As a runner, whether professional or you do it to keep yourself fit, there are a lot of risks to your ankle as this is one of the most vital body parts in running, making the best ankle brace for running a necessary orthopedic brace to buy.
Even every other sport like soccer, basketball, volleyball requires you to run on the court, so getting ankle support for running is not only for athletes alone but other game.
Here in this article, we suggest some top ankle support you can get as a runner. There are some tests we subject the ankle braces unto before selecting them, and they can also be a guide for you too while choosing ankle support.
Either as a professional runner or you do it every morning or during the weekend to stay fit, we highly advocate safety and getting the best ankle brace sure limit/reduce the risk of injuring your ankle.
How to select top ankle support for running
Most runners, one way or the other has to run with mild ankle injuries. We have seen runners looking for an ankle brace to run with peroneal tendonitis and other with a mild sprain, twisting and other ankle injuries a runner is susceptible to.
Either you want to run with an injury, or you are perfectly fit and only need protection to limit your chance of getting injured, there are underlying factors to look for in an ankle brace for running.
See also: Best shoulder brace for rotator cuff
The Design/weight of the ankle brace
You should never go for an ankle brace that has too many unnecessary parts. This adds to the weight of the ankle brace and can be a limiting factor to your game.
The design of an ankle brace to consider must be smart and hug the ankle joint tightly in the right ways and manner.
Getting a bulky ankle brace will lead to discomfort, which will hence reduce your productivity. A lightweight ankle brace is always a better choice.
Comfort
How comfortable you will feel wearing an ankle brace is mostly dependent on the breathable and adjustable factor. Wearing an ankle brace into running should never make you feel discomfort so you can perform excellently while running.
We ensured all ankle brace selected on this list are moisture-wicking and can remove excess heat. This keeps your skin all fresh during the game that you might even forget you are wearing ankle support for running.
An adjustable ankle brace is not a factor to look into if you are making use of ankle compression sleeve. But, while making use of ankle brace, you must go for an ankle brace, you can easily adjust how tight, to control the amount of compression you receive from the ankle brace.
Compression
How an ankle brace is built will determine the amount of compression you will get from it. Some ankle braces have straps while some have lace, and some have both features.
The amount of support and compression you need on your ankle brace will depend on which to go for. When you are recovering from an ankle injury, we recommend choosing an ankle brace both features to keep your ankle joint stabilized and give the necessary compression needed to heal faster.
Durability
You should buy an ankle brace that will last for a long time, and that is why durability is essential. How is the ankle brace stitch? What type of material is used in making the brace? These and other factors will give you an idea of how durable an ankle brace will likely be.
Type of Sport you engage in
We can’t forget that every game does not have the same style of running. Manner of running in a football is different from a 100 meters athlete, so the type of ankle brace that may suit a footballer may not be a perfect fit for an athlete and vice versa.
A 100 meters runner spent little time running while a marathon runner spends more time, but both have different intensity. All these factors come into play while choosing the best ankle brace for running due to the peculiarity of each sporting event.
Customer’s Review
It is essential to read the comment of previous buyers to give you the overall knowledge of how excellent the ankle brace/support is. Past users have an overall understanding of the specific product. They also have experience with the manufacturer, so they know about the character of the maker to the consumer.
It is vital and must be taken seriously. When there are too many negative reviews on a product, it is probably an indicator that it is not a good product and vice versa. So, we recommend you check the customer’s review before picking any product.
Fitness inside Shoe
The design should be low profile to enable it fits inside the shoe. It is a very crucial factor to consider when picking the best ankle brace to support a runner’s ankle.
What are Types of Ankle Brace to consider for Running?
Lace-up Ankle Brace
These ankle braces are stable and offer good protection but may not be too comfortable to adjust. The tightness has to be set from the beginning, and they are perfect if you will not need to adjust the ankle brace for a long period of time. We recommend this type for a marathon race.
Straps Ankle Brace
This is the most common ankle brace and a very good one for running. They are easy to adjust for customize the fit. The straps also wrap around the ankle to stabilize the ankle joint better than the lace-up ankle brace.
Straps ankle brace are useful for both long and short distance running, thus making them a popular ankle brace among athletes.
Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are great for compression, especially to reduce swelling and inflammation around the injured ankle. Compression sleeves are not suitable for the prevention of injuries. They are more for rehabilitation purposes to hasten recovery time.
The compression they give enhances blood circulation to the affected area of the ankle, thereby makes nutrients circulate to the affected area and thus speed up recovery of the injured ankle
Hybrid Ankle Brace
They have both lace-up features and straps. They are more stable and durable than other ankle support.
Check also: Best ankle brace after a sprain
Best Ankle Support for Running – Top 15 Ankle Brace to Prevent Rolling
Are you are runner, athlete or active individual who needs an ankle brace to stabilize the ankle joint to prevent and (or) rehabilitate an ankle injury? Here is the list of the best ankle brace for running:
#1. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
- Brace type: Hybrid (A combination of strap and lace)
- The material used: Ballistic Nylon and Neoprene
- Available size: XX-Small to XX-Large
This is our overall best choice ankle brace for running, and we think you will love the ankle brace as well. It is designed to hug tightly to the ankle joint without causing any discomfort to the skin.
The ankle brace has two side straps for lateral support and a strap just above the ankle region, which ensures the support gadget does not move from position. The straps and the lace together give the best support to the ankle of a runner or to anyone using for other sports and purposes.
The straps form figure-eight around the ankle to stabilize the ankle joint from an irregular movement that could harm it. It is a low-profile design and will fit into any type of shoe.
It is made in different sizes and selecting the right size for your ankle is very important. The instruction to do this is on the order page. If you are buying offline, you should request for the sizing chart to select correctly.
This ankle brace is not sold in pairs but can fit unto both feet perfectly. If you need both ankle at a time, you have to purchase separately.
#2. Zenith Ankle Brace, Lace-Up Adjustable Support
- Brace type: Hybrid (A combination of strap and lace)
- Material Used: Neoprene and Nylon
- Available size: Small, Medium and Large
The brace is widely used by most runners for protection and injury recovery process. This ankle brace is very gentle on the skin as it is produced with soft material – neoprene and nylon.
Just like the ASO ankle brace, this ankle support also has side stabilizers and ‘figure-eight’ strap around the ankle joint for stability and protection against irregular movement (inversion and eversion) that could lead to ankle injuries that runners are more prone to.
The lace also gives added compression to the ankle and makes the ankle brace snug better unto the ankle joint for a perfect fit.
It is a suitable brace for running because it performs its job without restricting the natural movement of your ankle. You can maintain the peak of your performance as the ankle brace will not hold you down from doing so.
The brace also does a good job relieving so many ankle injuries such as sprains, strains and arthritic pain. It is ideal for the healing and prevention of sporting injuries as well as unexpected acute injuries
#3. POWERLIX Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve (Pair)
- Brace Type: Compression sleeve
- Material Used: Fabrics
- Available size: Small to X-Large
Compression sleeves are not too perfect for preventing injuries, so, they should never be entirely relied on for this purpose. They give the best compression and enhance blood circulation to the affected area of the ankle for faster recovery.
Powerlix compression sleeve does this well as it provides ultimate pain relief from a variety of ailments including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, sprains, swelling, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and other ankle pain
The sleeve can be worn alongside an ankle brace for perfect protection against sporting injuries. This makes it a good choice for baseball, basketball, soccer golf, hiking, running, tennis, volleyball and more.
Compression sleeves are not adjustable, so, the right size for your foot needs to be carefully selected by following the guideline on the sizing chart on the order page.
It is perfectly stitched to last long, and it’s special knitted technical design matches different joints. There is also six months 100% money-back guarantee to give you buying confidence.
#4. Ankle Support Brace – Compression Sleeve with Adjustable Strap
- Brace Type: Compression sleeve with strap
- Material Used: 60% Nylon, 30% Spandex, 10% Rubber
- Available size: S/M, L/XL
This ankle sleeve is more suitable for running than its counterpart due to the extra strap it has which most ankle sleeves do not possess. These straps are adjustable to ensure a proper fit on the user, and they ensure extra support and stability on the user.
Unlike hard brace, the ankle sleeve protects the ankle without restricting the full range motion of the ankle joint. The compression it offers makes it suitable for injury recovery, so, the device is best for both protection and rehabilitation.
It is also made from materials that are gentle on the skin as it will never give you skin irritation or rashes. The ankle brace is moisture-wicking to eliminate the build-up of perspiration, and anti-odor proprieties to ensure the skin is fresh all through its usage.
The ankle brace is sold as a unit sleeve, and you need to purchase two if you need it for both legs. There is also 100% buyers guarantee on the ankle sleeve where your money will be totally refunded if you do not like the ankle sleeve.
Check also: Plantar fasciitis brace
#5. SNEINO Ankle Brace, Lace-Up Ankle Brace
- Brace type: Hybrid
- Material Used: Neoprene
- Available size: Small, Medium, Large
Three sizes available and picking the correct size is quite easy as it is based on your shoe size. Check your shoe size and compare it with the sizing chart on the order page to correctly select a perfect fit.
The ankle brace is a hybrid one; that is, it has both lace and straps for its compression and stabilization. This makes it suitable for preventing injuries as well as ensuring a faster recovery.
The straps stabilize the ankle joint without restricting full range motion of the ankle, making it good ankle support for runners. On both sides of the ankle stabilizer, there are two spring sheets of steel to enhance ankle support stability.
The special honeycomb diving fabric technology design makes you feel comfortable all day. Furthermore, the two spring bars on the left and right sides to give stable two-way support, thereby giving you all-round protection for your joints.
Its straps are easily adjustable while the lace can be adjusted to customize the amount of compression received from the ankle brace. This improves blood circulation to aid the recovery process of the injury in the ankle.
#6. BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
- Brace Type: Strap Ankle Brace
- Material Used: Soft Hypo-Allergenic Materials
- Available size: XS to XL
The ankle brace is designed in such a way that it mimics your body’s natural tendons to secure your ankle and allow a safe range of motion. Its straps encourage healthy arch posture and prevent inversion and eversion.
The compression ability of the brace makes it a suitable one for plantar fasciitis, PTTD, peroneal tendonitis, ankle sprains and rolled ankles caused by weak or torn tendons
Trilok ankle brace is made from a quality, premium material – soft hypoallergenic material, and it is beautifully designed to fit into all shoe types. The material is comfortable on the skin and will not make its user have any rash or skin irritation.
The brace only restricts movement that could lead to injuries of the ankle; it does not stop normal full range motion. This makes it a beautiful option for sports folks and runners.
Selecting the right size is very easy, and it is delineated on the order page. It only involves measuring the arch circumference, measures the circumference of your leg right above the ankle and then compares the two results with the sizing chart.
The ankle brace also has 30 days 100% money-back guarantee to give you buying assurance. You will fully get your money back if you do not like the product.
Read also: Best ankle brace
#7. DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace
- Brace Type: Molded TPC and Strap
- Available size: X-Small to Large
The ankle brace is specifically designed to protect the ankle joint against instability, inversion and eversion movement of the ankle joint as well as other ankle injuries like a sprain.
It is a low profile designed ankle brace, so it fits into any shoe type. The brace has been a good choice for sports activities like running, volleyball, basketball and other athletic sports.
The super-soft EVA underlining hugs the foot and ankle so well to enhance blood circulation that speeds up the recovery process. The molded TPU shell adapts to match any foot or ankle shape.
The ankle brace is also adjustable for a customizable fit, and it is by far one of the best you can consider for running. Its adjustable underfoot closure integrates seamlessly between the foot and shoe for optimized fit.
This is an ankle brace for folks who find straps and lace too much a bulky design. It has quite a fair amount of positive reviews from past buyers.
#8. Ankle Brace for Women and Men by RiptGear
- Brace Type: Straps Ankle Brace
- Material Used: High-Quality Neoprene
- Available size: Small and Large
We recommend this ankle brace for injury recovery more than the prevention of ankle injury because it is one of those strap ankle braces that gives the best compression to the ankle joint. This helps reduce ankle pain resulting from ankle sprains and strains or pulled muscles and tendons.
Only two sizes are available to choose – small and large, but they are adjustable to accommodate almost all ankle/foot size. The large size fits up to 12 inches arch circumference while the small size fits up to 10 inches arch circumference.
The ankle brace provides the best support to hasten your recovery time, and it is made with high-quality neoprene which is soft on the skin and comfortable to the user all-day. It provides the best compression for plantar flexion, talocrural joint, and Achilles.
It is suitable for many sports like running, skiing, tennis, football, and other activities that put pressure on the ankle and entire foot region.
#9. DonJoy Stabilizing Speed Pro Ankle Support Brace
- Brace type: Hybrid Ankle Brace (Lace and Straps)
- Material Used: Ballistic Nylon
- Available size: XX-Small to XX-Large
This is also a high-quality ankle brace for running and by far, one of the best ankle support a runner can get for protection and rehabilitation purpose. The ankle brace only has lace which gives the compression and stability needed to the ankle region.
It is great for runners because it is light in weight. While wearing the brace, you won’t even feel like you wear anything, but its work is glaring as you are completely protected against all ankle injuries a runner is susceptible to.
It is not only light in weight; it also fits perfectly into your sporting shoes and every other shoe you wish to wear it with. The ankle brace can also go along with a compression sleeve for better stability and compression.
The ankle brace has been recommended by doctors, and most athletes give positive reviews about it. This confirms how good the ankle brace can be in protecting against ankle injury. This will be a good buy for every runner and other athletes.
It has removable, articulated medial/lateral stays that enhance proprioception (body position awareness) and stability.
#10. TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
- Brace type: Compression sleeve
- Material: 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex
- Available size: S/M, L/XL
If you need a compression sleeve that gives the best gentle compression that will facilitate fast recovery from an ankle injury, then, TechWare Pro can be your best bet. The sleeve has been proven to relief Pain from Arthritis, Sprains, Muscle Fatigue, and Stress Fractures.
It is built with the best material that is soft and moisture-wicking. Excess heat and moisture are completely removed to give you a fresh and smooth skin all-day. The compression it gives enhances blood circulation to the affected region of the ankle, thereby speeds up the recovery process.
The ankle sleeve is sold in pairs and made in different colors, so you can choose your best color among several colors available.
We recommend using the ankle sleeve with an ankle brace if you need a stronger support for your ankle joint. It is completely gentle on the skin to encourage all-day wearing, and it is one of the best ankle braces for running, basketball, soccer, walking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, and so on.
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Other Top Ankle Brace for Stabilizing Runner’s Ankle
#11. Aircast AirSport Ankle Support Brace
Aircast Airsport ankle support is specifically built for active sports folks recovering from grade 1 and 2 sprains. The ankle brace is also one of the top products for runners to stabilize their ankle joint for perfect protection against ankle injuries.
To give the best stability and comfort, the ankle brace uses air cell technology and incorporates a semi-rigid encased shell which delivers stability and comfort. Air cell technology ensures the area is well ventilated while the straps wrap around the ankle to fully stabilize the joint.
ATF (anterior talofibular) cross strap and integral forefoot and shin wraps also gives an additional compression and stabilization to the ankle joint. The brace offers support and protection from both inversion and eversion.
The ankle brace is not ambidextrous; you have to rightly select the side you wish to purchase (left or right). It’s designed to fit both men and women. It is also made in various sizes, from X-Small to X-large.
#12. Shock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
We found this ankle brace to be suitable for running and other athletic sports. The ankle brace has a lot of features that ensure the ankle joint stays perfectly in its position.
To give the best compression, the ankle brace uses lace which allows the user to tighten to his/her satisfaction. To further stabilize the ankle joint, the brace makes use of multidirectional adjustable straps. A strap forms figure-eight around the ankle joint while the other two straps give lateral and medial support.
Though the ankle brace looks bulky, it conveniently fits in the shoe. The comfort you feel wearing the ankle brace is top-notch as excess heat and moisture are removed. This eradicates odor or skin irritation and rashes. The material used in making the ankle brace does not contain latex.
The brace provides medium stability and support for moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains and unstable joints allowing for use as necessary for recovery.
#13. Mcdavid Ankle Brace, Ankle Support
This is one of the most purchased ankle braces on Amazon and has been reviewed by so many buyers. It has above 1000 rating and still boasts of over four stars out of 5 on Amazon as at the time of writing this review.
The ankle brace also combines lace and straps to fully support the ankle joint and prevent it from avoidable ankle injuries. Due to its low profile design and its weight, we find it to be a good ankle brace for runners. Other sports folks can also make use of it as it does well enough to give stability to the ankle.
It is also adjustable without unlacing or removing the shoe. It’s breathable to remove excess heat and moisture while its comfortable padded lining reinforces closures.
The brace is also made in various sizes for a perfect fit to the user. You can select between X-Small to X-large depending on your foot size. Picking the right size for you is essential, and guidance for this is on the order page.
#14. Ankle Support, Adjustable Ankle Brace by CandyLi
This ankle brace is one size fits all. It is not made in different sizes but just one which will support almost all ankle size. Putting it on is quite different from other ankle braces, it is vital to follow the instruction for this well to get a good result from the ankle brace.
The straps crisscross around the ankle joint to relieve ankle pain from sprain and strain. This also helps stabilizes the ankle joint, thereby protecting the user from sustaining ankle injury.
It is made from quality and breathable nylon material, very soft and comfortable for the user to use. The compression enhances blood circulation; thereby help in hasten recovery time of the injured ankle.
The brace also has a medical Velcro that holds the strap to ensure the ankle brace stays fit in its place. Its newest design uses silicone on the side to add friction, thereby ensuring non-slip.
#15. gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve Pair(2 Pcs) with Compression Wrap Support
This is a combination of compression sleeve and strap. Basically, the compression sleeve is worn under the strap as the strap form figure-eight around the ankle joint to give better stability to the ankle joint.
With this feature, you enjoy the best compression while you can give targeted support to a particular area you wish with the strap. The compression sleeve boosts blood circulation for faster injury recovery while the strap stabilizes the ankle to prevent injury.
The ankle support is good for sports like volleyball, running, soccer and other sports because it is light in weight and yet strong to stabilize the ankle during your game. Unlike some ankle brace that holds you back with their heavyweight, this, when worn becomes almost a part of you that you might even forget you wear a brace.
There are several sizes available which should be chosen according to footwear size. The direction to choose the right size for your foot is on the order page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to run with ankle brace?
An ankle brace is a preventive measure against injury. When running, your legs hit the ground, which transmits shock into legs that in turns lead to irregular movement of the ankle/knee components.
Ankle brace act as a shock absorber that removes this vibration from the ankle. It stabilizes the ankle joint and generally prevents the ankle from moving in an irregular direction that could lead to any ankle injuries.
To answer the question, then we will tell you it is very OK to wear an ankle brace, especially for runners who need the ankle support to reduce injury risk to the barest minimum.
How do I protect my ankles when running?
Apart from wearing an ankle brace, there are other things you can do to protect your ankle against ankle injuries when running.
Some ankles are generally weak, and it is vital to engage in some exercises that can strengthen the ankle muscles. This is crucial because the stronger an ankle is, the lesser it becomes prone to injury.
Warming up before the actual run can be a very good help as well. The intensity of your training as well can help – it is vital you are reasonable with training.
Why do my ankles hurt after I run?
This is mostly caused by the overuse of the ankle joint.
What running shoes are best for ankle support?
Picking the best ankle brace for running is more effective when you wear it with good ankle support shoes. We find two brands to be the best shoe for ankle support, and they are Asics Gel Kayano and Mizuno Wave Inspire.
Do ankle braces weaken your ankle?
Ankle brace helps a lot in injury prevention. However, it has its downside, which is: it can weaken the ankle muscle if you use it too much. So, frequent usage of an ankle brace for injury prevention can weaken the ankle because your muscle gets used to it, which makes the muscle in the ankle weak.
Why do my ankles hurt when I run on a treadmill?
This might be due to excess usage of your ankle. The treadmill gives us the opportunity to run any distance we want at the comfort of our home and many folks abuse this.
Most people run more than what they should, thereby spending too much time on the treadmill. This, in turns, causes overuse injuries to the ankle.
Do you wear an ankle brace over or under socks?
It is important to wear an ankle brace over socks and not under it. Ankle compression sleeve, on the other hand, can be worn under socks.
Can ankle brace for running be useful for other sport?
Yes! Any ankle brace that can stabilize your ankle joint for running will sure do a good job for other sport/
See more: Best ankle brace for volleyball and basketball.
Conclusion
Running can be refreshing and at the same time, enervating. Either you do it for the fun of it, to stay fit or a professional, you will need to stabilize your ankle from an irregular movement that can hurt your ankle.
This is what the best ankle brace for running does. It helps prevent movement that can lead to injury while allowing full range motion, helping you to stay at the peak of your performance.
Some help more in the rehabilitation process, especially the ankle compression sleeves; they are more suitable for that. So, what you go for will entirely depend on your need; either compression sleeve or ankle brace.
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