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Best ankle braces & supports compression sleeves for hiking, walking, rock climbing and mountain sports - Buying Guide: 2024

66% of mountaineers, hikers and climbers have sprained their ankle at some point, which is due to the frequency of ankle injuries. This is because an acute muscle tear can deform the foot and cause instability and pain.

Discomfort in the ankle means a painful step. You can manage and avoid this injury by protecting yourself with ankle compression sleeves. We explain in detail their types, features, functions, and even the injuries mountain athletes can sustain in the field.

What is the best ankle brace for hiking injuries?

MARAKYM - Ankle Compression Socks for Men & Women - Foot Wrap Arch Support
  • Sizes: One size
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Nylon
  • Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Includes 2 units
  • Adjustable strap
  • One size only
Remember to carry in your backpack along with your sportswear, the MARAKYM compression socks for women and men. Your feet will be dry thanks to the material created with the latest technology, which absorbs and removes perspiration without having to remove the ankle brace. Its ergonomic design relieves pain and offers maximum comfort to do the activities you love. You will be able to use this compressive garment to combat inflammation from sprains, tendonitis and tears.

This ankle support is worn on either foot by simply placing its adjustable strap with the desired tension to keep the joint firm. Its cuffs are non-slip, so you'll always have your socks in the right place to control mobility. In those injuries where you need the adjustable wraps to hold the flexo-extension movements you should consult because it is possible that it does not fulfill this function.

ZOUYUE - Ankle Support for Men & Women for Ankle Sprains
  • Sizes: S-XL
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Nylon
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Includes protective plates
  • X-shaped cross-band fastening
  • Breathable
  • Quality finishes
  • Too bulky
  • Not suitable for washing machine
  • Only one per order
If you are just starting to practice a sport or if you are already a real expert, you will always need to protect your ankles from the shocks and demands of the activity. Therefore, it will be necessary to use the ZOUYUE ankle brace designed to prevent injuries and maintain ankle stability through its two steel springs and its adjustable elastic straps.

Thanks to this protector you will be able to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by acute injuries or by professional recommendation to prevent domestic accidents. The protective plates are located on the side of the ankle and provide ideal support during movement, while the lightweight, breathable fabric offers a cross-band support to maintain stability. It is a product that limits much of the movement of the ankle, so it is not recommended in certain daily actions or sports.

Ultra Ankle - Ankle Brace for Injury Prevention, Provides Support and Helps Prevent Sprained Ankles
  • Sizes: S-M y L-XL
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Thermoplastic resin
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Ultra zoom technology
  • Quality finishes
  • Not suitable for all shoes
  • Only one per order
Thanks to the design that presents the Ultra Zoom ankle brace you can place this support on your ankle in a matter of seconds. This way you will keep the joint stable and firm to prevent sprains and avoid sprains when you force the ankle. Its black thermoplastic resin materials offer convenient freedom for maximum range and comfort when playing sports or recovering from surgery.

Men and women can choose the size by measuring the circumference between the calcaneus and talus bones. It adapts to any type of foot, thanks to its straps with Velcro closure that you can insert them in any of the two available slots. Do not forget to place the ends correctly so that they adhere to the pad. Keep in mind that not all footwear adapts to this protector, so the fastening may not be as desired.

Mcdavid - Ankle Brace Support for Ankle Sprains and Sport
  • Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Polyester
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Laces, elastic and Velcro straps
  • Well-designed for proper support
  • Breathable and ventilated tongue
  • Ideal for anyone
  • Breathable
  • No hot/cold pack included
  • Not suitable for washing machine
  • Only one per order
Tighten the upper strap, after adjusting the internal laces to properly adapt your foot to this ankle support. This way you will increase blood circulation and relieve pain from tendinopathies, bursitis, sprains and arthritis. With this lightweight protector will keep your ankle aligned to achieve greater stability and comfort in sports.

Don't think twice! Choose the Mcdavid ankle brace for men and women because it offers breathable and ventilated materials with a padded lining so you can wear it all day and night. In addition, in summer seasons you will not have any inconvenience, since it does not generate bad odor. Choose the correct size because, in some people, the size of the ankle brace is too big according to the reference table.

Z ATHLETICS - Ankle Brace Adjustable Support for Running, Basketball & Injury Recovery
  • Sizes: S-M-L
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Machine washable
  • Laces for better fit
  • Too bulky
  • Only one per order
Athletics offers its ZENITH ankle brace model with different sizes for men and women thanks to this support with laces it is possible to perform any physical activity or prevent injuries during sports practice. The ergonomic design and the laces adapt easily to the foot to keep the joint firm against impacts and blows suffered by the ankles. Its breathable design eliminates odor and keeps feet dry.

Prevents cartilage wear caused by osteoarthritis or excessive weight on the ankle. For maximum comfort it is necessary to tighten the laces, then place the elastic straps around the ankle and fasten the velcro closure of the upper strip. You will achieve that the ankle performs the movements keeping at all times firm and stable foot. The quality of the materials can irritate the skin and lose elasticity over time.

SNEINO - Ankle Brace for Women & Men for Sprained Ankle & Achilles Tendon
  • Sizes: S-M-L-XL
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Breathable
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Great support
  • Laces for better fit
  • Quality finishes
  • Breathable
  • Too bulky
  • No material indicated
  • Only one per order
Steel springs and adjustable straps provide the greatest possible stability to keep the ankle secure throughout the day. Exclusive neoprene design evaporates perspiration and allows quick drying for maximum comfort. Prevents foot slippage, so you can use this brace for cycling, hiking, skiing or any other sport that requires maximum ankle stress.

It does not limit the amount of movement when you use this ankle brace, but for this it will be advisable to choose the correct size of your ankle brace. Adjust the straps until you feel that the foot is firm and then use your usual footwear for your daily tasks. You can also choose the SNEINO ankle brace to lower inflammation and pain caused by injuries, surgical interventions and degenerative diseases. It is advisable to wear socks to prevent the seams from rubbing against the skin.

Crucial Compression - Ankle Compression Sleeve for Plantar Fasciitis
  • Sizes: S-M-L
  • Colors: 3 Options: Beige, Black and Pink
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
  • Closure type: None
  • Lightweight and breathable design
  • Improves blood circulation
  • No material indicated
Running, dancing, playing soccer or walking has never been so safe for your ankles since the release of the Crucial Compression support. Take advantage of this protector's design to perform any type of activity and feel the difference immediately. Relieve pain from injuries, sprains and arthritis by simply putting the brace on in the morning and keeping it on until you get home. Its ergonomic ComfortFlex design maintains ankle stability and wicks moisture away from your feet.

If you want to stimulate blood circulation, don't hesitate to wear this nylon compression garment. Its seams offer just enough resistance to make you forget you're wearing the ankle brace when you work or sleep. Be careful because for some users it fits too tight and the volume left on the sole of the foot is too thick, increasing discomfort.

Mueller - Adjustable Ankle support for pain relief
  • Sizes: One size
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Hydramesh
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Adjustable design
  • Cross straps for better support
  • Lateral support for firm support
  • Stretchy, breathable fabric
  • One size too large
  • Not suitable for all footwear
  • Only one per order
Don't miss the opportunity to keep your ankles safe and stable during your daily tasks or when playing sports, thanks to the Mueller ankle support! This adjustable protector offers the best value for money with one size fits all, available for women and men. The fabric and design minimize the displacement of the foot, so it offers maximum safety and best quality at the same time.

Lateral supports and adjustable crisscross straps provide the correct tension to relieve pain and strengthen weak ankles. It can be used in arthritis treatment, post-operative pain and ligament injuries. Blood supply is increased due to the heat retention produced by this ankle brace, but in some users it fits too tightly to the foot and cuts off blood circulation.

Video: Ankle joint anatomy

Types of ankle braces you should know about

What are the most common ankle injuries in mountain sports?

Mountain sports put a lot of stress and strain on the ankles. When an ankle injury occurs, the soft ligaments that connect the bones of the tibia, fibula and ankle suffer a tear or even a break in the foot. Some of these conditions paralyze the athlete and force him to stop his activities for a long period of time. Here we present the most common injuries they can face while hiking.

Ankle sprain

The ankle ligament is a long, strong fibrous band that serves as a connection between bones, facilitates the natural and anatomical movement of the ankle, prevents excessive movement and serves as a stabilizing mechanism. It can also help prevent further injury.

Tendonitis

The tendons that connect the muscle to the ankle bone can be easily injured on unstable terrain, such as in the mountains. Tendonitis is an injury that can occur in any sport in mountainous areas. It can be caused by repetitive movements, muscle weakness or unbalanced terrain. It is recommended to do warm-up exercises before any activity related to these practices and take time to strengthen the muscles and ligaments.

There are 4 stages or degrees of ankle tendonitis. In the first two stages, you will feel a sharp, stabbing pain with activity. In stage 3, there is difficulty in performing any movement, and in stage 4, there is complete loss of mobility of the affected limb. In all these cases, it is advisable to perform these activities with experienced people.

Dislocation

This is a dislocation of the bones near the ankle joint, i.e. the bone moves out of its natural position. In severe cases, pieces of cartilage can detach and a number of other complications can occur. Imagine you are walking in the mountains and you have to make a jump and you fall with your foot in an awkward position, resulting in a dislocation, these are events that cannot be avoided, even the most experienced people could end up in such a situation.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, joint deformity, tingling and possibly loss of sensation and mobility of the foot. Depending on the severity of the complication, you may need to wear an ankle brace to stabilize the joint.

Fractures

A fracture can be one of two cases: the breaking of an ankle due to a sudden impact or the breaking of the bone until it penetrates the skin, with the following symptoms: severe pain, loss of sensation, inflammation of the joint, deformity, bruising, loss of mobility of the foot, and others.

This condition is common in all mountain sports. The ground conditions in these areas can vary until you reach the point where you have to jump and fall to reach the solid ground, you can fall heavily on your foot or abruptly, in one of the cases you can get a mild or moderate fracture as explained above.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a smallsac, completely filled with synovial fluid, located between the bones and the moving parts of the ankle. Its function is simple: it prevents friction and wear of the ankle joints, thus preventing further injuries.

When you go hiking, mountaineering or canyoning, walking or biking in the mountains for along time, the joints get tired and you feel stiffness, severe pain and when you least expect it , the ankle gets inflamed and bursitis develops. For these cases, there is nothing better than a compression ankle brace.

Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace for hiking

If you know the different injuries that you will face in any physical activity, choosing the most suitable ankle brace is not that difficult. The material that allows stability and compression, the size or the design that best suits your needs are features that will help you choose the right product.

According to their function

  • Support: Elastic ankle supports provide excellent joint support, increase mobility and compress the ankle. They are suitable for hikers or outdoor activities and minimize the risk of injury while hiking or exercising. This brace is useful for relieving pain from injured muscles and tendons and protecting against chronic overuse of the ankle.
  • Protection: in mountain sports, the risk of an ankle injury is often high. Prevention can be achieved with compression garments that protect the joint from sudden movements, jumps, falls, missteps and more by supporting and stabilizing it.
  • Pain relief: these disciplines often take a long time and are far from medical attention. With the sports ankle brace you no longer have to worry about the usual pain that can occur in mountain sports, whether due to overuse, overweight or other reasons that can be reduced thanks to the compression therapy of this garment.
  • Stabilization: As already mentioned. Sports ankle braces provide enough stability to keep the joint in position without causing incorrect movements that can lead to sprains or fractures, which is a serious case. In this way, you can practice your favorite sports without worrying about running or mountain climbing.

Material

The material is one of the most important points to check before buying a sleeve. It is an important factor to achieve the desired benefits for the ankles. They must have certain aspects to achieve the compression, stability and even comfort that are so important when running in the mountains, whatever the discipline.

The first thing to analyze is the fabric. The most commonly used and recommended fabrics are nylon and spandex. Both offer elasticity, sufficient pressure, softness, comfort, lightness and - very important - moisture transport. This last point must be taken into account, otherwise your feet may get wet, which would cause discomfort.

Type of support

Elastic compression ankle sleeve have easy-to-use closures for ease of application, allowing the hiking athlete greater freedom of movement without worrying about the garment slipping or twisting. These are the most recommended materials for optimal support.

  • Stabilizing strap: a cross strap that completely covers the instep and heel to protect the joint and minimize shocks or sprains, as well as exerting a strong compression on the ankle and preventing slippage of the garment due to lack of movement.
  • Velcro closure: a simple and secure opening system. They offer an ergonomic design and good elasticity with a precise fit that keeps the ankle firm and well supported.
  • Neoprene: A type of synthetic rubber commonly used to make ankle orthoses. It is temperature stable, lightweight and supportive, fits comfortably around the joint and prevents slippage.

Size

To determine your ankle size, you will need to measure the circumference of the ankle joint just above the instep and then use the diameter found in the chart below to determine the correct size.

Design

A very important feature for athletes who want to maintain their image or style. This garment is available in a variety of designs, so you can choose the color, shape and design that you like and still get the compression, support and stabilization effect that you expect from the product.

Since they are breathable, you can use them all day long without discomfort and climb, trek, hike or practice any other type of sport in the mountains with the shoes you like best, always ensuring the same safety and comfort. It is also worth noting that most models are made in unisex sizes, so you do not have to search long for your gender.

Price

The cost of ankle orthotics depends on the type and material they are made of. As mentioned throughout the article, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the garment so that it can exert the therapeutic effect on the joint, depending on the needs of each person. It is not advisable to buy very cheap ankle braces, as they do not have the compression and quality required for proper use.

Are compression ankle sleeves for mountain sports really effective?

Whether you are climbing, hiking, mountaineering or any other mountain sport, compression therapy is undoubtedly the most effective injury healing technique that every athlete should know. However, ankle braces with compression technology benefit the mountain athlete by preventing accidents in this area and facilitating recovery. At the same time it provides a safe and comfortable experience.

Compression therapy improves the oxygen supply to the tissues. This is because it optimizes oxygen consumption in the body and especially in the joints or areas where there is an energy overload, which leads to an increase in performance. In case of heat loss during exercise or recovery, these ankle braces have the function of retaining heat, allowing a stable blood flow.

It is a mistake to think that just because you played sports and didn't get injured, you don't need to protect your foot. However, proper protection can minimize the negative effects on your health and provide adequate prevention.

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