An ankle support brace is a necessary piece of protection if you want to prevent an ankle injury, relieve a chronic ankle pain or to recover from an ankle injury. Ankle braces provide the support and protection you need from a variety of conditions and injuries, including arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sprains, ankle pain, and even inflammation. However, finding the right ankle support brace can be challenging. But no worries, we got you covered. In this article, we will review the top 7 best ankle support braces available in the market today.
Types of Ankle Braces
Ankle braces come in different varieties. The most common include sleeves, braces with straps, and lace-up.
Ankle Sleeves
These are made of neoprene or knit fabric and are intended to provide the first level of protection with adequate compression. Ankle sleeves offer support and relief from pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are also often recommended for those with arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or injury.
Ankle Supports with Straps
These ankle braces are similar to ankle sleeves, but they use an additional strap system instead of a sleeve, providing cutting-edge protection and increased compression. Straps typically come in a figure 8 or figure 6 configuration. Figure 8 wraps offer a full wrap-around compression, which maximizes the compression level. On the other hand, figure 6 braces provide more protection from lateral movements. These are recommended for instances where you may be vulnerable to rolling your ankle and eventually spraining it.
Lace Up Ankle Braces
A lace up ankle brace utilizes a shoelace design. Thus, providing ultimate support and allowing you to customize the tightness of the laces from top to bottom.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| XROAM Ankle Support Brace 2 Pack | This ankle brace is intended as a compression support for weak or injured ankles. It has great functionality, allowing the wearer with natural movements to still perform various day to day activities. | ||
| OUNIMAN Ankle Support Brace | This product intends to protect the ankle and minimize the risk of any injury. It’s a perfect option for chronic and acute ankle injuries. This ankle brace also helps relieve pain and provides comfort related to plantar fasciitis and other ankle-related illnesses. | ||
| NEOALLY Copper Ankle Support Brace Compression Sleeve | The NEOALLY brace promotes muscle recovery through the warm compression support it provides. It can improve blood circulation which is ideal for ankle joint pain relief and quick muscle recovery. | ||
| POWERLIX Ankle Support Compression Sleeve | The POWERLIX Ankle Brace boasts PHENOMENAL PROTECTION. PowerLix ankle braces utilize even pressure across your ankle joint, which provides pain relief from a variety of illnesses, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, swelling, sprains, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and other ankle pains. With this product, you’ll be able to undertake any activity while ensuring a step ahead in injury prevention. | ||
| YOUENEOM Ankle Support Brace | This ankle brace is specially designed to provide the ultimate support for weak or injured ankles. The adjustable compression is ideal to provide the comfort and relief you need. | ||
| SNEINO ANKLE SUPPORT LACE UP BRACE | Improve your athletic performance with the SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace. It is ergonomically designed to support your ankle all day long. This brace is the all-around protection you need for your joints. | ||
| DOCBEAR ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE | The Docbear Ankle Support Brace is suitable for ankle injury prevention, reduction of risks from sports-related injuries, and over-all improvement of natural recovery. It’s also an ideal foot protection when taking exercises. |
Detailed Reviews on the best Ankle Support Braces
XROAM ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE 2 PACK
This ankle brace is intended as a compression support for weak or injured ankles. It has great functionality, allowing the wearer with natural movements to still perform various day to day activities.
Product Highlights
The XROAM Ankle Support Brace is primarily designed to support your ankle for sporting activities such as intensive exercise, running, weightlifting, soccer, hiking, and other physical activities. This innovative gear improves blood circulation, prevent injury and aids in recovery from any chronic ankle strains. Its latex-free neoprene material allows a lightweight and comfortable ankle support.
The Good
There are several features that make the XROAM Ankle Support Brace one the top of best ankle support braces on our list. Aside from the over-all support and comfort, it is designed with a soft-wavy silicon for an added grip. You won’t need to worry about the risk of sliding which can cause more damage to your ankle. It also has adjustable and reinforced straps for needed compression.
The Bad
Neoprene isn’t a breathable fabric. So some people may find the XROAM Ankle Support Brace a bit too hot to use all day. However, since it is equipped with a sweat-wicking feature, you won’t need to worry about keeping your feet dry and odor-free.
PROs
- Flexible support brace
- Breathable elastic material
- Non-slip design
- Adjustable strap
CONs
- Neoprene isn’t a breathable fabric
OUNIMAN ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE
This product intends to protect the ankle and minimize the risk of any injury. It’s a perfect option for chronic and acute ankle injuries. This ankle brace also helps relieve pain and provides comfort related to plantar fasciitis and other ankle-related illnesses.
Product Highlights
The OUNIMAN Ankle Support Brace utilizes a breathable material that retains heat and prevents possible skin irritations. It’s also durable and highly flexible. This ankle brace has an open heel design, making movements more flexible when doing sports while supporting ankle tendons and joints.
The Good
The OUNIMAN Ankle Support brace is a dependable product you can use to prevent ankle and joint injuries when doing sporting activities. It adopts four-needle and six-line seams and the upper and lower portions of the brace, making it comfortable to wear. The best thing about this product is its freely-adjustable Velcro. So you won’t need to worry about sizing issues when purchasing.
The Bad
The Velcro adjustment that comes with the OUNIMAN Ankle Support gets flimsy after a few months of use. However, replacing a damaged Velcro is very easy and won’t take much of your time. Over-all, the materials used in this ankle support are of top-notch quality.
PROs
- Adjustable Velcro design
- Breathable material
- Open heel design
- Durable and highly flexible
CONs
- Velcro gets flimsy after a few months of use
NEOALLY COPPER ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE COMPRESSION SLEEVE
The NEOALLY brace promotes muscle recovery through the warm compression support it provides. It can improve blood circulation which is ideal for ankle joint pain relief and quick muscle recovery.
Product Highlights
NEOALLY Copper Ankle Brace utilizes high quality silicone inserts with the newest 3D weaving technology to create the ultimate ankle support you need for sporting and other activities. Its compression sleeve is made from soft copper infused fabrics that has the capacity to eliminate odor, evaporate sweat, absorb moisture, and keep skin breathable and comfortable. Each brace offers two high-quality silicone gel which provide the ultimate support needed by your ankle ligament, preventing ankle sprain and other injuries.
The Good
The NEOALLY high-performance ankle brace has a 4-way stretch capability, offering superior ankle and foot support. This product is also ultra-lightweight, making it suitable for all day wearing. NEOALLY compression ankle sleeves are ideal for sports use and other activities. The warm compression it offers can also improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, swelling, soreness, and fatigue. These features also makes this product one of the best ankle support braces available today.
The Bad
The only set back of the NEOALLY Ankle Brace is its more expensive than other support braces on this list. However, if you can spend a few extra for a reasonable high-quality product, then go ahead and try this one.
PROs
- Silicone-gel support
- Anti-odor feature
- Best ankle support
- Improves blood circulation
CONs
- A little expensive
POWERLIX ANKLE SUPPORT COMPRESSION SLEEVE
The POWERLIX Ankle Brace boasts PHENOMENAL PROTECTION. PowerLix ankle braces utilize even pressure across your ankle joint, which provides pain relief from a variety of illnesses, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, swelling, sprains, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and other ankle pains. With this product, you’ll be able to undertake any activity while ensuring a step ahead in injury prevention.
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for best ankle support brace, the POWERLIX Ankle Support Compression Sleeve may be the best option for you. This ankle support sleeve provides you with a high level of comfort that will allow you all day wearing. The POWERLIX Ankle Support Compression Sleeve also provides a level of compression that helps to improve blood flow to help repair your muscles faster. This product can support muscle injuries due to athletics as well as other injuries caused by health issues like tendonitis, arthritis, and swelling.
The Good
What makes the POWERLIX Ankle Support Compression Sleeve a better option is the fact that you can use it with all types of sporting activities. You will get the stability and flexibility you need since it’s not bulky like many of its hard shelled competitors. The product also comes in a various sizes and it is exceptionally fitting. You will never have to deal with any foul odors since the material used in this product quickly absorbs moisture.
The Bad
Unlike other adjustable support braces on our list, the POWERLIX Ankle Support Compression Sleeve does not support a “one size fits all” feature. So you have to make sure to choose the right size for you.
PROs
- High level of comfort
- Improves blood flow
- Stable yet flexible
- Absorbs moisture
CONs
- Not adjustable
YOUENEOM ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE
This ankle brace is specially designed to provide the ultimate support for weak or injured ankles. The adjustable compression is ideal to provide the comfort and relief you need.
Product Highlights
The YOUENEOM Ankle Support Brace is engineered to maximize a range of motion while providing exceptional support to your ankle. This product is made from high quality elastic nylon material to fit different feet sizes. It’s produced with silicone gel, for added grip to hold the ankle in place. You can secure it with the strong Velcro tab, allowing flexibility and optimum support.
The Good
What we like about the YOUENEOM Ankle Support Brace is its easy-to-use, and highly adjustable straps. It provides a strong support to avoid injuries when doing strenuous activities. It can also provide relief and comfort for muscle and ankle injuries. This product helps improve blood flow, prevents ankle sprain, and relieves weak and sore ankles.
The Bad
The YOUENEOM Ankle Support is also made from neoprene material. So it may be uncomfortable to wear all day.
PROs
- Elastic and breathable material
- Comfortable support
- Adjustable straps
- Non-slip design
CONs
- Neoprene isn’t breathable and may be too hot to use all day
SNEINO ANKLE SUPPORT LACE UP BRACE
Improve your athletic performance with the SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace. It is ergonomically designed to support your ankle all day long. This brace is the all-around protection you need for your joints.
Product Highlights
One of the best ankle support braces to use for injuries is the SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace. This product is designed to help protect and support your ankle after an injury. It is equipped and upgraded with a 360 degree support around your ankle. This feature allows you to continue moving as you normally would. The stability feature will allow you to continue your day to day activities while allowing your injury to heal much faster.
The Good
The SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace comes with ankle stabilizer on one side, and two steel spring on the other. These springs allow you to have the support that you need. They are cushioned with a neoprene elastic so it’s comfortable to wear. The material used in SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace is quick drying, for all day wearing. We also like the adjustable straps which allows you to find the perfect fit.
The Bad
The SNEINO Ankle Support Lace Up Brace comes with stabilizers and steel springs for added support. Although these are cushioned, it can still be a bit bulky to use.
PROs
- 360 degree support
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick drying material
CONs
- A bit Bulky
DOCBEAR ANKLE SUPPORT BRACE
The Docbear Ankle Support Brace is suitable for ankle injury prevention, reduction of risks from sports-related injuries, and over-all improvement of natural recovery. It’s also an ideal foot protection when taking exercises.
Product Highlights
Ankle support braces can come in all shapes and styles. If you’re after a flexible ankle support brace, the DocBear Ankle Support Brace is one for you. This breathable ankle brace is one of the most popular options to date. That’s due to the practicality it provides. This product e provides an increase of blood flow, so more oxygen can get to your muscles and help repair them quicker.
The Good
The DocBear Ankle Support Brace also provides the right amount of soothing warmth to aid any discomfort that you may be feeling due to an injury. This brace is a good choice to relieve pain from arthritis, sprains, tendonitis, swelling, and other muscle issues around your ankle area. It offers the perfect level of comfort thanks to the adjustable straps that come with it. These straps gently support your ankle without causing additional injuries.
The Bad
The DocBear Ankle Support Brace can also be a little expensive. However, you can be assured of the quality it provides by the many good reviews from users. It’s still a good investment to consider.
PROs
- Highly flexible
- Breathable ankle support
- Relieves pain due to muscles issues
- Adjustable straps
CONs
- A bit pricey
Choosing the Most Comfortable Ankle Brace
Ankle braces provide exceptional support, but a poorly-fitted brace may end up being uncomfortable and may lead to more serious problems. To make sure your ankle brace is as comfortable as possible, consider the following:
Proper Fit
Ankle braces provide exceptional support, but a poorly-fitted brace may end up being uncomfortable and may lead to more serious problems. To make sure your ankle brace is as comfortable as possible, consider the following:
Neoprene vs. Fabric
Neoprene is a flexible material that allows a close fit to the body and provides both support and heat insulation you need for ongoing pain. However, neoprene isn’t breathable and may be too hot to use the entire day. Fabric and knit materials, on the other hand, will usually breathe easier, keeping your feet cool but without the therapeutic heat provided by neoprene.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of ankle pain you’re experiencing, an ankle support brace can definitely help. Even people with healthy ankles sometimes opt to wear them for protection, especially when doing strenuous activities. The extra firmness that an ankle brace offers can stop you from straining your ankle. If you’ve sustained an ankle injury, however, this can help you heal faster and prevent you from injuring yourself again. What’s more, the added compression from an ankle brace assists with intense exercise recovery.
Ankle braces are a must, especially for people who enjoy physical activities like sports. Having one in your emergency kit can prove to be helpful when accidents happen. Though ankle braces vary in types, we hope that this article helped you assess the best ankle support brace for your needs. Get more tips on body braces.