The Best Ankle Braces: Support for Your Next Workout (2024)

Frequent, grueling workouts can take a toll on your body. And one area that tends to bear the brunt of this strain are your ankles. Fortunately, investing in the best ankle brace can promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and get you back on your feet in no time. Ankle braces are among the most beneficial recovery products, for runners and gym nuts alike.

But just like shopping for a new gym bag can demand a bit of time and research, trying to find the ankle brace that's right for you—both in terms of support and comfort—can be an arduous process. You'll need to think about what you'll be using your ankle brace for (like added support during workoutsor as a recovery tool for healing an injury), as well as how often you'll be wearing it.

Which ankle brace is the most supportive? And which offers the best bang for buck? We're here to break both of these questions down and more in our guide. Below, you'll find the most highly-rated ankle braces on the market right now, plus tips on how to find the right one for you.

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Best Overall Ankle Brace: TechWare Pro Ankle Brace
Best Ankle Brace for Running: Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve
Best Ankle Brace for Weak Ankles: Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve
Best Ankle Brace for Sports: Futuro Performance Ankle Support
Best Adjustable Ankle Brace: Zenith Ankle Brace
Best Budget Ankle Brace: Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace
Best Lace Up Ankle Brace: DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Lace-Up
Best Ankle Brace for a Sprain: ACE Brand Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer

Best Overall Ankle Brace - TechWare Pro Ankle Brace

Specs

Intended use: Tendinitis, swelling, bunions, arthritis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis
Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
Weight: 0.05 kg
Key features: Ergonomic design, 20-30mmHG compression

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The TechWare Pro Ankle Brace is a great pick for athletes who need some extra support—in fact, it's specifically designed to alleviate common maladies like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and joint swelling. With up to 30 mmHG of compression, this brace does an excellent job of promoting blood flow. Plus, it's made of nylon and spandex for a comfortable, stretchy fit.

And yet, the thin, ergonomic design and light weight structure means it can easily fit over any pair of shoes. We also like how this brace has a no-slip design and comes in a range of colors.

What We Like

Thin, lightweight design
Great for promoting blood circulation
Well-suited for addressing common ankle problems
Fits in any athletic shoes
No-slip design
7 colors to choose from
Modest price point

What We Don't Like

Compression may be too much for all-day, casual wear
Sizing can be tricky, as these don’t overlap with shoe size

BUY: Techware Pro Ankle Brace

Best Ankle Brace for Running - Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve

Specs

Intended use: Ankle stiffness, ankle soreness
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Weight: N/A
Key features: Copper-infused material

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What We Like

Thin, lightweight design
Great for promoting blood circulation
Fits in any athletic shoes
Antimicrobial copper
Moisture-wicking
Modest price point

What We Don't Like

No color options
Some athletes might prefer a higher level of compression

BUY: Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve

Best Ankle Brace for Weak Ankles - Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve

Specs

Intended use: Plantar fasciitis, sprained ankle, Achilles tendon issues, edema, arthritis
Sizes: S, M, L
Weight: 0.07 kg
Key features: 100% perfect fit guarantee

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If you're struggling to get back on your feet following a major ankle injury, consider the Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve. Offering ample compression and support, this brace is well-suited for helping you regain your strength, especially after a sprain or a bout of arthritis.

Lightweight and breathable, this brace also provides instant relief and long-lasting stability. And, it's guaranteed to offer a comfortable fit thanks to the stretchy, soft fabric used.

What We Like

Thin, lightweight design
Breathable
High-quality materials
Perfect fit guarantee
Modest price point

What We Don't Like

Limited color options
Some athletes might prefer a higher level of compression

BUY: Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve

Best Ankle Brace for Sports - Futuro Performance Ankle Support

Specs

Intended use: Support during athletic training
Sizes: 1 size
Weight: 2.47 oz.
Key features: Adjustable fit

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If you're itching to get out on the field but you've been sidelined by a stiff or sore ankle, the Futuro Performance Ankle Support may be just what you need. Designed with athletes in mind, this ankle brace is fully adjustable, making it easy to customize your level of compression and support.

Adjustable straps can help support your arches, while moisture-wicking materials keep your skin nice and dry. This brace should also fit well in any athletic or running shoe.

What We Like

Thin, lightweight design
Breathable
Moisture-wicking
Highly adjustable
Great arch support
Modest price point

What We Don't Like

Sizing may be slightly inaccurate
No color options

BUY: Futuro Performance Ankle Support

Best Adjustable Ankle Brace - Zenith Ankle Brace

Specs

Intended use: Sprain, tendonitis
Sizes: S, M, L
Weight: 4.48 oz.
Key features: Figure-8 straps for 360-degree support

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To ensure total comfort and maximum support, it's best to find an ankle brace that allows for some adjustability. The Zenith Ankle Brace is made with robust figure-8 straps, allowing for a high level of customization, as well as all-around foot and ankle support.

Also note that this lace-up brace is made with the most durable and robust materials, ensuring long-lasting support for your ankle. All in all, we think this brace is a great pick for athletes who want to stave off sprains or bounce back from injury.

What We Like

Total foot and ankle support
Long-lasting, highly durable materials

What We Don't Like

Sizing can be difficult to navigate
Not as recommended for quick or casual wear
No color options

BUY: Zenith Ankle Brace

Best Budget Ankle Brace - Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace

Specs

Intended use: Plantar fasciitis
Sizes: 1 size
Weight: 2.89 oz.
Key features: Breathable neoprene sleeve

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One of the great things about ankle braces is that, as far as athletic supports go, they tend to be pretty inexpensive. Even by that standard, the Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace is incredibly affordable. Lightweight and breathable, it comes in a one-size-fits-most design that should work well for casual wear.

It's specifically intended to address the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, but may also provide relief for general soreness and stiffness. For this price, it’s at least worth trying.

What We Like

Very affordable
Great support for plantar fasciitis
Lightweight
Breathable

What We Don't Like

Some may find the sizing slightly off
Not the most durable product

BUY: Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace

Best Lace Up Ankle Brace - DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Lace-Up

Specs

Intended use: Sprains
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight: 0.16 kg
Key features: Figure-8 straps

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Some athletes prefer the security and adjustability of a lace-up ankle brace. If that's where you stand, consider the DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Lace-Up. With figure-8 straps, it's easy to configure this brace for maximum security and support, ensuring your comfort for hours at a time.

A padded tongue enhances your comfort, while breathable fabric prevents overheating. We also like the reflective elements that promote visibility in low-light conditions.

What We Like

Breathable
Secure fit
Highly adjustable
Reflective elements
Padded tongue
Especially good for sprain recovery
Wide range of size options

What We Don't Like

No color options
Not as recommended for casual or short-term wear

BUY: DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Lace-Up

Best Ankle Brace for a Sprain - ACE Brand Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer

Specs

Intended use: Carpal tunnel
Sizes: 1 size
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Key features: Advanced stabilization features

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Following a sprain, the thing you need most is joint stability. After all, you want to make sure you're aiding your recovery process while also preventing future injury. The ACE Brand Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer has you covered, providing a number of built-in supports to keep your ankle stable even as you enjoy a full range of motion.

Adjustable features make this a fairly comfortable brace, while breathable fabrics support air flow.

What We Like

Breathable
Adjustable fit
Especially good for sprain recovery and for carpal tunnel
Supports a wide range of motion
Modest price point

What We Don't Like

No color options
Imprecise sizing

BUY: ACE Brand Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer

What to Look for When Shopping for Ankle Braces

As you search for an ankle brace, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself.

Purpose

First, why do you want to wear an ankle brace? Are you looking to provide support for ongoing workouts and training? Or are you looking to heal from a specific injury, like a sprain? If it's the latter, we recommend consulting with your doctor or sports trainer to see which brace is right for you.

If you just want more support during workouts, find a brace that fits snugly and securely.

Frequency

Second, how long do you plan to wear your ankle brace? If you only plan to wear it for a couple of hours, comfort may not be that important. For something you're planning on wearing all day, though, you’ll probably want a brace that's lightweight and breathable. Odor resistance may also come into play.

FAQs About Ankle Braces

Do ankle braces do anything?

Definitely! An ankle brace can promote blood circulation, minimize swelling, and reduce your experience of pain and discomfort. By supplying extra support, ankle braces can also expedite your recovery from injury.

What is the primary advantage of wearing ankle braces?

The main advantages of wearing an ankle brace include improved blood flow, enhanced joint stability, and lowered risk of re-injury.

What type of ankle braces do I need?

If you're looking for an ankle brace to alleviate a specific injury, consult with your doctor or physical therapist about the type of brace that's right for you.

The Best Ankle Braces: Support for Your Next Workout (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ankle brace for working out? ›

For active individuals who need an ankle brace to wear during workouts, the Active Ankle Prolacer Brace is a great option. This brace is made from a blend of nylon and neoprene for durability and breathability. We like that the non-slip design helps prevent it from rolling down or slipping during activity.

Should I wear an ankle brace while working out? ›

The case for ankle braces

As with shoes, there's no perfect brace that can guarantee you won't suffer a sprained ankle at one point or another. But braces are still a great way to give your ankles stronger support to better prevent ankle sprains, especially during intense physical activity.

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Is it OK to wear a ankle brace all day? ›

If you have a severe ankle sprain, your doctor or physio may advise that you wear your brace all day during the first few weeks. In all other cases, ankle braces only have to be worn when you do an activity that is likely to twist or roll the ankle.

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Do ankle braces really help? ›

Current research indicates ankle brace use in high school-aged athletes lowers the incidence of acute ankle injuries, but not the severity. Ankle braces are not shown to reduce the severity of ankle, knee or other lower extremity injuries.

Which is better ankle support or ankle brace? ›

Even so, ankle support can still help by reducing swelling and alleviating pain in the process. An ankle brace will also provide joint extra support as you heal up and keep you from exacerbating your symptoms or re-injuring it.

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How many hours a day should you wear an ankle brace? ›

Wear in Schedule

Begin by wearing the brace two times for one hour the first day. Add one hour to each wearing period until you are comfortable wearing the brace full time during the day and do not experience any red marks or pressure sores on the skin.

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What is the downside of ankle braces? ›

The ankle brace may impair your mobility and some of your neuromuscular control in such a way that it puts you at risk for injury elsewhere.” Most people won't wear an ankle brace pre-injury: The primary role of the ankle brace is after one injury in order to prevent a second injury.

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Can I do squats with an ankle brace? ›

This study found significant changes in knee joint angles when a participant per- formed a squat while wearing a prophylactic ankle brace. Thus, it could be theorized that such kinematic changes could potentially pose an increased risk for injury.

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What is the best support for weak ankles? ›

If you have extreme chronic ankle instability along with associated weight bearing pain then the Ultra CTS is the best brace for you. The Ultra CTS provides maximum stabilization to your lower leg and ankle by helping to restrict excessive ankle turning or rolling and twisting that causes ankle instability.

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Do I wear ankle support over or under a sock? ›

If you wear an orthosis or brace on your feet, ankles or knees, you need to wear some sort of sock underneath it. The sock protects your skin, keeps your skin dry and helps prevent blisters or sores. For the best protection, wear a sock that extends past the top of your brace.

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How to strengthen ankles? ›

Stand on the floor holding onto chair / kitchen work surface. Lift one leg up so its off the ground. Then perform a single leg calf raise lifting your heel off the floor, hold for 2 seconds at the top of the movement. Slowly lower down to the starting positon.

What happens if you wear an ankle brace for too long? ›

If you wear a rigid ankle brace that doesn't allow the ankle to move naturally, it can change your ankle mechanics by prohibiting natural movement. Your ankle area becomes out of balance, and in time, you may end up with a host of new problems caused by the rigid brace.

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Should ankle braces be tight or loose? ›

You want to tighten it just enough to provide the support or compression you need. But you don't want to adjust it too tight where it cuts off your blood circulation or causes discomfort! If you experience increased pain and swelling while wearing an ankle brace contact your rehab specialist.

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Why are ankle braces better than taping? ›

Ankle tape can be supportive, but ankle braces are thicker and more rigid which means more support and protection for the ankle and ankle joints. A good ankle brace will mimic the effects of ankle taping using prefabricated sleeves with adjustable straps.

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Why do basketball players not wear ankle braces? ›

Basketball players often feel the less restriction the more agile they will be on the court. Most players have this notion of feeling restricted when wearing an ankle brace and they believe they wouldn't be as quick wearing one.

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What ankle brace does Steph Curry use? ›

Product details. Worn by NBA MVP Steph Curry, the Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace helps prevent the ankle from rolling inward and also from shifting forward so you can stay in control every practice and every game.

Should you wear a brace while working out? ›

The brace will protect the area from further damage during exercise and allow it to heal faster than if you weren't wearing one at all.

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What do gym ankle straps do? ›

Using the ankle straps for the cable machine helps you target your lower body, legs, hamstrings, and glutes. The fantastic gym accessory helps tone and tighten your muscle groups and create a leaner and muscular body.

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