed Tortoise Pads® padded shorts to provide considerable protection. However, we do not claim or guarantee that injuries will not occur. You must wear the product correctly to get the maximum benefit. Tortoise Pads® takes no responsibility for accidents that may occur while using our products. Furthermore, we highly recommend the use of additional protective equipment such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards.