If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle is, then I’d recommend the PowerLix Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve as the best one.
A sprained ankle can severely hinder your mobility while causing a good deal of frustration and pain.
One of the best ways to alleviate that is by using an ankle brace.
Our guide and top five reviews should steer you in the direction of the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle so you can get back on your feet.
Here are the top ankle braces we’ll be reviewing:
- SS Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Ankle Support
- PowerLix Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
- Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
- Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
- Med Spec 264014 ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Ankle Braces – Buyer’s Guide
All braces aren’t made equally, so to make sure you wear the right one to help with your injury, there are a few features and additional points to consider.
This way, you’ll choose the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle that will actually help you heal rather than worsen your condition.
Importance of an Ankle Brace
Sprained ankles don’t simply heal by themselves, but they’re straightforward enough to treat at home.
Much of the pain from this type of injury comes from inflammation, which is where ankle braces come into play.
These braces can offer enough compression to ease the swelling, which can, in turn, help reduce your pain.
Depending on the type of brace, you may also find your ankle more immobilized in order to save it from any additional damage while it heals.
An ankle brace also provides you with enough support so that you can continue on with your activities while still preventing further injuries.
Proper Fit
An ankle brace that doesn’t fit well may be of little use to you.
A brace does come in various sizes depending on the brand, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that best serves your needs.
Another aspect to consider concerning fit is the design.
Some quality ankle braces are intended to fit no matter what size you are, and others feature snug adjustability to keep the brace from moving while you’re active.
Comfort and Support
Without support, then you may risk damaging your already healing sprain.
The best ankle brace for a sprained ankle should feature support in the necessary areas so you get the right amount of compression and stabilization.
Your brace should also be comfortable to wear, especially if you’re planning on working out while you recover.
Some ankle braces are more lightweight than others, a factor that may provide more flexibility to give you greater freedom while still keeping the ankle safe.
Having a low-profile as well as little weight can have it fit into your shoe easier as well.
Other braces feature breathability so you stay dry even while the compression does its job.
When it comes to the material, some ankle braces utilize material that’s soft and non-irritating.
This may be important if you plan on wearing the brace directly against the skin rather than over a sock.
Lastly, comfort is vital if you intend to sometimes wear your brace while you sleep.
If this is the case, then the brace should offer just the right deal of support without being too constricting or too loose so you can rest through the night with ease.
Ease of Use
Don’t we all want braces that are easy to use?
Messing around with a difficult brace can get annoying, and this may even cause it to fit improperly if you aren’t pulling it on right.
High-quality ankle braces should be simple to pull on. Not only that, but it helps if the adjustment process is straightforward too.
This way, you can get it to fit properly and not worry about it slipping or bunching up while you move.
The Necessity of Durability
Good ankle braces should actually last you a long time. Who knows if you’ll ever need to use it again?
So, it can pay off in the long run to own a brace that will stand the test of time.
Braces made from high-quality fabric can withstand daily use and even hold up to frequent washes without fraying.
The braces should also maintain their compression components over time without loosening.
Top 5 Best Ankle Braces – Reviewed
SS Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Ankle Support
The SS Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace may help speed up recovery while also preventing further injury once you’re healed.
Its compression can offer pain relief and deal with swelling, and it even comes with a free support strap that you can use to get personalized adjustments for a secure fit.
Made from premium fabric, this brace features a smooth interior texture so it won’t rub poorly against your skin.
It also has odor-free technology as well as absorbent technology to reign in sweat, leaving you dry no matter how hard you work.
However, there are some questions as to whether or not the brace will last long as the fabric may fray, more so if you wash it often.
This brace also lacks much bulk compared to other more rigid ankle braces. You should be able to wear most shoes, especially athletic shoes, with this brace.
This can also allow you to remain as active as you need to be without risking another injury.
Pros
- Fits well enough so you can wear it with various types of shoes
- Can provide consistent pressure for balanced support
- Offers a good amount of room for adjustments
Cons
- May not survive long with frequent washes
- Potential for the fabric to wear out after a few weeks
PowerLix Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
This Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve from PowerLix offers a unique multi-directional compression, providing even pressure throughout your ankle joint and foot.
This may help tackle radiating pain from a sprained ankle.
It’s seen by many as the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle if you need something fast to slip on and go.
They fit well enough that you can easily slip a sock over this and put on your shoes without anything bunching up or getting uncomfortable.
The form-fitting fabric provides a supportive base that’s still breathable and absorbs sweat. It’s intended to fit people of various sizes.
This is aided thanks to the four-way stretch capability designed to match individual joints.
Something to keep in mind though is that the brace may run small, so you might have to order a size larger than what you’re used to.
Pros
- Easy and quick to slip on and take off
- Comfortable fabric
- Features multi-directional compression to address the entire foot
Cons
- Sizing might run small
- Can be tight initially, so they may require a break-in period
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
The Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer may be a go-to brace if you have a heavy sprain that requires proper stabilization.
The lace-up design alone helps prevent over-flexing to immobilize your ankle to help it heal faster.
The bottom of the brace may feel a tad slippery, however, but you can slip a sock over the brace to reduce the chances of sliding on it.
This brace features a bilateral design so you can wear it on either the left or right foot with no difficulties.
It’s also low-profile so that you can wear it with shoes. This can make it easier to wear with athletic shoes.
The brace utilizes ballistic nylon to add a good layer of durability for long-time usage.
For security, the brace features stabilizing straps that form a figure-eight to further protect and support your ankle. Combined with the elastic cuff closure, the brace itself is secured well.
Pros
- Breathable for comfortable all-day wear
- Does well at immobilizing your ankle for support and healing
- Straps help secure the laces to provide a firm fit
Cons
- Potential for some parts to irritate the skin
- Bottom of the brace appears slippery and may slide around
Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
The Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve uses ComfortFlex to offer an ergonomic, comfortable fit that won’t reduce your circulation while still providing necessary compression.
It has moisture wicking properties to keep your foot dry, and as it is form-fitting, there is little concern that it will fall off or bunch up while you’re active.
Though it’s intended to be worn under shoes, the fabric is a tad thick, so it may be difficult to wear with some shoes.
Nevertheless, the compression is admirable, and it works fast on reducing the painful swelling.
The ankle stabilizer and compression technology work together to offer support and protection.
It features double stitching for the sake of durability.
This may allow it to hold up to frequent washing in a washing machine as well as for simple daily use.
Pros
- Snug fit that doesn’t reduce circulation
- Washes up well
- Works fast on reducing swelling and inflammation
Cons
- May not fit well on those who have smaller ankles
- Can be difficult to put some shoes on while wearing the brace
Med Spec 264014 ASO Ankle Stabilizer
This Med Spec 264014 ASO Ankle Stabilizer may be a good lightweight option that shouldn’t weigh you down after hours of wearing it.
The stabilizing straps are not just simple and fast to use, but they offer security to keep the brace from slipping in any way.
Its elastic cuff closer deepens the support to help prevent you from aggravating your sprained ankle any further.
The design even makes it simple to pull on over an injury in an effort to reduce pain.
This brace is intended to last for a good deal of time.
The material is ballistic nylon, which can withstand heavy use as well as machine washing on a gentle cycle.
If there is any issue with the material, some people may find that it can rub harshly on the skin. This may be a brace that is best suited for wear with a sock underneath.
Pros
- Lightweight design that can make it easier to wear for long hours
- Simple to pull the straps for a quick adjustment
- Easy to put on with an injured ankle
Cons
- Might feel a bit uncomfortable against skin
- It may run too large for some people
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re currently suffering from a sprained ankle or have recovered from one, an ankle brace can alleviate pain while preventing future injuries as you workout.
If we have to pick a top product to be the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle, the PowerLix Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve wins.
This affordable ankle brace offers balanced compression and support throughout your ankle and the rest of your foot.
The fabric is comfortable and form-fitting for optimal security. It’s also flexible without losing support so that you can stay active and safe.
There’s a user-friendliness about the ankle brace as well as it’s quick and simple to pull on and off, allowing you to get pain relief fast.
