The Best Knee Sleeves

by Claire Huffman
Last Updated: 16/04/2020
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Knees undergo a lot of stress when exercising that they are the first ones to suffer. Whether you are a runner or a powerlifter, your knees are some point will need extra support to keep going. Knee sleeves help with that to add on to their natural strength.

Here are 7 of the best options available on the market today.

Top 7 Knee Sleeves

1.      Physix Gear Knee Support Brace

Physix Gear
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This Physix Gear knee brace for sports comes in high-quality design for comfort and support. 

Key Features

  • Durable 4-way stretch Lycra
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Stretchable and flexible
  • Breathable nylon

The sleeve features 4-way stretch Lycra that ensures it is flexible. As you exercise, the sleeve conforms to your knees movement while providing the extra support you need. Also, it helps to keep the joints warm while preventing stiffness.

The sleeves offer comfort for running and other exercises, thanks to the lightweight design. However, it is not suitable for fuller thighs as it can dig into the muscle.

2.      Sable Knee Brace Support Compression Sleeves


If you are looking for the best knee compression sleeve for knee pain, this pair from Sable will work right for you.

Key Features

  • Anti-slip design
  • Wider coverage
  • Extra knee support
  • Breathable material

One thing that stands out with this supportive knee brace is the anti-slip design. The sleeve stays on regardless of the activity you engage in. Additionally, it provides wider coverage to distribute pressure evenly. The stretch material ensures the sleeves are flexible as you move.

These are ideal for regular exercises; however, the material loosens up after a few wears. A size smaller could work better.

3.      Weaving 3D Knee Brace Sleeve

If you need a breathable knee brace sleeve to use during hot weather, this is one of the best. It has breathable material to wick away heat and moisture.

Key Features

  • Durable material
  • Highly breathable
  • Anti-odor
  • Flexible

The sports knee sleeve has a high-quality material that withstands regular use and constant stretching. The fact that it has moisture-wicking and odour-control properties make it one of the best on the market. It is super easy to wear and comes in different sizes to suit individual sizes.

4.      Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Physix Gear Sport
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The design of these socks makes them super comfortable to wear for hours.

Key Features

  • Double-stitched
  • Easy to wear
  • High-quality material
  • Excellent compression support
  • Flexible and stretchy
  • Breathable

These socks are perfect for walking, running and any other kind of exercise. They come in a high-quality Lycra material that is super stretchy and flexible. Also, the material is breathable to suit use in hot climates.

These are easy to wear and wash well without losing elasticity. They are some of the highest-rated compression socks and come in different sizes to suit everyone.

5.      Bear Komplex Compression Knee Sleeves

ALT
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You can make use of these sports knee sleeves to support your knees during workouts. Bear Komplex is known for its high-quality sleeves, and these are no exemption. 

Key Features

  • Available in 5mm and 7mm designs
  • Multiple colours
  • Super supportive
  • Comfortable material

If you are looking for the best knee sleeves for powerlifting, these will do. They are thick enough to enhance knee support and improve blood circulation. Additionally, they help to reduce pain and promote quick recovery after a knee injury. With multiple sizes and colours, you can get the most suitable design for your needs.

Bear Komplex has the best compression sleeves for knees; however, you should note that these are shorter in length than others on the market. 

6.      RDX Knee Support Brace and Orthosis Sleeves

The best support sleeves should be flexible enough to conform to the knees’ movement. These particular ones are super flexible, comfortable and supportive.

Key Features

  • Neoprene/silicone
  • Heat retention technology
  • Breathable fabric

The knee brace features unique silicone innovation technology to increase protection and support. It also helps with pain relief while enhancing circulation around the joints.

More to this, the silicone design contours to your knee’s movement to enhance flexibility. The material is breathable to keep your knees cool for long hours of use.

7.      UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve

UFlex Athletics
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A high-quality compression sleeve should help to reduce inflammation and enhance blood flow. This design from Uflex Athletics is one of the best for muscular recovery and support.

Key Features

  • Ideal for all sports
  • Anti-slip silicone
  • Available in different sizes
  • Breathable and flexible

The sleeve can come in handy to reduce soreness, stiffness and inflammation around the knees. It has a heating effect that contributes to muscular recovery after injury. Additionally, the anti-slip silicone provides stable compression when doing squats, weightlifting or yoga.

You can select the most suitable sizes from the variety available. The sleeve has proven to work well for most people hence, ideal for regular exercise.

What to Look for When Buying Knee Sleeves

Comfort

The knee sleeves you choose should be comfortable on the skin for long hours of use. If they are itchy, too tight, or slipping, then they will affect your productivity while exercising.

Material

Most knee sleeves on the market are made from neoprene material. It is quite stretchable and breathable. The material contributes to how long they last as well as how comfortable they are. If your sports knee sleeves are made from another material, you may not find them supportive enough.

Durability

It is important to ensure the sleeves can last a long time with regular use. Check the quality of the material, the type of stitching and the bands. If you are looking for the best compression knee sleeve, then consider neoprene ones as they retain the elasticity with regular use.

Support

The primary aim of getting sleeves is to provide knee support during exercise. Knee compression sleeves, in general, should provide an optimum amount of support. On this note, you should get the right size as anything too large or too small can affect the support.

Type of Workout

Some designs of knee sleeves are specific to one type of workout. For example, powerlifting knee sleeves only work well with powerlifting. There are designs for squats and other to suit cardio exercises like running and walking.

Why Use Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves provide support to the knees when engaging in physical exercise. Since knees are some of the pressure points, you are likely to feel pain; sleeves help to absorb the shock from exercising. They assist in the recovery and enhance blood flow around your knees.

Knee sleeves also come in handy for people struggling with knee joint pains from arthritis or other conditions. Most have padding that provides extra support around the knees while distributing the exerted weight evenly.

FAQ

Do Knee Sleeves Help?

Absolutely. The best knee sleeves provide support and help with knee recovery after injury. They come in handy for people that engage in exercises such as running, powerlifting, weightlifting, Crossfit, etc.

Can I Wear a Knee Sleeve All Day?

Modern designs of sleeves are suitable to wear all day for lasting support. Although they are not as effective as knee braces, they can help in the recovery process. You can consult your doctor for advice on how long you should wear or the other options available.

What Size Knee Sleeves Should I Get?

Your knee sleeve should be tight enough that it stays in place but not too tight to feel uncomfortable. The right size should not need constant adjustment. If you are between sizes, then you should get a smaller size. The material tends to stretch with time, so after a few uses, it should have conformed to your correct size.

3mm-thick sleeves are ideal for endurance sports. The 5mm-thick ones are more general and work well for running, walking, and general gym use.

How to Keep Knee Sleeves From Rolling?

If your knee sleeves are rolling, then it means the band has lost elasticity. However, if your new pair is rolling up or down, consider returning or replacing with a smaller size.

Can You Wear Knee Sleeves Over Leggings?

Yes, but only over tight leggings. Baggy ones will affect how well the sleeves hug the knee and might not provide adequate support.

The Bottom Line

Knee sleeves help to improve circulation and enhance support around the knee joints. Whether you need some for running or to keep your knees warm, the above options can work well. Depending on your fitness levels and other needs at hand, you can get the most suitable one.

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About the author

Claire is a fitness enthusiast with a flair for writing. She is dedicated to promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle underpinned by long-term solutions. After being physically competitive, Claire put on significant weight during her university years. She made a decision to get fit again and is now helping thousands of individuals achieve their fitness goals. View All Posts

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