This guide looks at and analyzes the best knee braces for basketball players at all levels.
I’ve had my share of knee injuries during my 25+ years of playing basketball, which means I’ve used plenty of braces. I also conducted additional research and analyzed other firsthand accounts to compile the below list.
The GenuTrain Right S is my pick for the best knee brace because it manages to be comfortable and supportive at the same time.
It has excellent fit and sizing for all player types. On top of that, it comes with special padding that massages your knee as you play and has a tough build for better protection. The medical-grade compression is especially useful in ensuring your knee stays locked in place.
However, there are many other great braces as well. I break all of them down in further detail throughout the following sections.
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Who Should Get This
Basketball is a physical sport. That contact, mixed with the sharp cuts and running you need to do, can take a toll on your knees. If you experience long term knee pain, or if you’re someone with a history of knee pain, a brace can give you some much kneaded relief.
In that same vein, players undergoing rehabilitation or who have a history of knee injuries may want a brace to prevent hurting themselves again. You should always consult your doctor when you’re in pain, but a brace is a great way to get some much-needed support.
Top Knee Braces for Basketball: Our Picks 2022
This section reviews the top knee braces by explaining their traits and where each best excels.
Best for: Overall
Key Features: Plenty of stability. Support. Included massage therapy. Treats and prevents knee conditions. Comfortable construction.
Construction: Knit
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Cushion: Silicone pad
The GenuTrain Right S is a well-rounded knee brace that gives you the support you need when running, cutting, or jumping. Where many models provide either durability or compression, this model comes with plenty of both. It also has a soft compression that feels great on your knee.
The biggest feature of the Right S is the special gel technology that actively massages you as you run. It not only feels great on the court, but it means you’re getting natural healing without doing any extra work. The brace itself also has a good amount of durability.
If there’s a hiccup with the Right S’s design, it’s that the fit can be a little finicky. Rather than having a one-size-fits-most design, the model needs precise measurements to create the best fit. Once that’s done, however, you’ll be glad to have such a protective and useful brace.
2. TechWare Pro
Best for: Low Profile
Key Features: Breathable and moisture-wicking. Well-built. Low profile design. Easy to put on and take off. Supportive.
Material: Neoprene
Weight: 5.28 ounces
Closure: Straps
If you want a reliable knee brace, but aren’t a fan of overly complicated or complex designs, the TechWare Pro is a good choice. Rather than coming with a complex system, the item has a simple wrap-around style that holds your knee firmly while still offering support and stability.
That simplicity is great because it’s both easy to use and comes with a rather low profile that won’t get in your way during a game. That makes the brace incredibly comfortable, especially when backed with the excellent constriction that provides ample compression.
However, as this is a more simple brace, you do lose a lot of more advanced features present in other models. The fit is also on the tight side, which can take some getting used to while running. If you can overcome that, the brace is a simple way to protect your knee on the court.
Best for: Versatility
Key Features: Breathable. Universal fit. Tough neoprene build. Reinforced stabilizer ring. Flexible open design.
Material: Neoprene
Weight: 3.36 ounces
Closure: Straps
As the name suggests, the Bracoo Adjustable Brace is a well-rounded item that you can freely tweak to fit your needs. Rather than being a stiff model with one style, it has a fully customizable open-patella design alongside flexible straps that allow you to mix and match the fit.
The brace itself is also quite comfortable and a joy to use. It’s lightweight, ensuring you’ll never notice when it’s on, and the material is both material and skin-friendly. There’s plenty of protection as well thanks to the specially reinforced stabilizer ring and tight hold.
The only area where this brace doesn’t excel is longevity. While the construction is fine enough, this is not the most durable model out there. It’s something you’re going to have to replace after a year or so of hard play. Luckily, the low price point means that’s not a big deal.
Best for: Compression
Key Features: Multi-layer construction creates comfortable feel. Good for rehabilitation. Soft material. Ergonomic design with plenty of compression.
Material: Spandex, Nylon, Latex Fiber
Weight: 7 ounces
Style: Slip on
When it comes to basketball knee braces, compression means support. That’s why the MODVEL Knee Sleeve makes my list. This model holds tightly onto your knee, providing ample amounts of compression and stability throughout the joint. It’s snug, but comfortable.
The model also gets high marks for its flexibility. Where many compression braces tend to be stiff or too restricting, the MODVEL offers quite a bit of mobility. That’s incredibly useful when you need to make a quick cut or dribble through traffic.
Just be aware that, despite the inherent flexibility, it is a tight brace. Compression is the goal, which means you aren’t going to get a ton of wiggle room for the fit. Know it’s going to hold your leg a little more snugly than some might like. The material is on the thicker side as well.
Best for: Lightweight
Key Features: Shock-absorbing construction. Fully adjustable. One-size-fits all. Comfortable. Double knot design.
Material: Soft touch fabric
Weight: 4 ounces
Cushion: Gel pressure pad
Those that want a knee brace that’s great during a game and also stays out of your way should take a long look at the IPOW Stabilizer. This brace is unique in that, rather than covering your whole knee, it’s simply a small band. Even so, it nicely holds everything in place.
Though some may be skeptical of the design, it’s comfortable and easy to adjust on the fly. If it ever falls out of place, it only takes a second to get it back to where you need it. On top of that, the soft fabric is breathable and feels great against your skin. Perfect for more serious players.
Of course, as the brace is a band, there will be some fitting issues when you first get it. The feel will take some time to get used to. You may also see some sliding from time to time. However, as mentioned, that’s a quick fix you can make without losing any time during the game.
Best Knee Brace for Basketball: What to Look For in 2022
Look for the following traits when deciding which knee brace is right for you.
Support
A brace’s main function is support, which is why you need one that properly holds your knee in place. There are two parts to this. First, you want to get something that keeps your knee moving properly and prevents it from twisting or bending in the wrong direction.
Next, make sure the brace has enough compression to hold everything together. Not every knee injury or pain is the same. You want to get an item or model that works hard to specifically press on or hold the problem area. Getting a general one can work, but targeted models are better.
Mobility and Comfort
Braces can take some getting used to, especially for guards or quick-cut players who have never used one. As such, you need one that’s both supportive and mobile at the same time. Elastic models or ones with flexible materials go a long way in that regard.
The more mobile a brace is, the more comfortable it is as well. Look for soft models that hold your knee without being too tight or restrictive. Gel padding and special cushion are especially great. It’s all about finding the specific fit that works for you.
Durability
Your brace also needs to be strong. Basketball is not only a high-contact sport, but you’re also going to move and sweat a lot. All of that puts a lot of wear and pressure on your knee brace. Investing in a more expensive one might cost more upfront, but it saves you in the long run.
Look for lightweight, breathable braces that come with inherent toughness specifically made to withstand moisture, twisting, and falls. You don’t need to pay a high premium, you just need to get something that won’t rip or tear after a few months.
FAQs
Understanding knee braces is not easy. Hopefully, this section will give you a better idea of which one you want by answering some extremely pressing questions.
Is Basketball Bad for Your Knees?
In short, no. However, it can wear them down over time. Especially if you don’t take the time to properly recover after a long game or practice. As long as you ice and stretch, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Why Do My Knees Hurt So Badly After Basketball?
It could be that you’re suffering from some sort of injury or condition like patellar tendonitis. If you have pain when you play, you should take a break and see a doctor.
Should I Wear a Knee Brace While Playing Basketball?
Most players don’t need a knee brace during play. If you have a history or injury or are currently experiencing some discomfort, however, a brace can certainly help.
What Knee Brace Do NBA Players Wear?
Knee braces vary wildly from team to team and even player to player. There’s no one brace that’s used across the league, but many popular braces (including ones on this list) have seen use at professional levels.
Can You Play Basketball With a Hinged Knee Brace?
Yes. Though such models tend to be bigger and more robust, they can be used on the court if you need the extra protection.
Should I Ice My Knees After Basketball?
Though more casual players won’t need it, if you spend a lot of time in the gym it tends to be a good idea to ice your knees. That speeds up recovery and cuts down on inflammation.
Useful Tips and Resources
If you need a brace, knee or otherwise, you must keep it clean. That will both reduce odor and cut down other issues like infections and disease. It may not seem intuitive, but this article shows how and why you should clean your athletic braces.
It’s also important to understand that knee issues typically require some type of physical therapy or strength exercises to help recovery and prevent future injury.
You should always check with your doctor before undergoing any training, but if you have, these knee exercises can help you get back on track.
My Verdict
For my money, no basketball brace beats the GenuTrain Right S. The brace is excellent when it comes to the key areas of stability, comfort, and support. It massages your knee as you play and has a special, durable build that actively prevents future problems.
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