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Best Ankle Braces For Running Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Ankles braces are meant to prevent ankle injuries for athletes and runners who exert extra force and energy onto their feet. They are also expected to serve as additional pieces of protection for those who already have ankle injuries or have chronic ankle pain. These are meant to be worn for long periods or when participating in active activities.
Naturally, you want to look for optimal comfort when purchasing an ankle brace or compression sock because you will want the most level of support to perform at the maximum level. For those who already have ankle injuries, you don’t want to add on to your existing pain. So, you want to find one that is a good fit and is comfortable for you. The comfort level can vary based on the individual- some people like a more snug, compressed fit that hits deep on all the pressure points. Some prefer a more loose fit that still provides stabilization.
This may come with trial and error- you may find that while a looser fit feels more comfortable, you are not getting the support that you may need. If a compression ankle brace is not working for you, it may be best to experiment with other types. Trying different sizes will help you see what is most optimal for your support. You want to make sure it is a perfect fit, and sizes and comfort level can vary based on the brand and type of material that the brace is made out of. To make sure it is the proper fit, make sure that you are going by the ankle and feet sizing chart to make sure you are getting the right one to get the best fit and support you need.
Materials
Compression socks and ankle braces are made out of several different materials on the market today, and this depends on what type of material you prefer. First, you want to look for a compression sock that is moisture-wicking and breathable. Our feet are trapped in humidity all day and are easily the sweatiest parts of our body. Since compression socks are designed to compress our feet, even more, we can become even more sweaty and uncomfortable. This situation calls for you to purchase braces that are made to be sweat-free. Moisture-wicking fabric is essential to keep your feet comfortable and dry, and not add on any more added discomfort to your feet.
Breathability
Breathability directly relates to the type of fabric materials that these braces are made from. Because compression socks are designed to keep air circulating and provide more stamina and energy, you do not want to be distracted by heat and sweat. Some models even have an innovative, thermal regulating technology so that your feet can stay cool when the temperature is hot or stay warm when the temperature is cold.
You also want to look for ones that are made from elastic or stretchy material, like neoprene or nylon. These ensure that it molds perfectly to your feet and provide the perfect fit, unlike other fabrics that can stretch over time. Neoprene is commonly used in the manufacturing of these braces. Neoprene as it allows for a snug fit that is designed to provide stability and support your ankle needs while providing compression and heat that circulates throughout. Neoprene is not considered a breathable fabric, so this type of material may be best for those who enjoy the added heat pressure neoprene provides.
Support
You may have seen sock-like ankle sleeves throughout this list. These are standard, portable, and easy to wash. They are put on similarly to a sock, and usually are thin enough to wear under most shoes. These are generally made from some neoprene or knit type of fabric and are designed to provide all-day protection and a moderate level of security. These also provide pain relief for those suffering from pain, inflammation, and swelling for multiple foot conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, or other ankle or foot injuries. These can be worn in a pair or on the injured foot.
There are also ankle compression socks with straps, as you may have even seen on the list. These straps can provide additional support for the ankle, and are usually adjustable so you can adjust them to your comfort or tightness level. The strap goes over the compression sock or sleeve, and provide more protection and stability. These are best used for people who have had recent injuries and need the maximum level of security and comfort to go about their daily activities. The wraps usually come in figure 8 or figure 6 application style. The figure 8 style wraps around the entirety of the ankle in a figure 8 style, so you have the maximum level of pressure and compression, and you can also adjust the preferred compression level. Figure 6 is more of a linear, lateral strap and protects those who are prone to ankle sprains or ankle rolls.
Lace-up ankle braces are another type of design that acts as a shoe. They also sport a similar compression brace or sock but have an upward lace-up shoelace. So, you can tighten it and adjust it to provide the compression that you need.
Fit
Lastly, we looked at fit. The fit of an ankle brace or compression sock relates to the kind of support it offers, but also it does matter to your foot size as well. You want to make sure that the ankle brace fits your foot, first. This usually correlates with your shoe size and most packaging will tell you how your shoe size relates to the specific size. Also, you want to consider how tight the sock is on your actual foot. We touched on this a little in the comfort and breathability section, but a super-tight sock will not only make your foot incredibly sweaty, but it won't be comfortable and might even cause more injury to your foot or ankle. So, finding the proper fit is vital.
10 Best Ankle Braces For Running
1. Sleeve Stars
If you are prone to sore, stiff ankles after a long run or strenuous activity that keep you on your feet all day, then this model is the ultimate aid for weak or stiff ankles. These are perfect for those who have had prior ankle injuries and want additional support and are also an excellent addition to those who want to prevent future injuries.
Premium Quality
Let’s face it- one of the worst things in the world is hot, sweaty socks. If you’ve ever had a cast on your ankle or anywhere else on your body, you know how uncomfortable and itchy a compressed cast can be. The Sleeve Stars are made from sweat-resistant material and are designed to keep your feet cool and free of smell.
Speeds up Recovery
If you are suffering from a previously ankle, previous broken foot, Achilles heel, Plantar Fasciitis, or any other type of foot-related injury, this support wrap will help support your foot or feet so that you recover faster and can still go about your day to day activities.
Cost and Value
Many brand name sports items come with a hefty price tag, even for compression socks or braces. The Sleeve Stars come at a very affordable price point and even come with a free compression strap that can give you additional support. This additional support can speed recovery and prevent new injuries.
2. Liomor
The Liomor Ankle Support is an easy to use, breathable, supportive model that provides the ultimate support for those who have had ankle sprains or other foot-related injuries or need that additional support for their feet. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive shoe inserts- these can provide the help you need at a small fraction of the price!
Ultra Strong Support
These braces are designed to stabilize ankles that have gone through some rough times. So, they have a unique criss-cross strap to keep your ankle in line and from giving out while you continue your activities. It supports the ankle joints and tendons perfectly, so you’re completely stabilized.
Anti Odor and Anti Itch
This is made from a moisture wicking fabric that is designed to keep sweat away. It has a unique perforated inner layer that keeps air circulating throughout, so heat does not get trapped inside the fabric. It is also made of elastic so it can rest snugly but comfortable to your feet.
Cost and Value
Compared to most compression ankles or braces on the market, these come at a very affordable price point. Considering that they have solid support and made from quality material, you won’t find a better deal than this price!
3. PowerLix
The PowerLix models offer supreme comfort and protection for those who suffer from several foot injuries or discomfort. They not only come in a fashionable design but are also made from quality material and are available in a variety of different sizes, so you are sure to get your perfect fit.
Special Fit
Many compression socks or braces offer a limited number of sizes if any. The PowerLix have small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, and are made from special knitted technology that is guaranteed to be a perfect fit for large or small ankles.
Premium Fabric
Not only is this moisture-wicking and designed to keep your feet dry and cool all day long, but they are also designed to maintain an optimal temperature all day for your joints to be supple and smooth.
Cost and Value
These come at a slightly higher price point compared to the compression socks on this list. Customers say that the quality of fabric and sturdiness has maintained its form even after many washes.
4. Zenith Ankle Brace
The Zenith model is a more substantial, sturdier ankle support brace that boasts of getting rid of any ankle pain or injury with consistent use in just a month! With a superior ankle wrap and crossover design, this wrap is guaranteed to give you the stability and support you need.
Easy to Put On
You don’t have to struggle to squeeze your already hurting foot into these braces- they are designed to slip in easily and lace-up, just as you would a shoe!
Comfortable
Despite the sturdy look of it and the fact that it extends past the ankles, customers say this brace is very comfortable and doesn’t lack circulation flow like many other compression socks designed for your feet.
Cost and Value
These come at a higher price point compared to others on this list and also come with one brace. However, it is so supremely designed that it comes with a money-back guarantee, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth, and your foot will thank you for it!
5. CopperJoint
The CopperJoint Compression sleeves offer the qualities that every ankle support system should have- breathable, provides the right support, and comfortable. This is also uniquely infused with copper to provide additional benefits. Let’s find out how.
Copper Infused
These infuse genuine copper ions, which help facilitate and stimulate oxygen flow and circulation, so you feel increased comfortability and support for muscle recovery and pain relief.
Thermal Stabilizer
This is a special performance fabric that is designed to keep sweat away and keep you odor-free. The unique fabric is also temperature regulated, meaning it stays cool in hot temperatures and warms in cool temperatures.
Cost and Value
These are offered in one single sleeve, with a comparable price point to other single sleeves on this list. The added benefits of copper-infused fabric may be the tipping point into making this purchase over the others.
6. Cotill Ankle Brace
The Cotill brace comes in a unique, double strapped and minimal design that is designed not only for comfort but to hit all the right pressure points in your feet to minimize injury and maximize recovery.
Open Heel and Toe Design
These offer an open heel and toe design which allows for greater movement and flexibility, not to mention more airflow and lack of restriction and heat. Even though it has an open-air design, the contoured fit is designed to offer strong support and stabilization.
Enhances Blood Flow
This design is great for athletes, performers, runners, etc. so that they can get the most out of their performance because of the increased blood flow to the feet and legs.
Cost and Value
These come in one size and at an extremely affordable price point, given that they are made from expensive neoprene material. This brand also offers a 100% money-back guaranteed if you are not satisfied with the product.
7. Sparthos Socks
Sparthos has created the perfect compression sock that “knows no limits.” These can be worn anywhere- to the gym, to go shopping, to go hiking, you name it! It’s unique, fashionable, and discreet design is made to give you all-day comfort and all-day energy.
Lightweight
These look and feel just like a pair of socks and can be worn with any shoe, making it the perfect fit for anyone who needs an extra boost throughout the day to maintain optimal performance.
Breathable Material
Customers say they can even wear this in their sleep, and get the extra circulation they need for their activities the next day! It’s breathable elastic fabric make this extra comfortable.
Cost and Value
These come in four different colors and four different sizes at the same price point, which is very reasonable and comes at a great value, considering you get a pair of compression socks as opposed to one brace.
8. Dowellife Socks
The Dowellife Socks are technically designed for those who have plantar fasciitis but are comfortable and versatile enough for anyone to wear and benefit from - nurses, runners, teachers, even office workers. You don’t have to have injuries or be on your feet for long periods to benefit from these socks. They are designed to keep the blood in your feet moving, and that’s good for everyone.
Foot Support for Anyone
These foot ankle compression sleeves are designed for anyone- men, women, and children of all ages. They are versatile and comfortable enough to fit under most shoes and can provide and stimulate energy for long-lasting enjoyment all day.
Comfortable but Powerful Design
These fit like open-toed socks and can be worn under any pair of shoes. They are ergonomically designed to compress in all the right places to minimize and alleviate feet pain, providing the right amount of pressure on the arches/heels and ankles.
Cost and Value
These come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) and four different colors (black, pink, white, and nude) with all the same prices. You get a pair as opposed to one brace specific to one ankle injury and come at a very reasonable price point.
9. Doc Miller
These fashionable, high-quality compression socks are made for everyone to wear and benefit from. They increase blood flow, so they can even help the office worker who is sitting all day receive some circulation in his or her feet.
Versatile Use
These can be used for prevention of injuries for people who engage in sports like basketball, running, deadlifts, gymnastics, football, etc. They can also help people who have foot injuries or discomforts like arthritis and swollen feet and tendons.
Multiple Sizes
Doc Miller offers a wide range of sizes for the perfect fit for everyone- they’re perfect for fallen arches and flat feet, men, women, and children. Everyone can benefit from greater circulation and mobility.
Cost and Value
These come in a range of 5 different sizes from small to XXL, and six different colors (blue, gray, green, orange, pink, and red), and vary in price by a few dollars according to the style and size. These do also come with a 100% money-back guarantee, so there is no risk to try.
10. Vanwalk
The Vanwalk support braces come in a unique design where you get the compression sock benefits along with the added support of compression straps or wraps around the ankle. The adjustable straps can offer a more catered, targeted compression that you can adjust, making sure it works perfectly for you.
Great for Preventing Injuries
For those who engage in intense activities like running or sports, the design of these is great to provide the extra support that supports your ankles and exerts extra support and compression on your heels, toes, and ankles.
3D Weaving Technology
The fabric has been woven in a unique way to provide compression that is more breathable and softer to the touch. The 360-degree design also provides all-around support for your ankles and feet.
Cost and Value
These come with two support braces, and a very reasonable price point, making these a great value. They also come with a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you know that they are made to last.
