If you’ve just had knee surgery, if you’re going through rehabilitation for an injured knee, or if you simply want a little extra support while engaged in sports, a knee brace should suit you well. Knee braces are designed to put your knee in the right position, preventing any injury and trauma, as well as limiting movement to encourage recovery.
Knee braces come in lots of different designs. Depending on your preference, size, and the topography of your knee area, one design may work better for you than another. Following this simple, informative, and comprehensive buying guide should help you navigate the knee brace market to find the best knee brace for your needs.
Top 10 Knee Braces Table
Buying Information for Knee Braces
While it’s true that normal knees generally look similar and have the same anatomy, minute differences could greatly affect your satisfaction with a specific brace. Considering these three factors will help you decide what features to look out for in a knee brace for your needs.
- Material and Make. A knee brace needs to be worn for several hours at a time. This is particular true for people who have just undergone surgery or those who have injuries. Buying a knee brace that restricts blood circulation and limits air flow to the skin could cause more problems with long-term use. Inspecting material for breathability and sufficient support that doesn’t compromise circulation should guarantee safe use.
- Durability. The knee joint is one of the most used parts of the body. Supporting a hefty amount of weight, these load-bearing joints are subject to a lot of wear and tear. That said, any knee brace that you might use for the purpose of recovery or sports should be strong enough to endure the same stress that your knees undergo. A flimsy brace will neither support your knee nor last long enough for you to get the best value out of your money.
- Maintenance. A good knee brace should last you a several months to a year of frequent use, but this also depends on how well you’re able to maintain it. Some knee braces might require more maintenance procedures, especially if they have fabrics or materials that can encourage the survival of bacteria and other harmful contaminants. If you don’t want to have to keep washing your knee brace, purchasing one that does not absorb sweat should be the best choice for your needs and preference.
Top 3 Best Knee Brace Reviews
1. Winzone Best Braces Knee Brace Support
Winzone’s Knee Brace Support is the highest rated knee support according to user reviews, making it the best knee brace currently available on the market. Falling along the middle of the price spectrum for similar products, the Win Zone Knee Brace Support is a fairly affordable brace that provides comfort, support, and breathability all in one.
Aside from its popularity as an efficient brace for sports, it’s also very effective at providing just the right level of support for people with osteoarthritis and other knee related conditions and problems. The dual Velcro bands provide support both above and below the knee, applying pressure at the right points of the thigh and leg to provide reinforcement to the knee.
Another thing that users are satisfied with when it comes to the Win Zone Knee Brace Support is its open patella design. Offering some free space for the kneecap to rest, the open patella permits minimal movement of the joint for utmost comfort.
Finally, the side of the brace that makes contact with the skin is made from very soft and smooth fabric, ideal for eliminating the chance of developing rashes and itching for people who have sensitive skin.
2. Tech Ware Pro Knee Open Patella Dual Stabilizers
Another top choice among athletes and those with knee conditions is the Tech Ware Pro Knee Brace Support. This brace features an open patella design that makes it easy for the skin underneath to breathe. This also gives joint some space to move for the user to feel more comfortable during use.
This knee brace also features the double-Velcro design that optimizes pressure points for maximum support. Pushing outward from the inner side of the thigh and leg, this design keeps all components of the knee in optimal positioning.
The only problem that some users have with the Tech Ware Pro Knee Brace Support is the fact that it can feel warm after some use. The material isn’t quite as breathable as other options. What’s more, small lines of gel lining the borders of the brace can be uncomfortable on the skin after prolonged use.
3. Pegasus Best Open Patella Knee Protector Wrap
The Pegasus Knee Brace ranks in at third as the best knee brace compared to other competitors, thanks to its sturdy build and superior support. Made entirely out of thick neoprene, this knee support is relatively thicker than other options. This allows it to immobilize the knee better and provide sufficient resistance against movement to foster healing and fast recovery from knee-related injuries and conditions.
While it is advertised as the best knee support for sports use, the Pegasus Knee Brace can be a little too bulky for some users. The thick material and limited movement make it difficult to use during sports. What’s more, this also makes it less breathable than other options. So if you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider giving the product a thorough inspection first to see if it might cause you skin irritations or rashes.