Whether you're recovering from an injury or just looking to prevent one, wearing an ankle brace can be extremely beneficial. Patrick McEneaney, MD, owner and CEO at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists in Crystal Lake, Illinois, explains that ankle braces prevent spraining by restricting abnormal motion and supporting ligaments by applying pressure to the ankle. Various materials, sizing options, and levels of support can make the selection process feel daunting. And because some are designed for specific needs, like aiding ankle instability or providing support after a sports injury, selecting the right type of brace for your activity level is important. The best ankle brace for you will fit snugly without pinching and be comfortable. It will also provide support and the rigidity you need to aid your recovery. We researched dozens of ankle braces and evaluated them based on material, support, comfort, adjustability, and price. According to Robert L. Parisien, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Mount Sinai in New York City and team physician for US Ski & Snowboard and USA Fencing, it's important to consider your activity level when choosing an ankle brace. Your activity level and recovery needs should dictate whether you opt for an ankle-foot-orthosis or an ankle-stabilizing-orthosis. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Best Compression Sleeve: Best with Padding: Best for Working Out: Best Strap: Best Lightweight: Best with Extended Sizing: Mueller Sports Medicine The One Ankle Support Brace at Amazon ($37) In This Article AFO vs ASO Designs Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Padding for comfort Bilateral design for fit on either ankle Invisible seams to prevent irritation Cons Not as adjustable as some other options May not fit into all shoes The Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer is our top pick because it's made from high-quality materials and provides superior support. The padding is comfortable, and its unique design makes it suitable to wear on either ankle. We like the figure-eight strapping system, which helps to provide a more customized fit. It's also available in various sizes from XXS to 3XL, so you can find one that fits well. Unlike some nylon braces, this one is machine washable for easy care. It also has invisible seams that help to prevent irritation. The only downside to this brace is that it's not as discreet as some options and may not fit into every shoe. But, overall, it beats out the competition in terms of quality and support. Material: Nylon | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Machine washable? Yes Pros Easy to put on and take off Lightweight Breathable design Cons Not as adjustable as other options Limited support This ACE compression ankle support is a great option for those on a budget. Made from a breathable elastic and neoprene blend, it provides compression and stability for weak or injured ankles. It's also easy to put on and take off, making it a great option for those who are seeking convenience. We also love that even though it provides significant support, it's still lightweight, so it won't feel like it's weighing you down as you're on the go. While this ankle support is less expensive than some of our other picks, it's important to note that it's not as adjustable. Additionally, it may not provide as much support as the pricier options. \ Material: Elastic and neoprene blend | Sizes available: S–XL | Machine washable? Yes Pros Breathable design Multiple sizes to choose from Flexible Cons Limited support Not adjustable This Incrediwear ankle sleeve is a great option for those who need a compression sleeve that provides support for common ankle injuries and conditions, including sprains, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and more. We like that it’s made from a breathable and flexible blend of cotton, nylon, polyester, and spandex. Its design will also help reduce inflammation and promote healing. The sleeve has three size options, including S/M, L, and XL. It's also machine washable for easy care. While this ankle sleeve provides some support, it's important to note that it's not adjustable—so following the size guidelines before purchasing is key. Material: Cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex | Sizes available: S/M, L, XL | Machine washable? Yes Pros Superior padding for comfort Heavy-duty Fully adjustable Cons May be uncomfortable Bulky This adjustable ankle brace from McDavid features memory foam padding that conforms to your ankle for a comfortable, custom fit. We like the breathable polyester, TPU, and neoprene fabric blend that wicks away sweat and helps keep your skin cool and dry. With three size options and an easy-to-use Velcro closure, it's a great choice for those who are seeking a comfortable and supportive ankle brace. Material: Polyester, TPU, neoprene | Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL | Machine washable? Yes Pros Open heel design Durable Non-slip Cons Bulkier than fabric options Hand-wash only For active individuals who need an ankle brace to wear during workouts, the Active Ankle Prolacer Brace is a great option. This brace is made from a blend of nylon and neoprene for durability and breathability. We like that the non-slip design helps prevent it from rolling down or slipping during activity. This brace is available in five sizes and is designed to fit various foot sizes. It's important to note that this brace is not machine-washable—so hand-washing is recommended. While both durable and supportive, some users may find it bulky and tedious to put on due to its lace-up design. Material: Nylon, neoprene | Sizes available: XS–XL | Machine washable? No Pros Adjustable pressure Bilateral design for fit on either ankle Non-slip Cons Only one size option May be difficult to wrap For strap-style ankle support, the BodyProx Ankle Support Strap may be the best option. Made from a lightweight and durable nylon, latex filament, polyester, and silicone blend, this strap is intended to provide adjustable compression and support. Its unique bilateral design makes it easy to wear on either ankle, while the open heel offers a wide range of motion. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing this product for proper care. The BodyProx Ankle Support Strap is only available in one size, which may not be ideal for those with larger ankles. Also, some users may find it difficult to wrap the strap around the ankle correctly. Material: Nylon, latex filament, polyester, silicone| Sizes available: One size | Machine washable? No Pros Infused with capsaicin for pain relief Breathable design Discreet Cons Limited support Only one size option Capsaicin may irritate skin For a lightweight option that's also budget-friendly, the Nufabrx Pain Relieving Ankle Compression Sleeve offers both compression and pain relief. This sleeve is infused with capsaicin—a natural pain reliever that may help relieve pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and more. Its nylon, polyester, and spandex blend is both breathable, flexible, and comfortable to wear. The sleeve offers 150 hours of pain relief and is washable up to 15 or more times—and we think it’s a superior and lightweight option. Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Sizes available: One size | Machine washable? Yes Pros Bilateral design Fully adjustable Whole-ankle support Cons Difficult to put on Bulkier than fabric options Hand wash only Mueller's The One Ankle Brace is a great choice for those searching for extended sizing options and offers eight sizes ranging from XXS to XXXL. This brace is made from a breathable and durable nylon material and features a figure-eight strapping system for a customizable fit. It provides whole-ankle support to help prevent injuries during activities like basketball, football, volleyball, and more. We think the low-profile design and anti-slip silicone grip make it one of the best nylon braces available—especially for larger ankles. While the extended sizing is great for those with larger ankles, some users may find the strapping system tedious. It should also be hand-washed, which may be a downside for some. Material: Nylon | Sizes available: XXS–XXXL| Machine washable? No We also spent hours researching the best options on the market. We looked for ankle braces that were designed using breathable materials like nylon and spandex and had padding to provide cushioning and support. We also considered sizing options, as some people may need a smaller or larger size than average. To narrow down our list, we looked at adjustability and whether the ankle brace was machine washable. We also considered how easy it was to put on and take off, as many users have difficulty reaching their feet. Finally, we looked at the price point to decide which ankle braces provided the best value. Based on these factors, we compiled a list of the best ankle braces on the market. How often should you wear an ankle brace if you are recovering from a minor injury? According to McEneaney, most people wear their ankle brace for two to four weeks after an injury, depending on the severity of the injury. He then suggests wearing the brace during activities for the next size to eight weeks after initial recovery. He also recommends seeing a doctor if your ankle is still bothersome after the first month. Can you wear an ankle brace to bed? According to Dr. Parisien, using an ankle brace while sleeping isn't always necessary, but it may help in some cases. You can wear an ankle brace to bed, but it's not required if you're using an ASO brace or have a minor injury. Do ankle braces weaken ankles? Dr. McEneaney explains that ongoing use of a brace can cause ankle ligaments and muscles to stop doing their job, which will result in weakening. He recommends only wearing an ankle brace when necessary and slowly transitioning out of it as your symptoms and pain improve. Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/update-verywell-health-best-ankle-braces-tout-6e2b08155bb84697bc3af04955bd2eb4.jpg "These Top Ankle Braces Help You Stay Active and Prevent Injuries (1)")
AFO vs ASO Designs
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Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
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While the Bio-Logix Ankle Brace is heavy-duty and adjustable, some users may find it bulky and uncomfortable. The extra padding may also make it difficult to wear with certain shoes. However, overall, this is a great option for those who need a padded ankle brace. Why We Recommend It
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Best Lightweight
Nufabrx Compression Ankle Sleeve
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The Nufabrx Pain Relieving Ankle Compression Sleeve only comes in one size, which may not be ideal for everyone. And while capsaicin offers pain relief, there's a risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin.Best with Extended Sizing
Mueller Sports Medicine The One Ankle Support Brace
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FAQs
Do ankle braces help prevent injury? ›
Current research indicates ankle brace use in high school-aged athletes lowers the incidence of acute ankle injuries, but not the severity. Ankle braces are not shown to reduce the severity of ankle, knee or other lower extremity injuries.
What is the best brace for an ankle injury? ›Rigid braces: Doctors often prescribe rigid braces to athletes or active people to help them recover from an ankle sprain or stress fracture. This type of ankle brace is made from hard plastic that extends up either side of the ankle and is secured with Velcro straps.
What is the best active ankle brace? ›For active individuals who need an ankle brace to wear during workouts, the Active Ankle Prolacer Brace is a great option. This brace is made from a blend of nylon and neoprene for durability and breathability. We like that the non-slip design helps prevent it from rolling down or slipping during activity.
What is the purpose of ankle braces in volleyball? ›The theory behind volleyball ankle braces is to reduce abnormal ankle motion. Some fear that depending on volleyball ankle braces might weaken lower leg muscles and increase knee injury risk.
Is it OK to wear an ankle brace all day? ›If you have a severe ankle sprain, your doctor or physio may advise that you wear your brace all day during the first few weeks. In all other cases, ankle braces only have to be worn when you do an activity that is likely to twist or roll the ankle.
What do ankle braces protect? ›Ankle braces and support are devices that are worn around the ankle to provide support and stability to the joint. They are often used to treat injuries, such as sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. Ankle braces can also be used to prevent injuries in people who are at risk for developing foot and ankle problems.
How many hours a day should you wear an ankle brace? ›Wear in Schedule
Begin by wearing the brace two times for one hour the first day. Add one hour to each wearing period until you are comfortable wearing the brace full time during the day and do not experience any red marks or pressure sores on the skin.
If you wear an orthosis or brace on your feet, ankles or knees, you need to wear some sort of sock underneath it. The sock protects your skin, keeps your skin dry and helps prevent blisters or sores. For the best protection, wear a sock that extends past the top of your brace.
Is it better to wear an ankle brace or wrap? ›Most have shown that braces are slightly more effective than taping but that both are better than no support at all. One study found that simply wearing high-top sneakers instead of low-tops prevented some ankle injuries and that high-tops plus taping had more than 50% fewer injuries than low-tops plus taping.
Is it OK to wear an ankle brace overnight? ›Use braces, compression, or supports should be for daytime use only. However, you can use an ankle wrap at night for extra support. Make sure the wrap stays loose enough for some movement and circulation. Do not wrap the foot as tight as you would in daytime use for more movement.
Should I wear ankle brace while walking? ›
If you are using your ankle brace as a rehabilitative or treatment device you should wear your brace while performing any daily activities to provide more stability and prevent re-injury.
Is it okay to walk with ankle brace? ›You may be able to walk with an ankle splint, but often not right away. After injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations occur, they usually need time to heal before weight-bearing. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further damage.
Are ankle braces good for sports? ›Three times as many athletes sprained their ankle while playing without ankle braces than playing with one. This was true for girls and boys, varsity and JV, freshman and seniors alike. 68% fewer first-time ankle injuries happened while the athletes were wearing ankle braces.
Should you wear two ankle braces? ›While individual preferences may vary, many athletes prefer to wear two braces as a preventative measure to protect both ankles from injury.
Should you wear ankle brace volleyball? ›Athletes that play sports with a high incidence of ankle injuries—like volleyball—should wear preventative ankle bracing since there are many situations during a game where ankle injuries cannot be prevented regardless of ankle strength or athletic ability.
What are the disadvantages of ankle braces? ›Besides restricting inversion and eversion, it is possible that an ankle brace also reduces the functional range of motion of the ankle joint. Consequently, their use could also impair athletic performance. It is unlikely that prophylactic ankle bracing will gain wide acceptance if bracing hinders athletic performance.
Do ankle braces prevent ankle from rolling? ›If you're proactively trying to prevent your first ankle sprain, ankle braces and taping won't help. However, if you do have a history of ankle sprains, the research shows that ankle bracing or ankle taping can reduce risk by upwards of seventy percent(6,11).
Do ankle braces stop you from rolling your ankle? ›What Does an Ankle Brace Do? It works to support your ankle and provide the joint with more stability. This can help prevent rolling your ankle and help you return to sport quicker after an ankle injury.