The 11 Best Knee Sleeves of 2021

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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,” says 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,” says Schmitt.

Verywell Fit reviewed the best knee sleeves on the market. Here are our picks to keep your knee secure and comfortable.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon

A great pick for everyday use, its four-way compression design applies compression across your knee without limiting motion.

Best Budget:

Cambivo Knee Sleeve 2-Pack at Amazon

The affordable two-pack features a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, applying consistent compression.

Best Splurge:

Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace at Amazon

Anatomically contoured, this splurge-worthy option disperses compression and works to massage connective tissue and muscles.

Best Compression:

Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve at Amazon

Complete with copper and a 3D knitting technology, this sleeve was designed to reduce swelling and soreness while staying snug.

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

Made with a flexible performance fabric, it keeps your knee supported, cool, and comfortable as you trek on your favorite trail.

Best for Weightlifting:

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves at Amazon

Ideal for weightlifters looking for extra support, it's complete with a contoured design and anti-slip technology.

Best for Basketball:

McDavid Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon

Padded with closed cell foam, this sleeve keeps you protected during high-impact activities all while preventing 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 and can be helpful 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.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Pros

Breathable
Helps prevent itch and odor
Slip-resistant
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Hand wash only

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 absorbs moisture so you can avoid both itch and odor all day long.

Meanwhile, the sleeve’s four-way compression design applies stable compression 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.

Material: Compression fabric | Care: Hand wash | Anti-Slip Features: Knitted design with silicone gel strips

Pros

Lightweight
Slip-resistant
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Hand wash only

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 compression across your knee that feels both warm and supportive. Plus, the silicone strips that run along the top 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.

Material: Nylon, latex, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Anti-slip silicone waves

Pros

Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Comes in various sizes
Machine-washable

Cons

Must be air dried

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.

Material: 3D Air-Knit Fabric | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: N/A

Pros

Antibacterial
Moisture-wicking
Breathable
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Hand wash only

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 there is limited research on the benefits of copper-infused fabrics, at least one study suggests it may have antibacterial and water-resistant properties, making it easy to keep clean. This knee sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression and successfully maintains its 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.

Material: Copper fiber, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Rubber anti-slip strips

Pros

Lightweight
Durable
Four-way stretch
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Hand wash only

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.

Material: Nylon, lycra | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double-silicone anti-slip wave

Pros

Flexible
Breathable
Four-way stretch
Machine-washable

Cons

Must be air dried

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 extra-large.

Material: Silicone | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Silicone gripper

Pros

Thick, stretchy material
Slip-resistant
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Expensive

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.

Material: Neoprene | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double silicone gel strips

Pros

Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Machine-washable
Comes in various sizes

Cons

Tends to slip

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.

Material: Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash | Anti-Slip Features: N/A

Pros

Great for daily wear
Comes in various colors
Durable

Cons

Hand wash only

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 may help with arthritis symptoms during activities such as walking.

While many knee sleeves are made from a stretchy blend of spandex, nylon, and latex, this design uses a bamboo charcoal fiber instead of nylon. The result? Super-comfortable compressive support. This two-pack of knee sleeves is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-extra-large.

Material: Bamboo charcoal fiber, latex, spandex | Care: Hand wash | Anti-Slip Features: Yes

Pros

Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Comes in various sizes
Slip-resistant

Cons

Not durable

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 absorbs 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-extra-large.

Material: Air knit fabric | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Non-slip seam strip

Pros

Slip-resistant
Moisture-wicking
Comes in various sizes
Machine-washable

Cons

Fabric tends to snag

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—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.

Material: High-performance fabric | Care: Machine wash | Anti-Slip Features: Yes

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.

“The material is very important because there are sleeves that have extra padding to stabilize your knee and joint to reduce pain and instability,” says Mark Russ, PT, DPT, at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio. He warns that these sleeves can also reduce movement, so for very active individuals, he recommends purchasing one that features a breathable material as to not impede movement.

Consider what you’d like your knee sleeve to feel like before shopping to ensure that you select one that feels comfortable to you.

Padding

Some 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.

“There has been more success in recommending knee sleeves with padding to people who are dealing with symptoms of osteoarthritis or the degeneration of knees,” explains Russ. Throughout his career, he has recommended that patients with osteoarthritis obtain sleeves that have padding to push the patella toward the midline of the body. This helps reduce pain by optimizing alignment.

FAQs

How do you measure for a knee sleeve?

To measure for a knee sleeve, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your leg at a certain distance (usually 4 to 6 inches) above your knee cap. When selecting a knee sleeve, consult the product’s packaging or website for specific instructions on where to measure.

Can you wear a knee sleeve all day?

In general, knee sleeves are suitable to wear all day and can be worn for support if you’re going to be walking or on your feet for most of the day. The material is usually comfortable enough that you can wear it for extended periods of time without irritation, chafing, or discomfort.

Do knee sleeves help knee pain?

Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist.

How tight should a knee sleeve be?

A knee sleeve should be loose enough to fit comfortably and not impede blood flow, yet snug enough not to slip down, according to Dr. Schmitt. If you feel that it’s pinching or restricting your movement in any way, then it’s too tight.

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.

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