Top 5 Best Ankle Brace Options 2022

Updated 12 Jun 2022

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Finding the correct product can be difficult and time-consuming. You might not have time to do it yourself, so let us help you. RevuuBuddy reviews thousands of items in hundreds of categories, including home appliances, toys, camping supplies, and everything in between.

We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 12 Jun 2022

Written by

Mark Joseph Aduana

ASO Ankle Stabilizer

BOTTOM LINE
Trusted Brand
This popular stabilizing product is well-known for use after surgery and rehabilitation.

PROS
Provides optimum support and protection, allowing you to maintain balance. With a bilateral form that enables you to use it on either the right or left foot easily. Ideal for both right-handed and left-handed users.

CONS
Some people find it too rigid.

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Crucial Compression Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve

BOTTOM LINE

Lightweight Design
This product helps with activity-related swelling. Easy and comfortable to use.

PROS
Has a low-profile, seamless design that fits within your shoes and over most socks. Relieves tiredness and cramping due to the compressive support around the arch.

CONS
Not a stabilizing tool, but rather more suited for light compressive support.

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Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support

BOTTOM LINE
Comfortable Design
Ideal for supporting injuries.

PROS
Faster recovery time for those who have suffered from severe or chronic injuries. Despite the soft open-heel design, the injured region is adequately safeguarded.

CONS
Users with larger or smaller feet will find it inconvenient to have only one size available.

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Active Ankle T2 Rigid Ankle Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Sports-Oriented
Superior for support and stability.

PROS
Is held in place by a single strap that may also be adjusted to fit into shoes with high and low tops. It has a hinge that allows for a full range of motion.

CONS
The rigid material beneath the foot's bottom might be uncomfortable to some.

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Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Latex-free
One of the quickest and most simple to adjust. Its straightforward hook-and-loop mechanism makes it so.

PROS
Made with flexible materials that hug your foot securely. The wide hook-and-loop fastener wraps entirely around the ankle and supports above and below the ankle. It has non-slip silicone gel on it to keep it from moving about your foot.

CONS
Marketed as latex-free, but other parts contain latex.

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How to Choose the Best Ankle Braces

Our ankles bear a lot of weight. This is why ankle injuries are among the most prevalent, with over one million individuals visiting the emergency department each year for this reason. Ankle braces aid in recovery and help to minimize the chance of additional damage.

It's important to select the correct ankle brace. However, with so many options available, from compression sleeves to rigid boots, how can you decide on the ideal ankle brace for you? We're here to assist.

Ankle braces don’t only aid in the recovery of current ankle problems, but they can also help to avoid them.

HOW ANKLE BRACES WORK

Ankle braces support and stabilize injured ankles, promoting faster recovery. They also reduce inflammation and pain by compressing the affected region. Rigid ankle bracing restricts joint mobility, allowing quicker recovery and preventing additional harm in severe ankle sprains.

OTHER BENEFITS OF ANKLE BRACES

A growing concern for prevention has led to an increase in the proportion of athletes, runners, and active people wearing ankle braces while exercising in recent years.

Ankle braces can also be used to help in the recovery process, but they may also be used to:

Support joints during sports activities that are highly demanding.
Keep active individuals stay mindful of the correct form.
Reduce the chance of a recurring injury.
Reduce discomfort and pain from past injuries, such as arthritis, or degenerative joint diseases like arthritis.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Caution: A medical professional can help you determine the appropriate type of ankle brace for you. If you've hurt your ankle and aren't sure if it's bad, see a certified doctor before trying to heal it at home.

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TYPES OF ANKLE BRACES

Compression ankle braces

Compression sleeves, also known as compression braces, are ankle supports that assist with mild injuries by providing compression and warmth. Compression ankle braces function in the same way as compression clothing: they reduce swelling and discomfort caused by minor ailments. Compression ankle braces are made of flexible elastic and can help to relieve muscular stiffness and pain during daily tasks.

Semi-rigid ankle braces

These give more support than compression ankle braces.

Lace-up ankle braces are the most flexible ankle braces, with multiple degrees of tightness on each part of the foot and ankle. Athletes prefer lace-up ankle braces because they're more adjustable. However, they hinder the natural movement of the ankle and may impact sports performance when worn for lengthy periods.
Hinged ankle braces: Hinged ankle braces are made of soft, cushioned material designed to prevent the ankle from rolling side to side while allowing for up and down movement. Adjustable straps make it easier to put on and take off than lace-up ankle braces. Hinged ankle braces limit side-to-side motion; however, they give excellent flexibility for active people and will fit in most shoes.

Rigid ankle braces

Stirrup ankle braces, also known as rigid ankle braces, have a firm outer shell that severely restricts the ankle's range of side to side and up and down movement. Rigid ankle braces provide complete stability to prevent additional harm to the ankle. Gel pads for compression can be found on some rigid ankle braces, which help to reduce discomfort and swelling. Rigid ankle braces are most frequently used following ankle trauma, in which joint stability is lost. Because rigid ankle braces almost totally cut down on motion, they are inappropriate for long-term preventive use.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING AN ANKLE BRACE

Intended use

Whether used to heal a problem, for comfort or as a preventative measure, the wrong type of ankle brace may do more harm than good.

Determining the type and severity of an injury for fractured joints is vital in selecting the best ankle brace to aid with recovery. Factors like stability, range of motion, and ease of use should be considered when an ankle brace is used for extended periods for comfort, prevention, or support for an injured ankle.

Construction

Ankle braces are made from various materials. The following are some features to look for:

Compression ankle braces: These should be made of lightweight and breathable, stretchy material. Knitted compression sleeves are frequently composed of nylon, neoprene, and lycra and provide targeted compression. They're typically more durable than other types of compression sleeves since they focus on one area at a time. Copper-infused varieties may aid in the healing process by stimulating circulation.
Lace-up ankle braces: These are often made of flexible nylon or vinyl and have a long lifespan. Lace-up ankle braces with Velcro fasteners or a combination of laces and straps are easier to change, attach, and remove.
Hinged ankle braces: These are made of stiffer plastic components that may need breaking in and can sometimes crack with time. However, some hinged ankle braces feature patented technology that shapes the wearers' unique form, extending the brace's longevity.
Rigid ankle braces: Hard outer shells made of plastic are used on rigid ankle braces, which have foam, air, or gel cushioning for added comfort and stability. Frozen gel-filled pads may be inserted to minimize swelling.

Fit

The best fit is critical for an ankle brace to be effective. An ankle brace that is too loose will be useless and can cause chafing or scraping. A fit that is too tight can exacerbate the problem or even cut off circulation. Although many ankle braces are designed to fit a shoe, most companies also include a sizing chart for the ideal fit.

Price

Ankle braces range from $10 for a compression ankle brace to more than $100. The price depends on the size, kind of materials, and brand.

Compression ankle braces are more cost-effective and can relieve swelling and pain while still allowing you to walk normally. However, keep in mind that these braces are best suited for minor injuries or as a preventive measure.

Choose the correct ankle brace size. If the ankle brace moves, it can cause blisters and irritation.

FAQ

Q. Is it true that regular wearing of an ankle brace can weaken the ankle?

A. Yes and no. Even worn frequently, ankle braces that do not limit your natural up and down motion, like compression or hinged ankle braces, will not harm your ankles. On the other hand, Lace-up ankle braces have been found to significantly reduce ankle strength and even athletic performance. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, select a brace that does not limit side-to-side motion.

Q. Is spraining an ankle still possible despite wearing an ankle brace?

A. Wearing an ankle brace can help you avoid straining your ankle. It is not possible to prevent all ankle injuries with this device. In rare cases, a sprain is unavoidable. However, wearing an ankle brace will lower the likelihood of suffering an ankle injury.

Q. What’s the best way to clean an ankle brace?

A. Regular cleaning of your ankle brace will not only prevent unpleasant smells, but it may also extend its life span. Cleaning your soft ankle brace in cold water with a mild detergent and then airing it dry is usually sufficient. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for semi-rigid and rigid ankle braces with plastic or metal components to ensure that they last as long as possible.