Getting the best ankle brace for basketball is very important for all basketball players and other types of sport like volleyball, running, and football to prevent injuries basketball players are susceptible to.
Basketball and volleyball are sports that put the ankle at risk of injury more. The game requires the players to do more of jumping, and for basketball, there is also more of running added to it. These activities put the ankle at risk, making prevention critical.
Knowing the type of ankle brace to get is very important. You cannot just purchase an ankle brace because it may not be suited for what you need it to do.
The proper understanding of types of ankle brace, what each type is used for, is key in selecting the best ankle brace for basketball and volleyball.
In this article, we discuss this topic extensively, and we are sure it will be a useful buying guide. We also review the best products in the market to help you select quality ankle brace.
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QUICK VIEW OF OUR TOP PICK KNEE BRACE AND COMPRESSION SLEEVE
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Zamst A2-DX Strong Support Ankle Brace |
OVERALL BEST RIGID ANKLE BRACE |
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Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer |
OVERALL BEST FLEXIBLE ANKLE BRACE |
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POWERLIX Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve |
OVERALL BEST ANKLE SLEEVE |
Types of Ankle Braces and their Uses
There are so many types of braces, but we categorize them into three groups. They are the rigid ankle brace and Flexible ankle brace and Ankle sleeve.
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Rigid Ankle Brace
These are ankle braces that have insert. These braces are used for the rehabilitation process to enhance faster recovery.
When you hurt your ankle badly, you need to stabilize the ankle and immobilize it to allow it to stay in the right position till you fully recover.
Rigid braces are used for this purpose. It helps with injuries such as broken ankle/fracture, sprain, strain, and other ankle injuries a basketball player is susceptible to.
OVERALL BEST RIGID ANKLE BRACE – Zamst A2-DX Strong Support Ankle Brace
If you need the best rigid ankle brace that is capable of stabilizing your ankle joint and keep the ankle in position to help your recovery process, then Zamst A2-DX Strong Support Ankle Brace is your best bet in this regard.
It is built in a way that makes it look like an exoskeleton. It is very rigid and robust to keep the ankle in the proper position.
For the best fit, it is designed to fit into every contour of the ankle anatomically. Also, it can be adjusted into a personalized fit.
The ankle brace does not smartly convert to both right and left legs. It is essential to select not the correct size alone but the right side of the ankle (left or right).
It is used for an ankle sprain, ankle strain, and other ankle injuries, no matter the level of the damage. The plastic guards on the side are very sturdy and help reduce pronation.
To pick the correct size for your leg, please correlate the size of the shoe with the direction in the sizing chart on the order page to choose correctly.
The ankle brace is one of the best for basketball, volleyball, running, and other sporting activities. It has received a lot of positive reviews from previous users, and many athletes widely use it.
Flexible Ankle Brace
Flexible ankle braces are also referred to as an ankle brace without an insert. This type of ankle brace is used for protection against injury. It works well to stabilize the ankle joint and prevent movements that could injure the ankle.
This type of brace can be worn with a shoe. It does not restrict your movement but does well to stabilize your ankle joint.
Flexible ankle brace mostly has lace, which you can tie and also have straps to help you control the fitness and compression you receive. It is stronger than an ankle sleeve but not stronger than a rigid ankle brace.
OVERALL BEST FLEXIBLE ANKLE BRACE – Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
The ankle brace is one of the best flexible ankle braces, and due to its qualities and customer’s feedback, we saw the brace as the overall best.
If you are in a hurry to choose an ankle brace, then you can go ahead with Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer.
Unlike a rigid brace, it does not have hard external features or plastic inserts. To stabilize the ankle, it uses the straps and lace to give the support and compression needed by the ankle joint.
The stabilizing straps form complete figure-eight to protect and support the ankle, while the lace can be tightened and controlled to give you the desired compression level.
The ankle brace is very durable and robust due to its ballistic nylon boot. You won’t need to buy for a specific side (right or left) as it smartly converts to both.
It will fit into any shoe as well and can also be worn with an ankle sleeve if there is a need for it for added compression and support.
It is manufactured in the USA with high quality and an even higher quality control standard.
The ankle brace is made in different sizes; choose the correct size by measuring the circumference of the ankle around the heel. Properly relate it with the sizing chart on the order page to pick correctly.
The ankle brace is one of the best props to stabilize the ankle joint and prevent unnecessary ankle injury sustained by basketball players, volleyball, and other sports activities.
See more: Best ankle brace for running with peroneal tendonitis
Ankle Sleeve
Ankle sleeves are more like compression sleeves. They do not have any insert or straps or lace. They can be used alone or in combination with a rigid and flexible ankle brace.
They can stabilize the ankle of a basketball player when little support is needed.
OVERALL BEST ANKLE SLEEVE – POWERLIX Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
Powerlix ankle brace compression is sold in pairs. It applies even pressures and compression to the ankle joint for ultimate pain relief caused by various ankle injuries like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, sprains, swelling, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and other ankle pain.
To get the best out of this ankle sleeve, it is essential to pick the right size. Bigger or smaller size than you are supposed to use will render the ankle sleeve useless. Therefore, you must check the sizing chart to pick the correct size for your ankle.
The ankle brace is a perfect fit for any activity requiring ankle movement, including Baseball, Basketball, Soccer Golf, Hiking, Running, Tennis, Volleyball, and more. It gives exceptional ankle support and allows a full range of leg motion.
To also get the best comfort along with the ultimate support to your ankle, the brace is made with quality premium material. It is made with breathable compression fabrics and helps improve blood circulation. It quickly absorbs sweat and keeps your feet dry and odor-free, giving you hours of continuous use.
It is sleek in design; it can be worn with any shoe or other rigid ankle braces. Past users widely praise the ankle sleeve, with 83% of customers on Amazon giving the ankle brace a complete 5-star rating.
It is one of the ankle sleeves to go for and our overall best ankle sleeve for basketball and volleyball.
Read more: Best knee braces, knee pads and compression sleeves for basketball
Why do you need an Ankle Brace as a Basketball and Volleyball Player?
Basketball players go through rigorous activities. They jump so high and land heavily with full force on the ankle, and the vibration that comes with that landing puts their ankle joint at risk.
An ankle sprain is common to both basketball and volleyball players due to these activities. Though your ankle joint must be strengthened using a balance board. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances that you cannot avoid, no matter how strong your ankle joint is.
The ankle brace absorbs the vibration from the impact your leg makes with the ground while landing — this helps to prevent a debilitating ankle sprain.
Also, it keeps the ankle in position to prevent unfortunate twist and turn to the ankle joint that can lead to excruciating pain or long term injury.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace
Ankle brace prevents some injuries of the ankle, and picking the best ankle brace is very important for all basketball players.
Then, the big question is, how do you pick the best ankle brace? Never worry; this buying guide will be very handy in helping you select the best ankle brace.
What do you need it for?
What you need the ankle brace for will determine which type of brace you go for. It is not good to consider rigid ankle brace – ankle brace with insert when you want to play.
What am I saying? Rigid ankle brace cannot be put on during the game to protect the ankle joint. It will be an error to go for a rigid brace in that instance. The recommended brace will be a flexible ankle brace or the ankle sleeve.
Furthermore, when you need real stability after an injury for the rehabilitation process, a rigid brace that can protect you from making the injury worsen is required. In this situation, an ankle sleeve can even be added to it, all depending on your doctor’s advice.
Therefore, before picking any ankle brace, be sure it can fit into the situation you needed it for. Ankle sleeve and flexible ankle brace for protection during the game while the rigid ankle brace for rehabilitation purposes only.
Though ankle sleeve and a flexible ankle brace can also be used for rehabilitation, a rigid ankle brace should never be considered for during the game protection. It is good to seek more advice from your doctor in this regard.
Pick the correct size for your ankle
To choose the right ankle brace, the sizing must be accurate. You will not get the best out of any ankle brace that is either oversize or undersize.
Every ankle braces are made in different sizes to make the buyers get an entirely appropriate brace. All ankle brace manufacturers also include sizing charts to serve as a guide in this regard.
Therefore, it is essential to study the sizing chart and correlate it with your foot to pick the right size for you.
Adjustability
Picking the correct size is very important, but selecting an adjustable ankle brace is very important, as well. Only an ankle sleeve cannot be adjusted. Some ankle braces have both straps and lace to give you this freedom for adjustment. This allows you to control the compression to your customized fit.
Comfort and Material of Construction
Some factors play this role, and they include fitness and material of construction. Fitness has more to do with sizing, which must be right to give you the best comfort. Imagine having to adjust and readjust again when using the brace. This can be stressful and not effective enough.
The material used should be gentle on the skin and not cause skin irritation. It should be able to remove excess heat and moisture to keep the skin fresh always and ultimately encourage all-day use.
The material used will also determine how durable the ankle brace will be. Cheaply made products can lose their strength quickly.
Top Injury Rehabilitation Rigid Ankle Braces for Basketball and Volleyball Players
Active Ankle T2 Ankle Brace, Rigid Ankle Stabilizer
The T2 ankle brace is a rigid brace that offers a high level of support and protection to the ankle joint. it offers exceptional protection for sprain support for volleyball, cheerleading, and basketball.
The ankle brace has bilateral hinges that are anatomically designed to fit into the contour of the ankle for proper support.
Its adjustable quick fit single straps allow custom fit, compression and support received from the brace. Unlike other ankle braces, this can be worn with shoes of any kind.
It can be used on both legs (left and right) and offers maximum performance and protection for sports like volleyball, basketball, and football.
It is a sleek and not bulky brace. Also, it features lightweight with custom molded EVA padding, which hugs every contour of the ankle and is custom molded for fit and comfort.
The ankle brace permits a full range of motion up and down, which makes it suitable for sprains and strains. It is one of the best ankle braces for basketball and we recommend it for other sports like volleyball as well.
Aircast AirSport Ankle Support Brace
Aircast ankle support is a good ankle brace for grade 1 and 2 ankle sprain. It can be used for 2 purposes which are for active individuals or athlete’s recovery and preventing ankle sprains.
It makes use of air cell technology and incorporates a semi-rigid encased shell which delivers stability and comfort to provide moderate support and compression.
More support, stability, and compression are also provided by ATF (anterior talofibular) cross strap and integral forefoot and shin wraps.
It is made in multiple sizes to pick the best size for your ankle and it is universally built for both men and women.
The ankle brace is light in weight, yet gives the best support and does not pose skin irritation or rashes. It gives good comfort and we can safely count it as one of the best ankle brace a basketball and volleyball player can purchase.
Read also: Best ankle brace and night splint for plantar fasciitis
Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace for Injury Prevention, Ankle Support
Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace gives better ankle stability and protection more than ankle sleeves and lace ankle brace. It prevents injuries and far more supportive and secure.
It is a durable ankle brace that offers ankle support for a very long time. It is also easy to put on and easy to relate with.
The ankle brace restricts every bad movement that can worsen an injury but allows full range motion which allows you to move in natural ways.
Two sizes are available and they are adjustable. The first size will fit the small and medium size of feet while the second is good for large and extra-large feet. Measure your ankle’s circumference to pick the correct size, do not assume in your choice or base it on your shoe size.
It is sold in a single unit and not in pairs but it smartly converts to both right and left foot.
The brace is ideal for players of volleyball, basketball, football, soccer, or any other athlete wanting to help prevent ankle injuries without restricting performance.
DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace
This is one of the smartest and best ankle brace you can ever go for while looking to purchase an ankle brace. The ankle brace is engineered to allow a full range of motion for athletes while it provides exceptional support when needed.
The ankle brace has On-Demand technology for protection and support. It engages specifically when needed to proactively prohibit ankle roll and other common ankle injuries.
Its molded TPU shell adapts to match the anatomical shape of any foot, giving the very best of compression and support to any user.
The level of compression and support can be adjusted as well to your preference and it is also low profile designed.
It also has an under-layer lining that hugs the foot and the ankle for the very best of comfort. The ankle brace is comfortable on the skin and does not cause rashes or irritation of the skin.
The brace is designed to treat and protect against ankle instability and injuries, inversion and eversion ankle sprains, and roll control.
We recommend the brace as one of the best ankle braces for basketball and volleyball players.
Top Flexible Ankle Brace with Strap and Lace
Shock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
Shock Doctor is one of the best manufacturers of an orthopedic brace and this ankle brace is one of the best you can get for yourself. It is Amazon’s choice due to its lovely qualities and great user feedback.
It should not be considered for a severe injury, in actual fact, no flexible ankle brace should be. Nevertheless, it does well for medium stability and support for moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains.
Your ankle will be supported and compressed from all angles and sides through its multi-directional straps. The straps are also adjustable to allow you to customize the support and compression received from the ankle brace.
Apart from the straps, it also has lace which serves as added support and gives added stability and compression. It provides lateral and medial support without taping.
It is a low profile brace that fits into any type of shoe. It is also very comfortable as it is made with quality materials.
The brace fits unto every contour of the ankle and will never slip once you wear it and it does not restrict movement.
DonJoy Stabilizing Speed Pro Ankle Support Brace
The ankle brace is a low profile, lace brace that fits perfectly into the shoe. It is light in weight and supplies support and stability to the ankle joint.
The strap wraps around the ankle joint fully. Its full circumferential elastic strap secures the strapping. This also gives tibia and fibula compression.
It also has 800D ballistic nylon, together with a reinforced eyelet area to enhance the performance and durability of the ankle brace.
Body position awareness and stability are also enhanced through the removable, articulated medial and lateral stay.
It can be worn on both left and right ankle, it is also unisex, fitting both male and female. It is made in different sizes giving you the access to pick your exact fit.
The ankle brace is highly used by athletes to give the best protection, stability, and compression. It is definitely one of the ankle braces you should consider as a basketball or volleyball player.
Zenith Ankle Brace, Lace-up Adjustable Support
Zenith Ankle Brace, Lace-up Adjustable Support is available in small, medium and large sizes for a perfect fit. Therefore, it is important to pick the correct size for your ankle.
It is made with high-quality material – neoprene and nylon. They do not give skin irritation or rashes. And the ankle brace is designed to give the best comfort and stability.
The durability of the ankle brace is top-notched. Its double-stitched seams also mean you will not have to keep spending your money on new braces every month.
It is an effective brace for sprains, tendonitis and other acute injuries. The ankle brace is designed to heal and also protect against injuries.
The straps wrap around the ankle perfectly. The side straps wrap perfectly even into the contour of the ankle to immobilize the joint without preventing your ability to walk or run.
Its lace also gives added support and compression to the ankle. It is one of the best ankle braces for basketball, volleyball and even for other athletes.
Ankle Brace for Women and Men by RiptGear
Ankle brace made by Riptgear for reducing ankle brace caused by ankle sprains and strains or pulled muscles and tendons which are very common to basketball, volleyball players and other athletes.
There are small and large sizes to allow wide range of ankle sizes. It is important to check the sizing chart and see the sizing instruction to correctly choose. This can be found on the order page on Amazon.
It does well to speed up recovery and also prevent you from sustaining an ankle injury no matter the level of stress your activities puts on the ankle.
It wraps around the most delicate region of the ankle. The straps are held with strong Velcro and the brace is designed to allow maximum comfort for all-day wear.
The ankle brace does well to relieve soreness from arthritis, tendentious, and other common ankle injuries.
McDavid Ankle Brace
The ankle brace has straps with each strap having its unique features and what it offers. All the straps are working together to give the best support, protection, and compression for the ankle joint.
The top strap gives custom fit while the lower straps which have criss-cross shape wraps along every contour of the ankle to give the best compression and support to the ankle.
It helps to prevent injuries and also useful in the rehabilitation process. We find the brace to be very good for basketball players as it doesn’t restrict movement that can hinder you from the highest performance.
The ankle brace is adjustable and you do not have to unlace before adjusting it. Its comfortable padded lining reinforces closures while a breathable ventilated tongue gives the best comfort to the skin.
The brace is also made in different color and different sizes to pick according to your preference. Please check the sizing chart to pick the correct size.
Top Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve for Basketball and Volleyball
TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
TechWare Pro is a thin sleeve compression that relieves pain from arthritis, sprains, muscle fatigue, and stress fractures.
It is made with soft and breathable material which is moisture-wicking and removes excess heat for perfect comfort.
The ankle sleeve can be used along with rigid ankle brace, flexible ankle brace and shoe without compromising the compression quality.
It can also be used during various types of games like baseball, CrossFit, running, basketball, soccer, walking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, cycling or any athletic fitness sport.
The Socks help the splint area to relieve heel and arch pain. It also compresses the ligament and reduces inflammation expediting the healing process.
Techware ankle sleeve is one of the best sleeves a basketball player can consider getting for compression and support during the game and even after for faster recovery.
Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
You need this ankle for the best compression to give fast relief for ankle pain with less swelling, soreness, and discomfort.
It helps to improve circulation and provides secure support in all the right places. It is made with quality material and the ankle sleeve provides a comfortable, snug, ergonomic fit without cutting off circulation.
To last for a long time, the ankle brace sleeve is perfectly constructed and nicely stitched to enhance durability. It is thin enough to wear under shoes and socks with moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry all day long.
The ankle brace sleeve is made in different sizes and in pairs. It is one of the best ankle sleeves for basketball and volleyball.
It also serves as a performance boost while walking, running, jogging, hiking, and cycling or for gymnastics, Crossfit, fitness, training, soccer, football, tennis, or any other athletic sport.
Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sleeves
Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sleeves are made in different sizes for a perfect fit – do check the sizing chart to correctly choose. It helps remove foot pain from plantar fasciitis that is limiting your athletic or daily performance.
It hugs the ankle tightly to give the best compression without jeopardizing your comfort. It is not all these cheap compression sleeves. It is one of the best you can ever get for your ankle.
The sleeve has more than 7000 customer reviews on Amazon with a lot of positive reviews to boast of.
We strongly recommend for basketball and volleyball players as it can be worn under any shoe without holding your performance back in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should basketball players wear ankle braces?
YES, it is important for a basketball player to wear an ankle brace. Though we do not support wearing a rigid ankle brace to the game, that should be used for the rehabilitation process alone. Ankle sleeve and ankle brace with lace and straps without any insert are a good protective gadget to wear.
What ankle braces do NBA players use?
We have come up with the best ankle braces and ankle compression sleeves that are suitable for basketball. Every NBA player should go for any of the above suggestions. We made some researches and we find them to be a good fit for basketball and volleyball.
Do ankle braces weaken your ankles?
This is where you need the best ankle brace because getting the wrong brace might weaken your ankle. The best ankle brace that will not weaken your ankle joint must be a brace that permits full range motion. This is a factor we consider before selecting any ankle brace among the best ankle brace for basketball and volleyball.
What is the best basketball shoe for ankle support?
There are several of them out there to pick from. We strongly recommend Jordan Nike Mens Lift Off Leather Synthetic Trainers due to its qualities and positive reviews it has gathered over time.
Is it bad to wear an ankle brace to bed?
During the rehabilitation process, you might be tempted to wear your brace to bed but this is a very bad thing to do. If you so much need compression to your ankle joint at night, we recommend using a compression sleeve for that.
How can I make my sprained ankle heal faster?
Basketball and volleyball players are at risk of getting their ankle sprained and it is important to get the best ankle brace for sprained ankle when this happens.
Also, your doctor will treat you well and probably suggest you get a rehabilitation ankle brace to stabilize your ankle joint to prevent the worsening of the injury.
It is also important that you rest to allow faster recovery of the ankle joint.
Can you wear an ankle brace with shoes?
YES, you should wear an ankle brace with shoes.
Conclusion
The importance of ankle support cannot be over-emphasized for a basketball and volleyball player due to the nature of the game.
It is important to get the best ankle brace that can protect them from injuries that can keep them out of the game for a very long time.
If you are in a hurry, we suggest you pick from our overall best in the table above. Nevertheless, we are certain that anyone you pick from our list will definitely be a good buy and will serve its purposes well.
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