Whether you've sustained an injury or are trying to prevent one, a knee sleeve or knee brace can be a useful and practical item. Knee sleeves help to provide support and stability to the knees and the muscles surrounding them. There are many different types of knee sleeves available for purchase, and finding the best knee sleeve for your needs can be challenging.
We've done our research and checked out some of the best knee sleeves on the market. By comparing different features from some of the most popular ones, we've put together a buying guide to help make selecting the best knee sleeve an easier process. Below, we're sharing our top choices and some tips to help you find the best one.
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The Best Knee Sleeves - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall: Copper Compression Recovery Knee Sleeve
- Best Budget: ProTec Closed Patella Knee Sleeve
- Best for Squats: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeve
- Best for Powerlifting: Stoic Powerlifting Knee Sleeve
- Best for Arthritis: Copper Compression Extra Support
- Best for CrossFit: Spidertech Full Knee Pre Cut
- Best for Running: Copper Compression Full Leg Sleeve
- Best for Basketball: Copper Compression Powerknit Knee Sleeve
- Best High End: ProTec Premium Knee
Best Overall Knee Sleeves - Copper Compression Recovery Knee Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Copper-infused nylon
- Features: 4-way stretch, moisture wicking, discrete appearance
The Copper Compression knee sleeve has a slim and discrete design. It features stretchy material that is infused with copper. This knee sleeve is designed to help warm and compress the muscle. With a stabilizing design, this knee sleeve can help to facilitate recovery, keep joints stable, and prevent injuries.
This sleeve is versatile and it can be used on either the left or right knee. It also has moisture-wicking material to prevent sweating and keep you comfortable. Silicone bands help to make this knee sleeve supportive and sturdy.
What We Like
- Stretchy, moisture-wicking material
- Reasonable price point
- Copper-infused material
- Can be used on the right or left knee
What We Don't Like
- Might roll up with movement
- Some users found it difficult to find their correct size
BUY: Copper Compression Recovery Knee Sleeve
Best Budget - ProTec Closed Patella Knee Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Neoprene
- Features: Closed patella design
The ProTec closed patella knee sleeve offers compression and support to the knee area. This sleeve has a closed patella design and is designed to help individuals who struggle with arthritis, mild to moderate patellofemoral pain, and general knee pain.
This knee sleeve provides warmth, compression, and support. It comes in five different sizes ranging from small to XX-large. Closed patella knee sleeves generally provide more support than an open patella design.
What We Like
- Multiple size options
- Supportive and sturdy
- Provides therapeutic warmth
- Reasonable pricing
What We Don't Like
- Some users felt that the material was hot
- Minimal product information on the website
BUY: ProTec Closed Patella Knee Sleeve
Best for Squats - Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Neoprene
- Features: Non-slip design, contoured fit
The Iron Bull Strength knee sleeve comes in a two-pack and, as the name implies, offers support and durability. This knee sleeve is made with an anti-slip grip to prevent it from sliding down your leg while wearing it. The contoured fit is supposed to fit snugly around your knee to provide support and stability.
This knee sleeve is available in six different sizes, ranging from extra small all the way up to XX-large. The 11-inch length is longer than some of the other options, providing optimal support for activities like squatting.
What We Like
- Versatile size options
- Non-slip feature
- Contoured fit
- Comes in a 2-pack
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some users found that this wasn't as supportive as they'd hoped it would be
BUY: Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeve
Best for Powerlifting - Stoic Powerlifting Knee Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Neoprene
- Features: 7mm thickness, extra long length for coverage and support
The Stoic Powerlifting knee sleeve is designed to be sturdy and durable. This knee sleeve is sold as a two-pack, so it can provide support for both knees while you train. We chose this knee sleeve as "Best for Powerlifting" given its durable design and high-quality materials.
This knee sleeve will hold the knee in place even through a full range of motion, so they are a great way to support your knees during strenuous workouts like powerlifting. The tear-resistant material is designed to last. With a 7-millimeter thickness, this knee sleeve pair is compressive and supportive.
What We Like
- Comes in a 2-pack
- Extra long
- Tear-resistant material
- Plenty of different sizes
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other options
- Sizes may run small
BUY: Stoic Powerlifting Knee Sleeve
Best for Arthritis - Copper Compression Extra Support
SPECS
- Material: Copper-infused nylon
- Features: Copper infused, moisture wicking, extra supportive
The Copper Compression heavy-duty knee brace is a super supportive knee brace with an open patella design. This knee brace comes in a one-size-fits-all design, making it versatile and comfortable for any body type. It features a stabilization ring to help prevent further knee injury and a four-way stretch system that helps ensure comfortable movement while wearing it.
This knee brace is also made with copper-infused material that has antimicrobial properties. We chose this knee brace as "Best for Arthritis," but it can also be used for sports injuries, post-surgery, and more.
What We Like
- One size fits all
- Antimicrobial material
- Adjustable design
- 4-way stretch
What We Don't Like
- Thicker and heavier than other options
- Might have to be worn with a sleeve underneath to prevent chafing
BUY: Copper Compression Extra Support
Best for CrossFit - Spidertech Full Knee Pre Cut
SPECS
- Material: Poly-acrylic adhesive
- Features: Functional and easy to use
Spidertech full knee tape is pre-cut to fit the knee area properly. This supportive tape is different from a standard knee sleeve, offering a lightweight, less constrictive option. Kinesiology tape works by placing gentle pressure on an injured area. This tape is a great option for someone who wants some support but finds classic knee sleeves and braces to feel too restrictive.
Spidertech knee tape comes in four different colors. It is pre-cut for the knee area specifically, so you don't have to spend time measuring and cutting it like you might have to with other types of tapes. The material is hypoallergenic and water-resistant.
What We Like
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight and non-restrictive
- Available in 4 different colors
What We Don't Like
- Less supportive than a traditional knee sleeve
- Proper application may be a little tricky at first
BUY: Spidertech Full Knee Pre Cut
Best for Running - Copper Compression Full Leg Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Copper-infused nylon
- Features: Copper infused, fits on the right or left leg
This full-leg sleeve offers support and protection. This sleeve is ideal for running since it allows for optimal movement while still offering support. With gentle compression, this leg sleeve can help improve circulation and stabilize muscles.
You can use this sleeve on the right or left leg. The material is infused with copper, which provides antibacterial properties.
What We Like
- Antimicrobial material
- Stretchy yet supportive material allows for full movement
- Can be used on the right or left leg
What We Don't Like
- Some users found this leg sleeve to be too tight
- Only comes in a 1-pack
BUY: Copper Compression Full Leg Sleeve
Best for Basketball - Copper Compression Powerknit Knee Sleeve
SPECS
- Material: Copper-infused nylon
- Features: Silicone grip, breathable material
This compressive knee sleeve covers the leg from the upper thigh down to the calf, providing knee support and stability. It is made from copper-infused nylon that is breathable and comfortable.
The Powerknit sleeve by Copper Compression features a silicone grip that helps to keep it in place. The material is antimicrobial and stretchy.
What We Like
- Stretchy, supportive material
- Copper infusion is antimicrobial
- Seamless design
What We Don't Like
- Thicker material
- Less specific sizing
BUY: Copper Compression Powerknit Knee Sleeve
Best High End - ProTec Premium Knee
SPECS
- Material: Not specified
- Features: Contoured fit, gel support patella
The ProTec Premium knee brace provides compression and support with a contoured design and a gel oval that covers the patella. This knee sleeve comes at a higher price point than some of the other options, but it also has a high-quality supportive design.
This knee sleeve has medial and lateral spirals to add multiple types of support. The ProTec Premium knee sleeve can be used for tendinitis, patellar pain, soft tissue tears, and more.
What We Like
- Useable for many different conditions
- Contoured fit
- Gel support oval covers the patella
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some users found that this knee sleeve didn't allow for enough movement
BUY: ProTec Premium Knee
What to Look for in a Knee Sleeve
When shopping for a knee sleeve, you'll want to take some factors into consideration to help you find the best option to suit your needs.
Materials
The material that makes up the knee sleeve is important because it could affect the way it feels on your skin. Many knee sleeves are made from nylon or neoprene. This stretchy material helps to compress the knee while also allowing for a full range of motion. Many knee sleeves are made from hypoallergenic and antimicrobial materials to help with comfort and cleanliness.
Features
Pay attention to the features that are offered by different knee sleeves. Some knee sleeves have features like an inner grip to prevent them from sliding down. You'll want to decide between an open patella or closed patella design. Closed patella designs are typically more supportive.
FAQs About Knee Sleeves
How long do knee sleeves last?
Over time, knee sleeves will begin to stretch. When used regularly, a knee sleeve may only last for six months to a year but could last up to four or five years, depending on the brand. Knee sleeves are made to be compressive, but the material will naturally stretch out over time.
Do knee sleeves really work?
Many customers find success using knee sleeves to help with support and comfort. Everyone will have a different experience, so not everyone will have positive results when using one. Results from wearing a knee sleeve will depend on what type of injury or knee issue you have and how often you wear it. The type of knee sleeve you wear will also make a difference.
What thickness knee sleeve should I get?
Typically, knee sleeves come in either five or seven-millimeter thickness. The five-millimeter knee sleeves are versatile and useful for most sports since they still allow for a good range of motion. A seven-millimeter knee sleeve is good for someone who plans to power lift and needs more support.
Are SBD the best knee sleeves?
SBD knee sleeves are a common choice among weightlifters. These popular knee sleeves provide support, and they are even approved for most weightlifting and powerlifting competitions.
About the Author
Sophia is a registered nurse and professional writer based out of Northeast Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of North Florida. Sophia is a long-distance runner who completed her first marathon in 2018. Today, she writes about various health-related topics and is committed to living a life of wellness and balance.
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