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If you're looking for a knee brace, chances are you've been in that situation where you've been doing something active and felt that sudden sharp pain in your knee that you know isn't normal. Now, our ACLs are crucial to our knee's mobility. Whether you've torn your ACL or just minorly injured it, it's vital that you give your knee the support it needs to not injure it further.
That's exactly why we've researched the best knee braces for your ACL and have listed them below. We loved Bauerfeind's Sports Knee Support since it helps relieve pressure in all the right places, but we have even more choices in our top 10 list. We've also included a buying guide to help you determine what kind of support your knee needs!
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Table of Contents
When choosing a knee brace, there are several factors to consider. Keep them in mind while shopping and you should find your perfect match!
There are four main types of knee braces, each pertaining to different knee support needs: prophylactic, for sports protection; functional, for post-injury support; rehabilitative, to limit movement post-surgery; and lastly, unloader/off-loader, to provide relief for arthritic knees.
Prophylactic braces tend to come in the shape of compression sleeves, while functional and rehabilitative braces can be much bulkier with sturdier frames to restrict and support movement. Unloader/off-loader braces can be somewhat in between the two and choosing one will depend more on your personal pain management.
Each of these braces serves a different purpose and it's important to be aware of your knee's particular needs before purchasing a brace.
You'll find that there are two main different brace types when it comes to knee support: hinged and sleeved. Hinged braces provide more stability for the knee by supporting the joint. If you've already sustained an injury to your knee, you'll want a brace with hinge support.
Sleeved braces are much more free-flowing. They are great for injury prevention, as they generate heat around the knee joint to reduce inflammation and swelling.
You'll see pro athletes often wear sleeves on their knees to retain utmost mobility in the midst of competition. It's not uncommon for hinged braces to also have a sleeve component for those same benefits.
Adjustability for a knee brace is crucial, especially for injured knees. As your knee heals, you'll need to be able to adjust the brace to give it the proper support the stage of the injury requires.
Many braces come with Velcro straps or are made of material that naturally compresses the brace to your knee, giving it more support. Sizing will play an especially critical role if you select a brace with compression material, so make sure to read sizing charts carefully to ensure you get the proper size for your knee.
Keep in mind that a bulkier brace does not necessarily mean it will be more supportive than a sleeker, smaller model. Sometimes, simpler is better.
If you're going to be wearing your knee brace for long periods of time, comfort could play a big role in your decision. Make sure to choose a material that won't bunch when you're doing physical activity.
Softer, more forgiving materials like neoprene and lycra tend to be more comfortable for extended periods of time, but they might not lend the same support as a metal frame.
However, a perk of the compression material is that it is usually machine washable. Take care when washing braces with Velcro straps as the machine can damage the Velcro and render it ineffective.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support | $84.99 High Mid | Stay Active With the Right Support and Ventilation | ||
2 | Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace | $59.99 High Mid | Comfortable and Strong for Those Who Need Maximum Support | ||
3 | NEENCA Knee Brace | $14.99 Low Mid | Stability and Gentle Compression for Sports and Injury Recovery | ||
4 | McDavid 429X Knee Brace | $41.47 Mid | Cradles Your Patella and Keeps You Secure | ||
5 | Run Forever Sports Patella Strap Knee Brace Support | $10.99 Low | Effective and Simple Pain Relief With Light Support | ||
6 | DonJoy Legend SE-4 Knee Support Brace | $310.00 High | Don't Let Severe Knee Problems Stop You | ||
7 | EzyFit Knee Brace | $25.95 Mid | Reliable Knee Support for Those With Larger Legs | ||
8 | Neo-G Closed Knee Brace | $19.99 Low Mid | Simple Support for Casual, Everyday Use | ||
9 | Venom Sports Fitness Knee Sleeve Compression Brace | $17.99 Low Mid | Reduces Inflammmation and Provides Light Support | ||
10 | EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector|EX-701 | $35.00 Mid | Support That Stays in Place |
Soft knit breathable fabric wicks away sweat while a contoured pad helps frame the knee to take pressure off the kneecap and patella. This is a great accessory to prevent injury and provide support during sports activities. As an added bonus, it's also washable and has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee!
With bilateral hinges, this knee brace both lifts and compresses your knee, offering maximum support. The material allows breathability and prevents odor and moisture build-up. Sizing is meant to be tight and is adjustable with two easy-grip tabs.
Reviewers rave about the all-day comfort of wearing this brace and highly recommend it for knees awaiting surgery and those engaged in high-intensity activity. Many say the sizing runs small, so check the reviews for tips on which size to order.
This brace comes with exclusive patented spring knee brace technology. Compiled with gel pads for patella support and breathable woven fabric designed to wick away sweat and moisture for maximum comfort, this is a superior knee brace, especially for athletic activities.
Reviewers love the simplicity of this brace. It slips on like any other compression sleeve but offers the support and pain relief of a professional medical brace. If you're looking for multi-functioning support and simplicity, this is a great option.
The product comes with elastic straps with Velcro for adjustability. The latex-free neoprene material provides thermal compression to keep your muscles warm to prevent injury. Its 360-degree padded opening isolates the patella, adding support and stabilization.
Although its tight fit and neoprene compression become uncomfortable when worn for too long, reviewers agree that if your knee is severely compromised this knee brace is a great solution. This product is heavy duty and perfect for major knee instabilities.
This knee strap is perfect for those dealing with knee pain but who might not need the full support of a multi-lateral brace. The strap is fully adjustable to fit anyone and made of durable materials to ensure comfort and longevity.
Reviewers are collectively surprised by the effectiveness of this small brace. If you're not sure if you need a full knee brace, this would be a great place to start. It's comfortable, stays put, and is really easy to use.
With an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, this low profile brace is great for athletes with moderate to severe knee injuries. Its coating ensures it will not corrode, making it great to use even for ocean sports.
Sizing is important to make sure the frame fits your knee correctly. This brace is bulkier, so if you're looking for something more understated to hide under clothing, this might not be the best brace for you, but reviewers love this brace for its sturdy frame and firm support during high-intensity activities.
This open-patella knee brace is all about comfort and adjustability. It comes in three sizes and the adjustable Velcro straps allow for wrapping in all directions.
As sizing is an issue with many knee braces, reviewers love that the straps make this brace versatile. The breathable material is comfortable for long wear. Some reviewers were not pleased with the durability, but many people with large knees and thighs say the fit is great for them.
This brace lends lots of support for daily activities. It comes in one size with adjustable Velcro straps and fits either knee, making it easy for size selection.
That said, reviews recommend caution when ordering as you might have difficulty returning this product. If you have unusually sized knees, this product might not be for you.
However, from those who use it for support during weightlifting to those recovering from surgery, buyers say they were happy with the feel and extra warmth provided from the brace.
This compression sleeve generates heat to reduce inflammation and support the knee joint, while the gel inlay protects and supports the patella. The elasticity of the fabric prevents bunching so active movements can be completed with ease. There are a few different sizing options, but the supplier also claims to provide free exchanges.
Reviewers love both the brace and the customer service of the supplier. This is a great brace for those seeking knee support for light activity.
This brace has four-way support, preventing it from slipping down the knee during sports activities. The comfort gap in the back keeps the material from bunching during extended wear. This brace also sports double lateral and medial stabilizers.
Reviewers praise this brace for the quality of the support and how it stays put. They caution against machine washing as the Velcro did not hold up; however, when properly taken care of, this brace can work wonders.
Looking for ways to work out that won't be hard on your knees? Here are some links to some knee-friendly workout machines. Exercise is tough on our knees in general, but there are ways to go easier on them and still stay in shape.
No. 1: Bauerfeind|Sports Knee Support
No. 2: Shock Doctor|Hinged Knee Brace
No. 3: NEENCA|Knee Brace
No. 4: McDavid|429X Knee Brace
No. 5: Run Forever Sports|Patella Strap Knee Brace Support
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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