The 15 Best Knee Braces To Keep You Moving

Best Overall

Shock Doctor Knee Compression Sleeve

$25 $23 at Amazon $25 at Dick's View on Shockdoctor.com

Why We Recommend It

With a combination of a reasonable price point, extreme breathability, and top-tier compression, this knee brace from Shock Doctor is our clear pick for the best overall. The four-way stretch spandex works in the back of the knee to promote a comfortable flex. As a result, the knee brace is not only a good choice for issues like arthritis and bursitis but also for people who want to use it for working out. A non-slip silicone gripper lining also works to keep it in place.

While this option is also available in an open patella model, we like the closed patella model for added overall compression. It also features moisture-wicking neoprene and airflow venting technology for added breathability. It’s available in sizes small through extra extra large. And its padded patella buttress helps to offer knee stability. Finger tabs also make the brace easy to pull on.

Keep in Mind

Some people may experience mild bunching after a set of leg exercises. Also, the knee brace won’t be ideal for people facing more serious injuries or for those who need longer-term assistance. However, for discomfort and minor ailments, this is pound-for-pound our best pick.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Compression | Sizes: S–XXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene, nylon, polyester, rubber}

Best Budget

Equate Adjustable Knee Brace

$14 at Walmart

Why We Recommend It

Finding solid knee support shouldn’t break the bank. Like our best overall pick, this brace also features a reinforced buttress for patella support, but it also comes at an extremely reasonable price. Plus, it offers three straps that enable you to adjust the compression and support level of the brace. This option is a one-size-fits-most, with the straps aiding in adjustability to ensure a proper fit.

Keep in Mind

Do note that while the three-strap system is a nice benefit for adjustability purposes, it does lend itself to a few minor issues. Primarily, you might find it can be too tight. Additionally, this option features latex, which some people may be allergic to. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Straps | Sizes: One size | Knee: Both | Materials: Latex}

Best Hinged

DonJoy Knee Brace

$250 $189 at Amazon View on Donjoystore.com

Why We Recommend It

Wu notes that DonJoy is a brand commonly recommended by doctors, and looking at the brand’s Performance Bionic Fullstop ACL Knee Brace, it’s easy to see why. Research demonstrates that braces with hinges offer force and torque absorption during athletic movements. 

While this option is great for people who want to promote stability and ensure they don’t run themselves into dangerous end ranges of motion, it also has a handful of other features that we appreciate. Four-way adjustable straps mean you can create a more tailored fit while also getting joint support and ACL protection. As a sleeve, it also offers a good deal of compression, using neoprene and breathable mesh for temperature regulation. Lastly, a simple but nice feature that we appreciate is that the brace includes reflectivity, which helps to keep you safe in low-visibility areas. 

Keep in Mind

Of course, nothing is perfect, and there are a few minor details that hinder this brace. For starters, it is much more expensive than most of the other options on our list, but as a highly recommended brand by doctors, it’s a worthwhile investment. Some people may also find the sizing to run small, and it doesn’t include an XXL option.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Hinged/sleeve | Sizes: S–XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene, spandex, mesh}

Best for Arthritis

PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve

$20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart View on Power-lix.com

Why We Recommend It

Though research is mixed, there is some research that indicates that an elastic knee sleeve may improve pain and the functional capacity of people with knee osteoarthritis. With this data in mind, we like the Powerlix Knee Compression Sleeve for a handful of reasons, and it also earns Wu’s approval as a choice for general compression.

For starters, we like that this compression sleeve works to provide stable pressure across the entire knee joint, but the four-way compression is still designed to be able to provide a full range of motion. Additionally, this option features two silicone gel strips to help keep everything in place should you decide to wear it for a workout. Plus, we appreciate that these sleeves are available in six different colors as owning something you actually like the look of will make you more likely to wear it. 

This sleeve is made from nylon and spandex, which makes it moisture-wicking and breathable in addition to offering a bit of stretch. We appreciate that Powerlix provides a six-month, 100% money-back guarantee. to be too tight.

Keep in Mind

This brace will reach about 5 inches up your thigh, and people with larger thighs may find it to be too tight. Washing it frequently can also affect the elasticity. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Compression | Sizes: S–XXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Nylon, spandex}

Best for Pain

CARESOLE Circa Knee Sleeve

$50 $33 at Amazon View on Circaknee.co

Why We Recommend It

Wu recommends Caresole’s Circa Knee Sleeve for its lower profile and straps that offer a snug fit while also compressing the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament area. She notes that this can help to unload the tissues if someone has tendonitis in that area, which is why this option made our list as the best option for pain.

Because of the fit and material, the sleeve is a good choice for someone who needs it for everyday relief, but it can also be worn to exercise since it allows for a full range of motion. The lower profile Wu mentions is a benefit should you wear the brace while out and about, since it can be worn under pants without being bulky and bulging through. The compression encourages blood flow, which can enhance lubrication and reduce pain, and it provides support to the kneecap to help keep the brace in place.

Keep in Mind

Do be aware that the brace runs a bit small, and be sure to follow washing instructions so it doesn’t shrink in the wash.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Sleeve | Sizes: S–XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene}

Best For Injuries

Bauerfeind Knee Support

$209 $168 at Amazon View on Bauerfeind.com

Why We Recommend It

While you need to consult with a medical professional if you are facing an injury, knee braces can help with a wide variety of ailments. In particular, we like Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain S Knee Brace, which is designed to be able to help with arthritis, advanced meniscus tears, and knee sprains, as well as other injuries.

Adjustable straps allow you to create an optimal fit for whatever issue you’re facing so you can get the right support. Additionally, joint side bars work to promote stability, and viscoelastic pads provide a massaging effect during usage. All of this occurs while medical-grade compression aids in pain reduction and improved circulation. Additionally, this brace has seven different sizes and can accommodate a wide range of people.

Keep in Mind

This option is a bit more expensive than other choices on our list. It’s also side-specific and only works on one knee, so you will have to purchase two if both of your knees are injured.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Brace | Sizes: 1–7 | Knee: Left/right | Materials: Polyamid, glasfaser, TPS, elastodiene, polyurethane, elasthan, viscose, polyester, polyoxymethylene, cotton, TPU}

Best For Running

Wonder Steps Knee Compression Sleeve

View on Wonder-steps.com

Why We Recommend It

The Wonder Knee Brace Knee Compression Sleeve comes recommended by Wu for its acupressure pads surrounding the knee to help alleviate pain. She also likes it for the side bolsters that she notes can unload the joint without inhibiting movement dramatically, making it ideal for running.

Other features we love include the ergonomic fit that keeps the brace in place so it won’t slide off during usage, as well as the ergolastic pad that provides cushioning around the kneecap. The brace is made with breathable, sweat-absorbing, machine-washable materials, which is vital to deal with the sweat volume produced by running. It also doesn’t hurt that the FDA approved this product as a natural alternative to surgery, shots, and medications. and we like that it also comes with a one-year warranty.

Keep in Mind

Some people may experience mild bunching behind the knee due to the design. Additionally, there’s no XXL size option.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Sleeve | Sizes: S-XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene}

Best for Sports

Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve 2 Pack

$17 at Amazon $18 at Walmart View on Cambivo.com

Why We Recommend It

When choosing a knee brace or knee sleeve for sports, factors like support and compression will be important, but other factors such as flexibility and breathability become even more imperative when you are using it while in motion and breaking a sweat. With these factors in mind, Cambivo’s Knee Brace stood out to us as a great option for anyone looking for support during sports. 

Double-lined, anti-slip silicone grip rings at the top of these sleeves help them stay in place, even during sports with quicker movements such as basketball or skiing. Additionally, the brace is made of nylon, spandex, and latex to promote breathability and moisture absorption, so you can use it no matter the season. And of course, it offers excellent compression to improve circulation and keep your knees warm, which is great for working out or going for a hike. Plus, we like that it comes in a two-pack to keep both your knees protected. 

Keep in Mind

While the brace provides compression and is great for exercise and sports, it doesn’t offer as much support as other models. It also runs on the smaller side. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Sleeve | Sizes: S–XXXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Nylon, spandex, latex}

Best for Stability

Fit Geno Hinged Knee Brace

$40 at Amazon View on Fitgeno.com

Why We Recommend It

Stability is key to avoiding further injury to an already damaged knee, and we like Fit Geno’s Hinged Knee Brace to help with this. It features hinges and side stabilizers that work to improve medial and lateral stability. If you find you don’t need as much stability, you can remove the dual aluminum hinges and rely on the side stabilizers. 

This option also includes a patella gel pad to help prevent injury, as well as two medical-grade silicone strips and four adjustable straps to ensure that everything stays put during exercise. We also appreciate that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Keep in Mind

This brace might not do a great job of staying in place if you start to sweat, and the velcro could come undone with lots of activity. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Brace with hinges | Sizes: Medium, large | Knee: Both | Materials: Aluminum, other materials not listed}

Best for Recovery

Doufurt Knee Brace Stabilizer

$30 $25 at Amazon

Why We Recommend It

If you are already injured and need a brace to help you during your recovery, we suggest Doufort’s Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers. Two spiral springs on both sides of the knee offer joint support and can aid in relieving knee pressure. Additionally, it also has a medical-grade patella gel pad that is shockproof to help with patella injuries. Lastly, an adjustable velcro design enables you to find your own preferred tightness, depending on the injury and its severity. The neoprene helps promote circulation, which can be important for healing, and the inner fabric works to absorb sweat.

Keep in Mind

This product can impede mobility a bit should you want to move around a lot. It’s also a bit heavier than other braces on our list.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Brace | Sizes: S–XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene}

Best Compression

Rehband Knee-Sleeve for Weightlifting

$85 at Amazon View on Rehband.com View on Roguefitness.com

Why We Recommend It

If compression is your goal, why not look to a company that outfits elite weightlifters with the goal of keeping their joints warm and safe? Rehband’s Original V Knee Sleeve is a popular and classic compression sleeve commonly seen at gyms and with good reason. The 7-millimeter thick neoprene provides excellent compression and warmth, but what makes the brace so great is that it’s designed with exercise in mind and won’t compromise during any sort of movement. 

The sleeve stays in position even when brought through different ranges of motion, including explosive movements like squatting. It’s durably made and will hold up well over time, even after machine washing (although you should avoid machine drying it).

Keep in Mind

Do be aware that the brace is only available in blue, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Fortunately, it’s available in XS through XXL and runs true to size. The brace is only sold individually, which isn’t uncommon on our list. However, if you plan to use it for exercise, we suggest purchasing two.  

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Sleeve | Sizes: XS–XXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Polyamide, SBR, neoprene}

Best Versatile

McDavid Knee Support Wrap

$50 $44 at Amazon View on Mcdavidusa.com View on Dunbarmedical.com

Why We Recommend It

Being able to adjust your knee brace, sleeve, or wrap is a great way to ensure it can accommodate a variety of different ailments. McDavid’s VOW Versatile Wrap Knee Wrap With Stays allows you to adjust both compression level and fit with its Overwrap system. The top wrap is in control of fit, muscle support, and compression, while the bottom wrap works to isolate and stabilize the patella. 

We like that this option also offers lateral support, with spring steels on both sides and a strap-free back that enhances range of motion and comfort. An added bonus is that this option is HSA/FSA eligible.

Keep in Mind

The brace is limited in sizing compared to other choices, only ranging from S to XL.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Wrap | Sizes: S-XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex}

Best Support

McDavid Knee Brace Support

$55 $25 at Amazon $48 at Walmart View on Mcdavidusa.com

Why We Recommend It

If added support is what you need from your knee brace, then features like reinforced steel springs are important. McDavid’s Knee Brace Support uses these springs to be able to make you feel confident with moving, especially if you’re already injured. Additionally, elastic cross straps enhance the compression of the neoprene sleeves, while providing rotational ligament support.

An added feature that we appreciate for support, particularly for people with patella issues, is the open patella with a padded buttress to help keep it in place.

Keep in Mind

This brace runs a bit small, and the velcro may wear out over time. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Brace with straps | Sizes: S–XXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene}

Best for Movement

Neenca Professional Knee Brace

$26 $21 at Amazon

Why We Recommend It

A good knee brace can alleviate pain and make movement that was previously undoable a more realistic reality, restoring a level of higher quality to your life in the process. We particularly like Neenca’s Knee Brace for movement due to a few unique features. The brace’s even compression provides effective pain relief, allowing you to return to movements that previously caused pain. Other features that make this a good choice for people looking to move include elastic webbing on the inside and non-slip gel grips, which keep the brace in place through end ranges of motion. 

The brace features a patella gel pad and side spring stabilizers to disperse pressure and aid in keeping your knee warm. One important feature for people who move a lot is this brace’s breathability and lightweight air knit fabric that fights excessive heat and sweat.

Keep in Mind

It tends to run small, and the side braces wear down easily with frequent use. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Sleeve | Sizes: XS–XXXL | Knee: Both | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex}

Best With Patella Gel Pads

Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers

$17 at Amazon View on Bodyprox.com

Why We Recommend It

If you struggle with patella pain, investing in a knee brace or sleeve with a patella gel pad can work wonders. This option from Bodyprox features not only patella gel pads but also adjustable straps that work in tandem for patellar tracking, which can help alleviate pain. The silicone gel pad works with the knee’s contours to offer stability, but the open patella design works to reduce pressure.

The adjustable straps are bi-directional and cross above and below the knee to offer added kneecap stability and keep the patella more stationary during movement. Plus, if you are looking to be active while wearing this brace, stabilizer springs are built into both the left and right sides to work with the natural movement patterns of the joint so that mobility isn’t inhibited.

Keep in Mind

The extra padding can make this option a bit tricky to put on the first few times, and the velcro may wear out and be less effective over time.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Brace | Sizes: One size, and XL | Knee: Both | Materials: Neoprene}