The best knee brace for running can partly help alleviate the knee pain you regularly experience during a run. When buying a knee brace, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider.
But it is best to choose a knee brace for running that can meet the four following critical points:
- Style
- Support
- Breathability
- Adjustability
To help you choose the most suitable product for your need, we have compiled a list of great knee braces for your consideration, along with a helpful buying guide. Let's get started!
The best knee brace for running in 2022 are:
- DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace
- DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace
- POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeves
- Shock Doctor Maximum Knee Brace
- TechWare Pro Knee Brace
Is It Good To Put On A Knee Brace All Day?
It depends on the kind of activity and support. If you have patellofemoral pain, you might want to wear a compression brace all day while moving around or walking.
For sure, you can advise your physical therapist or doctor for detailed guidance on how long you should put on knee braces.
How Tight Should A Knee Brace Be?
Knee braces need to be tight enough to ensure they are snug and will not slip. However, they also need to be loose enough for optimal comfort. If you feel it is pinching, it might be too tight. You should loosen your brace a little bit.
Will Knee Braces Help Heal My Knee?
A knee brace can relieve some kinds of pain or prevent injuries. Currently, there is no definitive evidence that a knee brace can actively heal an injured heel. However, it can provide structural support and protection for the injured spot while moving.
With its support, you might experience less pain caused by the injury. As it can remove much stress you feel in the knee; it can be helpful for your healing process.
In-depth Reviews Of Top 10 Best Knee Brace For Running
We will dive into detailed features of the best knee brace for running, along with their problems and advice from experts and users.
#1. DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace - Best Overall
Review
Our winner – the DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace, stands out for great support for your knee, making it a perfect fit for daily use and intense activities like running.
In particular, the knee brace provides moderate stability for knee ligament, osteoarthritis, sprains, and meniscus injuries. We also love its bilateral hinges that help offer extra knee support.
Regarding breathability, the brace is made of drytex fabric to allow improved airflow. This material is a combination of a polyester-lycra fabric and a special nylon core. It can deliver ideal compression and support for your knee when running.
What also makes this suggestion different from other products is the open popliteal design to deter discomfort caused by friction burn. It is perfect for those with allergies, irritations to neoprene, and living in hot climates.
The brace can fit the measurement of your calf and thigh six inches above and below the kneecap. It is available for use in water, but if it's submerged in chlorinated or saltwater, you had better rinse it off with fresh water.
It comes in two different styles: a more discrete sleeve and a tighter-wearing wrap-around type. There are a wide variety of sizes, from extra small to 3XL. You can find the detailed size chart or fit guide to help you buy the best product for you.
Problems With This Product
We found that this brace seems to be bulkier than other braces. It would be better if the manufacturer redesigned it with a more compact size.
Moverover, it comes at a higher price than other products on our list. If you are on a tight budget, you should consider another choice. But if it is not your problem, you can go for it.
Advice From Experts And Users
It is advisable to wash this knee brace by hands to avoid the lost of construction caused by washing machines.
#2. DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace - Best For Stability
Specifications
- Material: Perforated Neoprene
- Type: Wrap-around
- Sizes: 4 (Small to X-Large)
- Color: Black, Camo
Editor's Rating
- Style: 10/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 10/10
Review
Our runner-up is another product from the brand DonJoy – the Bionic Knee Brace. This knee support product offers high stability for your knee.
In particular, it features a special anti-migration technology to keep the brace in place whenever you move. Accordingly, you can eliminate slip when wearing this product.
We are also impressed with its bilateral polycentric hinges with hyperextension stops that deliver knee instability support. Its special Hex patella opening offers stability and support for the patella while articulating freely as your knee can go through extension and flexion.
There is also a bottom and top stretch webbing closure paired with TPR pull tabs for precision fit, making you feel comfortable when wearing this brace. Besides, the ergonomic wrap-around design provides improved comfort and effortless on/off ability.
This knee support product is also made of perforated neoprene, allowing airflow for optimal breathability. You will love this brace as it boasts creative reflectivity for improved visibility in dark conditions.
It comes in four sizes for you to choose to fit your knee, from small to X large, so that you can easily find your suitable size.
Problems With This Product
Like the first option, this brace tends to be bulkier than other products. It is also not a budget-friendly choice. You can consider choosing another more compact brace with a better price on our lists.
Advice From Experts And Users
This DonJoy Bionic Knee Brace is perfect for those with moderate and mild ligament sprains, meniscus injuries, hyperextension, moderate and mild tendon strains.
#3. POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeves - Best Compression
Specifications
- Material: 80{609a66139be58931a85baa5dbdc4ac2e8c1a68d8b653596dcf8ae8745926f1f0} Nylon 20{609a66139be58931a85baa5dbdc4ac2e8c1a68d8b653596dcf8ae8745926f1f0} spandex
- Type: Compression sleeves
- Sizes: 5 (Small to 2X-Large)
- Color: Black, Blue, Nude, Pink, Orange
Editor's Rating
- Style: 10/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 9/10
Review
The next position belongs to the POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve. This suggestion can offer firm compression for a long time. Accordingly, it can offer pain relief from a wide range of knee ailments like swelling, arthritis, meniscus tear, stiffness, to name a few.
It is a great option for activities involving a huge amount of stress on your knee joint, such as basketball, gym, running, volleyball, to name a few. You can enjoy optimal support while maintaining a full range of motion and peak performance.
Made with a soft and breathable material with four-way stretch capability, this knee support product can effectively absorb moisture to keep your leg odor- and sweat-free.
With a double silicone wave, the sleeve can provide a perfect grip so that you will not have to readjust it during your run. It will not roll, slip down, or slide. It is great for most sports, recovery between your workouts and daily use as per the manufacturer.
There are many sizes and five color variations for you to choose from, making you look fashionable anytime and anywhere.
Problems With This Product
It would be better if this suggestion comes with better elasticity by enhancing its materials. The PowerLix sleeve seems to lose elasticity faster than other products.
Another downside is that it is slightly long for some people’s legs. It would be better if the manufacturer can offer a shorter version for this product.
Advice From Experts And Users
Many users recommend washing this knee brace by hand and hanging it to dry as the washing machine can slightly change its construction, making you feel not as comfortable as before.
#4. Shock Doctor Maximum Knee Brace - Best For Intense Activities
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee strap
- Sizes: 6 (Small to 3X-Large)
- Color: Black
Editor's Rating
- Style: 10/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 9/10
Review
If you seek a brace that can ideally support you during intense activities like running, the Shock Doctor Maximum Knee Brace might be your answer. This suggestion provides top-notch comfort and stability for higher impact activities.
It can help heal and prevent medial and lateral instability, meniscus injuries, minor patella instability, knee arthritis, hypertension, to name a few. There are heavy-duty bilateral dual hinges with four-way stretch Lycra mesh and pre-curved anatomical construction.
They offer great support while letting you move easily and comfortably. This knee support product also stands out with high breathability, thanks to its premium materials.
In particular, it boasts N-tex vented neoprene to enhance airflow for great moisture-absorbing ability. It features latex-free, high-end stitching and flexible side stabilizers to keep it stay in place on your knees.
On top of that, the brace comes with great compression that can support soft tissue and joint alignment. It can enhance therapeutic heat for better blood flow, supporting healing muscle and tendon.
Besides, this brace comes with integrated aluminum stays to improve stability and is securely anchored with Hypalon sleeves. We also love its X-fit strap system that can offer a highly secure adjustable fit.
Problems With This Product
On the downside, this brace seems to easily wear out with regular use. It is better to replace with durable material or improve the performance of its fabric.
Moreover, it seems to be slightly bulky on the legs. It would be better if the brand Shock Doctor can redesign this brace with a more lightweight construction.
Advice From Experts And Users
This brace is also close-fitting for optimal protection so that it might fit tight. If your measurements are close to the maximum size, it is advisable to size up for the best comfort.
#5. TechWare Pro Knee Brace - Best For Support
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee strap
- Sizes: 4 (Medium to 2X-Large)
- Color: Black
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 9/10
Review
We will continue with the TechWare Pro Knee Brace for its maximum support for the knees of runners. It is constructed to handle many problems that runners often encounter when wearing a knee brace.
For novices, its wrap-around design and highly adjustable straps can provide a fit that will not slip out of the place even when you have to log your miles. We also like its high breathability thanks to the lightweight and moisture-absorbing fabric.
This material lets you run long distances without any worry that it will get too heavy or wet. Moreover, its open-knee cap construction can provide compression and relief in equal measurement without limiting your motion when running.
Thereby, you will get better knee mobility and exercise performance. There is a gel pad to help with swelling and inflammation. What sets this brace apart is its bi-directional strap system, providing even support and compression around the patella.
With its open patella construction and four flexible spring stabilizers, your knee will certainly get better stability. One more thing, it is available in four sizes from medium to 2XL.
You can use its preference size chart to choose the most suitable size for your knee. Moreover, this brace appears to be suitable for the youth, thanks to its ergonomic and fashionable design.
Problems With This Product
This brace's material possibly wears out fast if you use it frequently. The manufacturer can improve the durability of this knee brace by upgrading or replacing the material with a better choice.
Besides, the brace tends to loosen after running for a long time. You had better alter it with a new one if it happens.
Advice From Experts And Users
Many users suggest that if you find the strap going around the knee a bit too long, you can simply attach it to the opening's other side. Thus, the kneehole can be covered with neoprene fabric.
#6. Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves - Best For Multi Purposes
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee sleeves
- Sizes: 5 (Small to 2X-Large)
- Color: 8 (Blue, Charcoal, Pink, Red, Green, Purple, Grey, White)
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 8/10
- Adjustability: 8/10
Review
These seven-millimter Iron Bull knee sleeves are built with all weightlifters from powerlifters to CrossFitters, providing stability and support without compromising your motion range and comfort. This knee support product features anti-flip technology with double gel strips.
This feature helps hold it tightly in place when you work out. Besides, they feature flexible compression neoprene fabric to eliminate swelling when you do intense activities like running.
As a result, when you run long distances, you will not feel uncomfortable in the knee. We also like its 3D design to offer a contoured fit for optimal joint compression and warmth with high comfort and breathability.
This compression knee sleeve also stands out with the capacity to lower pressure during exercising, preventing injuries and promoting muscle recovery. This brace is available in a wide range of stylish colors and different sizes, from small to 2XL, to fit your knee.
Problems With This Product
The Iron Bull brace seems to run small compared to other products. It might be due to the compression neoprene material to ensure the brace keeps in place. The manufacturer can deal with this issue by improving the elasticity of the brace.
Plus, if you have bad knees and want high compression, this suggestion might not be for you. It can give you warmth, so it is best to consider another choice.
Advice From Experts And Users
Lots of users recommend you to size up if you are going to buy this product so that you can have more comfortable wearing experiences.
#7. Zamst RK-1 Runners Right Knee Brace - Best For Knee Pain
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee sleeve
- Sizes: 5 (Medium to 3X-Large)
- Color: Black
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/10
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 8/10
Review
This knee brace is a perfect choice for those with knee pain as it can provide maximum support when you do activities, especially running. In particular, this biomechanical and functional brace can correct problems causing IT Band (Iliotibial band) syndrome.
It features a-Fit design to provide an anatomically right fit for both left or right ankle. Moreover, it stands out with the V-Tech that provides ventilated flow through its design to keep you stay cool whenever you are in motion.
It also features an exclusive Flyweight tech to offer an improved material fabrication paired with a lightweight design. We are also impressed with its ROM tech – a pre-curved butterfly-shaped design.
This construction can deliver a full range of motion as it can assist in knee extension and flexion. Thereby, you will find no difficulty in doing any activities, including running. This knee brace has various sizes, from medium to 3XL, for you to choose to fit your knee.
Problems With This Product
It would be better if this brace did not loosen after several uses. A small trick is that you can buy a smaller size. It can become loose later to fit your knee. However, it is just a temporary solution.
The manufacturer still needs to redesign this brace to help it keep in place better. Besides, there is only one color variation, so those who like expressing themselves through colors might find it boring.
Advice From Experts And Users
It is advisable to hand wash this knee brace as it can easily change the construction if you clean it with a washing machine.
#8. Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace - Best For Pressure
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee sleeves
- Sizes: 6 (X-Small to 2X-Large)
- Color: Pink, Rivera, Black
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/19
- Support: 10/10
- Breathability: 8/10
- Adjustability: 9/10
Review
We will continue our list with the Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace. What makes this product apart is the ability to disperse pressure. It is because this knee wear support uses an anatomically contoured pad around the knee cap.
Its knitted fabric can massage your tissues and muscles. Accordingly, it activates stabilizing muscles to reduce the risk of injury and improve your motion, especially when running.
The knee brace provides great movement support for your knee by offering gentle and beneficial compression. This feature helps lower the effect of high-impact activities or intense exercises.
You will also love its wide range of sizes from XS to 2XL with three modern colors that can make you look cool in this knee brace.
Problems With This Product
As it comes with tacky silicone trips inside, those with sensitive skin can find it slightly irritated. In case you still want to wear this knee support product, our tip is to wear a thin layer of cloth underneath to reduce the contact between the product and your skin.
Besides, it seems to be a bit bulky. Thus, it might not be an ideal choice for those seeking a compact brace. It is advisable to choose another product on the list.
Advice From Experts And Users
For fit and sizing, you can measure the thigh circumference 5 ½ inches above the midpoint of your kneecap and measure the calf circumference 4 ¾ inches under the kneecap mid-point. Also, it is best to refer to its sizing chart to associate with the measurements.
#9. McDavid MD4205 Knee Wrap - Best For Versability
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee strap
- Sizes: 4 (Small to X-Large)
- Color: Black
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/10
- Support: 8/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 10/10
Review
Featuring a flexible and lightweight design, this McDavid MD4205 knee wrap is ideal for those who want to get high versatility when running.
With this product, you can rest assured of getting compressive and consistent support to your knee during your activities. It boasts dual spring steel stays on each supporting side, helping improve the brace's overall fit and lateral support.
We also love the easy and fast wrap-on design that can go over the pants or other fabrics. Thereby, you will not have to disrobe from wearing this brace.
It also appears to be a perfect option for moderate instability in the ligaments as it has recovering and swelling sprains. Besides, its top overwrap can manage muscle compression and support, while the bottom can stabilize and isolate the patella.
What also impressed us is its engineered 360 non-stretch and stretch built-in adjustable strap to ensure good individual fit.
Problems With This Product
The only issue with this brace is its higher price than most other products on the list. Plus, it comes in black only, which will limit the buyers' options, especially those who prefer colored products.
Advice From Experts And Users
Though this knee brace is quite light and not bulky, you might still want to wear loose pants for the best comfort.
#10. Pro-Tec Gel-Force Knee Brace - Best For Breathability
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Knee sleeves
- Sizes: 4 (Small to X-Large)
- Color: Black & Blue
Editor's Rating
- Style: 9/10
- Support: 9/10
- Breathability: 10/10
- Adjustability: 8/10
Review
Our last pick is the Pro-Tec Gel Force Knee brace. It wins our hearts for incredible breathability thanks to the light and breathable fabric. Accordingly, this material can keep skin dry and reduce all fabric irritation problems, making it the best option for sensitive skin.
Moreover, its four-way stretch fabric offers supportive compression but not limiting your full range of motion. On top of that, it features thick oval gel strips to provide comfortable stabilization to your knee.
Its exclusive gel-force knee support is developed to reduce pain while being active. It can also absorb dynamic forces, making it a great ideal option for long-distance runs.
Moreover, it can help alleviate symptoms of patellar tracking, patella-femoral pain syndrome, and ligament tears by offering compression, stability, and support to your knee cap.
With the great features mentioned above, it comes at a surprisingly affordable price. You will not have to spend much on a knee brace for daily uses. Besides, it is available in four sizes for you to choose to fit your knee.
Problems With This Product
This knee brace would rank higher on our list if it got easy on/off. You might find it difficult to wear this knee brace. If only the brand Pro-Tec could redesign the opening of this brace with better ergonomic construction.
Moreover, this brace is available in one color variation only. You will not have many options to choose from.
Advice From Experts And Users
As this suggestion runs small, many users recommend that you size up when buying this knee brace for better comfort.
Knee Brace For Running Buying Guide
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when buying a knee brace.
Style
There are four key styles of brace available on today's market. Each type of brace will address different kinds of knee issues and pain. It is critical to get your underlying issue with your knee before wearing a knee brace for support.
You will need to carefully consider the effects of the brace in question and see if it is suitable for your conditions or regular activities like running.
Wrap-around: This knee brace offers relief for all moderate knee pain. It can be worn when running and can help with its dislocated knee cap and support patellar pain.
Many knee braces of this type come with a customizable fit to provide the optimal support for runners. However, they tend to be the bulkiest.
Compression sleeve: This type comes with a similar goal to the wrap-around knee brace. It helps to control and eliminate knee pain. However, it is done with compression to hold your knee in place as it is made of a tight spandex-mimic fabric.
This brace type offers compression to reduce knee pain and increase the blood flow to your knee. You might not know this, but blood increase can help the knee heal quicker. Compression braces can offer heat and enhance stability.
Knee bands and straps: Knee bands and straps can support certain knee injuries, especially patella tendonitis and IT band pain. You can wear it comfortably throughout the day or when running.
They are often relatively small and are likely to be worn underneath normal clothing.
Ice wrap: This type of knee brace is quite similar to the wrap-around model. However, it comes with gel packs thrown in a freezer to get the ice-cold effect. It is used to offer relief to your knee pain.
As they are bulky braces, it is best to use them after a run to help the knee muscle relax.
Support
The support's kind and amount vary from product to product. Some braces, for instance, offer a standard sense of compression, while others can tighten with a knee strap to deal with joint instability.
Once again, it is imperative to consider your knee problem when choosing the support amount and type you need.
Breathability
If you are going to wear a knee brace during your runs, it is important to consider the fabric's breathability. A breathable, lightweight, and moisture-absorbing material can greatly help you reduce the pain and be more comfortable while running.
Adjustability
Suppose your knee condition fluctuates day by day; brace's adjustability is the element to consider. For example, knee braces with straps can let you adjust all the factors that affect your range of motion, like compression and joint stabilization.
The versatility is significantly helpful if you have to handle different inflammation levels when running or working to improve your knee conditions with your physical therapy routine.
Final Thoughts
So you have gone through our best knee brace for running reviews. In a nutshell, it is imperative to consider the four key elements of style, breathability, support, and adjustability of a knee brace before making a buying decision.
All products mentioned above can greatly meet your demand when running. For us, the DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace is the best overall for its exceptional performance in all factors. It provides great support with moderate stability for your knee.
We also like its material that provides high breathability when wearing. This knee brace is a perfect option for those with knee pain. Anyway, if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask us. Thank you for reading.
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