The 10 Best Knee Support Products for Support and Comfort
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Knee braces, straps, sleeves, and more.
Verywell / Getty Images
Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPTMedically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT
Knee pain can be frustrating—especially for individuals who walk, run, hike, or weight lift. Luckily, knee support products—like braces, sleeves, and straps—can provide short-term relief by alleviating regular pain. This can make your day-to-day more manageable while you build lasting strength and endurance through a physical therapy program.
The best knee braces, sleeves, and straps should be comfortable and effective. You'll want to choose a knee support product based on the kind of knee pain you're experiencing. You'll also want to ask yourself what kind of activities you're trying to complete while wearing the brace, sleeve, or strap. It's important to note that knee bracing is not recommended for the long ?term to promote optimal knee stability because it can limit our knee's natural ability, says Sherif Elnaggar, PT, DPT, OCS?, a board-certified ?orthopedic ?clinical ??????specialist.
We researched dozens of knee support products and evaluated them for material, price, adjustability, breathability, and ease of clean. We also tested one product, Blitzu's Knee Compression Sleeve, evaluating how well it performed and held up over time in our regular routines. Each of the knee support products chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors. A physical therapist from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy, how to use knee support products, and the best way to evaluate them.
Best Overall: DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace
Ideal for daily use, experts say it's designed for active individuals dealing with ligament instabilities or meniscus injuries.
Pros
Safe for daily use
Suitable for a wide range of knee issues
Balances support and comfort
Cons
Bulkier than other options
This knee brace is our best overall choice because it offers moderate support—making it a good fit for daily use, as well as more intense activities like skiing and snowboarding where knee pain and injuries are common. Designed for athletes and active individuals dealing with ligament instabilities, meniscus injuries, sprains, or osteoarthritis, we like that the brace delivers compression to the soft tissue of the knee, offering both comfort and support. Meanwhile, the hinges on either side of the brace provide even more stability.
We also like that shoppers can choose from two different styles—a tighter-fitting wraparound option and a more discreet sleeve. Available in both neoprene and Drytex materials, the brace is even suitable for use in water. It's available in a range of sizes—from XS to 3XL—and you can find a detailed size chart and fit guide on the DonJoy website that'll help you select the best brace for you.
Price at time of publication: $120
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Velcro | Compression: Yes | Special Features: None
Best Strap: Abco Tech Patella Knee Straps 2 Pack
Low-profile and breathable, we like that its adjustability ensures it won't slip down as you run, hike, or bike.
Pros
Fully adjustable strap
Light and soft on the skin
Easy to clean
Cons
Only one size
This knee strap from Abco Tech is crafted from a blend of neoprene and nylon, which leaves it feeling light and soft on your skin. We like that the fully adjustable strap fits as tightly or as loosely as you need—simply use the velcro straps to fasten it over your patellar tendon (just below your kneecap) to achieve your ideal level of support and compression to help mitigate knee pain from cycling, running, hiking, and other physical activities.
Since you’re in control of the tightness of the strap, you don’t have to worry about it slipping down your leg as you move about, making it a perfect pick for active individuals. The breathable strap also absorbs sweat, keeping your knee dry and free of irritation and itching. Plus, it's machine washable so it won't be a pain to clean after workouts. And we like that the product is great for all sizes and styles as it's one size fits all and comes in four colors.
Price at time of publication: $10
Key Specs:
Type: Knee strap | Closure: Velcro | Compression: Yes | Special Features: None
Best Brace: DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace
With many useful features, from stash pockets to reflectivity, we like how the adjustable pull tabs offer a tailored fit.
Pros
Stays in place as you move
Comfortable and breathable
Suitable for a wide variety of knee issues
Cons
Bulkier than other options
This performance product boasts a number of thoughtful features, like stash pockets for storing your keys and reflective details that enhance your visibility in low-light conditions (which experts say make it a great option for safe running at night). The brace itself is crafted from a breathable neoprene material, and its adjustable pull tabs make it easy to achieve your perfect fit. We also love that It comes equipped with “anti-migration technology,” which promises to keep it in place as you move.
According to DonJoy, the Bionic Knee Brace is well-suited for people with mild or moderate ligament sprains, mild or moderate tendon strains, hyperextension, or meniscus injuries. It also offers patella support and stability.
Price at time of publication: $85
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Wrap-around, velcro | Compression: Yes | Special Features: Stash pocket, reflectivity
Related: The 11 Best Knee Sleeves and Braces For Support and Comfort
Best Sleeve : Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve
Sleek, affordable, and decidedly discreet, we like that this sleeve offers all-over compression without any bulk.
Pros
Sleek, low-profile design
Comfortable and breathable
Budget-friendly
Cons
Less supportive than braces
Sleek, affordable, and decidedly discreet, we like that the Blitzu's Knee Compression Sleeve offers all-over compression without any bulk. It's crafted from spandex, a breathable, quick-dry fabric, which our experts say is great for sweaty situations. And we love that it's comfortable enough for all-day wear, while still providing enough compression and support to reduce soreness, stiffness, and inflammation.
One tester, who was recovering from surgery (ACL replacement and torn meniscus), used this sleeve under the guidance of her physical therapist to mitigate some of the post-surgery swelling. After multiple all-day wears, we were impressed with how well it helps to reduce inflammation. We also appreciated that it's easy to take on and off, and has a silicone grip at the top to prevent slippage.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key Specs:
Type: Sleeve | Closure: Slip-on | Compression: Yes | Special Features: None
Best Compression: PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve
Designed to deliver firm compression for pain relief, we like that it absorbs moisture, keeping you sweat- and odor-free.
Pros
Comfortable
Lasting compression power
Soft and breathable
Cons
Loses elasticity quickly
The PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve is designed to deliver firm compression for an extended period of time, which the manufacturer says can provide pain relief from a variety of ailments, including arthritis, swelling, tendonitis, meniscus tear, soreness, stiffness, ACL, PCL, MCL, and other knee pain.
Crafted from a soft, breathable fabric, we like that the sleeve absorbs moisture effectively, keeping your leg sweat- and odor-free for extended periods of time. It comes equipped with silicone gel support strips that hold the sleeve in place during physical activity. This sleeve is great for daily use, recovery between workouts, and for most sports, such as volleyball which often incurs knee pain and injuries from running, jumping, and diving. It comes in a range of sizes and in three different colors.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:
Type: Sleeve | Closure: Slip-on | Compression: Yes | Special Features: None
Best Discreet: ACE Compression Side Stabilizer Knee Brace
Subtle enough to be worn under clothing, we like that it provides lateral support without limiting range of motion.
Pros
Low-profile design
Contours well to the knee
Won't limit range of motion
Cons
Slips down the leg over time
Too short for taller individuals
Sleek, tight, and budget-friendly, the ACE Compression Side Stabilizer Knee Brace is our top pick for those who want support that can be worn easily and comfortably under clothing. The brace’s low-profile design promises to contour to your knee, offering you a tight fit and the all-over compression you need in a sleeve.
Ideal for stiff, weak, sore, or injured knees, the sleeve comes equipped with a behind-the-knee comfort panel which keeps it from bunching up or falling down. And the side stabilizers running along both sides of the brace provide lateral support without limiting your range of motion. It's great to use along with stretching exercises to help rehab and strengthen knees. The sleeve comes in a range of sizes, from S to XL.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Slip-on | Compression: Yes | Special Features: Side stabilizers
Related: Torn Meniscus? These 10 Knee Braces and Sleeves Can Help
Best Heavy-Duty: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
With hinges supporting your knee on either side, we recommend this brace to those looking for maximum stability and support.
Buy at Dicks-sporting-goods.pxf.io
Pros
Comfortable
Won't limit range of motion
Breathable
Cons
Bulkier than other options
We recommend this knee brace to those looking for maximum stability and support for higher-impact activities. Its pre-curved design is crafted with the contours of your knee in mind, delivering comfort and compression in equal measure. The hinges on either side of the brace offer additional support, while its stretchy textile lets you move around with ease.
Even though the brace is thick and padded, it’s vented for breathability, allowing you to cut down on nuisances like odor, bacteria, and moisture. It's designed to help with medial and lateral instability, minor patella instability, meniscus injuries, minor ligament sprains, hyperextension in joints, and arthritis.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Velcro, slip-on | Compression: Yes | Special Features: Bilateral dual hinges, antimicrobial technology
Related: The 12 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball of 2023
Best for Hot and Cold Therapy: Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap
A wearable ice pack and a compression sleeve in one, we like that its removable gel packs allow for both hot and cold therapy.
Pros
Machine washable
Versatile
Stays in place
Cons
Gel packs don't stay cold for very long
Designed to alleviate knee pain and swelling, Vive’s Knee Ice Wrap is essentially a wearable ice pack and a compression sleeve in a single product. The brace comes with three removable and reusable gel packs you can use for either cold or heat therapy. Each pack conveniently slips into one of the brace’s pockets, allowing you to target pain points as they arise.
You can use the brace’s four adjustable straps to keep your gel packs firmly in place or use them to deliver all-over compression to your knee. And the wrap is crafted from a light neoprene blend that’s soft and breathable. We especially like that its machine washable and that the non-slip material will keep it from bunching or twisting while you use it.
Price at time of publication: $33
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Velcro | Compression: Yes | Special Features: Hot and cold therapy
Best for Running: TechWare Pro Knee Brace
Offering maximum support for runners, our experts like its open-kneecap design and non-restricting compression.
Pros
Sweat-wicking
Stays in place when running
Won't limit range of motion
Cons
May wear with frequent use
The TechWare Pro Knee Brace offers maximum support for runner’s knee and is designed to solve many of the problems runners encounter while wearing knee braces. For starters, the brace’s wraparound design and adjustable straps combine to offer a fit that won’t slip out of place as you log your miles. And the brace’s fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, allowing you to run long distances without it becoming too wet or heavy.
We also like the brace's open-kneecap design, which promises to offer relief and compression in equal measure without limiting your range of motion while you run, an added bonus for those who already wear running shoes for bad knees. The brace comes in four sizes, from M to XXL, and it's also suitable for youth.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key Specs:
Type: Brace | Closure: Velcro, hook and loop | Compression: Yes | Special Features: None
Related: The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2023
Best for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
Our top pick for weightlifters, it offers support and stability during your reps without sacrificing range of motion.
Pros
Plenty of stability and support
Won't limit range of motion
Helps reduce swelling
Cons
Sizing runs small
Our top pick for weightlifters, these knee sleeves were designed with all weightlifters in mind—from CrossFitters to powerlifters to regular gym rats. They offer support and stability without sacrificing comfort or range of motion, which goes a long way to help alleviate knee pain and reduce injuries common in weight training. The sleeves are lined with silicone gel strips that hold them firmly in place while you work out, and they’re crafted from a flexible compression fabric that helps reduce swelling during activity and promotes recovery afterward.
The brace comes in various stylish colors and a range of sizes, from S to XXL, with a detailed size chart and instructions for measuring your knee to find the perfect fit.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Type: Sleeve | Closure: Slip-on | Compression: Yes | Special Features: Anti-slip technology
How We Selected and Tested the Best Knee Support Products
To determine which knee support products to feature in our roundup, we spoke to two physical therapists—both of whom specialize in orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy. One experts emphasized that comfort and range of motion are key features to look for in a knee support product. (After all, if a knee support product is uncomfortable, you may not want to wear it.)
We kept this in mind as we considered dozens of top-rated knee support products, favoring those that offered stability and support without dramatically sacrificing comfort or mobility. We also tested one product, Blitzu's Knee Compression Sleeve, in our own personal routine to see how well it performed and held up over time.
To help come up with this list, we consulted with experts to pick the best knee support accessories to aid your journey. The experts we spoke with included:
Sherif Elnaggar, PT, DPT, OCS?, a board-certified ?orthopedic ?clinical ??????specialist and Sports Physical Therapy Level 2 Certified Running Gait Analyst
Mark Russ, PT, DPT, a Physical Therapist in Columbus, OH
Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, a physical therapist in Scarsdale, New York
What to Look For in a Knee Support Product
Style
Most over-the-counter knee support products come in the form of a brace, sleeve, or strap, each of which addresses different types of knee problems and pain. It's important to understand the underlying problem with your knee first before outfitting it with additional support so you pick a product that can provide proper relief.
“First and foremost, it’s necessary to find something that will give you the most comfort with the purpose of stabilizing your joint,” Mark Russ, PT, DPT, at Ohio Health in Columbus, Ohio, says. “Whether you’re an athlete that needs lightweight material so you can play your sport, or you’re someone working through an orthopedic injury, comfort is key.” He says that a support product that doesn’t feel good means you likely won’t be wearing it often.
Support
The amount and type of support will vary from product to product. For instance, some sleeves (like the PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve) provide a simple sense of compression while other braces tighten with straps to counter joint instability.
“If someone is going through an osteoarthritis flare-up or has chronic knee pain, I would recommend a brace,” Russ says. “If someone is in athletics or is a weekend warrior, then it’s typically recommended to use a sleeve or strap.” He notes that a sleeve or strap increases stability without restriction—allowing you to move your joints more freely.
Breathability
If you plan on wearing a knee support product during your favorite activity, prioritize the breathability of the fabrics used in its construction. A lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable material will make all the difference in keeping you both comfortable and pain-free as you run, hike, lift weights, and more.
Adjustability
If your knee condition fluctuates from day to day, consider the adjustability in the knee support product you ultimately pick. For instance, braces with straps allow you to adjust the general fit, compression, and amount of joint stabilization, which also impacts your overall range of motion.
Russ also says that a knee support product that fits someone else might not fit you. “Since most people have different sizes (and sometimes shapes) of knees, it’s important to have an adjustable brace to ensure it fits snugly and doesn’t slip down the leg,” he adds. This versatility is particularly helpful when you deal with varying levels of inflammation or when you're working to improve your overall knee condition with a physical therapy routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a knee support and a knee brace?
Knee braces and knee supports, such as knee sleeves and straps, are all supportive devices that can help with knee pain, but they’re used for different issues. A knee strap may provide support and help reduce stress and pain for conditions such as runner’s knee and iliotibial band syndrome.
Knee sleeves may be used to provide compression to alleviate swelling and increase blood flow for injuries such as bruised or sprained knees, runner’s knee, or osteoarthritis.
A knee brace might be recommended after knee surgery, ligament injuries, or meniscus injuries to provide more support and comfort during activities.
Do knee supports help knee pain?
Wearing a knee support may help with knee pain by providing support and compression to the knee. One of the best ways to determine if a knee support can help is to simply wear it and see if the pain dissipates.
You can also consult your physical therapist or doctor for advice on whether you need to use a knee support and when to wear it.
Is it ok to wear a knee support all day?
The amount of time you wear a knee support really depends on the type of support and the activity. “If someone is wearing a patella strap for tendinopathy, they may only wear it during higher-level activities, such as tennis,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. “An individual with patella femoral pain may feel the need to wear a compressive sleeve most of the day when they’re walking or moving around.”
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist for guidance on if and how long you should wear a knee support.
How tight should a knee support be?
Knee supports should be tight enough that they’re snug and won’t slip, but also loose enough that they’re comfortable and not restrictive. If you feel that it’s pinching or cutting off your circulation, then it’s too tight.
What can you expect to pay for knee support products?
Depending on the type of knee support product you're in the market for, pricing will vary. If you need a high-support knee brace you can expect to pay anywhere from $20-$200. Whereas a knee strap or sleeve may cost you less, often listed between $10-$50. The cheapest product on our list, the Abco Tech Patella Knee Straps at Amazon, is often available for just $13. While our top recommendation, the DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace at Amazon, was $120 when we published this list.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. Her goal is to recommend products that are genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them, and that adhere to basic guidelines laid out by licensed medical experts.
