10 Best Ankle Braces for Running in 2022 (Personal Trainer-Reviewed)

If you don't know what kind of ankle brace will meet your needs, check out the buying guide below. Some people need support to prevent future injuries, while others require stability when recovering from a sprain. 

You can also find ankle braces to address foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the fibrous tissue along the bottom of your foot). Keep reading for more considerations and tips!

These are the common types of ankle braces for running, and they offer different levels of comfort, protection, support, and stability. You'll find sleeves, lace-ups, and hybrid braces.

A compression sleeve is considered the most straightforward ankle brace due to the lack of straps or laces. It is also very comfortable and flexible! The sleeve is typically one straight form or design without attachments or "corners" that could scratch or cause discomfort during use. 

Ankle support sleeves are lightweight and can fit underneath socks without being too bulky. (They look like an upgraded version of regular athletic socks.) One crucial advantage with compressions sleeves is that you still get a full range of motion. 

Sleeve braces don't offer the highest level of support or protection from injury while running. This type of brace is recommended for beginners that wish to add a bit of stability as they venture into the sport.

Compression sleeves are often used for speeding up recovery time by reducing swelling or inflammation. These braces can boost blood circulation in your ankles and feet while you run. 

When choosing a particular sleeve brace for a minor sprain, check the product description to see if the material has compression capabilities to address injuries. Some sleeves have added padding at the sides of the ankle for more stability. 

Lace-ups are known to provide optimal stability due to their tight-locked setup. Lace-up ankle braces are highly popular among athletes who require maximum running stability, like basketball players, football players, and boxers. 

The downside of lace-ups is wearing and removing the brace; you need to spend some time tying and untying the laces to get the right fit. An alternative to laces are strapped braces. You can get ankle support braces with Velcro or wrap-around straps to make the adjustment much easier. 

One thing to note about straps is the possibility of constricting your range of movement. There are ankle brace designs where the strap is inserted through a plastic hoop before being attached. This hoop can get in the way as you move, depending on where it's placed.

Check to see if any added pieces, such as hoops, locks, or Velcro padding, are located near the pivot area of your ankle and foot where bending occurs. Ideally, these items should be higher up on your ankle to prevent discomfort.

You can also get hybrid ankle braces; these provide stability, compression, and a full range of motion. There are minimal accessories and unnecessary parts to this ankle brace, too, unlike other styles that can limit your movement or add extra weight during a run. 

There are hybrid ankle braces with a few laces on the top foot area but are locked with a Velcro strap. The material is often breathable and flexible, like a compression sleeve. 

You can expect more customization with a hybrid ankle brace, as almost all crucial sections (the foot, ankle, and upper ankle are) are adjustable to your needs. Some even have attachable support straps for a more targeted approach to compression and stability. 

You also want to think about the material since people have varying preferences on the feel of the fabric on their skin. Furthermore, an ankle brace must use a breathable material that can endure frequent washing, whether by hand or machine, since it can get sweaty during a run. 

Since there's material wrapped around your ankle, sweat can build up in your shoes while you run. Ankle braces made with materials such as neoprene, nylon, or urethane let your foot breathe while still offering support. 

You can also check for moisture-wicking and anti-odor features on an ankle brace. These are more comfortable since they keep your feet feeling fresh as you run.

On top of breathability, the materials used also need to be checked to ensure that you aren't allergic to them. Those allergic to neoprene or latex could experience rashes or skin irritation when using a brace with said materials. 

While many ankle braces can be popped into the washing machine after use, some materials can get overstretched and lose their support capabilities. This is especially true for compression sleeves. 

So, check the recommended washing instructions, and make sure those instructions suit your lifestyle. For example, not everyone has the time to handwash laundry! Reviews will also report if the material gets stretched or retains its design after multiple washings. 

The best ankle braces offer medical-grade compression and can treat injuries or sprains. These also help to prevent future ones from occurring. 

By getting an ankle brace that's FDA-approved and uses medical-grade materials, you can run assured that the fabrics' quality won't give up along the way or make you feel like you can't rely on it for support. 

Top-notch ankle braces are more durable and, therefore, worthwhile. You won't need to keep purchasing new ones because they've changed shape after a wash or the silicone padding broke after frequent use. 

Your ankle brace requirements will vary depending on your needs, whether you run to keep fit or are prepping for a marathon. You might also be dealing with existing conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The terrain where you run matters as well since rough ground increases the risk of sprains. 

There are typically three levels of protection provided by ankle braces. The lowest or first level is for general use, compression, minor pain relief, and swelling prevention. Ankle sleeves fall into this category. 

If you're addressing minor or moderate injuries or have more sensitive ankles prone to sprains, then moderate protection (level two) is recommended. Lastly, if you will be doing strenuous running for extended periods and require maximum support and stability, consider a hybrid brace or a product with level three protection. 

Level three braces also address major injuries by safely allowing you to get some activity during the healing process. You can head on over to the reviews to determine how much support a particular ankle brace provides while retaining the flexibility of movement for your running needs. 

Here's a selection of the best ankle braces for running we could find. We have made sure to include braces of varying protection levels, materials, and designs.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Dr. Lauren Levy unless explicitly stated so.

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Gentry also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about ankle braces.

"It depends on how weak your ankles are," Gentry explains. "I would not recommend wearing one every time you run. I suggest that if you have weak ankles, wear one for a short period of time (such as a month or two) and try to wean off of it. If you run three times a week, try running one of those times without it and then more once your ankle becomes stronger."

Looking for ways to get the most out of your workouts? Check out some of our favorite running essentials!

Author: Hana Otsuka

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