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Are you wondering which the best ankle braces for running are?
If you’re an active person or enjoy jogging, it’s natural to consider a brace to prevent a sprained ankle or other injuries when on the move.
So, let’s see my top picks for the best running braces in 2021.
Start with my favorites, then work your way through the entire review guide for all the details.
Check: Best Weak Ankle Support for Elderly
Table of Contents
Best Ankle Braces for Running Top Picks at a Glance
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
- Winner: BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
- Best for Athletic Activities: Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace
- Best Budget-Friendly: Vive Sprained Ankle Brace
Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!
5 Best Ankle Brace for Running (Review & Buyer’s Guide)
Running is an excellent activity to keep you in shape, but it places stress on your ankle joints. As such, you’re at risk of sprains, strains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon injuries.
But a brace can make all the differences because it provides additional stability and support for your foot and joints. It can even help with arthritic pain.
A study on basketball players also concluded that braces “reduced the incidence but not the severity of acute ankle injuries.“
#1 Winner: BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
BioSkin has one of the best ankle braces for running with a unique design to restrict harmful movements and prevent injuries.
Physical Attributes
- Hypoallergenic material
- Breathable
- Medical-grade compression
- FootLok straps
Quantitative Measurements
- Available in five sizes from X-small to X-large
- Suitable for peroneal tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, PTTD, sprains, and weak ankles
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| FootLok strap acts as an external ligament for extra protection and stability | Customers report that the brace runs smaller than the provided sizing chart |
| Lightweight | Not ideal for Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) |
| Provides medical-grade compression | |
| Promotes normal arch posture |
Benefits
BioSkin Trilok brace impresses with its FootLok strap, which acts as an external ligament for extra protection and stability. And you can change the support level easily by adjusting the straps.
Moreover, this running brace is lightweight, easy to maintain, and fits into running shoes. It also provided medical-grade compression to reduce swelling and inflammation in the tendons.
Best of all, the unique design promotes normal arch posture and ensures a safe range of motion without hindering your performance.
Drawbacks
Customers report that the brace runs smaller than the provided sizing chart and that it’s not easy to figure out how to put the brace the right way.
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Ultima material for external compression and increased blood flow
- Suitable for a night splint
- Supports and stabilizes the ankle joint without affecting your range of movement.
How the Product Evolved
- Compared to Bioskin’s premium braces, the TriLock has a superior design with innovative FootLok straps.
Extra Tips
- Depending on your injury, you wear the white FootLok strap on the outside or the inside of your foot.
- INSTANT PAIN RELIEF KIT - Say goodbye to plantar fasciitis, PTTD, chronic, and acute ankle pain with the TriLok Ankle Brace. Featuring a unique 3-component design, this brace offers precise arch support and accelerates the healing of strained tendons and ligaments.
- PROPER STABILIZATION PREVENTS INJURIES - Protect yourself from sprained ankles and other common injuries in trail running, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, or football with this advanced ankle stabilizer.
- INCREASED CIRCULATION FOR FASTER RECOVERY - Reduce swelling in your foot and ankle after an injury with the soft ankle compression sleeve, which promotes faster shorter recovery times. Use as a plantar fasciitis relief night splint to alleviate pain and discomfort while you sleep.
- ALL-DAY COMFORT - Our hypoallergenic, breathable, and lightweight materials won't cause irritations or rashes and ensure maximum comfort. Our supportive ankle braces for men and women fit comfortably in most shoes and sandals.
- A TRUSTED BRAND - Over 40 professional teams trust BioSkin to keep their athletes functioning at the highest possible level. Chiropractor-recommended to improve ankle support and pain relief. We stand behind our product with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
#2 Best for Athletic Activities: Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace
If you love playing football, basketball, or volleyball, you won’t be disappointed by Ultra and its best ankle brace for running injury prevention.
Physical Attributes
- Made from thermoplastic resin
- Hinged design
- Softshell technology
- Black or white in color
Quantitative Measurements
- Available in small/medium and large/X-large size
- Suitable for ankle instability and acute sprain injuries
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provides plenty of joint support | Not the cheapest option for runners |
| Restricts unnatural movement to prevent injures | Thin plastic sole |
| Lightweight design with easy-to-maintain material | |
| Fits in most shoes and is easy to apply |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- Hinged design instead of rigid one to provide freedom of movement
- Fits right or left foot and provides arch support
How the Product Evolved
Ultra has braces of different heights to suit a wide range of people and provide adequate rehabilitation.
Expert Tips
- Measure your foot’s circumference to choose the right size. Don’t go by your shoe size.
- You can purchase replacement straps or longer straps from the manufacturer.
- Performance-Driven Design: The ONLY ankle brace built for performance. The Hinged Cuff Design moves with your ankle’s natural range of motion, allowing you to play better and play more, losing less time to ankle injuries.
- Reduces Injury Risk: Engineered for athletes, the Hinged Cuff Design helps to restrict excessive ankle twisting and turning, which causes LOW and HIGH ankle sprains. All other braces only help with LOW ankle injuries.
- Forming Procedure to Achieve Personalized-Fit: The Flexible Shell Technology of the Ultra Zoom ankle brace is specifically designed to form a custom-fit when heated. A common home hair dryer is all that is needed to maximize the comfort and support of your Ultra Zoom brace. Easy step by step instructions are shown in the CUSTOM FITTING YOUR ULTRA ZOOM video located in the photo gallery.
- Preferred Footwear: Slim profile design ensures compatibility with most shoes, including shoes with custom arch inserts. To ensure your shoes/cleats are compatible please watch the RECOMMENDED SHOES video in the picture gallery.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for volleyball, basketball, football, pickleball, and other sports where ankle stability is critical.
- Quick Adjustability: Featuring easy-to-use Velcro straps for a customizable and secure fit, allowing for adjustments to strap length and fit in just seconds.
- Durable Construction: A full ONE YEAR warranty on every component ensures your Ultra Zoom is made with high-quality materials to ensure resistance against common wear and tear.
- Available in Two Sizes: Suitable for both adults and youth. Please refer to the sizing chart in the photo gallery and measure your ankle circumference to determine the appropriate size for you. Fits right or left ankle. SOLD IN SINGLE UNITS.
#3 Best Budget-Friendly: Vive Sprained Ankle Brace
Vive has a comfortable brace that’s great if you need something affordable but effective for foot protection.
Physical Attributes
- Made from neoprene
- Hook-and-loop closure with multi-directional straps
- Open heel
Quantitative Measurements
- Universal size for men/women up to 15
- Suitable for a variety of conditions, including bursitis, arthritis, post-surgery recovery
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for everyday activities due to its slim design and breathable material | Bulkier than other models |
| Speeds the healing process thanks to its heat-retaining abilities and strong compression | No size chart is available |
| Fits most shoes and has a 60-day money-back guarantee |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Adjustable multi-directional straps that allow you to change the level of support
- Open heel design for additional comfort
How the Product Evolved
- Compared to Viva lace-up ankle brace, this one is easier to apply and is made of a more durable material.
Expert Tips
- You can wear the brace with or without socks.
- STABILIZING ANKLE SUPPORT: Providing additional stability and support for ankle tendons and joints, the heavy-duty ankle brace reduces the risk of reinjury. Adjustable to reduce pain and pressure caused by arthritis, sprains, swelling, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, injuries and surgery. Eliminates the need for taping up your ankle with the multi-directional adjustable straps.
- CUSTOMIZABLE COMPRESSION THERAPY: Adjustable cross-brace compression bands provide the optimal amount of pressure for comfortable support and effective pain relief. The neoprene compression brace also retains therapeutic heat and increases blood circulation to promote healing from injury or surgery. Provides customized support for weak or sore ankles.
- ADJUSTABLE CONTOURED DESIGN: Dual straps wrap around the ankle providing lateral and medial support for greater stability. The brace is fully adjustable with strong hook and loop fasteners for a customized, nonslip fit. The open heel, contoured design allows for a minimal range of motion during recreational activities or sporting events to minimize the risk of injury.
- VERSATILE LIGHTWEIGHT BRACE: Breathable and lightweight, the neoprene blend is slim fitting for superior comfort. The versatile designed ankle support can be worn on either foot, with or without socks and can easily be worn with most shoe styles. Great for everyday wear and for running, hiking, baseball, tennis, golf, cycling, soccer, basketball and weightlifting.
- VIVE GUARANTEE: 60 day unconditional guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence.
#4 Best Lace-Up Brace: Zenith Lace-Up Adjustable Support
Zenith is another great ankle brace for runners, athletes, and players, which impresses with its design
Physical Attributes
- Made from neoprene
- Lace-up closure and Velcro straps
- Adjustable
Quantitative Measurements
- Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large
- Suitable for acute injuries, tendonitis, and pain relief
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Double-stitched seams and high-quality neoprene for durability | Not the easiest brace to apply |
| Adjustable level of support and tightness for a snug fit | Not available in many sizes, so it’s not a good choice for people with wide feet |
| Reduce/eliminate ankle pain by immobilizing the joints without restricting your ability to run |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Figure-8 lace design with Velcro straps for adjustable tightness and a snug fit
- Mult-layer, padded material for additional comfort
How the Product Evolved
- No information about upgrades, but we’d like to see the brace in more sizes.
Expert Tips
- For maximum protection against future injuries, you should wear this high-quality brace during strenuous activities.
#5 Best for Ankle Weakness: Curad Figure Eight Lace-Up Ankle Splint
Curad lace-up splint won’t disappoint you if you’re looking for the best weak ankle support and instability.
Physical Attributes
- Made of vinyl
- Plastic inserts
- Low profile design
Quantitative Measurements
- Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large
- Suitable for mild to moderate foot injuries
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Comfortable material for maximum compression and breathability | Not available in large sizes |
| Figure-8 lacing provides adequate supports and prevents unnatural joint movement | The plastic can be uncomfortable for long periods of time |
| Platic inserts offer additional medial and lateral support |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Made of breathable vinyl to prevent skin irritation and sweating
- Provides sufficient freedom of movement for normal physical activity
How the Product Evolved
- Compared to other braces from the Performance series, this model has laces instead of straps for a secure fit.
Expert Tips
- You should wear the brace over a sock.
- Preventative support for athletes
- Use for mild or moderate sprains, and ankle instability
- Plastic stays on both sides of ankle for total support
- Strong support
- Fits on either right or left ankle; 1 ankle support
Also Read: Do Ankle Braces Help With Arthritis?
How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace for Running
The best running brace should have several key features to ensure it will do a good job of protecting your foot when exercising. Let’s talk about them.
Comfort
Look for braces made for breathable material to ensure proper ventilation and flexibility. Too much sweating leads to bacteria build-up and skin irritation.
Support and Compression
The best brace should keep your ankle from rolling when running without restricting your natural range of movement. And compression can speed up the recovery process if you suffer an injury.
Weight
The heavier the brace, the harder it will be to move around or run. Choose a lightweight brace with a slim design so that it can fit in your shoe.
Size
To be effective, a brace should be the right size to provide adequate support and compression. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions about how to measure for the brace.
Easy to Wear
Choose a brace with a straightforward design to avoid wondering how to wear an ankle brace for running.
FAQs
Should You Wear An Ankle Brace While Running?
A brace is an excellent way to prevent your foot from rolling when running. As such, you should wear one if you’re prone to instability or are recovering from an injury.
How Long Should I Wear a Brace After a Sprain?
In general, you’ll have to wear the brace for one to three weeks, depending on the severity of your injury. Always consult with your doctor to ensure you don’t overuse the brace.
Who Needs an Ankle Brace?
People with acute injuries or chronic medical conditions may require an ankle brace or support for additional stability. The same goes for athletic people at high risk of injuries.
Conclusion
As you see, a brace can improve your foot stability, correct your gait, and reduce the risk of acute injuries when you’re running.
But is it good to wear an ankle brace when you have foot arthritis? Yes! A brace not only supports but also compresses, which reduces inflammation and pain related to arthritic.
Final Recommendation
- INSTANT PAIN RELIEF KIT - Say goodbye to plantar fasciitis, PTTD, chronic, and acute ankle pain with the TriLok Ankle Brace. Featuring a unique 3-component design, this brace offers precise arch support and accelerates the healing of strained tendons and ligaments.
- PROPER STABILIZATION PREVENTS INJURIES - Protect yourself from sprained ankles and other common injuries in trail running, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, or football with this advanced ankle stabilizer.
- INCREASED CIRCULATION FOR FASTER RECOVERY - Reduce swelling in your foot and ankle after an injury with the soft ankle compression sleeve, which promotes faster shorter recovery times. Use as a plantar fasciitis relief night splint to alleviate pain and discomfort while you sleep.
- ALL-DAY COMFORT - Our hypoallergenic, breathable, and lightweight materials won't cause irritations or rashes and ensure maximum comfort. Our supportive ankle braces for men and women fit comfortably in most shoes and sandals.
- A TRUSTED BRAND - Over 40 professional teams trust BioSkin to keep their athletes functioning at the highest possible level. Chiropractor-recommended to improve ankle support and pain relief. We stand behind our product with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
References
- ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute. 2018. “ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute.” ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute. February 2, 2018. https://ace-pt.org/should-i-wear-ankle-braces/.
- “Brace for It: When to Use an Ankle Brace.” 2017. Https://Newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/. 2017. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/brace-for-it-when-to-use-an-ankle-brace/.
- Geraets, Anna. 2016. “To Brace or Not to Brace – Pros and Cons of Bracing – Peak Physio.” Peak-Physio.com.au. September 3, 2016. https://www.peak-physio.com.au/brace-not-brace-pros-cons-bracing/.
- Holland, Kimberly. 2016. “Is It a Sprain or a Strain? Tips for Identification.” Healthline. Healthline Media. December 5, 2016. https://www.healthline.com/health/sprain-vs-strain#treatment.
- Kercher, Mia. 2021. “The Best Ankle Support for Running: Address Your Ankle Sprains Now.” Marathon Handbook. January 19, 2021. https://marathonhandbook.com/ankle-support-for-running/.
- Pelletier-Galarneau, Matthieu, Patrick Martineau, Maxime Gaudreault, and Xuan Pham. 2015. “Review of Running Injuries of the Foot and Ankle: Clinical Presentation and SPECT-CT Imaging Patterns.” American Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 5 (4): 305–16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529586/.
- “Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) – Foot Health Facts.” 2021. Foothealthfacts.org. 2021. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/posterior-tibial-tendon-dysfunction-(pttd).
What do you think about these 5 best ankle braces for running? Have you ever used one? Share your experience in the comments.
