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The Best Ankle Brace

Last updated on February 26, 2023

We looked at the top 12 Ankle Braces and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Ankle Braces.

Best Ankle Brace

Our Review Process

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Having healthy ankles and feet really helps to enhance our day-to-day lives. Whether you love doing activities that are hard on your ankles, like playing sports or hiking, or even if you have a job that requires a lot of time on your feet during the day, ankle braces can offer great relief and support.

Ankle braces help your ankles by adding some resistance to lateral movements. An ankle brace could help your resist rolling over if you step on someone’s foot during a game or if you roll your foot on a rock while walking outside. The support it offers will vary with the style of the brace. Braces with straps and dedicated components on the sides of your ankles are generally designed to help support you the most.

An ankle sleeve is a common and affordable type of ankle brace that does offer a little bit of support to those lateral movements but might be even more beneficial improving blood circulation to your feet and ankles to effectively reduce swelling. This style of ankle brace is ideal for people who are on their feet all day or those who might be suffering from plantar fasciitis.

When you’re looking into compression sleeves for your ankles, lightweight materials are generally the best. The elasticity built into the compression sleeve is what will help it hug your ankle every time you wear it, so the materials and longevity will matter here. If you find one made with soft materials and a thin composition, you can even wear it directly under your socks to make it look like you aren’t wearing one at all.

Ankle sleeves and braces should fit snuggly on your feet and ankles but not to the point of cutting off too much circulation. If you are finding your ankle sleeve is very difficult to put on and it causes your skin to bulge out around the top and edges, you might want to buy one in a larger size.

The material of an ankle brace is something to consider when you’re looking for one that suits you. If you might be exercising outdoors in the heat of the summer, you want to know that your ankle brace is lightweight and breathable so it doesn’t cause unnecessary foot and ankle sweat which could lead to other issues like blisters.

Lightweight and stretchy materials that allow air to pass in and out will make the most comfortable ankle braces. Some brands go farther and offer products with copper stitched into it if that is something you think might be an added benefit to you.

Ankle braces will get sweaty and soiled if you wear them a lot. If this is something that sounds important to you, look at the washing instructions of each ankle brace that you like and find out what it will take to keep them clean. Many can be tossed into the laundry and washed but should probably air dry for best results.

You should still have a full range of motion in your foot when you have your ankle brace or compression sleeve on. If you are struggling to move your foot through its natural movements, you should loosen or adjust the brace if that is practicable.

Our Picks For The Top Ankle Braces

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Product Overview
Our Take
  Top Pick

Z ATHLETICS Zenith Athletic Ankle Brace

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Z ATHLETICS

Zenith Athletic Ankle Brace

Whether you play basketball, go on regular hikes or workout at the gym, this ankle brace provides the extra stability and support you need. It comes in small, medium and large sizes and is fully adjustable, thanks to the built-in laces and Velcro strap. The brace is also comfortable to wear and won't restrict your mobility.

Overall Take

Keeps You MobileAll the seams on this ankle brace feature double stitching to ensure they last and hold up to all-day wear.

  Runner Up

SNEINO Orthopedic Stabilizing Ankle Brace

SNEINO

Orthopedic Stabilizing Ankle Brace

This ankle brace has been upgraded to provide 360-degree ankle support, making it one of our top picks. The brace is constructed using a soft material that is also flexible, so it's comfortable enough to wear all day. In addition to support, this brace also helps reduce healing times, getting you back on your feet much faster.

Overall Take

Lessen Recovery TimeThis ankle brace comes in sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

  We Also Like

Bodyprox Chronic Pain Ankle Support Brace Wrap

Bodyprox

Chronic Pain Ankle Support Brace Wrap

Provide the support your ankle needs using this breathable ankle brace. It's completely adjustable, able to fit most feet and features an open heel design to allow for a wide range of motion. It's important to note that you will need to hand wash this brace, as washing machines aren't recommended.

Overall Take

Extremely FlexibleWith this ankle brace, you'll enjoy pain relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis.

  Strong Contender

TechWare Pro Moisture Wicking Non-Slip Ankle Brace

TechWare Pro

Moisture Wicking Non-Slip Ankle Brace

Thanks to the moisture-wicking capabilities of this ankle brace, your feet will remain dry, even when playing sports. The brace does an excellent job of providing additional support without being restrictive. You can even order this brace in a variety of colors, including pink, white, green and blue.

Overall Take

Stays DryYou'll find this ankle brace comes in sizes ranging from small to extra-extra large.

  Also Great

Med Spec ASO Nylon Bilateral Ankle Brace

Med Spec

ASO Nylon Bilateral Ankle Brace

You'll find this ankle brace is quite easy to put on and take off. It has a figure-eight design with laces up the front and a Velcro strap across the top. That means in addition to added support and durability, you'll be able to achieve a customized fit in just a few minutes.

Overall Take

A Size For EveryoneThis ankle brace comes in sizes ranging from an extra-extra-small to a 3X.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
19

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the ankle braces available to purchase.
12

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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26

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

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User Opinions Analyzed

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Bodyprox Chronic Pain Ankle Support Brace Wrap

Our Total Score

9.6

Our Take

Provide the support your ankle needs using this breathable ankle brace. It's completely adjustable, able to fit most feet and features an open heel design to allow for a wide range of motion. It's important to note that you will need to hand wash this brace, as washing machines aren't recommended.

What to Look For

  • Wearing socks underneath your ankle brace will help avoid chafing and irritation if the brace is composed of straps and velcro that can have a tendency to rub your skin the wrong way.
  • For ankle braces that have straps that require tightening and adjusting, follow a tutorial the first few times you use it to ensure you’re dialing it in properly.
  • Ankle braces simply help your ankles and feet in their attempt to resist rolling over and spraining, but they are not going to entirely prevent such a thing from happening so you still need to be cautious while wearing them.
  • If you plan to wear ankle sleeves for plantar fasciitis, be sure to talk to your doctor and make sure it’s the right course of action for you.

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