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- Best Overall – Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace
- Best Wide Range Options – McDavid 511
- Best Under $100 – Shock Doctor 851
If you love playing basketball then you always want to be able to play 24/7. The sport just gets you pumped up and the sound of our shoes just squeaking across the court floor gives you some sort of satisfaction. But what if all that is taken away from you because of some ankle sprain or any type of injury that involves your ankle?
You’ll surely miss out on your daily practices and championship games because the recovery time for ankle sprains vary. Mild or low-grade ankle sprains usually heal in one to three weeks with proper rest and non-surgical care, moderate injuries may take longer, an estimate of three to four weeks, while severe injuries may take between three to six months to heal. See? That ‘s how long you’ll be staying on the bench if you don’t equip yourself with the proper equipment you need when playing basketball.
Ankle braces are here to prevent those grim events from taking place. For basketball, it;s recommended to wear one for both practice and the game day itself. Actually, injuries are most likely to happen during practices. Accidentally rolling an ankle is one of said injuries and it can be prevented by wearing an ankle brace. Now that you have a gist of an ankle brace’s function we’ll be moving onto the best ankle braces you can purchase to get you up and running in your next basketball training or championship game.This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best ankle braces for basketball! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each ankle brace.
Table of Contents
What Are Ankle Braces And Why Should I Wear Them?
As I’ve previously mentioned, ankle braces prevent basketball players from experiencing a commonly grim injury—ankle sprain. According to a research from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, an estimation of at least 25,000 people get ankle sprains everyday. Some kids or teens don’t want to wear ankle braces at all because it makes them look like an old person, but this is a completely wrong move because they’re not aware of how excruciating an ankle sprain can be.
To give everyone a better understanding of ankle sprains and explaining how painful it can get for people I’ll be enumerating the three levels of ankle sprain pain.
- Mild or low-grade ankle sprain. 1 to 3 weeks of healing time with proper rest and non-surgical care. Usually home remedies can be used to treat mild ankle sprains. Applying RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), drinking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling, and making use of compression wraps to help limit movement that may cause additional damage.
- Moderate ankle sprain. 3 to 4 weeks of healing time. The same methods from mild ankle sprains can be used for moderate ankle sprain as well.
- Severe ankle sprain. A whopping 3 to 6 months of healing time. Immobilization is often needed. You will also be given a boot or a pair of crutches for a period of time in order to prevent movement of the ankle joint so that it can give the ankle enough time to heal.
These are just based on how I did research, the best thing to do when you encounter these type of injuries is consulting your doctor.
Now that you know how seriously grave and common these injuries are, I guess you’re probably convinced to get an ankle brace right now. Heck, ask Stepehen Curry himself and he’ll vouch for incorporating ankle braces in your basketball routine.
What Makes A Good Ankle Brace?
There’s a massive selection of ankle braces you can choose from on the market, however, not all of them work efficiently and effectively. Also, there are ankle braces that also serve different purposes such as giving you extra stability and comfort for sore ankles and preventing low or high ankle sprains.
Proper Fit
The fit of your ankle braces will be based on your shoe size or your ankle circumference. Be sure to have the accurate measure for either of the two. It’s recommended that you make use of a sizing chart to get your best fit and support.
Material
There are two types of material: Neoprene and Fabric. Neoprene is a flexible material that allows for a close fit to the body and provides both support and heat insulation that serve as protection against any ongoing pain. However this may be too hot for all day use and does not offer that much breathability. The latter material on the other hand offers much more breathability and keeps your feet cool.
Comfort
The correct size and material of your ankle brace are big factors in comfortability. Consider how breathable you want your braces to be.
Frequency
This refers to how long you want to have your ankle braces on. It can either be the duration of a whole day or for a short period of time.
Type of Ankle Brace
There are currently three types of ankle braces: Ankle Sleeves, Ankle Supports with Straps, and Lace Up Ankle Braces. All these three variants provide varying levels of support, protection, and compression.
- Ankle Sleeves. These are made up of either neoprene or knit fabric. It provides a primary level of protection and moderate compression. These provide support and relief from pain, inflammation, and swelling. These are recommended for people with arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and other injuries.
- Ankle Supports with Straps. These are similar to ankles sleeves but the only difference is that these ankle braces have a strap placed over the sleeve. It provides advanced protection and increased compression. The straps usually come in either a figure 6 or 8. The figure 6 provides more protection for lateral movements and they’re usually recommended for situations such as accidentally rolling your ankles and spraining them.
- Lace Up Ankle Braces. This ankle brace mimics a shoelace design. Provides maximum support and allows you to customize the tightness of said laces from top to bottom.
Tightness
When adjusting the tightness of your ankle brace, make sure to not make it too loose or too tight. It may take several adjustments to get the perfect fit but please do take your time in doing this because this is critical.
Overview Of The Top 10 Ankle Braces For Basketball
1. Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace
- 4/5 rating
- Main Features: Unique support system to prevent or lessen severity of medial, lateral, and high ankle sprains
- Support Level: Strong
- Injury Treated: Moderate to severe ankle pain
- Colors: Black, White
2. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
- 4/5 rating
- Stabilizing Straps: Figure 8; to protect and support ankles
- Elastic Cuff Closure: Support is enhanced due to the stabilizing straps and secure laces
- Low Profile: Can fit any type of shoe
- Bilateral Design: each size fits left or right foot
- Ballistic Nylon Boot: provide tremendous strength and durability
- US Manufacturing: High quality standards
3. Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace
- 3/5 rating
- Adjustable Compression Fit: Yes
- Fits Either Foot: Yes
- Key Features: Open-heel design, Seat-wicking Neoprene material, Durable, Strong Velcro Straps, Lightweight, Semi-rigid brace
- Benefits: Best fit for all ages, effective for ankle pains, strains, and injury, provides support for ankle and foot through adjustable compression, open heel lets user move with ease
- Sols as: 1 pack
4. Liomor Ankle Support Brace
- 2/5 rating
- Benefits: Ankle stabilizer can fully wrap bare ankles to relieve burden during exercise, enhancing stability for the ankles, ankle brace support helps alleviate edema and promote the recovery of the feet, adjustable straps allow for full adjustment in order to accommodate to different feet
- Made of high elastic SBR, lightweight nylon and elastic lycra
- Two adjustable straps that provides reinforcement and powerful support
- Premium velcro is gentle on the skin
5. SENTEQ Asain Slim Fit
- 0/5 rating
- Level of Support: Moderate
- Primary Material: Premium Neoprene (breathable and odor resistant)
- Sizing: M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
6. McDavid 511 Compression Ankle Support
- 3/5 rating
- Size: Medium
- Brand: McDavid
- Color: Black
- Best for support and relief from pain associated with arthritis and minor injury
- Material: Breathable non-neoprene knitted elastic construction
- Ideal for those with neoprene allergies
- Level 1: Primary protection
7. Run Forever Sports Foot Compression Ankle Support
- 4/5 rating
- Size: Small
- Brand: Run Forever Sports
- Color: Beige
- Material: Micro Nylon/Spandex
8. McDavid 199 Ankle Brace
- 3/5 rating
- Size: Medium
- Brand: McDavid
- Color: Black
- Material: Polyester
9. Kunto Fitness Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
- 0/5 rating
- Compression material provides relief from arthritis and other joint pains
- Four-way stretch material provides mobility
- Superior material and construction of the ankle sleeve is built to last
- Material is well ventilated
10. Shock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
- 4/5 rating
- Size: Small
- Brand: Shock Doctor
- Color: Black
- Material: Blend
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1. Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Provides great support because it’s not easy to put on Molds into the shape of the foot well This ankle brace provides safety to the wearer When played at full speed, it still performs well Outstanding durability (one consumer has claimed their ankle brace to still be in good condition after a year of use)
ExpensiveMaterials of boot and straps can stretch
What do most people think of this product?
The Zamst A2-DX is advertised to provide the strongest support for moderate to severe ankle sprains. This ankle brace features an i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an automatically perfect fit for both the left and right foot. A dual exterior molded support structure called the Exo-Grid is paired up with a Grip-Tech in order to prevent the ankle from rolling inward and outward. The Exo-Grid and anchor strap does a great job at preventing high ankle sprains by reducing the separation of the two lower bones where the ankle meets. It uses X-Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech that prevents both feet from shifting forward.
Did you know that even Stephen Curry uses these ankle braces? He uses it for both his practices and games. Just goes to show that even professional athletes such as him really do vouch for using ankle braces. These are considered to be one of the most well-built ankle braces you can see on Amazon. Once you slide your feet into these, they’re on a whole new level of quality and support. It takes a while to actually strap these on your feet, so in order to put it on correctly you have to read the instructions carefully. This is actually a good thing according to one buyer because if your ankle braces are loose then it doesn’t really provide any support at all. To ensure that your feet are secured, there are four velcro fasteners around the heel and one anchor strap above the ankle.
We love the comfort that you get from this ankle brace. Probably one of the most comfortable ankle braces we’ve ever seen. Some consumers claim that despite the bulkiness of the ankle brace you really can’t notice it at all even while you’re playing basketball. This was made possible thanks to the plastic support splints and the extra padding on the inside of the ankle brace. Moreover, another thing that we loved about this ankle brace is its durability. This thing can last up to a year and still be in pristine condition. The downside on these would be the price and the stretchiness of the boot and straps. Having too much flexibility on these have a higher chance of having your ankles rolled in an extreme twist.
Overall, the Zamst A2-DX is a great ankle brace that does well to support your ankles. It does its job of preventing serious injuries from happening and it treats your ankles that have a moderate or severe pain. Try purchasing these when you play basketball and you’ll notice the difference for yourself!
2. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The laces ensure that the brace will have a tight enough fit on your feet Side straps on the ankle brace keep the foot immobilized, thus makes it stay straight which is essential for healing Offers serious stability
The fit on these ankle brace are perfect
Too constricting for some that are looking for light or moderate supportSizing is not that accurate (size chart differs from the size guide on the product box itself
What do most people think of this product?
The ASO Ankle Stabilizer is an ankle brace that works so well that it’s used by both professional and collegiate athletes. If you’re going to ask around for the best ankle braces that can both protect and support your ankles then this would be the recommendation made by athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists.
This is one of the leading ankle braces among all other competitors on the market due to its perfect combination of support, comfort, and durability. It has an exceptional fit on the foot because of the contoured tongue and it’s also made out of lightweight yet durable material called the CoolFlex. It also provides increased comfort to the Achilles area as well. It has an invisible seam which provides superior comfort to the feet and it has a lace attached to the tongue to ensure that it’s always centered. Figure 8 loops are present at the end of the stabilizing straps that adds up to the ankle brace’s overall support.
On the market, the ASO Ankle Stabilizer is known for giving the best lateral and medial support and it does not jeopardize the swift movements that players make because of its lightweight construction. With the help of the figure 8 straps, the wearer won’t be exposed to the dangers of getting their ankles injured. The break-in time for these isn’t that long, maybe a couple weeks would suffice and after that, you won’t even notice that you have anything attached on your ankles. The only downside of this is not having a clear sizing. What I mean by this is a lot of consumers who bought this ankle brace have complained about the sizing not being accurate. The size chart differs from the size guide on the product box itself so that can confuse a lot of people.
Overall, this ankle brace is a perfect choice for those on a budget. This is perfect for those players who just got injured and is looking for something cheap yet effective in healing their ankle sprain.
3. Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Gives excellent support while providing compression Fits any type of shoe Very tight Controllable compression Effectively adds up to the healing process of injured ankles Easy to use and they stay in place Great to wear all day
Some have claimed that the brace runs smallOne user has claimed that the straps can barely wrap around their ankleSome have claimed it to be too thick and bulky
What do most people think of this product?
The third ankle brace is called the Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace. This one is made up of neoprene material that gives the user just the right amount of compression on areas where you need it most. Despite providing great support it doesn’t sacrifice movement, so you can still move freely without worrying that you’ll twist our ankle or get some other injury that relates to your ankles. It’s also specially perforated in order to keep your foot fresh for a long time.
These are designed to fit the demands of any sport so if you’re going to use this ankle brace then you just made the right choice. It uses a semi-rigid brace that has both protective and preventive features that keeps your ankle from moving too much. Moreover, the open heel design makes room for your foot to move properly and freely. The ability to move freely is an essential thing an athlete needs in their specialized sport and an example of that would be basketball, which is a pretty demanding sport that requires the athlete to move around a lot.
Expect nothing but smooth and ease when it comes to the Bodyprox Ankle Support Brace. These are not too thick and it’s compressed but still breathable. It gives the right amount of compression without compromising the blood circulation in your ankle and foot area. It also adds up to the speedy healing process by applying compression on the muscle and tendons, which are generally the areas that need attention the most.
The Neoprene material is used for this ankle brace in order to provide the user with strength and durability. These factors enable the user to withstand long hours of continued use and with minimal wear and tear, so long as the user takes care of the brace properly. The lightweight fabric only requires minimal wash effort as well.
Overall, this ankle brace is an excellent choice for athletes that prioritize comfort, flexibility, and price. Most athletes would love the main highlight of this brace which is the wide range of motion it allows. These are super cozy and they protect your ankles really well. This is definitely worth the purchase!
4. Liomor Ankle Support Brace
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Provides comfortable compression and support Very easy to put on Affordable Easy cleaning with just soap and water Securely fits around any foot type Fully adjustable Ankle support does wonders with problems such a swelling and other associated pain
Heel cut out may hurt over timeSome users have claimed that these aren’t elastic at allCheap velcro What do most people think of this product?
The Liomor Ankle Support Brace is the best type of brace that offers breathability. This brace provides an ultra-strong support and it’s fitted with criss cross reinforcement straps that offer the advertised strong support and stabilization for the ankle tendons and joints. These are also designed to minimize risk or injury or recurring injuries. These are essential especially for athletes because they undergo strenuous activities which makes them susceptible to ankle sprains and other types of injuries that involve the ankles. The Liomor Ankle Support Brace is made out of high-elastic moisture wicking material. The interlayer and perforation design makes the feet cool and dry even when things get heated in-court.
The open heel design on this brace allows for a more wide range of motion during activities. The premium velcro that straps the foot in place doesn’t fluff and gets loose easily when used repeatedly. The straps on these braces are adjustable which makes it adhere to different ankle diameters. This ankle brace is ideal for sports such as basketball, running, and soccer. You won’t have any problems with cleaning this because it only requires washing by hand or machine and then it’s hung to dry.
Overall, if you’re searching for an ankle brace that offers great support and stabilization then you should try this brace out and see how it performs for you!
5. SENTEQ Asain Slim Fit
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Neoprene brace is perfect for athletic activities Can be worn comfortably with any shoe Length of brace above the ankle is not too long Some have claimed that it fits true to size Very well made and is high-quality Reduces pain felt on the ankles
Trimmings of the ankle brace are not stretchyMeasurement guidelines are confusing
What do most people think of this product?
If you’re an athlete who’s a big fan of breathable ankle braces, then this is the product that you would want to add in your arsenal. This compression ankle brace is very breathable, it has a multi-hole design made out of neoprene, is able to adjust the heat and body temperature, prevents discomfort, and can even be used for other sports like swimming and water polo. It also features an open toe and heel design that allows for a full range of movement and comfort. The purpose of the elastic neoprene is to give a suitable and excellent compression and protection against irritation.
The compression ankle brace ensures proper ankle placement while giving a snug fit. Moreover, it provides soothing heat and circulation for healing, and it reduces painful inflammation as well. Another cool thing about this ankle brace is its orthopedic compression which limits excessive movement which makes the healing process faster for those with injuries and prevents the injury of lateral and medial ligaments for those who don’t have injuries. Rest assured that the company SENTEQ makes use of only high-quality materials to suit the needs of both sports and medical purposes.
Overall, if you’re a fan of low-profile ankle braces that provide breathability and comfort then this may be the brace you’re looking for. There are a few cons for this product but the pros outweigh them anyway. You can also check out breathable signature basketball shoes while you’re at it too!
6. McDavid 511 Elastic Compression Ankle Support
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Provides enough support on the ankles Very comfortable Easily slides on the foot compared to those with velcro straps Suitable for light aches and pains Great for preventing injuries when playing basketball Product itself lasts long
Cons:
Trimmings of the ankle brace are not stretchyMeasurement guidelines are confusing
What do most people think of this product?
McDavid Inc. is responsible for creating this budget-friendly ankle brace called the McDavid 511. This one is just your basic type of brace, nothing too fancy going on with this one. It’s an ankle sleeve made out of breathable, non-neoprene knitted elastic. Ankle sleeves don’t have any extra velcro straps and other things that make a brace look bulky because this one resembles the look and function of a sock. All you have to do is slip it on and you’re good to go. Don’t expect this to treat moderate or severe injuries though because it’s only designed for primary protection. It has a decent amount of added pressure and stability to cater to that primary protection.
These are perfect for athletes who have minor ankle sprains and don’t want to wear one of those bulky and less comfortable ankle braces. These won’t get in the way with your basketball shoe since it’s thin. Also, this works well for those people who want to treat their Achilles Tendinitis.
Overall, these are perfect for those who want a comfortable and easy to wear ankle brace. They give a pretty decent performance and come in at a cheap price tag too. You can pair these up with some affordable basketball shoes too!
7. Run Forever Sports Foot Compression Ankle Support
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Affordable compression socks Doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything Provides notable ongoing relief when worn Very easy to put on Very comfortable Some buyers have experienced immediate pain relief Can be worn all day without feeling any discomfort whatsoever
Cons:
Some users have complained that these are “extremely poorly made”Some have claimed that these had no compression at allStretches out after some use so they’re not tight anymore
What do most people think of this product?
This particular ankle brace provides a low-profile silhouette and comes with a variety of three colors to choose from which makes it great for those people who want a discreet look or want something that pairs up nicely with their shoe. At first glance, this actually looks more like a sock rather than a brace. This sleek compression sleeve is super easy to wear, you just slide it on your feet and you’re all set.
These are made from a four-way stretch compression weave textile. The moderate compression it provides effectively gives the user enough support and relief without jeopardizing mobility. The fabric itself is designed to give comfort and flexibility on the whole feet and ankle which I think is a really nice touch. Just by looking at it, you can see that the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The moisture-wicking feature keeps the foot dry and comfortable all throughout the day.
Overall, if you’re going for a sleek ankle brace that is easy to put on then go ahead and purchase these! We’re confident enough to say that these braces won’t be seen on mid and high-top shoes.
8. McDavid 199 Ankle Brace
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Sturdy and well-made Laces are adjustable Flexible around the ankle Has a really snug fit Provides really good support Has good high ankle support Keeps ankle very secure
Cons:
Rough and uncomfortable against the skinSome claim that this has restricted their movement
What do most people think of this product?
Another ankle brace from McDavid is the model 199 Ankle Brace. This one has a protection level of 3 and is best for moderate to major instabilities. The primary material of this brace is a breathable vinyl mesh and is also latex free. It;s easy to wear thanks to the front strap and it provides very good support with the spring steel stays mechanism. The laces are adjustable and is totally up to the user whether they want to loosen or tighten the brace. It gives a really snug fit on both the left and right ankles.
To give you a brief background on the protection level on this brace, it targets the moderate to major instabilities and pain on the ankle, this level also provides the best protection, and this offers a maximum level of support compared to the other two levels of protection. The sizes that this brace has range from XS to XL.
This model from McDavid is the most popular laced ankle brace. These are favored by athletes, trainers, and coaches because it effectively prevents common injuries. These are also lightweight, the reduced weight allows for mobility while their other cool feature, the padded HydraVent hDc Moisture Management material vents moisture from the foot while keeping it cool.
Overall, if you’re fond of the brand McDavid then these will definitely work for you. Plus, they’re specifically designed to cater to demanding activities such as basketball.
9. Kunto Fitness Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Little to no pain when bearing weight from any type of movement Successfully treats ankle sprains in as little as two weeks Sizing charts are accurateNot bulky Very comfortable Offers good compression and mild support Provides mild stability The fit is quite snug Appearance of the brace is a plus
Cons:
Slippage issuesSome have complained that it doesn’t provide any compression at all
What do most people think of this product?
This ankle brace from Kunto has received quite the amount of praise for being such an awesome product. It provides a bunch of cool features like the compression material which provides relief from arthritis, Achilles tendon, joint pain, and other ankles pains. It also has a four-way stretch material that provides excellent mobility. These ankle braces are really durable, thanks to the superior material and construction that were designed to last a long time. Moreover, this brace also has good ventilation so your foot is kept cool even when doing strenuous activities.
It targets moderate pain from swelling, arthritis, muscle strain, and other injuries. A lot of users have claimed that this ankle sleeve has successfully removed the aches that they have been feeling from past injuries or current injuries. One user has claimed that in as little as two weeks, his muscle strain went away. Stability is one of the things that this ankle sleeve offers as well. It sports a pretty appealing design which gets complimented by other people when they see someone wearing this ankle sleeve.
The major downside of this ankle sleeve is it doesn’t really give your foot and ankles the compression it needs, according to some users. Since it resembles a sock, is quite thin, and does not have padding, then this may not give enough compression in order to soothe severe injuries.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable ankle sleeve that’s not bulky, then we recommend you purchase this one. It’s versatile and has superior grip, quite pricier than other ankle braces, but still worth it.
10. Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Less bulky Lightweight Fit is much better compared to other ankle braces Has better lacing compared to others Elastic and comfortable Easy to put on Double velcro fastened over-wraps provide stability No need to remove your shoe when adjusting the compression
Cons:
Some users have complained that these are hard to put on and they’re uncomfortableLaces need to be replaced every timeDoes not provide a strong support
What do most people think of this product?
The Shock Doctor ankle brace is a brace that targets and supports moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains, and unstable joints. The strap stability system is also adjustable to the user’s preference. One of the main features of this brace is providing lateral and medial support without taping. It has a comfortable low-profile lacing loops and precurved tongue, an anatomical footbed that prevents your foot from slipping out, and it has finger tabs that the user can grip easily to pull the brace off the feet. The compression is adjustable which is a convenient feature for those who need therapeutic warmth and healing. The protection level on these braces is level 3 which means it offers maximum protection to the user.
For athletes, they need a more stable ankle brace to protect their ankles from sustaining any form of injury. The level 3 protection on these will greatly serve athletes with their demanding sports. It provides more stability to the athlete and has a more advanced design and integrated support features. Since it’s pretty common for athletes to have ankle sprains, like basketball players, this would be perfect for said athletes because this ankle brace targets to support and stabilize moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains, and unstable joints which is necessary for recovery.
Overall, this Shock Doctor 851 Ankle Brace may look bulky but some users have claimed it to be lightweight, so this would be perfect to wear when doing all sorts of activities that may get your ankles twisted. They’re comfy and provide great support, if you want to see how they perform then go ahead and try these out!
