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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For runners looking to promote recovery or simply to minimize their risk of ankle injury, we recommend checking out the Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve. With an infusion of antimicrobial copper, this brace actively minimizes swelling and stiffness.

Also note the stretchy, elastic fabric, and a thin design that fits well into any running shoe. The fabric used here is moisture-wicking, which also helps prevent sweaty feet during long runs.

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.

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.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or beliefs, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned:

Ankle Braces:

Ankle braces are supportive devices worn around the ankle to provide stability, reduce the risk of injury, and aid in the recovery process. They can be used by athletes during workouts or as a recovery tool for healing ankle injuries. Ankle braces can promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and provide support to the ankle joint.

Best Ankle Braces:

The article mentions several ankle braces that are highly rated in the market. Here are some of the ankle braces mentioned:

TechWare Pro Ankle Brace: This brace is designed to alleviate common ankle problems like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and joint swelling. It offers up to 30 mmHG of compression, promotes blood flow, and has a thin, lightweight design.
Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve: This brace is infused with antimicrobial copper, which helps minimize swelling and stiffness. It has a stretchy, elastic fabric and fits well into running shoes. The fabric is moisture-wicking, preventing sweaty feet during long runs.
Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve: This brace provides ample compression and support, making it suitable for recovering from ankle injuries like sprains or arthritis. It is lightweight, breathable, and offers instant relief and stability.
Futuro Performance Ankle Support: Designed for sports, this ankle brace is fully adjustable, allowing for customization of compression and support. It has adjustable straps for arch support and moisture-wicking materials to keep the skin dry.
Zenith Ankle Brace: This brace features figure-8 straps for 360-degree support and allows for a high level of customization. It is made with durable materials and provides total foot and ankle support.
Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace: This affordable ankle brace is intended to address plantar fasciitis symptoms and provides relief for general soreness and stiffness. It is lightweight, breathable, and suitable for casual wear.
DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Lace-Up: This lace-up ankle brace offers a secure fit with figure-8 straps and is highly adjustable. It has a padded tongue for comfort and reflective elements for visibility in low-light conditions.
ACE Brand Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer: This ankle brace provides joint stability and supports a wide range of motion. It has adjustable features, breathable fabrics, and is suitable for sprain recovery.

Please note that the descriptions provided are based on the information in this article. For more detailed information about each ankle brace, it is recommended to refer to the original article or consult with a healthcare professional.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.