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Best ankle braces & supports compression sleeves for soccer - Buying Guide: 2024

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Some play it for fun, others are professionals in this field. Although it is a wonderful and healthy sport, they are also prone to injury, especially in the ankle, since this joint must be constantly mobilized to develop the game.

The best and easiest solution to prevent and reduce ankle injuries is the compression ankle sleeve, which is used on the field because of its many advantages. Therefore, in the following article, you will find information about features, types, function and even the most common injuries in soccer.

What is the best ankle brace for soccer injuries?

Sleeve Stars - Ankle Brace for Plantar Fasciitis with Velcro Wrap Heel Brace for Heel Pain
  • Sizes: One size
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Polyester
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Strap for improved fit
  • Quality finishes
  • Thin material
  • Only one per order
The immediate relief you will feel when wearing the Sleeve Stars ankle protector will be unmatched. This is due to its ergonomic design and the quality of the seams and material with which it is made. Thanks to its adjustable straps you can speed up the recovery of injuries suffered in sports practices or reduce inflammation in tendons, ligaments and muscles. You can also relieve pain from sprains and strains.

Once you place your foot inside this compressive sock you can adjust the elastic straps according to your needs to support and maintain the balance of the ankle at all times. Its design allows you to avoid foot slippage and increase comfort every time you wear the ankle brace. It can be machine washed, but in some cases its duration did not exceed 3 months.

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.

Aircast - Ankle Support Brace with Velcro straps
  • Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
  • Colors: Black
  • Material: Breathable
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Strong support and compression
  • Great fit thanks to its strap
  • No material indicated
  • Only one per order
Enjoy the latest technology in ankle supports with the AirSport ankle support. Thanks to its rigid structure filled with aerated fabric allows you to maintain compression and comfort at all times. It is ideal for use in cases where you need to activate blood circulation and relieve pain caused by injury or arthritis. The semi-hard liner can be used by both men and women, but it is necessary to choose the correct model for each foot.

The ankle brace is designed in breathable neoprene, so you will always keep your feet free of moisture. Just make the necessary adjustments to fit your ankle and that's it, you can go anywhere you want. The semi-rigid structure may cause problems for those with larger ankle diameters, causing the brace to fit uncomfortably.

Bauerfeind - Ankle Support Brace for Joints, Injury Healing and Pain Relief
  • Sizes: T1 to T5
  • Colors: 3 Options: Beige, Gray, Black
  • Material: Viscoelastic
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: None
  • Does not retain heat
  • Breathable
  • Stretch fabric
  • Machine washable
  • Low support strength
  • Difficult to select the perfect size
  • Only one per order
If you are one of those who suffer from ankle injuries, this practical protector will help you to control pain and inflammation generated by sprains, strains and tendinitis. In addition, you can use the Bauerfeind ankle brace to improve the symptoms of arthritis. Thanks to its unique side pads and viscoelastic knitted fabric the foot will always remain free of perspiration.

You can wear it anywhere you go because its ergonomic design will adjust to the ankle so you can wear it under your shoes. It promotes blood stimulation due to the compression and support that the ankle receives, but you must keep in mind that heat is not retained. The different sizes offered by the product will serve to accompany each movement of the joint opening, although in some people the size does not correspond to the table.

Langov - Ankle Compression Sleeve Socks for Foot or Sprained Ankle
  • Sizes: S-M-L-XL
  • Colors: 2 Options: Black-Grey and Black-Yellow
  • Material: Nylon
  • Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
  • Closure type: None
  • Quality finishes
  • Highly elastic fabric
  • Low support strength
The Langov ankle brace is one of the best compression socks available, for both men and women. Its different sizes help to choose the best alternative for the user, making it fit the foot correctly. Due to the compression system and the external seams, this ankle support stimulates blood irrigation, thus reducing inflammation in the affected area. It also relieves pain and prevents injuries in sports practices.

It is ideal for use in any activity, and thanks to its size and weight you can take it wherever you want without taking up space. Warm or cold weather is not an obstacle for this ankle protector because its nylon and elastane fabric keeps the foot at the ideal temperature. As it wears it is likely that the compression will decrease, so you should analyze the correct size to order.

Bauerfeind - Sports Ankle Support - Breathable Compression with strap
  • Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
  • Colors: 3 Options: Blue, Pink and Black
  • Material: Breathable
  • Nº. of Products: Single
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
  • Optimal support with strap
  • Quality finishes
  • Good fit
  • Breathable fabric
  • No material indicated
  • Not suitable for washing machine
  • Only one per order
The premium quality Bauerfeind ankle brace for the right foot helps prevent sprains and strains during sports activities. To reduce the risk of injury, the ankle brace provides maximum compression and improves blood circulation. But this does not mean that comfort is neglected, thanks to its knitted fabric design. Freedom of movement is an outstanding feature of this protector.

Its adjustable strap gives extra pressure to keep the foot always aligned. You can use the ankle brace to combat the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation of ligaments and tendons. Just measure your ankle circumference correctly and choose the right size, according to the size chart. If you tighten the straps too much, you may feel a tingling sensation, so it is often advisable to consult your doctor before continuing to wear this compression sock.

PowerLix - Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve for Injury Recovery and Joint Pain
  • Sizes: S-M-L-XL
  • Colors: 3 Options: Black, Blue and Beige
  • Material: Breathable
  • Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
  • Closure type: None
  • Perfect to wear with shoes
  • Quality finishes
  • Stretch material
  • Breathable
  • Low compressive strength
  • No material indicated
Pay attention to the benefits of the PowerLix compression ankle support! Its design in breathable fabric absorbs sweat and allows you to increase the hours of use. It is designed to work as a compression sock that reinforces the muscular area that performs all the effort during sports practice. Thanks to its double silicone system it is ideal for use when you need to stimulate blood circulation and relieve pain in tendons, ligaments and plantar fasciitis.

Its upper and lower seams keep the compressive ankle sleeve in place, preventing slippage in footwear. Its different sizes available do not eliminate joint movements, making it a garment that should never be missing in your sports backpack. Its ergonomic 4-way design can be uncomfortable if you do not choose the right size and the heel area tends to break very quickly in these cases.

Video: Ankle joint anatomy

Types of ankle braces you should know about

What are the most common ankle injuries in soccer?

Accidents are not uncommon in everyday life, but as a soccer player, the risk increases exponentially. On the field, soccer players are at risk for ankle injuries due to the constant stress placed on their ankles during sports. This puts the joint at constant risk, and with it, the future prospects of the soccer player.

Below are the most common injuries suffered by soccer players, whether in games or in training:

Ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is an abnormal or sudden stretching of the ankle joint, which may be partially torn. The severity of an ankle sprain is measured in different levels that determine how much time the player needs to recover before they can safely return to practice.

Sprains can occur when the foot is in an inverted position, meaning the ball of the foot is in one direction and the lateral side is in the other, which is associated with overstretching of the joint or trauma. It should be noted that this is the most common injury in this sport, since sudden movements are constantly performed.

Fractures

A fracture is a partial or complete break of one or more bones of the tibia or fibula that allow forward or backward movement, depending on the trauma suffered by the soccer player. It can occur when a soccer player suffers a violent collision with an opponent or a fall on the ankle, resulting in a fracture of the bones that make up the ankle. It is similar to a sprain, but has more serious consequences and may even require surgery and a recovery period

Tendonitis

A tendon is a tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. On the foot, these tendons are located behind the lateral malleolus and their primary function is to stabilize this lower body joint and protect it from sprains. On the field, these injuries are caused by the overuse of these tendons due to the constant stress on the soccer player when he does not rest or recover after games and training, as well as the natural wear and tear due to the age of the player. In more severe cases, tears may occur.

Chronic instability

When a soccer player is constantly suffering from sprains, a condition called chronic instability develops. This is a condition in which the ankle does not remain fixed, but instead rolls over. A soccer player who suffers from this condition is very susceptible to injury because every time he sprints, he puts more weight on the muscles due to the deviation and the pressure on the ankle becomes too great. In addition to pain in this area, serious injuries such as tears, which take several weeks to recover from, are more likely to occur.

The footballer's ankle

Injuries are so common in soccer players that they even have a name. It is the compression of a muscle in the anterior part of the ankle that results from repeated injuries to the ankle or poorly treated sprains. In the worst case, it can lead to premature osteoarthritis, resulting in the formation of plaques between the tibia and the ankle bone. This injury is caused by repetitive trauma to the ankle, whether hitting or kicking a ball, which causes the player to swell and feel pain when resting the foot. Treatments can vary, but surgery is not out of the question.

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

As explained in this article, there are ankle injuries and in turn ankle suspenders for soccer players of different models, but not only by the type of injury you can choose a garment, as there are several characteristics that allow you to choose it as its functionality, materials, price, design and more. We will look at them in the next section:

By function

  • Ankle braces to relieve pain: the ankle brace you choose should support the joint through compression, that is, it should be held firmly, but without applying undue pressure on the area to be treated, improving rehabilitation, since the ankle does not make movements that affect the injured muscles. There are even ankle splints with gel on the sides for cold application that every soccer player should use for a more effective recovery.
  • Protective ankle braces: one of their most important and most requested functions is protection. This means that the sports ankle brace provides stability in every minute of the game, from the simple step to the run on the opponent's goal, the ankle is protected from wrong movements, sprains and injuries. Undoubtedly indispensable for every soccer player.
  • Ankle supports: One of their main functions is to support the joint. Made of lightweight, adaptable and compressive materials that provide excellent support to the ankle and protect it on any type of grass or playing field, regardless of the unevenness of the surface.
  • Stabilization of the ankle: sports sleeves for the ankle, although not intended for post-operative procedures, provide enough stability to allow the player to perform any movement without fear of sprains, dislocations and other injuries that affect the professional career and the life of an athlete in general. There are different models with different materials that can be used with the shoes without being uncomfortable when running or shooting.

Material

Ankle braces have evolved to include a variety of materials depending on each individual's needs and priorities. I try to avoid skin allergy problems and antibacterial products. If you take good care of the garment, you can extend the life of the garment without losing its stabilizing or sweat-wicking function, and also make it more flexible.

  • Nylon is a tough, elastic textile fiber used in the manufacture of fabrics and knitwear, as well as silk and fishing line.
  • Noprene is a polymer derived from rubber. One of its main advantages is flexibility, compression and support.
  • It can also be made from wool, linen, silk or other textile fibers.

Type of support

Some of the great benefits of ankle supports include injury prevention and quick recovery, but this is largely due to the support they provide, as weak support would put the ankle at risk of sprains and very strong support would cause pain and problems in the joint.

Some of the most recommended types of support are:

  • Velcro: This closure system works around the ankle and also acts as a stabilizer to prevent any movement of the player, but without hindering the forward and backward movement of the foot. They are most commonly used by players because they can be perfectly adjusted in a short time.
  • Sleeve: they are applied with the help of the cruciate sleeves, which is adjusted on the top of the foot. They are used for tendonitis as well as for minor injuries or postoperative injuries. They are very useful, provided the player uses them properly, as they provide comprehensive protection and care.
  • Braids: Braided ankle supports are those whose design resembles that of a shoe, as the straps must be intertwined to apply pressure, which has a stabilizing effect on the ankle. They are the least common type of support, as braiding can take a lot of time and the game is visually uncomfortable.

Size

Size is just as important as the materials they are made of. A fancy ankle brace is useless if it doesn't fit your foot. It must have the ability to stabilize and support the joint, but without restricting blood circulation.

Design

Design is a key element when choosing a new pair of soccer ankle supports. The most important thing is that they provide stability and security, but it's also important that they match your team's uniform. The fact is that the sport that has promoted the use of the garment the most is that of soccer players, because it helps them improve their performance, avoid injuries and more. All in one piece that is also very pleasing to the eye.

Currently, there are a variety of models and colors for ankle support that, depending on the price, offer reinforced versions for better protection, as well as padding on the sides; all in a truly modern and extremely lightweight getup that will make you feel like a pro if you're not already, without making you uncomfortable when wearing it.

Price

The cost of ankle supports depends on a number of factors, such as the materials used, the design, the function, and the quality of workmanship. It is not advisable to skimp on buying a cheap sports ankle braces, as they do not benefit from quality control and their function is limited in time.

Do compression ankle sleeves for soccer really work?

In soccer, the materials used on the field have evolved over time, both in training and in the game, to protect the integrity of the players. In this case, ankle supports are used by soccer players based on the recommendations of professionals in the field, as they are based on various studies and research that have been carried out for decades until today to know their functionality from a therapeutic and sports point of view.

The use of ankle braces has many benefits for players, as they not only help prevent and heal injuries, but also enhance athletic performance, speed up recovery after training, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, maintain proper temperature in the joint and much more.

If you really want to become a professional soccer player, you should always demand the best from yourself, which includes excellent protective gear. Many talented players have ended their careers due to ankle injuries. Avoid them and protect yourself by wearing sports ankle braces during training and on the field.

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