How many instances have you unknowingly slipped off a curb and rolled your ankle? Well, if it has happened to you, don’t worry because you’re not alone. Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in everyday sporting activities and the suck.
Ankle braces are designed to provide your ankles the stability, alignment and extra support they need for optimal performance no matter what the job is – whether it’s assisting you while you sprint or keeping your ankle protected during injury recovery.
On the other hand, choosing the best ankle support is often like choosing a car. The options have become limitless and as a result choosing an ankle brace has become difficult. While you are likely to spend several weeks researching dozens of ankle supports, comparing aspects such as level of support, comfort, quality, and functionality among others, we have narrowed it down to the top five which you’ll compare in order to make the best choice for your needs.
Why Do You Need A Good Ankle Brace?
When you injure your ankle or engage in an activity that requires fast-paced weight changes, some extra support can ensure that your ankle stays protected at all times. This is where an ankle support comes in.
There are numerous ankle braces in the injury recovery market and you can select one based on the amount of support required or your level of injury. Here are some common reasons why you need a good ankle support:
Tendinitis/ Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle muscles and ligaments are exposed to a rapid impact when they are not ready for it. What happens in such a case is that the ligaments tear and as a result, an inversion injury is likely to occur.
However, the most common sprains occur when the foot rolls underneath the leg or ankle. Ankle braces are used to aid in recovering from a sprain or preventing it from happening.
Achilles Tendinitis
Also known as Achilles Heel, Achilles Tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue connecting calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to the heel bone.
Normally, this overuse is usually gradual in time and can result from simply walking and running. This injury results in stiffness and pain at the back of the heel and can be treated with compression ankle braces.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This kind of injury involves the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs through the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to the heel bone.
In most cases, this injury is as a result of excessive running, walking, standing or any other activity that involves being on your feet for a long period of time. People who are overweight and those who wear poorly cushioned shoes are at a high risk of plantar fasciitis.
Types of Ankle Braces Available for You
Compression Braces
Elastic or neoprene compression braces are used in aiding the treatment of tendinitis and mild ankle sprains. In most cases, elastic braces consist of a light weight stretchable material and give the ankle joint compressive support. Compression enhances joint support and balance, while still facilitating the motion necessary for sport activities and daily functions.
The advantages of compression braces include:
- Decreases muscle stiffness and keeps the ankle area warm
- Provide compression which minimizes the swelling associated with ankle injuries
- They are a universal fit for either the left or the right ankle
Semi-Rigid Brace
The lace-up ankle brace is the most common type of semi-rigid ankle brace. Semi-rigid ankle braces are used for mild to moderate ankle sprains or for the prevention of repeat ankle sprains that occur with strenuous foot activity.
Lace-up braces are designed to prevent the ankle from rolling side to side as well as the up and down ankle motion, typically providing full ankle support.
These braces come in various types, including those with and without figure-8 strapping systems. Braces with external straps provide a figure-8 strapping system that permit quick tightening without having to re-lace the entire brace. These braces need more time to take off and put on, particularly those with the figure-8 strapping system.
The benefits of lace-up braces are:
- Provide more support than compression braces and fit in most shoes
- The combine durability with a comfortable, lightweight feel.
Hinged Braces
Hinged ankle braces are a type of semi-rigid braces that are designed to prevent rolling the ankle from side to side without affecting the up and down motion of the ankle.
Most of these braces feature padded sides for optimal comfort and either one or two Velcro straps for quick adjustment and easy on and off application.
The benefits of lace-up braces are:
- Increased side to side support compared to compression braces
- These braces are designed to fit in most shoes
- They are constructed to fit contour of the left or right ankle
Rigid Braces
The rigid stirrup ankle support is perhaps the most widely used brace in sports today because of its effectiveness and versatility in treating stress fractures, ankle sprains and chronic ankle sprains.
A stirrup ankle brace is made of a hard plastic shell that extends up both sides of the ankle and is strapped into place with easily adjustable Velcro straps.
Although rigid braces provide more side to side support that semi-rigid braces, they may be difficult to fit with some shoes.
Some of the benefits of rigid braces include:
- Better side to side support compared to semi-rigid braces
- Provide compression which reduces the swelling associated with ankle injuries.
Top Five Best Ankle Support for Jogging
Although there are hundreds of ankle supports that are reliable and durable, each comes with a unique design that's created to fit particular needs. Some ankle supports come with lace-up braces while others come with stirrups. You can even find traditional braces or ankle wraps.
Whatever your preference is, I am positive you will find a pair in this list that is a good fit for you. So without further ado, here are the top five best ankle supports that you can get online today:
This ankle brace is the ankle support choice for most professional athletes. What makes this ankle support a force to reckon with is its ability to combine support, comfort and durability in a since product. What’s even more is that this ankle brace protects the feet from injury, shock or discomfort that might result from prolonged walking, sporting or other activities that may pile up pressure on the ankle.
Another reason to love the ASO Ankle Support is that it slides into your foot just like a sock with extra straps and modifications. The laces help you tighten the brace so that your foot will not slide out, without cutting off blood circulation. The brace’s stitching is solid and well-constructed, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart even with prolonged use.
- Has good side stays for support
- Quick and easy to put on without causing any pain
- Effective in relieving pain from muscle aches and workouts
- This brace fits snug enough to fit under your boots
- The laces easily loosen up if not well fastened
- The comfort level is quite low
Are you suffering from Plantar Fasciitis in one or both feet and can hardly walk? Worry not because we have the solution. These remarkable foot sleeves will give you all day relief from the throbbing foot and heel aches.
The comfort level of these socks is just exceptional. Made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, these braces will hold your foot and ankle at the correct angle with the right level for healing compression.
This ankle support sleeve is not only lightweight but also lightweight and durable, all thanks to its innovative fabric. What’s even more interesting is that this ankle support will remain dry even during your toughest and most sweaty workout.
- These socks are very comfortable to wear and increase blood circulation
- They do not lose their shape and compression even after months of steady wear
- Provide optimal comfort and relief for a nagging foot pain
- Slim design which ensures they fit neatly under clothing
- The fabric is weak and can rip off in just a few weeks of wear
- The compression might not be enough to support a severely injured ankle
This popular ankle brace is the epitome of solid construction and it incorporates thick wrapping bands in a figure-6 style. This brace comes in an array of sizes so you should not have trouble finding one that suits all your needs. Besides, the exceptional design of this brace simulates the functions of an athletic tape.
This brace is made of a single-layer nylon fabric that makes this product a lightweight, breathable and durable ankle brace. Designed with a universal fit, the McDavid 195 boasts of a built-in anatomical arch that keeps your foot comfortable all day long. The stabilizer strap is made of an elastic fabric so you can adjust the tightness to your liking, giving you a customized fit any time you want to have it on.
- This brace is fully adjustable without removing or unlacing your shoes
- Lightweight
- Gives plenty support while allowing you to engage in different activities
- It is bulky
- Can only be used to prevent injury, not when you’re already injured
Combining truly effective compression and an anatomically correct design, this ankle brace from 1st elite is not only the ultimate solution for your ankle and foot pains but also a perfect training accessory to aid you in getting the most out of your feet with minimal pain.
With a pair of these socks, you will enjoy breathability and improved relief. Plus, the low profile of these socks makes them perfect to put on with any footwear.
These compression socks also come in electric blue, hot pink and classic black colors that are just irresistible. This 1st Elite product is an excellent relief for your plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, ligament tears and sprains.
Whether you use them while you hike, run, bike or when you go to bed, you are assured of optimal comfort and your feet will thank you.
- These socks are great to run in
- Speeds up recovery from sprains, Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis
- Excellent foot comfort
- Compression behind the toe area is extremely tight
- Can cut off circulation around the ankle
The sleeve stars plantar fasciitis foot sleeve presents the ultimate solution for weak, stiff, sprained or injured ankles. If you want to recover faster and reduce the swelling, discomfort or pain, then the Sleeve Stars ankle support is what you need.
This sleeve offers superb ankle support while also accelerating recovery and minimizing joint, tendon and muscle inflammation, soreness or pain. This strap offers extra support and compression, which are both vital for times when you’re active and aid in preventing new injuries.
What’s even more breathtaking is that this ankle brace is made of a high-quality fabric that’s quick at absorbing sweat thus keeps your feet odor free and dry. The fabrics inner texture also gives you a soft and smooth touch feel.
- Machine washable and easy to care for
- This is a unisex brace
- Does not limit your range of motion
- It’s hard to get this sleeve on comfortably
- The strap can irritate plantar fasciitis if it is too tight
Winner of the Round-Up
Although the products on our list are equally excellent, the ASO Ankle Stabilizer wrestles them all. This ankle support has the right balance of movement and support to keep you active while protecting your ankle. It also has an invisible seam to offer superior comfort.
Besides being made from a crisp yet light material that makes it less clunky, this brace has a minimalist strapping configuration that makes it easy to take off after a long, tedious day. With that in mind, the ASO Ankle Stabilizer is sure to help your ankle recover from a sprain or fracture in the shortest time possible.
