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It is estimated that about 1.6 million sports injuries are associated with the game of basketball every year. Being that ankle sprains are by far the most common injury in the game, it is safe to assume that they make up a huge chunk of that statistics. It is also why every basketball enthusiast and player should find and buy the best ankle brace for basketball players.
There is no doubt that basketball is an enjoyable game that is loved by millions of people around the world. However, whether you play at a professional or amateur level, you are susceptible to injuries. There are a few things in this life quite a painful as landing on your ankle the wrong way with your full body weight. Ankle sprains can take weeks to heal and even then, there isn’t always a guarantee that they will heal properly. You can almost always feel a little tinge whenever you land on that foot ever so slightly awkwardly long after you have healed.
Top Ankle Braces for Basketball Players Reviewed
But because injuries are part of the game and to some extent inevitable, it is best to be prepared with the best possible remedy when they do occur. Having the best ankle brace for basketball players will not only help you move around better should you ever sustain an ankle sprain but it will also help you heal faster so you can get back to the game that you love so much.
Here are some of the best basketball ankle braces in the market today:
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
This Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer takes your comfort very seriously. That is why you can play for hours while wearing this ankle brace without getting sores or feeling impeded. It has a bilateral design that makes it perfectly suitable for all types of size of feet. One thing that makes it stand out is that it has stabilizing straps that form a figure eight when in place. This makes this ankle brace a bit more supportive than most in the market today.
Because it is light, you can easily play with it without getting unnecessarily fatigued due to the extra weight. It also keeps your heel perfectly locked in (thanks to the figure eight stabilizing straps) which greatly reduces your chances of getting an ankle sprain when playing with these braces. Add to that the fact that they fit well into your basketball shoes and you have a winner.
Pros:
- Has figure eight stabilizing straps for extra support and perfect fit
- Made out of highly durable ballistic nylon material
- Fits comfortably on any type of feet
Cons:
- You might have to break them in to find that perfect fit
This is an ankle brace that is not only durable but also comfortable, fits well and very affordable.
McDavid 199 Ankle Brace
While there are ankle braces designed to help you move around once injured, there are those that are designed to help you recover faster and enjoy moderate game time even through your injury. The McDavid 199 Ankle Brace is such a brace. Designed to excellently protect your ankle, this brace allows you to move about freely and still put in some light practice time on the court.
The thing about this ankle brace is that it’s very simplistically designed. It doesn’t feature any straps nor Velcro. It’s a simple lace-up that provides you with maximum level of ankle support. They have some steel inserts on both sides which will restrict your mobility some but that is the main reason why these braces are so effective when it comes to reducing recovery time.
Pros:
- There are simple enough to use and feature a simplistic design that is both elegant and effective
- It’s made out of breathable nylon and vinyl construction
- Has an inner arch insert that helps with support
Cons:
- They are not very comfortable when worn in basketball shoes
If you are looking for something that is simple enough and designed to help with your recovery, then this ankle brace is the answer.
Venom Ankle Brace
This Venom Ankle Brace is designed to offer you full ankle support without limiting your movement. Designed to include side stabilizers and straps, this ankle brace is all about ankle reinforcement. It has a contoured arch that goes a long way in help with your rehabilitation and recovery.
The best part is that it is designed to apply just the right amount of pressure on your injured ankle so as to constrain any additional swelling that might prolong your recovery time. That means that this brace is mainly focused on protecting and stabilizing your tendons. The fully adjustable straps ensure that you get a customized and comfortable fit.
Pros:
- Made out of high-quality neoprene which makes it very durable
- It is relatively light in weight
- Offers you perfect grip and support
- Comes with adjustable straps and laces which keeps it secure and allows for versatility
Cons:
- Might feel a little bulky sometimes
Comfort, breathability and a customized fit, it hard to find reasons not to like this particular ankle brace.
Nordic Ankle sleeve
If ankle braces are the boots you wear during an ankle injury, then ankle sleeves are the necessary socks. This Nordic Ankle sleeve is absolutely necessary and perfectly designed for people who experience minor, yet reasonably concerning ankle sprains. Basically, this is what you wear when you feel like your ankle is injured just enough to be tender but not all the way painful.
Designed with comfort and the right amount of compression in mind, these sleeves will help keep that ankle stable enough so it doesn’t get worse when you move around on it. Made out of high-grade nylon yarn, they are warm and rather breathable.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Ergonomically designed
- Provides your ankle with the necessary support
- Provides you with excellent compression for quicker recovery and prevention of further injury
Cons:
- Finding the right size can be problematic
These is the kind of gear you need to keep you from causing further damage to an injured ankle. This list gives you some of the best options as far as ankle braces and sleeves are concerned. All you have to do now is take your pick.