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Boost Stability and Ease Pain With These Expert-Approved Knee Sleeves and Braces

We found the best gear for knee support during any type of activity

Person holding their knee clad in a knee brace outlined in white and displayed on a blue striped background

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

If you have knee pain or instability, supporting your joints during physical activity is essential to prevent further injury—and the best knee sleeves and braces can help. Knee sleeves offer compression and mild support, ideal for general use and injury prevention. On the other hand, knee braces provide customized, rigid support tailored to specific knee injuries or conditions, says physical therapist Brandon Schmitt, PT, DPT, ATC. Choosing the right one depends on your knee-specific condition.

To find the best knee sleeves and braces, we first consulted experts to understand the difference between the two support styles and identify key features to consider in each. Then, we researched dozens of products and evaluated each one for materials, comfortability, breathability, and price. Another reason to trust us? An orthopedic surgeon from our Review Board reviewed the contents of this article to ensure accuracy regarding the proper fit and function of these devices.

Best Overall

PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve

PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Breathable

  • Helps prevent itch and odor

  • Slip-resistant

Cons
  • Hand wash only

Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, this PowerLix knee compression sleeve is a great option for everyday use, which is why it's our top pick. A stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, the sleeve effectively absorbs moisture so you can avoid both itch and odor all day long.

Meanwhile, the sleeve’s four-way compression design applies stable compression across your knee, giving you support without limiting your range of motion. And since it's lined with slip-resistant silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you move. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
Compression fabric | Care: Hand wash | Anti-Slip Features: Knitted design with silicone gel strips

Best Budget

Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve

Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Flexible

  • Breathable

  • Four-way stretch

Cons
  • Must be air dried

Blitzu's Knee Compression Sleeve delivers on all fronts—especially it's super budget-friendly price and reliable high-quality design. It's constructed from a flexible performance fabric that’s durable but soft to the touch. Meanwhile, its four-way stretch design delivers the compression you’re looking for without limiting your range of motion. Lightweight and breathable, it also keeps you cool and comfortable on all treks.

When we tested this product, we were impressed by how easy it was to get on and off, despite its super compressive fit. It helped one tester recover recovery from surgery (ACL replacement and torn meniscus). And we love that it helped to reduce swelling and provide much-needed support in the knee area. The machine-washable sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
Silicone | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Silicone gripper

Best Low-Profile

Back on Track Knee Brace

Back on Track Knee Brace

Amazon

Pros
  • Non-slip

  • Comfortable for hours

  • Adjustable strap

Cons
  • Too compressive post-surgery

If you want to wear a knee support product under your clothing, or you want to avoid the bulky look, Back on Track's Knee Brace is a great option. During testing, we found that the streamlined, low-profile design fits well under all types of clothing without looking too obvious or cumbersome. We also appreciated the adjustable strap that helps you find the right fit and keeps the brace up and stable on your leg.

Our tester, who recently had an ACL replacement surgery, wore this brace for extra support on days in which her knee pain flared up. But because the brace is so compressive, we recommend waiting to wear it until you're fully recovered and back to normal activities—as more of a maintenance tool. The brace comes in six sizes, small through extra-extra-extra large.

Key Specs:
Material:
 Polypropylene  | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Adjustable strap

Best for Hiking

Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve 2 Pack

Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Slip-resistant

  • Comes with two sleeves

Cons
  • Hand wash only

This two-pack of Cambivo knee sleeves costs less than a single sleeve from other brands, without skimping on quality. They are crafted from a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, and they apply consistent compression across your knee that feels both warm and supportive. Plus, the silicone strips that run along the top of the sleeves keep them securely in place, no matter your activity.

When you're hiking, you need a knee sleeve that’s supportive, flexible, and breathable, like this pick from Cambivo. We love how compressive this sleeve is, providing comfort and protection on and off the trail. These knee sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, latex, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Anti-slip silicone waves 

Best Splurge

Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace

Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace

Amazon

Pros
  • Moisture-wicking

  • Includes padding

  • Comes in various sizes

Cons
  • Must be air dried

If you’re looking for a knee sleeve that offers more support, this option from Bauerfeind Sports is worth the higher price tag. It's constructed from a lightweight Air Knit fabric, which is both flexible and comfortable. And since the fabric wicks away moisture effectively, you can work up a sweat in your knee sleeve without feeling too uncomfortable.

The sleeve also features a ring of contoured padding that lines the center to surround the kneecap, providing ideal amounts of cushion and support as you move. This component makes it feel more like a knee brace without sacrificing the sleek flexibility you expect from a knee sleeve.

The sleeve is currently available in sizes extra-small through extra-extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
3D Air-Knit Fabric | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: N/A

Best Compression

Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve

Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Antibacterial

  • Moisture-wicking

  • Breathable

Cons
  • Hand wash only

Many knee sleeves are made from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex, but the Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve primarily uses copper fiber cloth, a textile that is genuinely infused with copper. Though there is limited research on the benefits of copper-infused fabrics, at least one study suggests it may have antibacterial and water-resistant properties, making it easy to keep clean. This knee sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression and successfully maintains its fit over time.

Meanwhile, there's no need to worry about overheating—this knee sleeve is just as breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying as any other on this list. It's currently available in sizes small through 4XL. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Copper fiber, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Rubber anti-slip strips

Best for Running

UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve

UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Durable

  • Four-way stretch

Cons
  • Hand wash only

Breathable, flexible, and durable, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve makes for a great addition to any running routine, offering those who wear running shoes for bad knees even more support. The sleeve is made from a blend of nylon mesh and spandex, which is lightweight yet durable. Its four-way stretch design also offers plenty of support and compression without limiting your range of motion. And since the interior is lined with wavy silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you run.

The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, lycra | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double-silicone anti-slip wave

Best for Weightlifting

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves

Amazon

Pros
  • Thick, stretchy material

  • Slip-resistant

  • Comes in various sizes

Cons
  • Expensive

This two-pack of knee sleeves from Iron Bull Strength is ideal for weightlifters looking for a little extra support during intense workouts. The sleeves are made from a thick neoprene-flex material, which is both stretchy and supportive. Meanwhile, the contoured design of the sleeves ensures that you get the snug, cozy fit you need.

And don’t worry about these sleeves slipping down your legs mid-workout. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift. The sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.

Key Specs:
Material:
Neoprene | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double silicone gel strips

Best for Basketball

McDavid Knee Compression Sleeve

McDavid Hex Knee Compression Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Moisture-wicking

  • Includes padding

  • Machine-washable

Cons
  • Tends to slip

This two-pack of compression knee sleeves from McDavid gives you the flexible support you need while you're on the court. They are padded with foam, giving you plenty of cushion to tackle sports like basketball and volleyball with confidence. They are also crafted from a moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex, which allow you to work up a sweat without getting uncomfortable.

Most importantly, the sleeves are durable, holding up to wear and tear from your favorite game. They are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large, and they come in a one-size-fits-all youth size as well.

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash | Anti-Slip Features: N/A

Best with Gel Pad

Neenca Gel Pad Knee Sleeve

Neenca Gel Pad Knee Sleeve

Amazon

Pros
  • Moisture-wicking

  • Includes padding

  • Slip-resistant

Cons
  • Not durable

If you want a knee sleeve with a little extra support, then try this option from Neenca. The stretchy sleeve is crafted from a woven compression fabric, which absorbs moisture and dries quickly to keep your knee comfortable. There is also a ring of gel padding in the middle of the knee sleeve that contours to your knee to offer additional support every time you wear it. Spring stabilizers lining the sides of the sleeve provide stability and support as well.

This knee sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-extra-large. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Air knit fabric | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Non-slip seam strip

What to Look For When Shopping For Knee Sleeves and Braces

  • Material: Many knee sleeves are crafted from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex. However, some are made with softer materials, such as bamboo charcoal fiber, and others use more durable materials like copper fiber cloth. “The material is very important because there are sleeves that have extra padding to stabilize your knee and joint to reduce pain and instability,” says physical therapist Mark Russ, PT, DPT. He warns that these sleeves can also reduce movement, so for very active individuals, he recommends purchasing one that features a breathable material as to not impede movement. Consider what you’d like your knee sleeve to feel like before shopping to ensure that you select one that feels comfortable to you.
  • Padding: Some knee sleeves come equipped with padding, which can offer additional comfort and support. This padding is often designed to surround and cushion the knee joint without detracting from the sleeve’s sleek profile. With that said, some designs feature thicker padding down the front of the sleeve to protect the knees during more intense activities like sports. “There has been more success in recommending knee sleeves with padding to people who are dealing with symptoms of osteoarthritis or the degeneration of knees,” explains Russ. Throughout his career, he has recommended that patients with osteoarthritis obtain sleeves that have padding to push the patella toward the midline of the body. This helps reduce pain by optimizing alignment.

How We Selected the Knee Sleeves and Braces

With hundreds of products on the market, narrowing down the right knee support product can be tricky—especially when deciding between a knee sleeve and knee brace. To take out the guesswork, we spent hours researching top-selling products from popular brands and thoroughly evaluating each one for support, comfort, and value

For product recommendations and buying tips, we also spoke with experts Russ and Schmitt. They helped us determine what important features to look for in a knee support product and which to avoid. Finally, we used our research and expert input to generate this reliable list of recommendations.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of researching and reporting this story. They helped us understand the difference between knee sleeves and braces, when to opt for each, and what to keep an eye out for when shopping. While we independently select products, we rely on expert input to inform our decisions.

  • Brandon Schmitt, PT, DPT, ATC, doctor of physical therapy at Professional Physical Therapy in Melville, New York
  • Mark Russ, PT, DPT, doctor of physical therapy at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you measure for a knee sleeve?

To measure for a knee sleeve, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your leg at a certain distance (usually 4 to 6 inches) above your knee cap. When selecting a knee sleeve, consult the product’s packaging or website for specific instructions on where to measure.

Can you wear a knee sleeve all day?

In general, knee sleeves are suitable to wear all day and can be worn for support if you’re going to be walking or on your feet for most of the day. The material is usually comfortable enough that you can wear it for extended periods of time without irritation, chafing, or discomfort.

Do knee sleeves help pain?

Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Schmitt. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist.  

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who have tried them.

Additional reporting by Michelle Parente.


As an experienced health and wellness writer, Michelle Parente is passionate about making great product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness, understanding the importance of making informed and reliable recommendations.

1 Source
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Hong HR, Kim J, Park CH. Facile fabrication of multifunctional fabrics: use of copper and silver nanoparticles for antipacterial, superhydrophobic, conductive fabrics. RSC Adv. 2018;8:41782-41794. doi:10.1039/C8RA08310J

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