If you enjoy running, then you will know just how important it is to have proper technique and form.
Both of these things can help you to run for greater distances, and they will help massively with preventing injuries such as sprained ankles.
However, no matter how good your form is, it is likely you will experience some form of injury during your running career, the question is what do you do afterwards.
Sprained ankles and other similar injuries can stop you from running for a few days at best and a few weeks at worst.
If you are training for a major event, then you may not be willing to stay off your feet for this long. This is where a good ankle brace can be very useful.
Ankle braces are usually worn by athletes after they have suffered from an injury of the ankle. They help to support the foot, and prevent it from moving in ways that may lead to further injury.
With an ankle brace, runners can keep up their training without running the risk of causing any more damage to their ankle. In this article, we will be looking at a few of the best ankle braces available to buy for athletes.
OUR TOP PICK
The TechWare Pro Ankle Brace is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that won't cause your foot to get too sweaty while you are exercising.
This doesn't stop it from providing plenty of compression to prevent unnatural movements of the ankle.
Made from a combination of nylon and spandex, these braces offer all the support an athlete needs to resume their training on an injured ankle.
The sleeve version is made out of a moisture wicking material to prevent the accumulation of sweat on your feet.
This material is designed to not slip down your foot while you are moving around, meaning the brace will keep supporting your ankle even during vigorous exercise.
You can wear these braces both over and under your socks to make sure your toes are covered while you work out.
As well as sprained ankles, these compression socks can be used to relieve pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis, bunions and muscle fatigue.
There are no adjustable straps on these braces, and it is not recommended to use your shoe size when purchasing one.
The sizes run a little small, so follow the instructions on how to measure your foot for an ankle brace very carefully before you make your purchase.
Pros
- Breathable ankle brace that won't make your foot too sweaty while you exercise.
- Made from a combination of nylon and spandex for great compression and comfort.
- Non-slip design means the brace won't roll down while you run.
Cons
- Sizing runs small.
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EDITORS CHOICE
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or tendonitis in your Achilles tendon, then Med Spec's ASO ankle stabilizer is a solution that comes highly recommended by medical professionals.
It provides excellent support for the ankle joint, and prevents any unnatural movement that may cause injury.
You can only buy one brace at a time, however they are bilateral and designed to fit either foot.
These braces are made from a durable ballistic nylon, which is strong enough to withstand the rigors of daily activity.
This allows you to train with confidence, knowing that you aren't going to cause further damage to a sprained ankle or other similar injury.
This brace is designed to be worn over your socks and has a special crisscrossed lace that runs up the whole length to ensure it won't slip.
It is also very comfortable to wear because it won't rub against your skin like some other braces.
The laced up design means it may take a while to put this brace on and take it off again, but this is worth it for the kind of support that will help you keep training no matter what.
Pros
- Durable, ballistic nylon construction.
- Laces running up the length to prevent slipping.
- Bilateral design means that this brace will fit on either foot.
Cons
- You only get one brace.
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BEST VALUE
The Candy Li Adjustable Ankle Support Brace has been specifically designed to provide excellent support for any kind of injured foot.
It is made from high quality, flexible nylon to create a one-size-fits-all design.
While the seams can be a little uncomfortable in your shoe, this is a great brace for training on a sprained ankle.
There is a Velcro fastener for holding the brace securely in place once you have wrapped it around your foot.
The inside of the brace is made from soft, non-slip silicone to make it more comfortable on your foot and prevent it from moving around in your shoe.
Since the top layer of nylon is very breathable, you won't have to worry about your foot becoming too sweaty as you train.
Since this brace is secured around your foot with Velcro, you can adjust its tightness to get exactly the amount of compression you need.
This makes it easier to avoid cutting off the flow of blood to your foot while you are wearing the brace. You only get one brace for your money, which should be enough unless you need support for both of your feet.
Pros
- Soft, flexible nylon that wraps around your foot.
- Silicone interior prevents slipping and increases comfort.
- Fully adjustable so you can get the right amount of compression.
Cons
- The seam on this brace can be uncomfortable.
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RUNNER UP
If you're looking for a good ankle support brace that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, then look no further than FUTURO's comfort ankle support.
This brace is designed to provide all the support you need for working out on an injured foot, without restricting your range of motion.
It is made from a lightweight, stretchy material that is very breathable to allow air to flow freely around the foot.
This brace won't make your foot feel clammy or sweaty during long training sessions.
With holes at the toes and heel, it may be a good idea to wear it under your socks.
The seam around the heel opening is very soft to offer maximum comfort and compression for your injured foot.
FUTURO have made this brace in three different sizes, ranging from small to medium to large.
The slip on design makes it very easy to take on and off, which makes it much more convenient than more complicated ankle braces.
This brace is designed to fit on both feet and is thin enough that it will fit comfortably inside a pair of shoes.
Pros
- Lightweight, flexible, and breathable material.
- Fits on either foot.
- Affordable solution for anyone who wants to train on an injured ankle.
Cons
- With only three sizes to choose from, it can be hard to find the right one for you.
Also available at
RUNNER UP
The Sleeve Stars Ankle Braces are made from a combination of durable nylon fabric and polyester, offering just the right amount of compression for supporting an injured foot.
They come in a large variety of different colors: so you are guaranteed to find something that matches your style.
These braces consist of a compression sock with an elasticated strap that goes over the top to hold it in place and allow for adjustable pressure.
These braces are great for anyone suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
The sleeves are designed to wrap around the entire ankle, while leaving the toes free, so your foot can still move normally.
As such, this brace won't restrict the range of motion in your foot, allowing you to exercise the same way you always do without causing more damage to your foot.
The moisture wicking fabric uses anti odor technology to make sure that you can use this brace for multiple training sessions without it getting sweaty or smelly.
It is designed to be a one size fits all product, however those with small feet may find it too loose to provide adequate compression.
Overall, this is one of the easiest adjustable ankle braces to use and offers excellent support for those looking to prevent re-injuring their ankle when exercising.
Pros
- Made from a durable moisture wicking material.
- Thin and easy to fit under shoes or socks.
- The elasticated strap allows you to adjust the amount of compression this brace provides.
Cons
- Not great for those with small feet.
Also available at
RUNNER UP
If you want something a little more heavy duty than the Sleeve Star, then the Zenith Lace Up Ankle Support Brace is perfect for you.
Designed to help keep your foot stable and comfortable during intense workouts, this brace comes with a lace up closure system that ensures that it stays securely in place.
It is made from high quality ballistic nylon and neoprene, for a comfortable fit that offers all the compression you need to keep training.
This brace is also ideal for people with plantar fasciitis, as it helps to reduce pain by keeping pressure away from the affected area.
It is a bit bulkier than some other braces on this list, but it is worth it for the added durability and compression.
Since it has been specifically designed to work with athletic shoes, this brace will not interfere with the normal movement of your feet.
All the panels have been double stitched to make the brace more durable and to ensure it will last for a long time.
Despite this, the neoprene under layer is still very breathable and will allow air to circulate around your foot to prevent overheating.
If you want a sturdy and high quality ankle brace for supporting your injured foot, then there are few better options than Zenith.
Pros
- Can be laced up to prevent slipping and increase compression as necessary.
- Made from durable materials.
- Won't inhibit the movement of your feet.
Cons
- May have trouble fitting in your shoes due to the slightly bulkier design.
Also available at
Buyers Guide
Ankle braces are an essential piece of kit for any athlete or sports fan.
They allow you to keep up with your training regime on an injured ankle or foot, without running the risk of causing further damage.
Below are a few key considerations to bear in mind when shopping for an ankle brace.
Compression
The main function of an ankle brace is to support your foot and prevent it moving in a way that may lead to an injury.
As such, a good one needs to wrap tightly around your foot to provide compression to the arches of the feet and your ankles.
This should ideally be enough to stop your foot from moving in directions that could cause further damage.
However, if you are looking for something that can offer extra support, then this is where the different types of ankle braces come into play.
Some are designed with laced up openings or elasticated straps, so you can adjust the amount of compression they provide.
Others will be simple compression socks that just need to be slid onto the foot for them to work.
If you are only dealing with a sprained ankle, then a basic, nonadjustable brace will probably work fine.
However, those with more serious injuries may need a more heavy-duty brace that can be tightened and loosened as required.
Size
It's important to remember that ankle braces are sized differently depending on their intended use.
Proper medical braces will travel further up the shin to provide additional support and ensure that they don't slide off your ankle.
Many of these braces will be designed as one size fits all products and the adjustable straps or laces will help to get the right fit for any shape of foot.
More basic ankle braces may come in different sizes, and it is vital that you pick the right one if you want to get any support.
A good ankle brace will fit snugly around the ankle and foot, but won't restrict your movement in any way.
If you are unsure of what size to buy, or have strangely shaped feet, you may want to buy a more heavy-duty brace that can be adjusted to fit comfortably.
Durability
This is another area where many people struggle. The best ankle braces are made from strong fabrics that will stand up well to regular wear and tear.
You'll also find some that come with Velcro fasteners which will make them easier to put on and take off.
If you're going to be wearing your brace every day, you might want to consider buying one that is moisture wicking to prevent it getting soaked with sweat after a single use.
As well as being durable, a good ankle brace also needs to be breathable and allow air to circulate around your foot.
If it isn't your feet may quickly overheat and become either clammy or sweaty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Ankle Braces Work?
Ankle braces work by providing support to the lower leg and ankle.
They do this by wrapping around the calf muscle and foot, preventing excessive movement in the joints.
This helps reduce swelling and pain and allows you to continue exercising while keeping your injury under control.
What Injuries Are Ankle Braces Commonly Used To Treat?
There are two main types of ankle braces; ones that are simply wrapped around the ankle and others that are designed to compress the foot and ankle.
Both types are used to treat various kinds of injuries including sprains, strains, fractures and ligament tears.
They can also be used to alleviate pain caused by certain conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, bunions and other ailments of the feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
One of the most common ailments that ankle braces are used to treat is Plantar Fasciitis.
This condition is characterized by acute pain in the arches of the feet and is often found in people with high arches who run, walk or stand up for long periods of time.
Ankle braces can support and compress the arch of your foot, which helps to relieve pain caused by this condition.
When Should I Wear An Ankle Brace?
You should always wear an ankle brace when you've suffered an injury to your ankle.
It's not recommended to go back to exercise too soon unless your doctor has given you the green light.
It is also important to avoid any exercises that are particularly strenuous, as these may slow down your recovery.
Ankle braces support your feet, but they won't make it impossible for them to be injured, so always be careful when training on any kind of injury.
However, if you want to do some basic exercises to keep your training up while you heal, then an ankle brace will allow you to do just that.
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