Health and Safety The 10 Best Knee Support Products of 2021 Do the things you love without compromising your knees 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 Emily Swaim on December 28, 2020 linkedin Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process Emily Swaim Updated on April 07, 2021 Print More in Fitness Health and Safety Beginners Motivation Sports Nutrition Fitness Trends Running Strength Walking Workouts Cardio Flexibility Yoga Pilates Tools and Equipment 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. Verywell / Getty Images Our Top Picks Best Overall: DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace at Amazon "Designed for athletes and active individuals dealing with ligament instabilities, meniscus injuries, sprains, or osteoarthritis." Best Strap: Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap at Amazon "This fully adjustable, low-profile knee strap won't slip or slide down as you enjoy your favorite activities." Best Brace: DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace at Amazon "A brace that's equipped with “anti-migration technology,” which keeps it in place as you exercise." Best Sleeve: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve at Walmart "Helps reduce soreness, stiffness, and inflammation, and is suitable for use during just about any activity." Best Compression: PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve at Amazon "Designed to deliver firm compression for an extended period of time, providing continuous pain relief for a variety of ailments." Best Discreet: ACE Compression Side Stabilizer Knee Brace at Amazon "An excellent, budget-friendly pick for those who want something that can be worn easily and comfortably under clothing." Best Heavy-Duty: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace at Amazon "With hinges supporting your knee on either side, the brace offers maximum stability and support for higher-impact activities." Best for Hot and Cold Therapy: Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap at Amazon "Designed to alleviate knee pain and swelling with hot and cold therapy, it's both a wearable ice pack and compression sleeve." Best for Running: TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support at Amazon "Made to solve many of the problems runners encounter while wearing knee braces, this one won't fall down while you log miles." Best for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves at Amazon "Specifically made for weightlifters, the brace offers support and stability without sacrificing comfort or range of motion." In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for Why Trust Us Knee pain can be frustrating for anyone, but particularly for those who love being active. Walking, running, hiking, and weightlifting are just a few of the many activities that knee pain can interrupt or limit. Luckily, knee braces, knee sleeves, and knee straps can help in the short term by alleviating some of the pain you experience regularly, making your day-to-day more manageable while you build lasting strength and endurance through a physical therapy program. The particular knee support product you choose, though, will depend on what kind of knee pain you’re dealing with, why you’re dealing with that pain, and what kind of activities you’re trying to do while wearing the brace, sleeve, or strap. Here are the best knee support products for every type of athlete. Best Overall: DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace Buy on Amazon Buy on Donjoyperformance.com Pros Safe for daily use Suitable for a wide range of knee issues Balances support and comfort Cons Bulkier than other options This knee brace offers moderate support, making it a good fit for daily use, as well as more intense activities. Designed for athletes and active individuals dealing with ligament instabilities, meniscus injuries, sprains, or osteoarthritis, the brace delivers compression to the soft tissue of the knee, offering both comfort and support. Meanwhile, the hinges on either side of the brace provide even more stability. Shoppers can choose from two different styles—a tighter-fitting wraparound option and a more discreet sleeve. Available in both neoprene and Drytex materials, the brace is even suitable for use in water. It's available in a range of sizes—from extra-small to 3XL—and you can find a detailed size chart and fit guide on the DonJoy website that'll help you select the best brace for you. The 11 Best Knee Sleeves of 2021 Best Strap: Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Pros Fully adjustable strap Light and soft on the skin Easy to clean Cons Single size doesn't fit all users This knee strap from Abco Tech is crafted from a blend of neoprene and nylon, which leaves it feeling light and soft on your skin. The fully adjustable strap fits as tightly or as loosely as you need—simply use the Velcro straps to fasten it over your patellar tendon (just below your kneecap) to achieve your ideal level of support and compression. Since you’re in control of the tightness of the strap, you don’t have to worry about it slipping down your leg as you run, hike, bike, or do any of your other favorite activities, making it a perfect pick for active individuals. The breathable strap also absorbs sweat, keeping your knee dry and free of irritation and itching. Plus, it's machine washable so it won't be a pain to clean after workouts. The strap is one size fits all and comes in four colors. Which knee support is right for you? According to physical therapist Erin DiGangi, knee sleeves can provide some compressive support and awareness around the joint, as well as protect from abrasions. These products are best for people who don’t have any trouble with strength or stability of the knee. Meanwhile, patellar-stabilizing braces can be sleeves with or without straps and an opening for the kneecap. These products can be helpful for someone with instability or maltracking of the patella and can provide some support for normal joint movement. Braces with larger supports along one or both sides that have multiple straps can be useful for someone who has overall knee instability or weakness in the quadricep and hamstring muscles. These products provide the most support while still allowing movement, and they can help with pain reduction when used during aggravating activities. Best Brace: DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Donjoyperformance.com Pros Stays in place as you move Comfortable and breathable Suitable for a wide variety of knee issues Cons Bulkier than other options This performance product boasts a number of thoughtful features like stash pockets for storing your keys and reflective details that enhance your visibility in low-light conditions (making it a great option for running at night). The brace itself is crafted from a breathable neoprene material, and its adjustable pull tabs make it easy to achieve your perfect fit. Even better? It comes equipped with “anti-migration technology,” which promises to keep it in place as you move. According to DonJoy, the Bionic Knee Brace is well-suited for people with mild or moderate ligament sprains, mild or moderate tendon strains, hyperextension, or meniscus injuries. It also offers patella support and stability. The 9 Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears of 2021 Best Sleeve: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Buy on Walmart Buy on Uflexathletics.com Pros Sleek, low-profile design Comfortable, breathable fabric Heating effect promotes muscular recovery Cons Less supportive than brace options Sleek, affordable, and decidedly discreet, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve offers all-over compression without any bulk. It's crafted from a breathable, quick-dry fabric, making it a good pick for sweaty situations. And no need to worry about slippage—the sleeve boats “silicone grip gel” panels, which keep it firmly in place no matter what you’re doing. According to UFlex Athletics, the Knee Compression Sleeve can reduce soreness, stiffness, and inflammation, and it’s suitable for use during just about any activity, from low-impact exercises like yoga to high-impact sports like skiing and running. It even has heating capabilities to aid in post-workout muscular recovery. Medical Support for Knee Problems "Knee bracing is not recommended for the long term to promote optimal knee stability," said Sherif Elnaggar, PT, DPT, OCS, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. "Our knee joint is full of joint proprioceptors. (Proprioception is the ability for your body to understand where it is in space.) If we are constantly wearing a brace, we take away our knees' natural ability to utilize their own proprioceptive feedback. If you have more questions about whether you think you may need a brace, speak with a trained healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic physical therapist, sports medicine physician, or orthopedic surgeon who can evaluate you optimally." Best Compression: PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve Buy on Amazon Buy on Power-lix.com Pros Comfortable support during both activity and recovery Lasting compression power Soft and breathable Cons Loses elasticity quicker than other options The PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve is designed to deliver firm compression for an extended period of time, which the manufacturer says can provide pain relief from a variety of ailments, including arthritis, swelling, tendonitis, meniscus tear, soreness, stiffness, ACL, PCL, MCL, and other knee pain. Crafted from a soft, breathable fabric, the sleeve absorbs moisture effectively, keeping your leg sweat- and odor-free for extended periods of time. It comes equipped with silicone gel support strips that hold the sleeve in place during physical activity. According to PowerLix, it's good for daily use, for recovery between workouts, and for most sports. It comes in a range of sizes and in three different colors. The 7 Best Knee Pads Best Discreet: ACE Compression Side Stabilizer Knee Brace Buy on Amazon Buy on Riteaid.com Pros Low-profile design for casual wear Contours well to the knee Supportive without limiting range of motion Cons Slips down the leg over time Too short for taller individuals Sleek, tight, and budget-friendly, the ACE Compression Side Stabilizer Knee Brace is an excellent pick for those who want support that can be worn easily and comfortably under clothing. The brace’s low-profile design promises to contour to your knee, offering you a tight fit and the all-over compression you need in a sleeve. Ideal for stiff, weak, sore, or injured knees, the sleeve comes equipped with a behind-the-knee comfort panel, which keeps it from bunching up or falling down. And the side stabilizers running along both sides of the brace provide lateral support without limiting your range of motion. The sleeve comes in a range of sizes, from small to extra-large. Best Heavy-Duty: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace Buy on Amazon Buy on Shockdoctor.com Pros Top-notch stability and comfort Supportive without inhibiting range of motion Surprisingly breathable for a bigger brace Cons Bulkier than other options This knee brace offers maximum stability and support for higher-impact activities. Its pre-curved design is crafted with the contours of your knee in mind, delivering comfort and compression in equal measure. The hinges on either side of the brace offer additional support while its stretchy textile lets you move around with ease. Even though the brace is thick and padded, it’s vented for breathability, allowing you to cut down on nuisances like odor, bacteria, and moisture. According to Shock Doctor, it's designed to help with medial and lateral instability, minor patella instability, meniscus injuries, minor ligament sprains, hypertension, and arthritis. The 10 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball of 2021 Best for Hot and Cold Therapy: Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Vivehealth.com Pros Machine washable fabric sleeve Multiple uses Stays comfortably in place Cons Gel packs don't stay cold for very long Designed to alleviate knee pain and swelling, Vive’s Knee Ice Wrap is essentially a wearable ice pack and a compression sleeve in a single product. The brace comes with three removable and reusable gel packs you can use for both hot and cold therapy. Each pack conveniently slips into one of the brace’s pockets, allowing you to target pain points as they arise. You can use the brace’s four adjustable straps to keep your gel packs firmly in place or use them to deliver all-over compression to your knee. The wrap is crafted from a light Neoprene blend that’s soft, breathable, and machine washable. Plus, the non-slip material will keep it from bunching or twisting while you use it. An Important Reminder "There is no brace that can prevent injury from occurring or that can take the place of normal ligamentous stability or muscle strength," said Erin DiGangi. "Strength and flexibility are still more important than any kind of bracing in order to perform an activity or daily tasks. A brace in itself cannot cause harm, in my opinion, but reliance on one instead of addressing underlying issues is not maximizing the use of the brace." Best for Running: TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support Buy on Amazon Pros Stays dry as you sweat Remains in place while you run Doesn't overly restrict range of motion Cons Wears out with frequent use The TechWare Pro Knee Brace offers smaximum support for runner’s knee and is designed to solve many of the problems runners encounter while wearing knee braces. For starters, the brace’s wraparound design and adjustable straps combine to offer a fit that won’t slip out of place as you log your miles. And the brace’s fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, allowing you to run long distances without it becoming too wet or heavy. What's more, the brace's open-kneecap design promises to offer relief and compression in equal measure without limiting your range of motion while you run. It comes in four sizes—medium, large, extra-large, and 2XL—and it's also suitable for youth. The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2021 Best for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves Buy on Amazon Buy on Ironbullstrength.com Pros Plenty of stability and support Doesn't restrict range of motion Helps reduce swelling Cons Sizing runs small These knee sleeves were designed with all weightlifters in mind—from CrossFitters to powerlifters to regular gym rats—offering support and stability without sacrificing comfort or range of motion. The sleeves are lined with silicone gel strips that hold them firmly in place while you work out, and they’re crafted from a flexible compression fabric that helps reduce swelling during activity and promotes recovery afterward. The brace comes in various stylish colors and a range of sizes, from small to 2XL, with a detailed size chart and instructions for measuring your knee to find the perfect fit. Final Verdict If you're looking for knee support that's fitting for both daily movement and more intense activity, you can't go wrong with the DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace. It offers compression, comfort, and support for folks dealing with a wide variety of knee problems, keeping your joint stable and safe as you work through your personal rehabilitation plan. Prefer a sleeve design to a bulkier brace? Try the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve. The sleek, low-profile design makes it comfortable and easy to wear no matter what the day ahead holds for you, and the breathable, quick-drying, recovery-promoting fabric will remain in place as you move. What to Look for in a Knee Support Product Style Most over-the-counter knee support products come in the form of a brace, sleeve, or strap, each of which addresses different types of knee problems and pain. It's important to understand the underlying problem with your knee first before outfitting it with additional support so you pick a product that can provide proper relief. Support The amount and type of support will vary from product to product. For instance, some sleeves provide a simple sense of compression while other braces tighten with straps to counter joint instability. Again, consider the root cause of your knee issue when selecting the type and amount of support you need. Breathability If you plan on wearing a knee support product during your favorite activity, prioritize the breathability of the fabrics used in its construction. A lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable material will make all the difference in keeping you both comfortable and pain-free as you run, hike, lift weights, and more. Adjustability If your knee condition fluctuates from day to day, consider the adjustability in the knee support product you ultimately pick. For instance, braces with straps allow you to adjust the general fit, compression, and amount of joint stabilization, which also impacts your overall range of motion. This versatility is particularly helpful when you deal with varying levels of inflammation or when you're working to improve your overall knee condition with a physical therapy routine. Why trust Verywell Fit? As a seasoned health writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. Her goal is to recommend products that are genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them, and that adhere to basic guidelines laid out by licensed medical experts. 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. Cudejko T, van der Esch M, van der Leeden M, et al. The immediate effect of a soft knee brace on pain, activity limitations, self-reported knee instability, and self-reported knee confidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017;19(1):260. doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1456-0