Crossfit involves a variety of exercises where most of the weight and effort is placed on the ankles, which can suffer injuries due to stress, wear and tear or overuse. The best way to treat or prevent them is to wear the proper clothing for the particular injury you are suffering from.
That's why, in this article, we'll talk in detail about the best sports ankle braces for treating all types of injuries to the joint, including the features we recommend for choosing the right garment.
What is the best ankle brace for Crossfit injuries?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Grey
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 pieces
- Uses: Rehabilitation and sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Double Silicone Anti-slip
Elastic Fabric
Various Colors and Sizes
- Sizes: S-M
- Colours: 2 Options: Black, Pink
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 2
- Type of fastening: 2 Velcro fastenings
- Easy and quick to put on
- Ideal for youngsters
- Highly elastic fabric made of breathable material
- Available in 2 sizes
- Thin material
By improving blood circulation, it has a therapeutic effect which helps to reduce inflammation in case of ligament injuries or joint diseases. In order to know the correct size of the ankle brace, it is necessary to compare the size of the product with the size of the shoe. The pressure may decrease over time as you loosen the elastic support or the adjustable ankle strap. The right stabilising ankle brace should, in some cases, be worn with compression socks to produce a better effect.
- Sizes: L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Spandex
- Nº of products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Non-slip elastic strap
- Wide range of motion
- Helps reduce foot pressure
- Additional compression support
- Bulky
- No instructions
To improve the efficiency of shock absorption it is necessary to position the foot and fasten the support to the ankle and sole, by means of its powerful Velcro straps. Then, incorporate the stabilisation strap and you are ready for climbing, running, cycling and many other sports. Keep in mind that its non-pilling material can cause irritation due to the bulky space it takes up, so you won't get a proper fit.
- Sizes: M-XL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of fastening: None
- High anatomical versatility
- Stabilizes the joint
- Large sizes
Its ergonomic design achieves maximum grip without disrupting joint range and its external seams keep the foot and lower calf area snug at all times. Thanks to the flexible material it is made of, it can be worn under shoes in summer because it evaporates body moisture. If you choose this compression garment for intensive use, it is likely that the back seams will come apart and the ankle brace will separate.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of Products: 2
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Machine washable
- Quality Finish
- Multifunctional Protection
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Thin material
- Low compression
Its built-in stabilising strap improves the grip of either foot, making it an easy fit for both men and women. The multi-functional hook and loop protection system may cause some discomfort when wearing tight-fitting footwear. The Hually ankle brace may lose elasticity in the malleolus area over time or when worn frequently.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 3 Options: Black, Red and Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Number of Products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Durable quality and easy to clean
- Anatomically shaped for a secure fit
- No indication of material
The adjustable strap stimulates alternating compression and achieves a better support of the ligaments. It is characterised by the fact that it is a non-slip garment and its polyamide main component makes the protector machine washable. The articulated elastic thread closure may cause discomfort in the plantar area, making the anatomical fit uncomfortable. The massaging fabric may not fit properly on some users.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Spandex
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Breathable high performance fabric
- Seamless and durable
- Quality finish
- Improved ankle support
- High ankle support
- Not machine washable
It contains an adjustable support to achieve the greatest possible stability and prevent the foot from slipping during use. Its antiperspirant system guarantees performance and a long life of all components, including its soft stitching. It can be worn on either foot, but please note that in some cases, adjustable socks may be required to improve compression.
- Sizes: L
- Colours: Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Provides strong support
- Adjustable design with snap straps
- Ideal for anyone
- Breathable material
- Bulky
- Contains only one unit
It is ideal for treating Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, as it stimulates blood circulation and reduces pain and inflammation. You can also use it after surgery. Its adjustable straps with velcro closure provide maximum support to the joint and you can hand wash its breathable fabric without neoprene. It does not come with instructions, so you will need to put it on correctly before use.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Nylon
- Number of products: 2
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Sizing guide
- Perfect support
- Breathable fabric
- Slightly short strap
It reduces the risk of rupture of the Achilles tendon, as it is possible to cover the heel and keep the joint aligned at all times. It is very easy to use, just place your foot inside the ankle brace and adjust the elastic straps until you have the correct ankle position. Measurements may vary according to the size of the user's foot, so it is necessary to pay attention to the indications before choosing the correct size.
Video: Ankle joint anatomy
Types of ankle braces you should know about
What are the most common ankle injuries in Crossfit?
Crossfit is a strenuous sport, especially for certain parts of the body that bear more responsibility than others, such as the ankles, which are stressed during jumping exercises, running, carrying weights, deep squats and other exercises.
Ankle sprains
These are injuries to the lateral ligaments that occur when the athlete makes sudden movements. Ligaments are firm and strong elements that are injured when they are twisted or overloaded with weight. In Crossfit, this happens when all the weight is shifted to the feet, or when jumping on the toes, heels or edges. The most common symptoms are pain, bruising and swelling.
Stress fracture
This is the fracture of one of the two bones connected to the ankle by ligaments. It occurs when trauma, through the ligament and into the bone, causes the injury to break. They are called "stress injuries" because they are caused by repetitive strain injuries. That is, the affected area has taken several untreated impacts, and the bone gives way and breaks.
Tarsal Sinus Syndrome
A condition that a person will have for life if not treated in time. It is a syndrome characterized by pain on one side of the foot and ankle that goes away only after rest. This condition occurs when you have repeatedly sprained your ankle and it has not healed completely. It occurs in Crossfit when incorrect foot movements are made while running, jogging, jumping or carrying excessive weight.
Achilles tendonitis
At the back of the ankle is a tendon called the Achilles tendon. When this tendon is overused during high-pressure movements, Achilles tendonitis develops. It starts as inflammation in the back of the ankle and then develops into severe pain that eventually limits mobility. This is a very common injury in Crossfit, as it is caused by frequent exercises such as steep jumps, demanding body and footwork, or carrying too much weight and dropping it.
Osteoarthritis
This is the progressive wearing away of the surface of the ankle joints, particularly the joint area of the tibia, talus and fibula, which is responsible for cushioning the back and forth movements that the athlete performs during repetitive exercises such as running, long jumps, strides, squats and others.
In Crossfit, repetitive motion exercises are common to strengthen and tone the body. Part of this power is provided by the ankles, which are responsible for supporting and cushioning the entire body, making this area particularly susceptible to injury.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace for Crossfit
It is important not to wear just any kind of ankle brace for superficial reasons. It must be tailored to the needs of our ankles and the requirements of the exercise programs. To help you make the best choice, we will list some of the most important features to consider when choosing your own sports ankle brace, whether they are physical, economic or functional.
Depending on the function
- Ankle supports to stabilize the joint: there are sports ankle orthotics specifically designed to support the ankle with muscles that stabilize it and prevent it from buckling during certain Crossfit pressure exercises, while reducing muscle vibration and keeping it firmer. This benefit is also very good to prevent your muscles from getting tired and therefore not working properly, avoiding possible injuries.
- Ankle braces to improve blood circulation: compression ankle pants allow better blood circulation in the ankle. Especially those made of neoprene, which give a thermodynamic effect to the muscles and the whole inside. This means that the joint is kept warm and active, which is the best way to avoid fatigue or stress injuries.
- Ankle sleeves for recovery from injuries: These garments are designed to help the ankle recover better and faster after serious injuries. They can also be used to treat sprains and recovery conditions.
- Ankle braces to reduce pain: one of the main functions of ankle braces is to relieve or prevent pain. This is due to their thermocompressive effect on the joint, which relaxes the muscles and keeps them in a constant state of rest.
Material
Sports ankle orthoses differ in the material they are made of, which affects their usefulness, flexibility, durability and quality. For example, the most popular and widespread are made of neoprene, as this material perfectly hugs the ankle and provides thermal support, but does not allow the skin to breathe properly.
To counteract this, ankle braces made of fabric, nylon and spandex have been developed to allow good blood circulation and more natural breathing of the skin. However, they can also be made with neoprene in varying proportions.
Type of support
Here are some of the most common and effective types of braces we recommend to support and hold your ankles during all types of Crossfit exercises.
- Elastic: these are provided with an elastic band anchored on the opposite side of the ankle. They provide very good support and compression for jumps and crossfit exercises.
- Velcro: Compression ankle orthoses with Velcro are widely used because they are very easy to put on and take off. Their strength and fastening efficiency is due to the fact that they are not ordinary Velcro, but a special, more resistant and sticky Velcro that does not allow them to come off during the most important moments of Crossfit, especially during running exercises or exercises with a lot of movement of the ankle.
Size
There are many different types and styles of ankle braces, but one aspect that doesn't vary much is the sizes. This is because they are designed to fit the body type in a way that provides the safest and most effective support. An ankle brace that is too loose or too tight will only have negative effects if we are doing a challenging Crossfit exercise. To determine your ankle size, simply take a tape measure and measure the circumference above the ankle. There are some in one size fits all, but we recommend you choose the size that best fits your body.
Design
Ankle pants are not exactly aesthetic, but rather functional. Most are solid color (black, gray, dark green) and do not have many accessories or fasteners. Their importance and focus are more therapeutic. However, the types of elastic compression ankle are a bit more diverse than the typical basic monochrome model. When looking for the best crossfit apparel, you will find some with special designs, with prints in dark or eye-catching hues.
Prices
The more special the products are, the more expensive they usually are. This is the case with compression ankle sleeves, which have important factors that set them apart from other compression garments.
The high-quality materials combined with the closures and the design customized to your taste result in the most recommended ankle support for the protection and recovery of your ankles. It should be noted that buying a cheaper garment can be a waste of money, as the materials used do not have the necessary properties to maintain the health of this joint.
Do compression ankle sleeves for Crossfit really work?
Ankle supports are designed with the health of the athlete in mind, specifically to aid in health maintenance and prevention during and after training, including potential injuries.
Compression ankle sleeves are designed for the physical and mental well-being of any athlete, especially Crossfit athletes who are particularly prone to ankle injuries. Their benefits lie in the compression therapy they exert on this joint, which allows for better blood circulation, a reduction in pain and inflammation, and a quick recovery.
Braces for ankles are the great ally of those who practice Crossfit, since they increase their performance, avoid any type of injury to the joint and, if you have them, help in recovery and ensure that your ankles are always healthy and ready for Crossfit.