The Best Ankle Braces to Prevent Twists, Sprains, and Strains, According to Experts

This ankle brace was a favorite among our experts, thanks to its multipronged approach to stability. It starts with a lace-up brace, which can be adjusted to provide as much compression as you need. Figure-eight straps wrap above the malleoli (the bony prominences on both sides of your ankle) for enhanced stability, and a woven elastic cuff holds the laces and straps in place. This unique design helps control movement in all directions — “both up and down, and side to side,” says Clifford L. Jeng, MD, orthopedic surgeon and medical director at the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy in Baltimore.

All those layers may feel a bit bulky, and it can take a few minutes to put the brace on and adjust it for a comfortable, secure fit. But overall, if you need stability during a workout without giving up too much mobility, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re getting back on your feet (literally) after an ankle injury, this brace can help prevent unnatural rotation or rollovers while you’re still healing. It has “rigid supports on the inside and outside of the ankle, which is going to be a lot more restrictive, but it’s also going to be a lot more supportive,” Fathalikhani says. “If you’re rehabbing a moderate to severe ankle sprain, and you might not [feel] 100 percent confident on your ankle, having one of these more bulky, rigid braces might be more appropriate at that point.”

Despite its rigid structure, the brace is lightweight, fits inside a sneaker, and has hinges that allow for a safe range of motion. While it’s only available in three sizes, you do have the option to choose between a standard or wide calf size, three levels of support, and the left or right ankle. The foot plate can be heat-molded for a customized fit, although the manufacturer recommends having a medical professional do the molding.

Dr. Walker recommends this brace for its “brilliant semirigid support for sprains or chronic instability.” Designed to support the ankle during high-impact sports after a moderate to severe sprain, the A2-DX has protective guards on the sides to prevent inversion (rolling outward) and eversion (rolling inward).

The low-profile design fits comfortably into a sneaker, and it’s made from breathable material. The X-straps can be adjusted for a snug fit, and a guard brace holds the side supports in place. Putting on the brace and adjusting the straps can be tricky at first, but there’s an easy-to-follow YouTube tutorial to help you get past the learning curve.

While some compression sleeves may be irritating to your skin after a while, this one is designed for all-day comfort. The soft breathable knit contours to the shape of your foot, and the knit is looser at the edges so it won’t dig into your skin, even after a full day on your feet.

While most ankle braces are designed to help you stay active after an injury, the Air Stirrup is different. It limits movement during the earliest stages of recovery from a serious sprain, severe instability, or surgery, when you’re just starting to put weight on your ankle again.

Pre-inflated air cells create semirigid shells that protect against side-to-side motion, Dr. Jeng says. The air cells also apply gentle compression to help reduce swelling. Just be sure to talk to your doctor or physical therapist so you know when it’s time to transition to a less rigid brace with more range of motion.

It also has a few comfort-focused features that give it an edge over other lace-up braces. Breathable fabric and a ventilated tongue keep it from getting overly sweaty during a workout, and the straps can be adjusted without taking off your shoes, so you can fine-tune the level of compression as needed.

Pro Compression is known for its runner-friendly compression socks, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s ankle compression sleeve gets high marks for comfort. The gentle four-way compression can help enhance circulation and reduce swelling. When shopping for a compression brace, breathable fabric is a must, Walker says — and this brace is made from a comfy blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex. The design is seamless, so no there are no itchy or uncomfortable spots, and the material is odor-resistant, with four-way stretch so it won’t impede your range of motion.

This stabilizing brace can help support sore or injured ankles with side supports that restrict lateral movement and gentle compression to help relieve swelling. The adjustable straps also wrap around the bottom of your foot, which can be a bonus if you need arch support. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric keeps skin dry, although you may want to wear a sock under the brace for added comfort.

However, it’s important to note that this brace is only available in one size. And while the fit can be adjusted somewhat via the straps, it’s recommended for ankles with a circumference of 8 to 10 inches at the narrowest part, which may exclude larger or smaller body types.

The repetitive stress of running can take its toll on your ankles, so if you’re rebooting your running routine after an injury, you may want the extra support of an ankle brace. This sleeve-and-strap combo is a great pick for runners for a few reasons. The compression sleeve is made from breathable, sweat-absorbent material that keeps your feet cool and comfortable. The lightweight design slips easily into your running shoes. And an adjustable strap wraps around the sleeve to provide extra support and targeted compression.

However, this is another one-size-fits-most design. Before you buy, measure the circumference of your foot around the arch. The recommended range is 10 to 12 inches — if your feet are larger or smaller, the brace may not be a good fit.