Best Knee Brace For Running
Looking for the best knee brace to help you as you keep running?
Running is a great way of getting fit and staying healthy, but injuries can happen. Knee braces provide great knee support during recovery from an injury – alleviating pain and reducing swelling as well as protecting against further similar issues when returning to physical activities after being cleared by a doctor.
Our research has uncovered some great options for the right knee brace so you don’t have to do all the looking.
Check out our range for the best knee braces for running.
How we choose our knee braces
We know that you want to find the best knee braces for your knee. We are here to make that decision much simpler.
I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings, and put my years of experience in the health industry into the research to help you make the best decision for your knee regardless of your budget.
From affordable knee braces to ones which give better support for sport, I will have something here for your situation. There is something to suit you no matter your budget.
What to look for in a knee brace
When selecting the perfect knee brace for running, several factors should be kept in mind. Firstly, consider the Level of Support your knee requires. Knee braces come in different levels from basic, which provide mild support, to advanced, offering maximum support often needed after a severe injury or surgery.
Next, look for Comfort & Fit. The best knee braces should be comfortable to wear for extended periods, with a snug fit that doesn’t slip during your running sessions.
Material & Breathability are equally important aspects to consider. The best knee braces should be made of durable, yet breathable material to keep your knee dry and comfortable.
The Adjustability of the brace can make a great difference in its effectiveness. Adjustable straps allow for a more personalized fit, enhancing comfort and support.
Finally, bear in mind the Price. Knee braces range from budget-friendly options to high-end knee braces with extra features. Always prioritize quality and suitability to your specific needs over price.
Lifeway compression knee sleeve
Why I love it
The Lifeway compression knee sleeve offers good protection, applying stable pressure across your knee joint in order to relieve pain. This knee brace provides muscle support during your workouts and your everyday activities.
This knee support is great for any activity that involves a great amount of stress on the joints like jogging, football, basketball, CrossFit, soccer, cricket, golf, gym, hiking, running, tennis, volleyball, and more. You’ll enjoy exceptional knee support while still maintaining your peak performance and a full range of leg motion.
It is manufactured to provide support and comfort without compromising on your mobility. The tight, form-fitting, and breathable compression fabric maintains joint stability regardless of activity while avoiding the itchiness common to neoprene supports.
The Lifeway knee sleeve features an anti-slip system. The special knitted technical design with two silicone gel strips ensures your sleeve always stays put, no matter what you do.
What you should know
Lifeway provides a 100% money-back guarantee and offer a 6-month guarantee, no questions asked
The design of the sleeve comes in different colors to make you look fashionable anywhere, anytime. The special fabric gives you a smooth and soft feel, so you can wear them all day long.
Comes in 4 sizes, Small, Medium, Large, X Large.
OS1st PS3 performance patella sleeve
Why I love it
The OS1st PS3 performance patella sleeve stands out with its exceptional performance features. It will ease pain and stabilize the knee joint during rigorous activities, which makes it perfect for active individuals.
The sleeve not only improves patella tracking but also eliminates the need for constant readjustments, thanks to its innovative hypo-allergenic gel anti-migration system. This replaces traditional straps seen in many other knee braces, ensuring it stays in place no matter the intensity of your activity.
This knee brace is designed to target, treat, and help prevent a range of conditions like Patellar Tendonitis (also known as jumper’s knee), patella tracking, arthritis, runner’s knee, and general knee pain.
It employs medical-grade compression to provide targeted support to the tendons and joints, promoting circulation, reducing impact vibration, and boosting recovery.
It is a lightweight knee brace, with a thin design that makes it more wearable than most.
The high-quality micro-nylon/spandex blend material used in this knee brace is treated with an anti-microbial and moisture-wicking agent. This results in an odour-controlled and breathable sleeve that eliminates sweat buildup underneath, maintaining maximum comfort throughout your activity.
What you need to know
To ensure the right fit, it’s recommended to measure your arch circumference. If you find yourself in between sizes, simply opt for the larger size.
Finally, OS1st comes with a satisfaction guarantee. Each of their products is backed by a 100% customer satisfaction promise.
With the right care – hand washing and air drying – your OS1st PS3 performance patella sleeve is designed to provide lasting support.
Comes in X Small, Small, Medium, Large, x Large.
NEENCA professional knee brace
Why I love it
NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
The NEENCA Professional Knee Brace has an exclusive patented spring knee support technology. This technology features an anatomically contoured patella gel pad surrounding the kneecap and double-sided metal spring stabilizers that fit snugly with your knee joint. These elements bolster side support and stabilize the joint, effectively dispersing knee pressure.
This knee brace uses fabric to keep the knee warm, reducing stiffness, and promoting oxygen flow. It enhances circulation around the knee area, wraps around your patella for improved stability, and relaxes the tendons to avoid pulling and prevent muscle strain.
The 3D structure of woven knitted technology fits with your knee curve. Side spring stabilizers on both sides and the patella gel pad won’t fall off easily during use, and non-slip gel strips prevent sliding or rolling during exercise.
The NEENCA knee compression sleeve applies targeted compression to your knee, improving poor blood circulation, increasing oxygen flow, and reducing inflammation. It’s suitable for pain recovery or enhancing performance during workouts. The air-knit fabric absorbs and evaporates sweat, making it breathable, fast-drying, and lightweight.
Its multifunctional design makes it ideal for training, sports & exercise at all levels. It’s suitable for athletes and individuals suffering from knee pain, meniscus tear, arthritis, ACL, PCL, MCL, joint pain, sports injuries, swelling, and more.
What you need to know
It is unisex and suitable for both the left and right legs.
As always, NEENCA offers a full refund for any reason.
Comes in 7 sizes: X Small, Small, Medium, Large, X Large, XX Large, XXX Large. Please refer to the size chart for the perfect fit.
Bodyprox patella tendon knee strap
Why we love it
The Bodyprox Patella Tendon Knee Strap is a versatile and adjustable knee support solution. Its customizable design allows for adjustments according to individual knee curves, offering enhanced protection for the patella.
This knee strap features built-in silicone gel padding for added comfort, and the soft neoprene straps are adjustable with hook-and-loop fastener straps, making it extremely comfortable to wear. The padding provides robust support to the knee, especially useful when going uphill or downhill.
The Bodyprox Knee Strap is designed to alleviate knee pain and stiffness and is suitable for many conditions as well as sports-related injuries.
An additional feature is its breathability. The strap is reinforced with hexagonal venting holes for better ventilation, ensuring ultimate comfort while stabilizing the knee and preventing potential injuries.
What you need to know
One size, adjustable.
Fits up to 18 inches.
One colour, black.
FAQs
Should I wear a knee support while running?
Whether or not you’ve had a knee injury in the past, in most cases it is good to use a knee brace while running. The primary reason is that while you’re running, your knees absorb a lot of the impact, which can lead to damage over time.
Running is a high-impact exercise and the stress placed on your knees can cause wear and tear, contributing to conditions like runner’s knee or patellar tendinitis. A knee brace provides the much-needed knee support, reducing the strain on your knee joints and helping to prevent injuries.
It also provides extra support andstability to your knee, ensuring that it moves correctly when you’re running.
And if you’re recovering from an injury, a knee brace can assist in supporting and stabilizing the knee, giving pain relief and helping to speed up the healing process.
It is always beneficial to consult with a professional to ensure a proper fit and understand if a knee brace is suitable for your specific needs.
How do I stabilize my knees when running?
Stabilizing your knees when running can be achieved by doing a few simple things. One of the easiest ways to prevent any type of knee injury or strain is to wear a knee compression brace or compression sleeve. These orthotic aids reduce the impact of running on your knees by stabilizing the kneecap and adjacent ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
In addition to wearing knee brace, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening your leg muscles, and incorporating low-impact cross-training activities into your regimen can also contribute to improved knee stability.
Always remember, it’s crucial to listen to your body and give it the necessary rest if you feel any discomfort in your knees.
What is runners’ knee called?
Patellofemoral (puh-tel-o-FEM-uh-rul) pain syndrome is pain at the front of the knee, around the kneecap.
This condition is sometimes referred to as “runner’s knee” due to its prevalence among runners, but it can also affect individuals who engage in sports that involve running and jumping.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by a general discomfort in the knee area, which can range from mild to severe and may hinder daily activities or athletic performance.
Should I run with knee pain?
Running with even mild pain in your knee is not advisable. It’s essential to pay attention to your body and avoid further injury.
If you experience knee pain, it’s important to take a break from running and rest your knee.
If the pain persists, even after a week’s rest, it’s recommended to consult with a GP or a physiotherapist. They can provide a thorough assessment, identify the cause of your pain, and guide you on the appropriate treatment plan.
The timeline for resuming running will depend on the severity of your knee pain and the underlying cause. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and prioritize your health.
Does a compression sleeve help runners’ knee?
Yes, compression sleeves can indeed be beneficial for managing runner’s knee. A knee brace or support that provides medical-grade compression is an excellent choice for dealing with this condition.
Providing a snug, yet comfortable fit, a compression sleeve brace can contribute significantly towards pain relief in your knee. This can be particularly crucial during the initial stages of your recovery when the pain may be at its most severe.
The compression provided by the compression knee braces improves blood circulation, facilitating faster recovery and providing relief from inflammation and swelling.
However, it’s sensible to consult with a healthcare professional to make sure the compression level is suitable for your specific condition.
Is it better to wear a knee brace under or over pants?
Generally, most knee braces should be worn under your pants. This is because if you wear functional knee braces or post-op compression knee braces over your pants and bend your knee, the pants can pull the brace down, compromising its effectiveness.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If you have a cotton-lycra knee sleeve or tight leggings that are not slippery, you can wear your knee brace over your pants.
How tight should a knee brace be for running?
When running the best knee braces should feel snug but not too tight. As a general rule, you should be able to slide two fingers under the strap. If those two fingers cannot fit under the strap, the brace is too tight, and you should loosen it slightly and repeat the test.
On the other hand, if you can slide two fingers under the strap easily and have room to wiggle a third finger in there, then the brace is too loose.
It’s important to achieve a balance between security and comfort; the knee brace should provide ample knee support without restricting circulation or causing discomfort.
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