Best Ankle Supports for Mixed Martial Arts Reviewed
Tiffani Wong
Richard Haberkost
There are many reasons why someone chooses to wear ankle support.
The easiest reason to understand is that they have an injury. When an ankle is injured, using a brace or other supportive gear can help reduce the pain. The support will act to hold the muscles in their correct places to prevent extra stress added on the area inflamed areas around your feet. The support can also protect your ankle from further damage by keeping it upright and in place while you go about your day.
When your muscles and joints are compromised, it increases the chance of adding an additional injury. The ankle support will prevent that from happening by stabilizing the area and reinforce your ankle when it gives way.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 14 hrs of research
Comfortable
Elastic enclosure
Machine washable
Affordable
Supportive
Top 10 Picks
1. Techware Pro
Comfortable
Elastic enclosure
Machine washable
Affordable
Supportive
May run large
This product is one with many benefits. The biggest advantage it has over other supports is that it also comes with gradient compression to keep your blood circulating. This product can provide you with better performance regardless of whether you are recovering from an injury or just have weak muscle tone.
Read moreCompression
This product is great as it can both support your ankle and also offer it some compression. Compression means to be putting a slight pressure on your ankle area to keep your blood moving which reduces your fatigue and the amount of swelling. It will also offer you temporary relief if you are fighting with an injury.
No Slip
This item will not slip when you are wearing them. They are designed with a tight elastic up top and bottom to guarantee that they will stay in place while you are exercising. This works in conjunction with the compression factor to ensure that your ankle is protected.
Cost and Value
This product is quite affordable and is going to be very beneficial to you if you are looking for a product that will give your ankles some support. They are sturdy enough to withstand daily use without slipping off and are also soft enough to be very comfortable.
2. Meister Ankle Guard
Breathable
Comfortable
Machine washable
Cost efficient
Variety of colors
Elastic wears out
Meister is known for making protective equipment and other combat gear, which is why it is not surprising that they make good supportive equipment as well. This item was constructed with the athlete in mind and built completely with one piece. This prevents it from being accidentally pulled off or tangled during a fight.
Read moreSupportive
This is a great product as it can offer a weak joint some extra support. It is constructed with a high-grade elastic that stays tight and helps keep your muscles elevated. This will allow you to perform better and have quicker reaction times without worrying about injury.
Slide-on Design
There are many different ankle supports that can be quite bulky. This product was designed for accessibility and convenience. It is one piece and can be slipped on and off easily. This allows for a stay on the product that you don’t have to worry about accidentally catching it on something and have it fall off.
Cost and Value
This product is extremely affordable and is very popular. This is because it does what is expected of it while keeping the price the product low. This product is great even for people without injuries that are merely looking for some extra support.
3. Venum Kontact
Adjustable
Perfect fit
Side support
Pain relief
Improved performance
Slightly expensive
This product is one of a kind. Unlike competitor brands, this item guarantees protection three hundred sixty degrees around your ankle. This can help greatly for muscle or joint weakness when it comes to keeping yourself upright
Read moreSide Stabilizers
Unlike other ankle supports, this product comes with stabilizers on the side to prevent you from injury. Most people looking to support their ankle tend to forget that if a weak muscle gives way on the side, it can cause a serious sprain. The side stabilizers on this product help hold your ankle up while ensuring mobility is not compromised.
Adjustable
It can be hard trying to figure out exactly what size will fit you best, sometimes your feet may be in between sizes which can make it difficult to find something to suit your needs. While this product can be easily slipped on and off, it also comes with two additional straps so you can set it to a tight level where it won’t slip off. It also comes with laces to remove any loose space between the product and your ankle.
Cost and Value
This product is a little more expensive, however, it is worth it due to being completely customizable. Many brands do not offer customization, which means what you end up buying may not be able to fit or work properly for you. Most also do not offer the side struts for extra protection.
4. Ankle Support Compression
Machine washable
Dual function
Breathable
Improves blood flow
Protective
Elastic can wear out
This product is extremely popular due to its effectiveness. It is a dual functioning brace that can improve your blood flow and offer protection to your ankle at the same time. The materials that construct this brace are of high quality, thus increasing the lifespan of this product.
Read moreAchilles Heel
When people think of ankle support, most people tend to forget about their Achilles heel. Like the name says, it is the weakest part in your ankle that has the highest chance of injury. This product lifts up the muscles in that area to alleviate the pressure on the heel.
Compression
An added bonus this brace has is the ability to offer compression to your ankle. The compression system uses the tightness of the brace to get the blood flowing. It is done so by pushing the pooling blood inside your muscles back towards the heart so that oxygenated blood can flow down to your extremities.
Cost and Value
This product is one of the most affordable items on the market. It is worth every penny invested as it can function as a compression brace on top of supporting any muscle or joint issues you may have. You will be able to notice a difference in your walking and performance within a few hours of wearing it.
5. DonJoy Ankle Brace
Innovative
Comfortable
Well designed
Easy to maintain
Durable
Expensive
This product is unlike any other product currently on the market. Using the newest technology, it was constructed with the user in mind. It does not get in the way of moving your ankle and allows a comfortable yet protective wear. The design has also removed a lot of the parts of a generic ankle brace so it can focus on the most common areas of injuries.
Read moreReactive
This product has been infused with a lot of the latest technology. Although it does not look like a sock, it keeps your ankle sturdy and completely mobile. It is able to react and adapt to movements and changes within your ankle and adjust itself while continuing the support for your joint.
Ergonomic
This item is made with a super soft inner lining that does not irritate the skin or cause any rashes. The plastic on the top is molded to follow the natural curvature of the foot, allowing it to move freely and easily. The hardened plastic also acts as extra protection when you stub it against something during your walking.
Cost and Value
This product can be quite expensive but it is worth every penny invested in it. There is currently no product on the market that can react and adjust to your needs as well as this one. This is an item that can roll with the punches and automatically make adjustments to continue the protection seamlessly.
6. Anthem Athletics Raptor
Affordable
Variety of colors
Comfortable
High quality material
Time saving
Runs small
Anthem athletics is well known for making gear for athletes. Throughout the years, they have also made their way to constructing combat gear and supportive equipment. This brace comes with a host of new technologies and is made of high-quality material and will not disappoint!
Read moreSynthetic Material
This product is made with a fabric that is synthesized to become more durable. Synthetic fibers are interwoven with cloth fibers to make this brace much more durable. The synthetic material is also significantly more flexible, thus giving your ankle more mobility.
Time Efficient
People of this generation have very busy schedules and often overlook taking care of themselves as it can be deemed too time-consuming. This product was constructed to be easily put on and pulled off with no extra closures to do. It is also machine washable, thus eliminating the extra time at the sink hand washing them.
Cost and Value
This product is very affordable and is well liked by many. This is a good basic ankle support that will do the good and keep the pressure off your joint. It also comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that will go best with your outfit.
7. Twins Special Wraps
High quality material
Machine washable
Variety of colors
Protective
Supportive
Looks cheap
This product is popular due to its simplicity. While it may not look any special and seems to be no different from other competitor brands, the secret is in the material. This product is made with a material that is not only strong but also ventilates well to keep your ankle cool.
Read moreCotton
Many people using ankle bands report their main discomfort as how hot a brace can be. This product is made completely of cotton, which is one of the lightest and breathable materials on the planet. This allows your ankle to maintain and regulate body temperature, allowing for a more comfortable wear.
Durable
This product is extremely durable and will last you a long time. Cotton is a tough material that is proven to last a long time. During the stitching process, this item used an extra long stitch that allows the brace to have fewer areas that could be compromised during the construction.
Cost and Value
Depending on the size and color, this product comes in a variety of pricing options. Overall this is something that you can consider purchasing as it does a good job. The long-lasting factor will also help save you money and time.
8. Sanabul Ankle Guard
Gel padding
Reduce fatigue
Comfortable
Supportive
Durable
Not machine washable
There are currently no products on the market that offer extra protection in the form of gel padding. This can prevent additional injuries from happening while you continue to train. While protecting your ankle, this product also uses a compression process to ensure your ankle is comfortable and able to perform.
Read moreGel Padding
This product is first of its kind to add gel padding as extra protection. Many athletes want to continue training despite an injury or a weak joint. This product was designed so that the gel padding on the shin and top of the foot can absorb the energy from the impact, allowing you to continue training.
Reduce Fatigue
An athlete fighting an injury or weak joints can get tired easily due to the focus being on the injured area. This product helps alleviate the muscles allowing your joint to support itself without having to also keep the muscles sturdy. This is done through a gradient compression that increases the amount of oxygenated blood in that area, greatly decreasing your tiredness.
Cost and Value
This product is slightly more expensive than basic braces, but they are worth every penny you spend. You will get much more value out of this than what you paid. These will protect you while greatly decreasing the time of your injury to heal.
9. Bblef Plantar Fasciitis
Affordable
Versatile
Long lasting
Breathable
Comfortable
Must wrap yourself
This product was made so that it can help anyone who needed it. It can be completely adjusted to meet your needs and can be easily adjusted depending on your healing process. The compression material will allow pushing the blood into a higher flowing area, thus decreasing the time necessary for your ankle to heal.
Read moreCustomizable
This item is well liked by many due to how customizable it can be. The product comes with a long strap of elastic so that you can wrap your ankle differently based on your needs. This allows each brace to be completely unique to the wearer.
Breathable
This product is made of a light synthetic fabric that air can pass through easily. There are holes in the fabric so that hot air can escape and cold air can enter to circulate. This will reduce the chances of your feet overheating and also allow your ankle to naturally maintain its own temperature.
Cost and Value
This product comes onto the market with a low price point. You can easily afford multiple pairs for different uses. Although the product comes with a cheap price tag, the quality of the construction is unmatched and better than most competitors.
10. RDX Ankle Neoprene Brace
New technology
High quality
Supportive
Durable
Anti bacterial
Sold in singles
RDX is a popular brand among athletes as it has been manufacturing combat sporting goods for years. They are known for their high-quality materials and durable construction. This product is no different. It was created with the newest technology on the market and constructed to last for a long time.
Read moreAnti Bacteria
The ankle and foot are places that have a high chance of harboring bacteria. The heat from your ankle coupled by the sweat and darkness can allow bacterias and germs to procreate quickly. The neoprene material in this brace allows for a high amount of air to flow through and circulate within the item. This keeps your ankle cool and prevents bacteria from growing.
Silicone Technology
This item uses the newest silicone technology on the market. Constructed into the brace are areas in which the silicone follow the natural flow of your ligaments and tendons which helps relieve their stress. The softness of the silicone can help support these sore muscles and prevent them from being stressed throughout the day.
Cost and Value
Depending on the size, this product comes in a range of pricing. They are all relatively affordable and should be a product worth considering. The technology behind this item is very new and has many benefits when it comes to helping your injury heal.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
Fit is a must.
One of the most important things when choosing an ankle brace is how well it will fit. Most brands come with a sizing chart that you can match the measurements of your foot by. Many brands do not go with the generic small, medium, and large sizing as many people fall in between two sizes. When it comes to purchasing ankle support it is extremely important that the support fits as close to perfect as possible. Too large of a brace will not support your ankle and may add to your injury whereas too small of a brace will cut off your circulation. It is crucial that you find one that will fit well.
Most brands will require you to have a measurement of your foot and measurement of your ankle. To measure a foot, it can be quite simple. Take a soft tape measure and run it vertically from your heel to the very top of your longest toe. This is the length of your foot. To measure the width, take the tape measure and measure from the lowest knuckle of your big toe and across to the end of your pinky toe. Alternatively, if your ankle and foot are in too much discomfort to measure, simply trace your foot on a piece of paper and measure on the paper.
To measure your ankle, take the tape measure and wrap it around your ankle right above the bone. The circumference of your ankle is the number you are going to use when looking for an ankle brace. Together with these two numbers, you will be able to compare the sizing charts of each brand and look for one that will fit your foot.
Comfort
Comfort promotes use.
One of the biggest factors people tend to forget is that the ankle brace needs to be comfortable. Regardless of how popular the item is and how many added benefits there are, it needs to be comfortable. Uncomfortable ankle support on an already uncomfortable ankle is just going to make things worst. It will not help your injury heal and will most likely add to your recovery time.
When looking for something comfortable, select a type of material or fabric that is smoother. This will prevent any irritations or bumps forming on your skin. Look to see if the material will help your foot ventilate as it can get very hot if you wear it for long periods of time. If given the opportunity to try it on, see how much it restricts your mobility. The less the better, however depending on the severity of your injury the brace you choose may end up requiring a bit of restriction to help your foot heal.
Materials
Materials ensure performance.
The two major types of fabric that ankle support is made of is fabric and neoprene. A fabric ankle support is made mostly of cotton. This is because cotton is a lightweight fabric that will not add to your already sore ankle. It is also very durable and can stretch without breaking. The biggest contributing factor for cotton is that it is thin and can allow for good ventilation. Within the cotton fabric, there are tiny holes that allow for trapped heat to escape, thus cooling down your ankle. The little holes also facilitate cold air in entering the ankle support and circulate to keep the area dry. Because you use for your feet for everything, it can get very hot wearing ankle support throughout the day. A sweaty foot will start to develop odors because of the bacteria that is starting to grow. It is best to be able to choose an ankle brace that can breathe through the material to keep you comfortable and bacteria free throughout the day.
Neoprene is the other material ankle braces are usually made of. This material is what is used in wetsuits for surfing. Neoprene has different properties from cotton but is just as great of material for ankle braces. Neoprene can be constructed to be tight and fit against your skin. This means your ankle brace will have no extra room or pockets of air that can cause you to sprain your ankle and worsen your injury. While it may not be as breathable as cotton, it can compress your ankle and help it heal faster.
For a natural way to heal injuries or improve blood circulation, people wear compression socks. Neoprene ankle sleeves use the same idea to decrease the amount of time your body spends healing. The material is tight enough that it will gently massage the swollen area of your ankle and bring down the swelling.
This is done by gently pushing the blood through the area so that fresh blood can keep circulating down. Having the freshly oxygenated blood gives your muscles energy to heal and recover from the injury quicker.
Features
Features three types of support.
There are three types of ankle braces, depending on the nature of use the one you choose to buy will differ. The three types are ankle sleeves, ankle supports with straps and laced ankle braces.
An ankle sleeve is exactly as you would imagine it, a sleeve that goes around the ankle area. There is a cut out in the sleeve for your heel to come out, allowing for more comfortable wear. The sleeves usually come in Neoprene or fabric and are the most basic type of protection and are designed for people with lighter injuries. They will be able to provide daily support and prevent you from aggravating your injury further. It will also provide temporary relief to the inflamed joint by securing the muscles in place so that they do not have to bear the weight of your body while healing. When your muscles are alleviated, it will naturally offer some relief from the pain and discomfort you feel. Apart from an injury, these are also recommended for people that have chronic discomfort in their ankles from arthritis and also if they are suffering from and also for other problems such as tendonitis.
Another type of ankle brace is a support that has straps. The base model of these are the ankle sleeve, but on top of the sleeve comes straps. These straps are beneficial as they prevent your support from moving around and slipping out of place. Depending on which one you purchase, the straps may resemble a number eight or a number six. A figure eight strap system is recommended for those that have a large area of injury. This system will completely encompass the foot and ankle, providing complete protection. The straps are to be adjusted to a specific level of tightness that you will help alleviate the pain in your ankle. If your main discomfort comes from lateral movement, then a figure six brace is recommended. The figure six system protects your ankle from moving left and right. These are especially beneficial for people that sprain or roll their ankle easily. Although your mobility may be slightly restricted, it will help reduce the amount of time on injury and get you back on your feet quicker. All strapped ankle braces will come with compression, allowing your feet and ankle to feel less fatigued while recovering from injury.
The final type of ankle brace is lace-up braces. Exactly as the name suggests, there are laces on this ankle brace. It resembles a shoe that needs to be tied in the ankle area. These provide the exact support and protection you need through the use of laces. These laces can be adjusted and tightened to a level that you find comfortable. These laces usually go from top to bottom to ensure that the pressure is uniform throughout. These are usually recommended for people with serious or specific injuries.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Fit Comfort Materials Features 
Some people have had so many ankle injuries that it has now become chronic. What this means is that the ankle is no longer able to support itself and maintain its structure. During times like this, an ankle brace can help keep the ankle in place and prevent it from further deteriorating. This will lead to a higher quality of life and more confidence in your daily activities. The ankle brace will be there to protect your muscles and joints and prevent them from suddenly giving out.
There are many reasons why a person may choose to wear an ankle brace. Depending on the injury or discomfort, wearing one may last a few days to a few weeks. Most people choose to wear one the moment they sense a bit of discomfort; as your ankle joint is used every day and all the time. Wearing a brace early allows you to prevent an injury that could happen. It also allows you to heal quicker as the area is less aggravated. These products are overall quite affordable and it is recommended that everyone has at least a pair in their household.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can a child use ankle support?
Absolutely, there are supports that are designed specifically for child-sized ankles.
q: Where can I buy ankle support?
Most large sized supermarkets that have pharmacies will carry some. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online and at sporting good stores or combat specific sports stores.
q: Do I have to get a prescription to purchase ankle support?
You may need one if your injury is severe and there is a specific type of ankle support your physician recommends. Otherwise, there are many over the counter ones which will work well.
q: Can I use ankle support on a daily basis?
Yes, you can. They can be used until your ankle feels comfortable again.
q: Can these do much to prevent an injury?
Logically ankle supports can do a lot to stop an injury happening because safe reliable support is in place to support muscles and joints.
Sources
- , FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ANKLE, Artile-Review.
- , How to Walk in an Ankle Aircast, Article
- , THE ANKLE BRACE BUYING GUIDE – HOW TO CHOOSE AN ANKLE BRACE, Guide.
