The Top 8 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball in 2023

Basketball game is a great fun! Till you land awkwardly and roll on an ankle. Sprains in knee and ankle are very common in basketball game. It has been researched out that almost 40% of basketball injuries happen to the ankle. Ankle sprain has been an aching and borderline frustrating injury.

But no need to worry, braces are there to help you with this. In US almost 1million high school basketball players go for the ankle braces to prevent injuries. Many basketball players, never worry about ankle sprains as they have ankle braces at hand.

Of course, there are many exercises which help to strengthen the ankle to prevent sprain. But in case when you are landing with full force the only chance to escape an ankle sprain is an ankle supporting and impact absorbing brace.

Who Should Get This Best ankle braces for basketball player?

If you had an ankle injury while playing basketball or if you play a lot, you surely need an ankle brace. Your ligaments and tendons become weaker with every injury and even if you never encountered an injury, still shooting around you might be putting a lot of pressure on your ankle which may result in stressing pain or injury. Opting for a suitable ankle brace along with providing support limits the chances of injury

How does frequent Ankle Sprain occur?

According to an analysis, based on video footages of Ankle injuries, in 2017 it was found that ankle sprains in basketball game usually occur due to an internal rotation and abrupt inversion of the ankle with low levels of plantarflexion or even by mere impulsive inversion short of internal rotation.

How Can You Prevent Ankle Injury?

According to a study conducted in 2019 there are two possible ways to escape ankle injury resulting from rotation or sudden inversion

Exercise programs

Defensive exercise programs that toughen lower body key muscles and increase proprioception, awareness of body’s positioning in space. Exercises make your body react on time naturally making you able to lessen the force-impact on the ankle ligaments.

Ankle braces

If the game play is wild and you can’t help it, no need to worry, Ankle braces are there to provide additional external support ensuring proper positioning of your ankle to dodge stretching out the ligaments. This will ultimately result in proper ankle protecting limiting the chances of ankle sprain or injury

What To Consider When Looking For An Ankle Brace?

Not all the existing braces come up to your mark and expectations so before going for one take care of the following considerations

Suitable for your intended purpose

As we have seen above that different braces are used for different purposes therefore you must first be sure of the concern you want the brace for. It is only after having decided your concern that you come to know what the most suitable type of ankle brace you need.

Fit and comfort

Not all the braces may fit so make sure to trail the measurement guidelines provided by the manufacturer an ankle braces have to be a perfect fit and snug however otherwise it is useless. But remember they should not be overtight as to restrict the required movement and flexibility.

Allow movement

As already discussed that the ankle brace should not be tight enough to hinder or block the required movement and flexibility. When buying one make sure you go for the permits a good range of movement

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To help you choose the best for your basketball game we are presenting you with some top rated basketball braces

1. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer

Product Review

Med Spec Ankle Stabilizer are the best choice when you are looking for an ankle brace for basketball game. I have personally tried these amazing braces on the recommendation of my therapist. Let me share my experience of using Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizers. Their biggest benefit that I found is that these ankle stabilizers and extremely comfy and come with a multi-layer lock-down. Within front and in between lacing they stabilize your foot from moving back, and fourth. There is a nephron sleeve as well in between your ankle and lace along with some breathable mesh material on the bottom. The sleeve keeps your ankle safe from scraping by lacing. They come with a perfect lockdown from all required sides.

Our expert research team conducted a survey with the people who use Med Spec ASO and they found that theses braces have been the best recommendation of most of the orthopedic specialists and physicians in case of injuries. Their strong and uniquely engineered bracing system keeps the injury away. They further found that maximum of the braces users prefer Med Spec ASO because they are extremely look friendly and comfy.

Experience

Absolutely fantastic product! Easy to use and stabilizes the ankle immediately for instant comfort. I’ve walked miles all around the French Quarter in NOLA and couldn’t be happier with the comfort level I’ve enjoyed Great ankle brace. I wear this as a preventive measure. Great added support. Great fit. Not bulky feeling or too tight. I honestly don’t think about it while competing. Highly recommend.

2. McDavid Level 3 Ankle Brace with Straps, 1 Count

Product Review

Known for their robustness, McDavid Level 3 Ankle Brace are one of the most famous knee braces that exist in the market. They are especially designed to be a perfect fit and more suitable for anyone having knee pain, injury or sprain.

Our research team personally met with many sport persons and asked about McDavid Level 3 Ankle Brace. They told that these braces have been their best choice. The braces not only made them feel comfortable and confident but also fearless in their gameplay as after wearing them the players feel safe from getting any ankle pain or sprain. Our team found that the cases of injury reduced to a considerable extent among the university students when they started using McDavid Level 3 Ankle Brace. Their duty material ensures their long-lasting life.

Experience

Very amazing but this thing has been a life changer. It has allowed me to work as a server 6 weeks after breaking my ankle. I actually forget that I am wearing it while running around at work. It stabilizes my ankle just enough to allow me to move but still feel confident that I won’t re-injure myself. It won’t fit in all of my shoes (not adidas) but my sketcher’s sneakers have a wider opening and are fine. I love it.

3. Mcdavid Ankle Brace, Ankle Support

Product Review

Best known for lightweight, Mcdavid Ankle Brace is the favorite one of most basketball players, coaches, trainer and even the sports therapists. They are cool and comfy with their nylon/vinyl material. These braces have a great in-sewn arc support. These braces come with great padding ensuring maximum safety. Their elastic heel, and tongue along with hDc moisture control lining make them the most liked among the athletes

Our research team, when surveyed the basketball players and themselves used them, found that they are highly comfy, with the combination of injury protection and prevention capacity. They have a high impact in improving performance. The users further told that these braces help to reduce lactic acid, ensures recovery from fatigue with the help of increased blood flow

Experience

Worked very well for my badly sprained ankle. It is thinner and more breathable than neoprene plus better stability. I could fit it in my boot with some effort. Helped a lot.

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4. Ankle Support Brace, Breathable Neoprene Sleeve,

Product Review

Bragging Customized support, Ankle Support Brace are the best choice in case of swelling and sprain. They sooth overworked muscles. They come in such designs as are suitable for all ages. Their nephron and nylon material make them flex and provide heat retention Capacity. Manufactured through best technique with hard shell fast recovery and protection.

Our survey regarding these braces resulted that the people who wear these braces are less afraid of injuries while a wild-play. The players who were surveyed told that these braces reduce muscle fatigue, control swelling and pain by increasing muscles warmth. They are super flexible and adjustable and help to move with ease

Experience

I broke my leg (near the ankle) three months ago and needed a brace that was a little less invasive than the one doctor originally provided for me now that I’ve officially healed. This one has fit the bill nicely. It provides mild support, feels good and is easy to put on. I’ll definitely keep it for occasions when I’ll be walking far distances and need some extra support. I wouldn’t use it in place of a medical device that your doctor prescribes, but this is good for other uses.

5. Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Product Review

Best trending braces for their fast recovery feature. Sleeve Stars Ankle Braces come great compression customization facility that offer fast pain relief and increased blood flow. They are the best recommended braces in case tendonitis, of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. They also brag heel support to help you get rid of heel pain

Our research team decided to get the feedback of the players who wear Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace. During the survey we found the number of players who wear these braces are almost uncountable and unimaginably increasing. The people who wear them told that Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace help their injury recover at accelerated speed and prevent future injuries. They commented that these braces give high level of comfort and flexibility. Their heel support keeps the pain out in active games such as football, volleyball, basketball etc.

Experience

Easy to put on and adjust as needed to fit properly, good support and helps to relieve pain from ankle sprain and tendonitis, comfortable to wear for several hours.

6. McDavid 511 Compression Ankle Support

Product Review

McDavid 511 offers you the best compression and enhances your game skills. These braces are well- accepted by the basketball players due to their performance apparel and guaranteed protection. Their injury preventing and safety providing feature impacts the level of performance and makes the players more consistent. They are lactic acid manufactured braces hence greatly help to relieve from pain and fatigue and offer high level of protection from injury

Our research team explored the views of the basketball lovers who used these braces. According to them these braces help them play with maximum efficiency and confidence. They take away of their fear of getting injured. They further told that after they started wearing McDavid 511 Compression Ankle they have been hardly facing any injury. They recover fast, get energetic soon, cover their fatigue and feel cool and confident during their gameplay

7. ComfiLife Ankle Brace for Men & Women

Product Review

ComfiLife Ankle Brace are the perfect choice for an ankle brace pick. They come with customized ankle wrap and ensure natural ankle position with extra level of stability. Their fitting helps to prevent fractures and sprains. Their efficient fit with customizing feature make them more suitable for a wild gameplay. They come with Velcro closure stabilizers and silicon inside with strong gripping. Their compression level guarantees fast recovery and reduced swelling making it more suitable for sprains, tendon, plantar fasciitis etc.,

Our research team when went through the people who wear ComfiLife Ankle Brace. They found that these braces are well known among many sport lovers. They told that the braces` breathable material keeps their feet cool and sweat free. They help them run faster, and play much efficiently in soccer, golf, basketball volleyball and more. They further told that the best thing about these braces is that they come with lifetime warranty.

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8. Vive Ankle Ice Pack Wrap – Foot Cold

Product Review

Vive Ankle Ice Pack Wrap are recognized as one of the best pain relieving gear available. They help supporting ankle and foot, reduce pain and inflammation and prevent future injuries. Their Ergonomical design perfectly targets arc and ankle. They come with a reusable brace that helps to recover fast in case of tendonitis, localized soreness, plantar fasciitis, sprains and many more. You get cool and hot therapy by Their Arctic Flex gel packs.

Our research team after interviewing multiple star players and diehard fans of basketball found they these braces are the loved ones due to their relaxing and hot and cool therapy feature. According to the users theses braces are highly flexible and breathable. They provide them with ease while playing with their latex free and leak-proof gel packs. These braces come with fastener system for a great and perfect fit. The interesting thing that the users told that these braces come with the whole two months guarantee.

Types of Ankle Braces

Keeping in view their specific use ankle braces have been designed in different types

Soft braces or Ankle sleeves

Ankle sleeves mainly offer compression that helps dismiss mild pain and discomfort such as stiffness swelling, and bump. To ensure the required flexibility and warmth Neoprene or elastic fabrics is mostly used to manufacture these braces

Ankle braces with straps

These ankle sleeves made of neoprene come with straps to wound around your ankle in a crisscross design. These straps ensure proper positioning to avoid rolling. They are the best choice, in case you need compression and a sturdier support for your ankle.

Lace up braces

These ankle brace come with laces. These laces ensure the superior level of adjustability providing not only a comfy fit but a more robust and custom fit support to your braces. Sometime to offer superior stability they also come with straps.

Semi-rigid ankle brace

These ankle braces are highly movement supportive along with providing a higher degree of support. They have been identified as the most supportive braces in case of severe injury. They come with plastic made plates which are sturdy in nature. To prevent the joint from slipping or moving awkwardly they are positioned on both of sides of the ankle by straps.

Orthosis or Rigid ankle brace

Orthosis offer the uppermost level of backing. They the best recommended in case of severe injuries and recovery post operation. In the ankle area they come with rigid plastic plates that stretches to the sole of the feet ensuring extreme stability and support to the joint. This design limits the range of motion hence is not apposite for vigorous sports activities.

Your doctor’s recommendation

And finally if you suffer from long-lasting instability or injury then you must have some off time from your game play to completely recover and get you strengthen back. In case the problem gets more sever, make sure that you consult a good doctor to determine the best brace fitting you healing requirements in certain specific conditions.

Conclusion: Best Ankle Braces for Basketball

Now after having looked at the above given information it can safely concluded that ankle braces are must for any basketball player. As it is the most frequent happening in this game that you encounter sever injuries resulting in sprains, pain and frustration, so going for braces is an ultimate need. They help you avoid future strains and injuries and ensure comfort and fast healing from the existing injuries. So, why wait? Keep the given consideration and the list of top rated braces reviewed by our whole team in mind and buy the best one for yourself