7 Best Ankle Braces, According to Doctors
These doctor-approved products can help with sprains, joint instability, ligament damage or ankle pain.
Medically reviewed by Jordan D. Metzl, MD
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Ankles are susceptible areas for injury. According to research in the Journal of Athletic Training, ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, with about two million occurring yearly in the U.S. This can be because of constant tension from standing and walking, or from strenuous activity during exercise or a sport. No matter the cause, the result is pain and instability in the tendons and joints around the ankle that can disrupt daily life. Plus, evidence shows there's a strong link between a prior ankle sprain and re-injury. Therefore, it's a good idea to invest in an ankle brace if you have a sprain, joint instability, ligament damage or if you're experiencing unwanted pain.
"Ankle braces have been shown to provide increased stability and support for ankle ligaments following injury," said Joshua Goldman, MD, MBA, health science associate clinical professor within the departments of family medicine and orthopedic surgery at UCLA, and team physician for the Los Angeles Chargers professional football team. "They can also reduce the risk of re-injury for patients and athletes as they return to sports, fitness and other activities."
Our fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute research and evaluate different types of ankle braces and then consult with doctors, including Dr. Goldman, for their expert opinions on the best options available. We considered price, materials, ease of use, support and more. Our top picks offer solutions for every degree of ankle injury (or pain) and stage of recovery.
Pros
- Three layers of support with laces, straps and cuff
- Different sizes for best fit
- Machine washable
Cons
- Takes some time to put it on
Your ankle will get plenty of stability in this brace that has three layers of support including laces, straps and a cuff. Place your foot into it, feed the laces, secure both stabilizing straps and finish by wrapping and Velcroing the elastic cuff over both the laces and the stabilizing straps. While it will take some time to put it on, one online reviewer reported feeling a good balance between comfort and ankle protection in this brace.
Sizes range from extra-extra small to 3XL. The company recommends using their chart to ensure you order the correct size. The brace is both hand- and machine-washable.
- Material: Nylon
- Sizes: XXS–3XL
- Washable: Machine washable
Pros
- Velcro straps make it easy to put on and take off
- Breathable neoprene material
- Open-heel design for better range of motion
Cons
- Hand wash only
Slip your foot into this breathable neoprene brace, then cross the straps and pull them until you feel your foot is secure. Velcro all the straps down for a firm hold. Then when you're ready to take the brace off, the straps release easily.
The open-heel design allows for more mobility as you walk around, which can be ideal if you're wearing your brace for a lot of the day. The brace can fit up to an 11-inch foot circumference, and is hand washable.
- Material: Neoprene and nylon
- Sizes: One size fits most
- Washable: Hand wash
Pros
- Customizable compression
- Allows for mobility while still providing support and stability
- Available in 14 colorways
Cons
- May not be suitable for more serious ankle injuries
Available in 14 different color options, this ankle brace provides compression around the joint and is used frequently to help with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and tendonitis.
The ankle wrap strap design allows for a customized fit that will stabilize your ankle without restricting movement, making it a great option to wear while you're doing things like walking, exercising or participating in other sports or activities.
Dr. Goldman likes this type of flexible option for a patient who is moving away from a more rigid brace and wants to bring some movement back into the ankle while still having extra support and stability. The brace is machine washable as well.
- Material: Polyester, elastic rubber and nylon
- Sizes: One size fits most
- Washable: Machine washable
Pros
- Brand is reliable and holds up over time
- Air cells provide compression to ankle
- Brace prevents ankle from collapsing but still allows for flexion
Cons
- Brace can feel bulky because of air cells
Our testers found Aircast to be a tried-and-true brand that is reliable, works well and holds up over time.
Use this brace for acute pain, chronic pain, sprains or post-surgery to help with recovery. Simply place your heel on the brace, then pull both sides of the brace up against the inside and outside of your injured ankle and finally secure both straps for a snug fit.
The air cells on the inside of the brace provide enough compression and support to help your ankle feel stable. They also help prevent the ankle from collapsing while never restricting flexion in the joint. On the downside, the brace can feel bulky because of air cells.
- Material: Nylon and plastic
- Sizes: One size fits most
- Washable: Hand wash
McDavid 195 Ankle Brace
Pros
- Strapping system mimics athletic taping
- Padded lining for all-day comfort
- Lacing can be tightened or loosened with shoe on
Cons
- Hand wash only
This brace was designed with athletic taping in mind, featuring a figure-6 strapping system. Unlike an athletic tape wrap though, the lacing of this brace can be tightened or loosened easily without even having to take off your shoe.
Dr. Goldman likes this brace for the acute mobilization phase of an ankle injury when you're trying to minimize the amount of motion with your ankle.
The padded lining and ventilation in the tongue make the brace both comfortable and breathable even after multiple days and hours of wear. It comes in sizes extra small to extra large.
- Material: Polyester, neoprene, nylon and vinyl
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Washable: Hand wash only
Pros
- Reinforced support with laces and support straps
- Brace doesn't restrict range of motion or change gait
- Low girth allows it to be worn with most shoes
Cons
- May not get as tight as other braces
A mesh of neoprene and nylon material make this brace not only comfortable but also breathable and anti-chaffing, so you don't have to worry about any rubbing or hotspots even if it's your first time sliding it on. Lace-up construction paired with support straps provide your ankle with ample support without restricting movement, so you can walk with a normal gait. That said, it may not get as tight as other braces.
The brace itself has what the brand refers to as a "low-girth" bottom, meaning it has a low profile and isn't thick. The benefit: It's easily compatible to wear in most shoes without feeling like your injured foot is elevated much higher than your healthy one. Best of all, if it gets sweaty, just run it through in the washing machine.
- Material: Neoprene, nylon and mesh
- Sizes: S–L
- Washable: Machine washable
ACE Brand Deluxe Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer
Pros
- Velcro straps make for easy on and off
- Adjustable for personalized fit
- Breathable fabrics
Cons
- May not get as tight as other braces
A reputable name in the fitness industry for years, ACE Brand makes an effective ankle brace that's made of breathable materials, so things never get too hot or sweaty even if you wear it while being active.
The brace can be worn on the right or left ankle, and the thick Velcro straps easily adjust for a personalized, comfortable fit and make it easy to take on and off. The brace provides stability without restricting your ankle mobility. It's a good option if you're looking for a bit more ankle support while walking, working out at the gym or playing a sport. It may not get as tight as other braces though.
- Material: Nylon, polyester and spandex
- Sizes: One size fits most
- Washable: Hand wash
How we choose the best ankle braces
The fitness and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment and gear year-round ranging from running sneakers and silicone rings to rowing machines and dumbbells. When selecting the best ankle braces, we evaluate many on the market, tap experts like physical therapists and sports medicine doctors for their recommendations and research a variety of different fabrics, styles, sizes and price points.
What to look for when shopping for the best ankle brace
Before purchasing an ankle brace, there are a handful of features you'll want to consider:
✔️ Material: Most ankle braces are made out of comfortable and breathable materials like nylon and neoprene that won't lose their shape or integrity over time. The choice ultimately comes down to user preference. Consider whether you're willing to hand wash the brace too, or if you'll need to look for a machine-washable option.
✔️ Adjustablity: Many ankle braces are one size fits most, so it's important that they are easily adjustable to form to a user's unique anatomy. Look for adjustable closures like tie-up laces, criss-cross straps or a wrap-around Velcro.
✔️ Rigidity: Based on your specific injury, ask yourself how much rigidity you need and how much ankle motion you're willing to sacrifice for that rigidity. "The more acute an injury or the more significant ligamentous injury, the more rigid support we want," explained Dr. Goldman. "On the other hand, early mobilization following ankle injuries has been shown to have the best outcome, so you may want to consider more rigid support early and then transition to more flexible supports as soon as you can tolerate it."
✔️ Durability: While most hope to eventually heal from an ankle injury, users may need to wear the brace for weeks or months before feeling better. And if pain or another injury happens in the future, a brace may need to be used again. Therefore, it's important that an ankle brace is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. A brace will also need to retain its integrity after many washes.
What is the difference between an ankle brace and ankle support?
Technically speaking, an ankle brace is classified as hard and restricts ankle movement, while ankle support is soft and allows for more movement in the joint. "Support is designed to be worn once the ankle is healing and has regained some strength," explained Wendy Winn, PT, OCS, physical therapist board-certified in orthopedics, owner and director of Custom Performance physical therapy in New York City. "A support will not prevent re-injury, but is intended to provide a tactile comfort to the ankle while it’s continuing to heal."
However, the difference between the two terms can often just be a matter of semantics, said Dr. Goldman who uses the terms interchangeably. "But there are a number of different types of ankle braces with varying degrees of support and rigidity — that's what you should focus on when choosing one," he said.
Is it OK to wear an ankle brace all day?
This will very much depend on the acuteness of the injury you're dealing with as well as how far you are into the recovery process. "For the first one to two weeks following a serious ankle injury, I recommend the use of a lace-up ankle brace or even a walking boot," said Dr. Goldman.
"After the first one to two weeks, we want to start to try to get as much motion as possible into the ankle, so I recommend weaning off the brace." This means taking the brace off for light activity as well as times when you're not moving the ankle much, like during sleep. However, Dr. Goldman still recommends wearing the brace during strenuous activities that have a higher risk of further injury.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amy Schlinger is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and journalist who has been in the health and fitness industry for over a decade. She's extremely passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. Schlinger can often be found getting in daily fasted cardio, strength training in the gym and testing and writing about gear and equipment like running shoes, leggings, treadmills, rowers and more.
Joshua Goldman, MD, MBA, MD, MBA is the sports medicine physician for the University of California Los Angeles, and the team physician for the Los Angeles Chargers football team as well as Red Bull North America. Dr. Goldman is a health science associate clinical professor within the departments of family medicine and orthopedic surgery. He is an expert in non-surgical orthopedic issues and musculoskeletal ultrasound and is one of few physicians in the Los Angeles area with expertise in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures.
Wendy Winn, PT, OCS, PT, OCS, is a physical therapist board-certified in orthopedics, and the owner and director of Custom Performance physical therapy in New York, NY. Winn has been a practicing therapist for over 13 years and has served as an expert contributor and educator for many fitness and running institutions.
Amy Schlinger is a skilled reporter, writer and editor who has over 14 years of experience covering health, fitness, wellness, nutrition and lifestyle topics. She regularly interviews world-renowned doctors and medical professionals, elite trainers, nutrition experts, professional athletes and celebrities, and has held staff positions at Shape, DailyBurn, Self and PopSugar. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Men’s Health, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Women’s Health, Glamour, Runner’s World, Bicycling and more. She earned her BA in Media Arts and Design, with a concentration in Print Journalism, from James Madison University. Amy has run six half marathons, completed two triathlons, biked two century rides, finished two Tough Mudder races and four Spartan races, including a beast at the Spartan World Championships.
Jordan Metzl is a sports medicine physician in New York City. He’s the author of three bestselling books and the creator of the Ironstrength Workout, a functional fitness program for runners.
