Braces are far bulkier than ankle sleeves but offer maximum protection and help to prevent or to recover from ankle sprains. They come in different styles with either just a lace-up/strap combination or with additional stays or plastic inserts that increase stability even further. Ankle braces without inserts: The ankle is an extremely mobile joint. It’s designed to be that way to give you a full range of movement – spinning, leaping, cushioning a landing, and all the other miraculous motions that the human body can so effortlessly accomplish. Measure the circumference of the calf 5 cm (2 inches) below the center of the kneecap. If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger one. Size Measure the circumference of the thigh 16 cm above the center of the kneecap. If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger one. Size The brace can feel a bit stiff in the beginning but after a short break-in period, the material starts to feel really nice. The McDavid has 9 sets of eyelets (compared to 6 of the ASO), which makes it a bit bulkier and more difficult to put on. In return, it also offers a bit more stability compared to the ASO.

This ankle brace has a similar design to the Med Spec ASO. It’s a lace-up product, with the lacing bolstered by straps that you weave around your foot in a manner similar to taping, before velcroing them above the ankle. The manufacturer, McDavid, claims that the product is suitable for moderate to major instabilities, offering Level 3 support. While you can’t go wrong with either, as both will provide the comfort, support, and protection you need while also managing to hold up for a few seasons, the Ultra Zoom is the easier of the two to put on. It is also slightly cheaper. My only caveat to this statement is that each user needs to find their sweet spot for comfort and support. With the straps and the laces in place to allow for a custom level of tightness, it is very possible to go too tight around the midfoot and arch and cause foot numbing and pain. Sometimes it takes a few moments to notice and a couple times I was already mid game when I starting feeling tingling pain and the onset of numbness.I don’t think this takes away from the brace itself because this is user error when it happens. Once you find your sweet spot, the brace is consistently comfortable. This is a light product that will easily stay hidden under your shoes. This ankle brace has no laces, but rather is simply made from an elastic material that must be wrapped around your feet and then velcroed down. The effect is roughly the same as wearing a bandage around your foot.

Those looking for protection rather than discretion may appreciate the McDavid Bio-Logix Ankle Brace, a heavy-duty, performance-grade ankle brace. Crafted from molded plastic, it offers stability without sacrificing comfort. The flex-link hinge design offers further protection, and a memory foam padding cushions the ankle joint for comfortable wear. Comfort – Comfort is a big deal for these ankle braces. If you need to wear them and they are incredibly uncomfortable, you will be less likely to wear them and probably not enjoy your time playing basketball with them on. In my opinion, though there is a little bit of noticeable weight added when wearing it, the ASO is very comfortable. Admittedly, there is a short break in time where your movement, body heat, and sweat break in the initially stiff straps and shape of the brace. After break-in, I can tell you from easily 60-70 hours playing in this brace that I have not experienced blisters or any kind of nagging discomfort that could take my enjoyment away from sports. Overall, the McDavid 195 ankle brace is a high-quality product that offers good protection while still being relatively lightweight and comfortable. If you possess even a passing knowledge of NBA you’re more than likely to have heard of Steph Curry. The 2 time NBA MVP is one of the most fearless and skillful players on the planet, bombing away from deep; breaking ankles whilst flying into the paint with scant regard for his body; and all while plying his trade in the toughest and arguably most physically demanding league in the world (upwards of 100 games over 6 months??). There’s little doubt that the arduous NBA schedule plays a significant part in most injuries we see today. The A2-DX features a dual exterior molded support structure that prevents the ankle from rolling inward and outward. The brace also features an X-Strap Stabilizer that delivers 3-way anterior, lateral, and medial support to prevent ankle strains too.

The goal of an ankle brace is essentially to slightly immobilize the ankle, keeping it steady so that it cannot be twisted again in an unhealthy manner. The downside of rigidity, though, is that it may limit a player’s comfort or range of motion, Dr. Balmes notes. Because more protective ankle braces prevent ankle movement, a player may not be able to move around as nimbly as they’d like to. For this reason, Dr. Balmes recommends that players select ankle braces based on the level of protection they feel comfortable with, given their style of play. Measure the circumference of the thigh 16 cm (6.25 inches) above the center of the kneecap. If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger one. SizeIts open panel design with adjustable fasteners provides an individualized fit, enhanced comfort, and variable compression levels. The brace’s pre-curved design also ensures that your movement isn’t limited in any way either, which is a problem that cheaper ankle braces often suffer from. Or, so I thought. Unfortunately, I landed on the foot of my own teammate and badly rolled my right ankle. Ankle braces with inserts or exterior support structures offer more protection and are especially useful if you want to prevent high ankle sprains or if you are recovering from one. However, they are heavier, less comfortable, and restrict your movements to a higher degree than the previously-presented lighter options. Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace