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Last updated: Oct 11, 2023
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Basketball requires a good deal of equipment in order to play. A ball and a hoop attached to a backboard are essential. The player should also have the proper personal equipment, such as socks, shoes, and a jersey, when playing organized basketball. However, an equipment piece not often mentioned or noticed could be the one most important to the athlete’s well-being; this is the ankle brace.
Table of Contents
- What Are Ankle Braces Used For?
- Things to Consider
- Types
- Materials
- Durability
- Cost
- Comfort
- What Are the Best Basketball Ankle Braces?
- FAQ
What Are Ankle Braces Used For?
Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of athleticism.The player must sprint in short bursts, stop quickly, jump, pivot, and move laterally. All of these actions put a great amount of stress on the lower extremities, which, in fact, is where the great majority of basketball injuries occur. The most common basketball injuries year in and year out are ankle sprains. A good way to aid in preventing ankle injuries is to purchase an ankle brace.
A basketball player may wear ankle braces to prevent the ankle from rolling to either side during play, which could result in a sprain or other injury.There are different types of ankle braces that offer different levels of support and restriction. If an athlete has a history of ankle injuries, they are more likely to injure the ankle again. For this individual, it would be wise to choose a brace with a higher level of support.
Things to Consider
When looking for an ankle brace, you'll want to consider the following:
- What are you going to use the ankle brace for?
- What injury are you dealing with or looking to prevent?
- What size of ankle brace do you need?
- What type of ankle brace do you want?
- How much money do you have to spend on an ankle brace?
- Is there a certain color of ankle brace that you want?
- Do you need the ankle brace to be sweatproof?
Types
The three main types of ankle braces are lace-up, rigid, and soft shell.
Lace-Up
Lace-up ankle braces have a basic corset design that provides some customization, as the laces can be tightened to fit snugly around each individual ankle. These braces offer convenience because they are easy to put on and take off. Lace-up braces are often made of breathable fabric and offer no hinge to enhance the range of motion. They can be worn every game and practice as a means of support and injury prevention.
Rigid
The rigid ankle brace gets its name from the harder shell, which is typically made of plastic.These braces will often have a hinge to provide a vertical range of motion, but they will stabilize the ankle horizontally. The support offered is greater than that of the simple lace-up brace, but they can be bulky and somewhat uncomfortable. A rigid brace is recommended for someone playing with or returning from an injury. They are usually worn for a limited period of time until the injury has fully healed.
Soft Shell
The most modern type of ankle brace is the soft shell brace.This brace has a flexible shell made from an advanced thermoplastic elastomer called Performathane. This material uses body heat to provide a custom fit to each user's ankle and provide support, comfort, and durability. These braces can be worn every day and are an excellent option for basketball players to prevent injury, as well as for those with any ankle instability from previous injuries.
Materials
Basketball ankle braces are made out of various materials such as nylon, neoprene, cloth, plastic, and memory foam.Each offers its own unique level of comfort and support.
Nylon
Ankle braces made solely of nylon are typically made to slip on over the foot, similar to a sock. These braces add support through compression and are quite comfortable.
Cloth
Lace-up ankle braces are usually made of woven cloth fabric, such as canvas. These braces offer more restriction and tighter support while maintaining a good level of comfort.
Neoprene
Neoprene is used in many types of braces due to its flexibility and ability to maintain shape over long periods of time.This synthetic rubber can be used to add compression and support most braces.
Plastic
The rigid ankle braces have a hard plastic shell that will usually have an inner gel padding to provide comfort and give a close fit. These offer a great deal of horizontal restriction and are typically worn for a limited time.
Memory Foam
Soft shell ankle braces are made from elastic polymers with form-fitting foam on the inside for excellent fit and comfort.
Durability
The durability of ankle braces depends on the material they are made of and how frequently they are used.Lace-up braces made of cloth or neoprene are more likely to deteriorate over time, but soft shells and rigid braces tend to last much longer, even with an extended period of use. Generally, the more expensive a brace, the more durable it will be.
Cost
Ankle braces can cost anywhere from $10 to over $130.This variation in price has to do with the type of brace and the amount of support and restriction the brace provides. Simple, basic lace-up ankle braces will be considerably less expensive than intricate braces that provide more support and stabilization.
Comfort
Comfort is extremely important when it comes to ankle braces in basketball.You do not want to play through a game or practice with an ill-fitting or uncomfortable brace, as it may throw off your entire game and continuously distract you. Everyone’s preference is different, so try out a few different braces to know what is right for you.
Sizes
Ankle braces come in different sizes, usually running from extra small to extra large.The size of the brace is not only dependent on foot size but also the circumference of the ankle. This is very important in determining what size to order because a brace that doesn’t fit properly will not be as effective as one that does.
What Are the Best Basketball Ankle Braces?
- TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
- Zenith Ankle Brace
- McDavid Ankle Brace With Straps
- Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Ankle Brace
- Sneino Ankle Brace
- Vinaco Breathable & Strong Ankle Brace for Sprained Ankle
- Hyperz Adjustable Ankle Brace
- DonJoy Stabilizing Pro Ankle Support Brace
- Ankle Braces
- Space Brace 2.0 Quick Lace Up Ankle Brace
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve |
| See on Amazon |
 | Zenith Ankle Brace |
| See on Amazon |
 | McDavid Ankle Brace With Straps |
| See on Amazon |
 | Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Ankle Brace |
| See on Amazon |
 | Sneino Ankle Brace |
| See on Amazon |
 | Vinaco Breathable & Strong Ankle Brace for Sprained Ankle |
| See on Amazon |
 | Hyperz Adjustable Ankle Brace |
| See on Amazon |
 | DonJoy Stabilizing Pro Ankle Support Brace |
| See on Amazon |
 | Ankle Braces |
| See on Amazon |
 | Space Brace 2.0 Quick Lace Up Ankle Brace |
| See on Amazon |
1. TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
Specifications:
- Price: $16.99
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Brand: TechWare Pro
The Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve provides strong compression in a compact design. This affordable ankle brace is made of premium quality materials and provides some of the most supportive compression available. Basketball players can enjoy relief from muscle fatigue, sprains, and stress fractures by wearing the TechWare ankle brace on the court. These slim sock-style braces are made of a blend of nylon and spandex and are available in a wide range of sizes.
2. Zenith Ankle Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $30.97 ($30.97 / Count)
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Z ATHLETICS
The Zenith Ankle Brace relieves ankle pain and moves with the player. This supremely supportive ankle brace from Zenith features a lace-up design with adjustable support. One of the best options for playing on a sprain, the Zenith Ankle Brace is extremely adjustable, using figure-eight straps to dial in the perfect fit and level of support. Although the form is slightly bulky, this lace-up brace from Zenith provides extreme support while preserving the range of motion.
3. McDavid Ankle Brace With Straps
Specifications:
- Price: $29.97
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: McDavid
The McDavid Ankle Brace with Straps offers breathable, comfortable protection for injured ankles on the court. This highly adjustable ankle brace allows wearers to find exactly the right fit without removing their socks or shoes. McDavid is a leader in the industry, and this brace has been scientifically proven to reduce the rate of injury by 300% when worn during training and competition. Although it is extremely supportive, the McDavid Ankle Brace fits easily under a shoe and is very breathable.
4. Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Ankle Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $49.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Shock Doctor
The Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Ankle Brace provides the ideal combination of support and compression. This highly breathable ankle brace is excellent for helping basketball players heal from ankle injuries and also prevent them in the first place. The moisture wicking pattern means that this easy to wear brace is barely bulkier than a sock. The Ultra Knit Ankle Brace from Shock Doctor has some of the highest levels of support among compression designs, and it is perfect for recovering from sprains, strains, or ankle instability while on the court.
5. Sneino Ankle Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $27.97
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: SNEINO
The Sneino Ankle Brace features a unique design and can be worn all day. The lace-up design provides 360-degree ankle support, providing stronger stability than many other braces. Although the design is compact enough to be worn under most types of shoes, the Sneino Ankle Brace offers the level of all-day intensive support necessary to recover from the most severe ankle injuries. If you want to get back on the court as soon as possible after an ankle injury, this highly supportive design from Sneino is a great choice.
6. Vinaco Breathable & Strong Ankle Brace for Sprained Ankle
Specifications:
- Price: $24.82 ($12.41 / Count)
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Vinaco
Vinaco’s Breathable & Strong Ankle Brace provides optimal support for preventing and recovering from ankle injuries. This protective brace from Vinaco is excellent for keeping your ankles safe during basketball practices and games. If you have weak ankles or have been prone to ankle sprains in the past, consider wearing this ankle brace anytime you step on the court. While the Vinaco ankle brace is highly protective, it is also supremely breathable and comfortable, meaning it won’t get in the way of your performance.
7. Hyperz Adjustable Ankle Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $25.00 ($25.77 / Count)
- Rating: 3.7/5
- Brand: HYPERZ
If you are looking for a breathable and comfortable ankle brace, the Hyperz Adjustable Ankle Brace is the choice for you. The elastic nylon and spandex material that the brace is made with ensures a perfect fit for any foot and adds a nice level of comfort.
For those who are tech savvy, this brace comes with a virtual manual and instructions. Simply scan the QR code that it comes with, and you can learn all you need to know about the brace. It comes with a free replacement or full refund if you receive a product that is faulty in any way, so you can be assured of getting a good product or your money back.
8. DonJoy Stabilizing Pro Ankle Support Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $33.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: DonJoy
A strong, sturdy option for an ankle brace is the DonJoy Stabilizing Pro Ankle Support Brace. It comes with a fully circumferential elastic strap, which secures the other straps and provides added protection to the wearer's tibia and fibula.
Additionally, the brace is designed to fit easily inside your shoe so that it is both protective and not too bulky at the same time. The brace is designed to fit both the right and left foot, so there is no need to search for a brace for a specific foot.
9. Ankle Braces
Specifications:
- Price: $12.97 ($3.24 / Count)
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Brand: CYCLXY
A comfortable choice for any basketball player, the CYCLXYAnkle Brace is a great pick for those who are looking for an ankle brace. This brace contains the perfect amount of compression that finds the right balance between too much compression, which will restrict blood flow, and too little compression, which will not provide the proper protection.
Furthermore, the brace can be used for other injuries in the foot that do not have to do with the ankle, so it is a multi-purpose ankle brace. Lastly, the newly upgraded 3D technology that was used to create the brace allows for added comfort and mobility.
10. Space Brace 2.0 Quick Lace Up Ankle Brace
Specifications:
- Price: $89.99
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: The Space Brace
The Space Brace 2.0 Quick Lace Up Ankle Brace is a strong choice for anyone in need of an ankle brace for basketball. The brace was designed with new, innovative quick lace technology that allows for easy use by just tightening or untightening the velcro strap.
Moreover, The brace comes with additional protective plastic inserts that users can put inside the brace for added protection. Finally, the detachable cover strap that comes with the brace allows for comfort, superior support, and extra mobility.
FAQ
What are the benefits of ankle braces?
Braces stabilize and protect the ankle by offering support to the basketball player. Ankle braces are extremely beneficial to basketball players, particularly those recovering from injury or prone to ankle injuries. They allow players to return from injuries sooner and can prevent ankle injuries from ever occurring.
What are the different types of ankle braces?
There are three different types of basketball ankle braces: soft shell, lace-up, and rigid.They all have different advantages and disadvantages, but soft shell braces are generally considered the most modern and advanced of the three due to their comfort level and durability. Lace-up and soft shell braces can be worn by both recovering athletes and athletes looking to prevent an injury, but rigid braces are typically only worn by players returning from an injury.
What materials are ankle braces made from?
Ankle braces come in many different materials, but the main materials are nylon, neoprene, plastic, and memory foam.The materials can determine the price of the brace, the type of brace it is, a brace’s durability, and how comfortable it will feel on the ankle.
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