Beginners The 11 Best Knee Sleeves of 2021 Protect your joints with one of these picks By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Lindsey Lanquist Fact checked by Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS on April 22, 2020 Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Shereen Lehman, MS Updated on January 15, 2021 Print More in Fitness Beginners Motivation Sports Nutrition Fitness Trends Running Strength Walking Workouts Cardio Flexibility Yoga Pilates Tools and Equipment Health and Safety Special Features View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon "A great pick for everyday use, this knee sleeve wicks away moisture so you can effectively avoid itch and odor." Best Budget: Cambivo Knee Sleeve 2-Pack at Amazon "Score two knee sleeves for the price of one without skimping on quality, and enjoy consistent pressure with each wear." Best Splurge: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace at Amazon "The unique padding of this knee sleeve is designed to surround the kneecap, cushioning and supporting it as you move." Best Compression: Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve at Amazon "This sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression and successfully maintains its compressive fit over time." Best for Running: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon "Complement your running routine with this sleeve, which features a four-way stretch design that won't limit your range of motion." Best for Hiking: Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon "This lightweight sleeve will keep your knee supported, cool, and comfortable as you trek along your favorite trail." Best for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves at Amazon "The contoured design of this knee sleeve makes it a great pick for those who need extra support when tackling intense workouts." Best for Basketball: McDavid Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon "Padded with foam, this sleeve holds up to wear and tear from your favorite sport all while preventing you from overheating." Best for Arthritis: Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeves at Amazon "Made from a bamboo charcoal fiber, this sleeve is comfortable enough for everyday wear, especially for those with arthritis." Best with Gel Pad: Neenca Gel Pad Knee Sleeve at Amazon "The gel padding in this knee sleeve contours to your knee to provide additional support every time you wear it." Knee sleeves are thin, stretchy pieces of fabric that you can wear over your knees for additional support and comfort. Similar to knee braces, knee sleeves are designed to support the knees during exercise and other activities. But because knee sleeves tend to be sleek and low-profile, they offer a more flexible and less intrusive alternative to classic knee braces. “Someone may wear a knee sleeve because they feel it will help decrease their knee symptoms or improve their function,” said Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Knee sleeves may also give people more confidence when tackling certain activities. Of course, knee sleeves aren’t a replacement for a proper physical therapy program, but they may serve as a useful addition to one. “A knee sleeve may be worn as long a patient feels they may benefit from it,” said Schmitt. Here are the best knee sleeves on the market. Best Overall: PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve Buy on Amazon Buy on Power-lix.com Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, this PowerLix knee compression sleeve is a great option for everyday use. A stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, the sleeve effectively wicks away moisture so you can avoid both itch and odor all day long. Meanwhile, the sleeve’s four-way compression design applies stable pressure across your knee, giving you support without limiting your range of motion. And since it's lined with slip-resistant silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you move. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. The 10 Best Knee Support Products of 2021 Best Budget: Cambivo Knee Sleeve 2-Pack Buy on Amazon This two-pack of Cambivo knee sleeves costs less than a single sleeve from other brands without skimping on quality. They are crafted from a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, and they apply consistent pressure across your knee every time you wear them, delivering compression that feels both warm and supportive. Plus, the silicone strips that run along the top and bottom of the sleeves keep them securely in place, no matter your activity. These knee sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. Best Splurge: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's If you’re looking for a knee sleeve that offers more support, this option from Bauerfeind Sports is worth the higher price tag. It's constructed from a lightweight air-knit fabric, which is both flexible and comfortable. And since the fabric wicks away moisture effectively, you can work up a sweat in your knee sleeve without feeling too uncomfortable. The sleeve also features a ring of contoured padding that lines the center to surround the kneecap, providing ideal amounts of cushion and support as you move. This component makes it feel more like a knee brace without sacrificing the sleek flexibility you expect from a knee sleeve. The sleeve is currently available in sizes extra-small through extra-extra-large. The 9 Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears of 2021 Best Compression: Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve Buy on Amazon Many knee sleeves are made from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex, but the Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve primarily uses copper fiber cloth, a textile that is genuinely infused with copper. Though the jury is still out on what specific benefits copper-infused fabrics can offer, this knee sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression. It also successfully maintains its tight, compressive fit over time. Meanwhile, there's no need to worry about overheating—this knee sleeve is just as breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying as any other on this list. It's currently available in sizes small through 4XL. The 6 Best Calf Compression Sleeves of 2021 Best for Running: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Buy on Amazon Buy on Uflexathletics.com Breathable, flexible, and durable, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve makes for a great addition to any running routine. The sleeve is made from a blend of nylon-mesh and spandex, which is lightweight yet durable. Its four-way stretch design also offers plenty of support and compression without limiting your range of motion. And since the interior is lined with wavy silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you run. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large. Best for Hiking: Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve Buy on Amazon Buy on Blitzugear.com When you're hiking, you need a knee sleeve that’s supportive, flexible, and breathable. This one from Blitzu delivers on all fronts. It's constructed from a flexible performance fabric that’s durable, but soft to the touch. Meanwhile, its four-way stretch design delivers the compression you’re looking for without limiting your range of motion. Lightweight and breathable, it also keeps you cool and comfortable on your treks. The machine-washable sleeve is currently available in sizes small through large. Best for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves Buy on Amazon Buy on Ironbullstrength.com This two-pack of knee sleeves from Iron Bull Strength is ideal for weightlifters looking for a little extra support during intense workouts. The sleeves are made from a thick neoprene-flex material, which is both stretchy and supportive. Meanwhile, the contoured design of the sleeves ensures that you get the snug, cozy fit you need. And don’t worry about these sleeves slipping down your legs mid-workout. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift. The sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. Best for Basketball: McDavid Hex Knee Compression Sleeve Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's This two-pack of compression knee sleeves from McDavid gives you the flexible support you need while you're on the court. They are padded with foam, giving you plenty of cushion to tackle sports like basketball and volleyball with confidence. They are also crafted from a moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex, which allow you to work up a sweat without getting uncomfortable. Most importantly, the sleeves are durable, holding up to wear and tear from your favorite game. They are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large, and they come in a one-size-fits-all Youth size as well. The 10 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball of 2021 Best for Arthritis: Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeves Buy on Amazon Buy on Mavasports.com This knee sleeve is a particularly soft option that’s comfortable enough to wear every day, making it an excellent pick for folks with arthritis. Some research suggests that wearing a knee sleeve during everyday activities like walking can help relieve arthritis symptoms. While many knee sleeves are made from a stretchy blend of spandex, nylon, and latex, this design uses a bamboo charcoal fiber, which is much softer. The result? Super comfortable compressive support. This two-pack of knee sleeves is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. Best with Gel Pad: Neenca Gel Pad Knee Sleeve Buy on Amazon If you want a knee sleeve with a little extra support, then try this option from Neenca. The stretchy sleeve is crafted from a woven compression fabric, which wicks moisture and dries quickly to keep your knee comfortable. There is also a ring of gel padding in the middle of the knee sleeve that contours to your knee to offer additional support every time you wear it. Spring stabilizers lining the sides of the sleeve provide stability and support as well. This knee sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. The 7 Best Knee Pads Best with Strap: Pure Support Knee Sleeve Buy on Amazon Most knee sleeves boast a pull-on design that locks in place with silicone grip strips. This knee sleeve from Pure Support does the same thing, but it also comes with a built-in strap that makes for an even more snug and secure fit. The sleeve is constructed from a breathable, moisture-wicking textile that applies graduated compression across the knee, which means it gets tighter as you move toward the knee and looser as you move away from it. Since the sleeve fastens using two different mechanisms—an internal silicone grip strips and an external strap—you can rest assured knowing it will stay firmly in place as you move. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. Final Verdict If you're looking for a classic knee sleeve, the PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve is a solid option. It's lightweight, flexible, and breathable, and its four-way stretch design will give you the comfort and support you need.If you prefer a more supportive option, the Bauerfeind Sports Knee Sleeve is a great pick. The additional ring of padding designed to surround the kneecap provides additional support and comfort during wear. What to Look for in a Knee Sleeve Material Many knee sleeves are crafted from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex. However, some are made with softer materials, such as bamboo charcoal fiber. And others use more durable materials like copper fiber cloth. Consider what you’d like your knee sleeve to feel like before shopping to ensure that you select one that feels comfortable to you.PaddingSome knee sleeves come equipped with padding, which can offer additional comfort and support. This padding is often designed to surround and cushion the knee joint without detracting from the sleeve’s sleek profile. With that said, some designs feature thicker padding down the front of the sleeve to protect the knees during more intense activities like sports. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who have tried them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Schween R, Gehring D, Gollhofer A. Immediate effects of an elastic knee sleeve on frontal plane gait biomechanics in knee osteoarthritis. PLoS One. 2015;10(1):e0115782. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0115782 Additional Reading Schween R, Gehring D, Gollhofer A. Immediate effects of an elastic knee sleeve on frontal plane gait biomechanics in knee osteoarthritis. PLoS One. 2015;10(1):e0115782.