Sports and exercise are double-edged swords. While being active keeps the body in excellent shape, it also increases the body’s exposure to damage.
The knees often take a beating, especially if you’re a runner, weightlifter, or powerlifter. With injuries being an inevitable part of active life, many are on the lookout for the best knee compression sleeves.
What are knee compression sleeves? We’re sure you’ve seen them on people at the gym or in fitness competitions. These are the bands of fabric or material worn over the knee during the performance.
Available in several styles and sizes, sleeves help minimize the pain and risk of injury in the knee area. They allow people to return to their normal activities and improve their performance without discomfort.
Aside from athletes, individuals who live with knee conditions such as arthritis and those with physically demanding jobs can benefit from knee compression sleeves. This article will take a look at some of the best models available.
What are the best knee compression sleeves on the market today? Here are our top 10 picks.
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Designed to offer all-day comfort and all-around protection, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve helps reduce inflammation, stiffness, and soreness in the knee.
Ideal for both athletics and pain relief, it can be used in sports that put stress on the joints like running, hiking, cycling, basketball, and soccer; and to aid in recovery from injuries such as runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, tendonitis, and arthritis.
The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve is constructed with 3D circular knitting technology and high-quality elastic yarn for superior durability. Double silicone gel strips keep it from sliding or rolling during intense activities, making it the perfect companion at the gym or on the field.
- Compression and heating properties promote faster recovery
- Breathable and flexible enough to run in
- Stays in place during activities
- Gives enough support without being constricting
- Some customers complained about the lack of support
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves are created for individuals who want to take their performance to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these sleeves help you optimize your ability in weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and other vigorous activities.
Designed for both male and female athletes, Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves not only enhance your performance but also decrease your risk of injury. The weaker joints in your body are supported so you can train hard without hurting yourself. The sleeves’ warming effect reduces muscle and joint stiffness as well, and this minimizes your risk of getting injured.
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves enable you to get more gains while still staying safe. Moreover, the compression alleviates any present joint and muscle pain and speeds up the recovery of existing injuries.
- Premium materials and reinforced stitching for durability
- Just as good as more expensive brands
- Many users found the fit to be perfect
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Sold in pairs
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
One of the leading sleeves on the market, the Rehband Knee Sleeve (model 7051) is a top choice among professional athletes. In fact, it’s approved by the International Powerlifting Federation and International Weightlifting Federation and you may have seen it being used in fitness competitions.Featuring an anatomical shape, the Rehband Knee Sleeve is designed to prevent injuries and help treat existing ones. It provides support and stability so you can train harder while feeling safe, and it keeps the knee area warm to reduce stiffness in the joints and muscles.
Designed in Sweden and made in Estonia, this is the original 7mm Rehband knee sleeve that many other companies have tried to copy but failed to match. If you’re a serious powerlifter, weightlifter, or strongman, then this is a sleeve that can keep up with your performance.
- Approved for competition by international governing bodies
- Solid, multiple-layer construction
- Adds warmth and compression to the knee
- Users felt it was well worth the expensive price
- Comes in six sizes (XS to XXL)
- Gets smelly if not washed regularly
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Neoprene and latex, which are common materials used in knee braces, may cause allergic reactions for people with sensitive skin. The Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeve is made with bamboo charcoal fiber, which is not only hypoallergenic but also durable.Designed to follow the shape of the body to prevent injuries, the Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeve alleviates pain and stiffness while reducing swelling and inflammation. Its compression and rehabilitation properties protect the knees, improve endurance, and speed up healing.
Suitable for recovery and sports, it reduces pressure on the kneecap and adds stability to weaker joints. Whether you need relief from post-surgery pain or extra support while playing sports, this knee sleeve can be worn all day without any discomfort.
- Snug without feeling restrictive
- Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic material
- Does not smell
- Sold in pairs
- Available in five sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL)
- Keeps rolling down for some users
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
If your knees take a regular beating due to sport or exercise, you can find the comfort and support you need in the ProFitness Knee Sleeve. With graduated compression to stabilize the knee, this sleeve enables you to up your performance when you’re at the gym, in the box, or on the track.
Made with durable neoprene and reinforced stitching, it features an ergonomic design and is comfortable enough for daily use. The ProFitness Knee Sleeve is available in four colors, so you can choose the one that suits your liking.
This sleeve is also great for individuals who are just new to working out. As you increase the intensity of your training, the ProFitness Knee Sleeve will protect your knees from getting injured.
- Does not slide down or bunch up during movement
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Sold in pairs
- Comes with a ProFitness bag
- Several reviewers were very pleased with the customer service
- Material is not breathable
- Support: 5/5
- Fit: 4/5
- Durability: 5/5
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
Created by a group of fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, the Pure Support Compression Knee Sleeve offers topnotch knee support for runners, joggers, weightlifters, and other athletes, as well as for people who need to stand all day at work.
Tested by professionals and adventurers, this knee brace for pain features graduated and optimum compression, which provides the right amount of warmth to promote blood circulation and muscular healing without restricting mobility.
This feature enables the Pure Support Compression Knee Sleeve to encourage faster recovery from knee surgery or injuries like arthritis, meniscus tears, tendonitis, runner’s knee, and ACL/MCL/PCL tears. It also helps improve proprioception and limit patella movement.
- Durable construction with 3D circular knitting technology
- Not as thick or bulky as neoprene sleeves
- Breathable and sweat-releasing fabric prevents bacterial growth
- Comes with a free e-book on how to deal with arthritis
- Doesn’t stay in place, according to some reviews
- Support: 4.5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Durability: 5/5
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
Designed for active individuals and athletes, the NYG Sports Compression Knee Sleeve guarantees smooth movement during running, jogging, yoga, hiking, tennis, cycling, basketball, football, and post-injury recovery.
Using the latest compression technology, the NYG Sports Compression Knee Sleeve has three graduated compression zones to speed up healing. These are the upper patella stabilizer zone for injury protection and muscle support; the pressure relief zone for enhanced comfort and flexibility; and the lower patella stabilizer zone for patella support.
Comfortable enough to be worn under clothing, this sleeve provides pain relief for people suffering from swollen arthritic joints, chronic knee pain, patellofemoral pain, or patellar tendinitis. It also stimulates blood flow and oxygen delivery so that injuries can heal faster.
- Lightweight yet durable and supportive
- Suitable for daily use
- Thin, elastic material follows the body’s shape and movement
- Easy to wash and clean
- A few reviewers found it too tight
- Support: 4.5/5
- Fit: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
Promising a balance between support and flexibility, the Venom Knee Sleeve delivers enhanced cushioning and unrestricted mobility. Because it does not slip or bunch up, it is ideal for running, weightlifting, hiking, baseball, golf, and other sports.Designed for active individuals, the Venom Knee Sleeve is made with a knitted, breathable material and gel technology that is not only allowed for a full range of motion but also encourage recovery by improving blood flow and retaining heat around the knee joint.
The gel inlay of this knee supporter works to relieve pain and reduce the risk of further damage, protecting against minor and chronic injuries such as arthritis, runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, ACL tears, and meniscus tears.
- Keeps the knee warm and stable
- Very well-made
- Anti-slip and minimal bunching design
- Includes a free PDF guide to recovery exercises
- Available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL)
- Digs into leg, leaves indentations
- Support: 4.5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
Primal Elite Knee Sleeves are great for individuals who do a lot of heavy squats and leg training exercises. Because these movements put a lot of pressure on the knees, you need to protect them from injuries.
These high-quality neoprene sleeves keep the knees safe and supported during bodybuilding, powerlifting, basketball, and other sports as well. You can even wear the sleeves on your calves during deadlifts. Regardless of your experience level, this product will allow you to improve your athletic performance.
You can also use Primal Elite Knee Sleeves if you’re recovering from knee surgery, tendonitis, an ACL tear, or the like. The orthopedic support prevents further injury and alleviates joint pain during rehab. In addition, the warming effect improves mobility.
- Offers great support for squats
- Available in 5mm and 7mm
- Great quality for the price
- Sold in pairs
- Comes with a Primal Elite gym bag
- Comes apart at the seams easily, based on some reviews
- Support: 4/5
- Fit: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
Blitzu Flex Plus Knee Compression Sleeves are equipped with the most advanced compression technology that promises to “renew your knees.” These sleeves are designed to reduce swelling and relieve pain, whether you have a pre-existing condition that’s affecting your joints or are recovering from surgery.
Regardless of your age or activity level, Blitzu Flex Plus Knee Compression Sleeves are ideal for healing and rehab, thanks to its heating effect that promotes blood circulation and muscular recovery. They also deliver a massaging action and gentle compression when you move around, enhancing the sensory-motor function of your joints.
Whether you’re a very athletic person or have a job that requires you to use your knees, you will get some much-needed support from these sleeves.
- Antibacterial and breathable material with permanent UV protection
- Has a heating effect that improves blood flow
- Stays up and in place
- Comes in pairs
- Circular knit structure ensures flexibility and durability
- Some users felt it lacked support
You’ve seen them on athletes and gym goers, but what are knee compression sleeves and what do they do? Typically made from neoprene and worn over the knee, knee sleeves are used to reduce pain and minimize the risk of injury.Unlike knee braces, which are designed to protect an already injured knee from further damage, knee sleeves are generally worn to protect a healthy knee from potential injury. This is a must for runners, jumpers, weightlifters, and anyone else whose knees are placed under great stress on a regular basis. Additionally, knee sleeves add compression to the knee area, improving blood flow and reducing pain both during and after activity. This is important because a knee that has better blood flow is a knee that recovers faster.
Knee sleeves are also used to improve proprioception, which is the ability to sense where your body parts are (in this case, the knee) without looking at them.
Knee compression sleeves can be used during activities that put a lot of pressure on the knees, e.g., weightlifting. The heavier you lift, the more your kneecap grinds onto itself, and this eventually leads to tendonitis. Though not necessary for all weightlifting exercises, knee sleeves are highly recommended when performing squats, the snatch, and the clean and jerk, all of which require a lot of knee action. Runners, basketball players, powerlifters, CrossFitters, and other athletes will also benefit from wearing knee compression sleeves.
Knee sleeves aren’t just for athletes and active people, though. Individuals who are recovering from surgery and those who are suffering from knee conditions like arthritis can speed up the healing process and alleviate the pain by sliding on a sleeve.
When shopping for the best knee compression sleeve, the most important thing to consider is the thickness. Knee sleeves come in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thickness sizes, and each one is ideal for different types of activities.
- The 3mm is most appropriate for endurance and long-distance training.
- The 5mm is a general sleeve that can be used for most sports, hence it would be the best knee compression sleeve for running.
- Last but not least, 7mm sleeves provide extra support and stabilization during shorter, heavier activity, making them the best knee sleeves for squatting.
Q: Which is better for me: a knee brace or a knee sleeve?
Knee braces protect an existing injury from further harm, while knee sleeves reduce the risk of injury. Knee sleeves are also worn for pain relief and to help with healing.
Q: How do I wash my knee sleeve?
You can throw it in the wash or wash it by hand. If it’s smelly, you can boil it in water for five minutes. Add some dish soap, let it cool, rinse, then air dry.
Q: How do I keep my knee sleeve from slipping down?
Get a sleeve with a no-slip design. You can also try to secure it with athletic tape.
Q: How do I measure knee sleeves?
Please refer to the seller’s instructions. Some will ask you to measure your thigh, while others will ask you to measure at the middle of the patella.
Q: What size knee sleeve do I need?
Measure yourself according to the seller’s sizing chart to determine your size. Be sure to read reviews as well, as some brands are not true to size.
We hope that you found our best knee compression sleeve guide helpful. If you’re still not sure which one to get, we recommend the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve. It’s made with high-quality materials and packed with useful features for an unbeatable price, making it a clear winner for us.