As runners, our knees are put under a lot of stress on a regular basis. The knee, like any other part of the human body, can wear, tear, and ultimately give way. This is why many runners are often on the lookout for the best knee brace for running.
But first, what is a knee brace? Used in the prevention and healing of running (and other) injuries, a knee brace is a device worn over the knee to provide support, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling. Aside from athletes, people with knee problems like arthritis and those recovering from surgery turn to knee braces for pain relief.
If you’re suffering from knee pain or an injury due to running, you may find that your ability to move around has become limited. You may be itching to get going again, but your body won’t let you.
Depending on how much pain you’re in and the type of injury you have, a knee brace can help improve your condition. For example, if you have a dislocated patella, a brace can keep it in place during walking and running. Or it can help stabilize the knee joint if you had just undergone a meniscus repair.
10 Best Knee Brace for Running
Looking for the best knee brace for running? We’ve checked out several different products and here are our top 10 recommendations.
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
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
- Easy to wash and clean
- A few reviewers found it too tight
Made with soft neoprene material, the Winzone Knee Brace features adjustable straps to fit different leg sizes and a center knee cutout for easy bending and icing. Designed to support the knee without restricting movement, this knee brace is suitable for people who are suffering from arthritis, a torn meniscus or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), and other injuries.
The Winzone Knee Brace is easy to use and stays on tight, allowing you to go about your day normally. You can go grocery shopping, keep up with your kids, and take part in various activities, all without the pain.
Some online reviewers even reported that they were able to forgo their canes or crutches after putting on this product.
- Several users noticed an improvement immediately
- Stays where it is secured; no slippage
- High-quality product for a good price
- Extra padding around the kneecap
- Easy to put on and take off
- Does not fit large or swollen knees
Recommended by doctors and trainers, the SB SOX Compression Knee Brace features enhanced compression support technology that improves performance, alleviates discomfort, and accelerates recovery.
Made with anti-odor, moisture-wicking fabric, this knee brace support is suitable for year-round physical activity, whether it’s running, tennis, working out, cycling, or traveling. The no-slip top and bottom cuffs keep the sleeve in place as the compression improves blood and oxygen circulation, reducing lactic acid buildup and pain in the knee.
Swelling and fatigue are reduced for people who are suffering from arthritis, meniscus tears, joint pain, and other injuries as well. Form-fitting and lightweight, the SB SOX Compression Knee Brace offers support and comfort while maintaining mobility.
- Fits snugly without being too tight
- Stays in place all day long
- Tear-resistant and sweat-proof
- Comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL)
- Includes a free health e-book and customer service FAQ guide
- Some users had problems with sizing
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 not only allow 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 of recovery exercises
- Available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL)
- Digs into leg, leaves indentations
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.
- Not as thick or bulky as neoprene sleeves
- Durable construction with 3D circular knitting technology
- 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
An unobtrusive solution to knee pain, the Abcosport Patella Knee Strap provides patellar support and comfort without restricting movement. Fully adjustable to provide the desired amount of compression, it goes around the leg right below the kneecap and over the patellar tendon to reduce tension and alleviate pain.
Unlike other knee straps that feel itchy, the Patella Knee Strap is made of soft, high-quality nylon and neoprene. The fabric absorbs sweat to keep the knee dry, while the padding offers good support especially when going up or down an inclined surface.
Aside from delivering immediate relief from knee pain, the Patella Knee Strap also corrects misalignment. It can be used during various physical activities, including walking, running, biking, golfing, and working out.
- Doesn’t irritate or rub on the skin
- Inexpensive
- Stays in place even while running or playing sports
- Can be worn under clothing
- Comes in two colors (black or pink)
- Lacks support, according to some comments
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 knee cap 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
Designed in the USA and made in Taiwan, the FDA-certified Bracoo Knee Support is ideal for preventing sports injuries and post-surgery recovery.
The open patella design reduces pressure on the knee joint during intense activities, while the padded stabilizer ring keeps the knee cap in its proper position. By distributing stress across the different knee ligaments, the Bracoo Knee Support decreases the risk of (re)injury and alleviates acute and chronic pain.
The three Velcro straps can be attached to almost any point for a custom fit and to prevent slippage during movement and exercise. In addition, the thick neoprene material provides added protection as well as retains heat to boost blood circulation and accelerate healing.
- Each strap can be adjusted individually
- Perforated moisture vents dissipate excess perspiration
- Can be worn underneath clothing
- Easy to put on and take off even with shoes on
- Some users experienced skin irritations
For knee support that doesn’t cover a large portion of the leg, the IPOW 2 Pack Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace is a good option. Sold in packs of twos, this knee brace is fully adjustable to fit a variety of leg sizes, up to 18 inches.
In addition, the double knot design allows for different degrees of tightness while following the individual curves of the user’s knee. This customization, along with the flexible straps, protect the patella from injury and provide a comfortable fit.
Worn just below the knee cap, the IPOW 2 Pack Knee Strap Brace alleviates the pain that accompanies injuries like jumper’s knee and tendinitis, as well as relieves the strain from intense activities such as running, soccer, volleyball, and squats.
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Can be worn under or over clothing
- Small in size but provides enough support
- Cheap; good value for money
- Easy to wash
- Plastic buckles dig into skin
There are four general categories of knee braces, each with a different purpose. Finding the best knee brace for running would depend on your specific needs.
Types of Knee Braces
- Rehabilitative. Typically used following an injury or surgery, a rehabilitative knee brace helps keep the knee stable and limits potentially harmful movements during the healing process. Aside from protecting a repaired or reconstructed ligament, this type of knee brace also serves to prevent future or recurring injury.
- Functional. Often used by athletes, functional knee braces support knees that have been injured before, either from a fall or playing sports. By controlling movement and stabilizing the knee, they prevent another injury from happening.
- Prophylactic. Most commonly seen on football players and other athletes, prophylactic knee braces are designed to protect the knee from injuries during contact sports. Ideal for individuals who are at high risk for MCL injury or those who have previously suffered form one, prophylactic knee braces shield the MCL from valgus stresses.
- Unloader or offloader. Unloader knee braces are designed for people who suffer from arthritis in their knees, especially those who have medical compartment knee osteoarthritis. This type of knee brace “unloads” the stress from the affected joint and shifts it to a stronger area like the thigh bone.
This type can also be used to reduce rotation after an injury to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), provide extra support after ACL repair surgery, or aid in mild to moderate instability in the MCL (medial collateral ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament).
Offloader knee braces can also be used by people who are due for knee replacement surgery and want to take the weight off their knees while waiting.
How to Wear a Knee Brace for Running
If you have injured or have had surgery on your knee, a knee brace can provide support and motion control while running. However, it’s important to remember that a brace does not cure injuries.
Rather, it is only one of a set of tools used to treat an injury. Strengthening and stability exercises, and sometimes physical therapy, are still necessary for treating knee problems.
- The strap type, which is usually worn below the knee, applies pressure to the tendon and has a proprioceptive effect on the knee joint. It is commonly used for runner’s knee, patellar tendinitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome, and chondromalacia.
- Compression knee sleeves, which does not have a hole, are best for conditions with mild swelling around the knee, like arthritis or a bruised knee.
- Meanwhile, the patella brace, which has a hole, is recommended for loose kneecaps and returning to activity after surgery.
Make sure your knee brace is worn and fitted properly so that you get the most out of it and avoid further injury from incorrect use. But also note that relying on a brace may lead to disuse of your leg muscles. As mentioned earlier, strengthening exercises are essential components of the recovery program. The knees, hips, and ankles are areas to focus on in particular.
Of course, it never hurts to consult your doctor and physical therapist. They can help you determine the best knee brace for your condition.
Conclusion
With many quality products available, there’s actually more than one good knee brace for running on the market. We strongly suggest that you go for the one that speaks to your needs and preferences.
While it’s not easy to pick just one, the best knee brace for running for us would have to be the NYG Sports Compression Knee Sleeve. We particularly love the three graduated compression zones that support the patella and muscles and accelerate recovery.
We hope that with the help of this guide, you find the perfect knee brace for running support. Keep running and stay injury-free!
