13 Best Expert-Approved Knee Braces For Soccer Players – 2024
These must-haves offer optimal support and protection from injuries to keep you active on your feet.
Hannah Shine is a highly qualified and experienced personal trainer with 6 years of experience. She has a Diploma in Nutrition and a certification as a personal trainer from the Australian Fitness Academy. She is currently the health manage... more
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
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Not sure which soccer knee pad brace is best for you? We can help!
Soccer is a lot of fun, but it can be hard on your knees. Soccer players damage their knees, tearing ligaments in the process. Given the amount of footwork and running, these injuries are unsurprising in sports medicine. Well, we understand that you want soccer knee protection that does not stop you from performing your best. In this article, we have listed the top 13 soccer knee braces. Check it out!
In This Article
13 Best Knee Braces For Soccer Players
Best Grip:UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Image: Uflex Athletics
The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve is made of nylon-mesh and spandex. It combines the perks of the newest technologies and high-quality materials to create one of the best knee compression protective soccer gear. This athletic knee brace is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling, stiffness, soreness, and has a heating effect for faster muscle recovery. It prevents blood pooling and stimulates blood circulation. It relieves knee pain, protects the knee from injuries, and limits the patellar movement for knee rehabilitation. The 3D knitting technology with a 4-way stretch capability offers superior protection. The double silicone anti-slip wave provides the best grip, and it does not roll, slide, or slip down. It is available in three sizes. Before ordering, consult the size chart for the best fit. Watch this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation, swelling, and soreness
- Heating effect for faster muscular recovery
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Supports knee rehabilitation
- Breathable
- Washable
- Provides the best grip
- Does not roll or slide or slip
Cons
- Top elastic may start wearing out after a few months of use
"This knee brace offers good support. It does not feel too bulky, even when I wear it under jeans. It is good quality and most times, I don't even feel like I'm wearing anything."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 26,629 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Best Breathable Fabric:POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
Image: Powerlix
The POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve provides superior support and comfort without compromising knee mobility. The tight and breathable compression fabric maintains joint stability and does not itch. This high-quality knee brace applies stable pressure across the knee joint, offers optimal muscle support, relieves pain, and is suitable for knee injury prevention and management. The special knitted technical design with two silicone gel strips ensure the knee pad sleeve stays put while you walk or run. The beautiful design of the sleeve in blue and black makes you look fashionable anywhere, anytime. The fabric is smooth and soft, expands up to 60% more than the original diameter, maintains the optimal joint temperature, absorbs sweat, and keeps the leg dry and odor-free. It is available in 5 sizes. Here’s a video that you can take a look at to learn about the tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Does not compromise knee mobility
- Breathable fabric
- Maintains joint stability
- Optimal muscle support
- Relieves pain
- Anti-slip
- Optimal joint temperature
- Absorbs sweat
- Keeps leg odor-free
Cons
- May loosen up after four weeks of use
"This knee brace offers good support. It does not feel too bulky, even when I wear it under jeans. It is of good quality and most times, I don't even feel like I'm wearing anything."
Best For All-Day Support:Physix Gear Knee Support Brace
Image: Physix Gear Sport
The Physix Gear Knee Support Brace is designed with durable 4-way stretch nylon and lycra. This good-quality knee pad provides all-day support without compromising on the comfort. It supports the knee, relieves pain, keeps the joint stable, and is perfect for workouts or sports like soccer. It is lightweight, durable, breathable, and effortlessly contours the knee to relieve swelling and stiffness. The zigzag anti-slip grip eliminates slip downs. It does not cut off circulation or stretch out after a few wears. It does not chafe or dig into the skin. It is available in 5 sizes and 3 colors
Pros
- Provides all-day support
- Relieves pain
- Keeps the joint stable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Breathable
- Relieves swelling and stiffness
- Anti-slip grip
- Does not cut off circulation
- Does not dig into the skin
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The latex in the elastic yarn may cause allergies in some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 25,618 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
| UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Best Grip | POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve Best Breathable Fabric | Physix Gear Knee Support Brace Best For All-Day Support | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 2 | - | - |
| Material | 53% Nylon, 33% Elastodiene fiber, 14% Spandex | 80% Nylon 20% Spandex | Nylon |
| Color | Red | Blue | Black/Pink (Single) |
| Weight | 7.78 Grams | 0.1 Kilograms | 0.1 Kilograms |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 6.69 x 11.42 x 0.39 inches | - | 10.83 x 7.28 x 10.83 inches |
| Outer Material | - | 80% Nylon 20% spandex | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 26,629 | 44,036 | 25,618 |
| Price | $16.99 | $17.99 | $8.62 |
Best In Reasonably Priced:CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace
Image: Cambivo The CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace is made of 65% nylon, 20% latex, and 15% spandex. It is effective in managing knee pain, reduces swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and boosts muscle recovery. The 3D elastic weaving supports the knees and has a heating effect that aids faster muscular recovery. These knee sleeves are designed with anti-slip silicone waves on the top for superior comfort. The premium material provides extra reinforcement without compromising comfort. The evenly distributed weave ensures that the patella, joints, and surrounding areas of the knee receive an equal amount of pressure. The braces are perfect for people recovering from knee injuries and surgeries, and soccer players. They are available in 10 colors and 5 sizes. This affordable knee brace has received positive reviews on Amazon for providing optimal support and stability and is good for long usage.
Pros
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Heating effect for faster muscular recovery
- Anti-slip silicone design
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- None
"This knee compression sleeve truly delivers on its promises. It offers consistent support and a comfortable fit. It is good for wearing during various activities, from running to weightlifting."
Best For Tight Compression:Run Forever Sports Patella Strap Knee Brace Support
Image: Run Forever Store The Run Forever Sports Patella Strap Knee Brace Support is a knee strap that goes around the knee, right below the kneecap, and over your patellar tendon to provide support. It releases tension and provides immediate relief from knee pain. It is fully adjustable and provides comfortable, tight compression. The curve of the straps fits the curve of the knee perfectly and reduces the pressure on the patellar tendon. It alleviates the pain while running or exercising. This knee support strap can be adjusted with the velcro straps to fit almost everyone. It is made of high-quality neoprene and nylon. It is light and soft, absorbs sweat, and prevents any wet or slippery feeling on the knee. It does not restrict movement, relieves knee pain, and comes with 100% risk-free Lifetime Guarantee. It is available in 3 sizes and comes in a pack of 1 or 2 braces. Several online reviewers rave about how comfortable it feels and it’s easy to wear
Pros
- Immediate relief from knee pain
- Comfortable, tight compression
- Fits almost everyone
- Light and soft
- Absorbs sweat
- No wet or slippery feeling on the knee
- Does not restrict movement
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Padding may be too thin
"This knee strap keeps me stable during my daily walks and runs. It provides good support and is comfortable to wear. It is good even for those like me with non-model-thin legs."
Best For Blood Circulation:Crucial Compression Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
Image: Crucial Compression The Crucial Compression Knee Brace Compression Sleeve uses Power Support Technology to improve blood circulation and heat the muscles, get more oxygen, and reduce lactic acid build-up. It helps in better performance and faster recovery, and prevents injury. The ComfortFlex design provides a comfortable, snug, and ergonomic fit. It does not cut off blood circulation or restrict movement. The quality of the fabric is soft, and the unique Double Silicone Grip makes the sleeves stay in place without sliding down. This knee brace also does not bunch up behind the knees. The top-quality double stitching and long-lasting construction do not lose compression over time. It is available in 7 sizes and 3 colors.
Pros
- Improves blood circulation
- Heats the muscles
- Allows more oxygen to muscles
- Reduces lactic acid build-up
- Improves performance
- Accelerates recovery
- Does not cut off blood circulation
- Does not restrict movement
- Soft fabric
- Does not slide down
Cons
- Not durable
"This knee braces has a solid compression level that is on point. It offers good support and has been a savior during my long work shifts. The material is non-irritating on my sensitive skin."
Best For Sweat-Absorption:Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads
Image: Bodyprox The Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads is made of SBR 63%, nylon 32%, and spandex 5%. This adjustable knee brace is designed to fit all sizes. The unique design with springs on 2 sides with 1 silicone pad at the kneecap position helps reduce the stress on the knee joint while playing soccer or during intense exercise. It helps relieve acute and chronic knee pain from ACL, LCL, MCL, strains, sprains, meniscus tear, arthritis, tendonitis pain, and fall/sports injuries. This velcro knee support strap can be wrapped around to any exterior part of the knee brace to firmly put it in place. It also can be adjusted for a stable fit. The patella gel pads make movement comfortable, and the knee caps are protected. It is made of high-grade neoprene material that does not cause itching or dig into the skin. The breathable material also absorbs sweat and prevents unpleasant odor.
Pros
- Reduces stress on the knee joint
- Makes movement comfortable
- No itching
- Does not dig into the skin
- Breathable
- Absorbs sweat
- Prevents unpleasant odor
Cons
- The velcro may not stay put
- Not available in different sizes
Best Shock-Absorbing Design:IPOW Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace
Image: Ipow
The IPOW Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace has a pain-relieving and shock-absorbing design. The segmented fix design allows one to make adjustments according to the knees’ curves to provide better protection to the patella. The double knot design is equipped with a fully adjustable strap to fit the knee size. High-quality, soft, and breathable fabric with smooth edges and fine stitches provide ultimate comfort. They also make the knee brace strap stay in place after a long period of exercise or playing soccer. The knee braces do not itch, are easy to take off, and are available in 4 colors.
Pros
- Impact-absorbing design
- Equipped with a fully adjustable strap
- Breathable fabric
- Smooth edges
- Fine stitches
- Does not itch
- Easy to take off
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Padding is thin
- Buckle may dig into the skin
"These straps offer excellent knee support. They offer excellent and immediate relief. They make activities like hiking and even daily chores much more comfortable."
Quick TipBest Ergonomic Design:Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap
Image: Abco he Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap is an adjustable knee strap made of high-quality neoprene and nylon, making it last longer. This knee brace strap is light and soft, absorbs sweat, and prevents slipping. It goes around the knees, below the kneecap, and over the patellar tendon to provide support to the knees and release tension. The strap offers immediate relief from knee pain. It can be fully adjusted to fit the curve of your knee. This knee strap provides patellar support with soft neoprene padding. The adjustable hook-and-loop fastener makes this strap very comfortable. It does not restrict the leg movement. It allows one to perform any form of physical activity with ease. It is machine washable and comes in 4 colors.
Pros
- Light and soft
- Absorbs sweat
- Prevents slipping
- Ergonomic design
- Releases tension
- Does not restrict leg movements
- Machine washable
- Universal size
- Affordable
Cons
- The straps do not cover the velcro
"I use these knee straps in my regular pickleball games and it works wonders. I used to experience soreness post-match, which has reduced so much. They offer the kind of support that keeps me active without the ache."
Best Easy To Wear:EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Image: Ezyfit The EzyFit Knee Brace Support is a soccer knee pad brace that is made of neoprene with a nylon and polyester blend. It supports the knee and relieves knee pain. The comfortably reinforced double stitching and strong velcro closures provide support to natural lateral and medial movements. It stays in place and is perfect for soccer, running, walking, and recovery from ACL, LCL, MCL, meniscus tears, and tendonitis. It stabilizes the patella, and its breathable design absorbs sweat and prevents odor. It is available in 3 sizes.
Pros
- Stays in place
- Breathable design
- Absorbs sweat
- Prevents odor
- Washable
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,485 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Moisture-Wicking Construction:TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
Image: Techware Pro The TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support is uniquely designed to support and strengthen the knees. This functional and stylish knee brace allows one to enjoy activities with comfort and confidence. It provides better knee stability while allowing full mobility with the open patella design and 4 flexible spring stabilizers. The breathable, moisture-wicking neoprene construction and non-slip silicone strips allow comfortable wear and use. It helps heal injuries (ACL, MCL, tendonitis, etc.) and inflammation (arthritis, fall, etc.). It is available in 4 sizes.
Pros
- Breathable
- Tested for efficacy
- Moisture-wicking construction
- Better knee stability
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 19,795 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best Lightweight Brace:Venom Knee Sleeve Compression Brace
Image: Venom Sports Fitness The Venom Knee Sleeve Compression Brace features a gel layer that provides enhanced cushioning to protect the knee, reduce pain, and lessen the chance of further injury. It is perfect for playing soccer, running, and workout. It also helps one recover from arthritis, meniscus tear, ACL/MCL/PCL/LCL tears, runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, and other chronic or minor types of injuries. The elastic fabric and lightweight design of this training equipment minimize bunching and ensure unrestricted movement with comfort and ease. The brace provides a firm yet flexible grip such that you do not have to worry about readjustments. It is available in 4 sizes and at a reasonable price. Reviews on Amazon indicate that this product is affordable and offers a great fit.
Pros
- Enhanced gel cushioning to the knee
- Elastic fabric
- Lightweight design
- Minimizes bunching
- Provides meniscus protection and medial collateral ligament (MCL) support
- Ensures unrestricted movement
- Firm yet flexible grip
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not durable
Best For Muscle Recovery:Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support
Image: Mava Sports The Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve Support is a knee safety equipment for athletes made of spandex, nylon, and latex with silicone beads. It helps reduce inflammation and swelling associated with injuries. The heating effect improves circulation and boosts muscular recovery. It is good for healing, recovery, and rehabilitation. The anti-slip silicone and elastic support material offer stable compression. It does not slip or roll off. This knee brace is not stiff. It does not cause itching, allows full mobility, is easy to wear, and is soft. This unisex knee pad/brace is stylish and available in 6 sizes.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Boosts blood circulation
- Enhances muscle recovery
- Suitable for rehabilitation
- Anti-slip silicone material
- Does not roll off
- Does not cause itching
- Allows full mobility
- Easy to wear
- Soft
- Suitable for both men and women
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The color may fade after washing
These are the 13 best knee brace pads for soccer players. Before you buy this essential safety equipment, here is a checklist of how to spot the right product. Take a look.
How To Choose The Best Knee Pads/Braces For Soccer Players
- Protection: Look at the quality of protection the knee brace is providing. Check for the gel layer and straps that comfortably wrap to keep your knee joint stable. You can also consult a physiologist or a physical therapist before buying to determine if it fits your specific needs.
- Movement: While limiting the movement of the knee joint, a good knee brace should also allow you to move freely. If walking or running is not comfortable, you may have to look for another brace.
- Design And Fit: The design should be ergonomic and fit the contours of your knee perfectly. The curved edges near the patellar region must aid free movement while keeping the joint stable. The stitches should also be comfortable and durable.
- Material: Spandex, nylon, and neoprene are the materials to look for. Avoid latex if you are allergic to it. Opt for a softer fabric that does not itch or fold down.
Infographic: Tips For Maintenance And Care For Your Knee Braces
If you want your knee braces or pads remain in excellent condition and provide the necessary support and protection during soccer games, it’s crucial to clean and maintain them properly. Check out the following infographic for some helpful tips. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Games help to keep you fit physically. It also offers so much fun, but playing games like soccer might sometimes cause tearing in ligaments or damage the knees. So all you need are the best knee braces for soccer players to minimize the soreness, inflammation, and swelling. Hannah Shine, certified personal trainer, Australian Fitness Academy, says, “”As a trainer, I can tell you that knee braces are an essential piece of equipment for soccer players. The constant running, jumping, and cutting movements involved in the sport put a lot of stress on the knees and make them vulnerable to injury. A knee brace provides added support and stability, helping to protect the joint from damage and reducing the risk of knee injuries such as ACL and MCL sprains. “”
For fast muscle recovery, try the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve, while the Physix Gear Knee Support Brace will provide you with a comfortable stretch. If you want an enhanced patella protection, the IPOW Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace would be a good choice. These braces reduce pain, improve circulation, offer muscle support, and keep the joints stable. Some of these knee braces come with straps to offer a customized fit and reduce the pressure on the knees. In addition, knee braces with an anti-slip design will be of great advantage as they provide good grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do soccer players wear knee pads?
Yes. Most often, knee braces for soccer goalkeepers are designed to help in knee injury prevention.
Is it OK to wear a knee brace all the time?
Consult your doctor to know the duration you can wear a knee brace for. They will offer a recommendation depending on the severity of the injury or intensity of the workout.
What could be the right knee brace size for me?
Measure the circumference of your knees and below your knees. Compare the size chart and choose a size larger for playing soccer.
Will a knee brace help in all kinds of sports?
Yes, a knee brace is helpful for all kinds of sports, including weightlifting.
Which is better, gel or foam knee pads for soccer players?
Both gel and foam knee braces work great for soccer players. Although many prefer gel over foam since the latter often gets displaced under pressure, foam knee pads are great for beginners.
Can you play soccer with a torn ACL and a knee brace?
Yes, you can play soccer with a knee brace supporting your torn ACL. Make sure that the ACL is well-protected and do not go for strenuous games. Consult your doctor before committing to any sports.
What is the difference between a knee brace and a knee support?
A knee brace offers strong protection to the anterior, patella, and ligaments. On the other hand, simple knee support does not provide much ligament protection like a knee brace.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Aditi Naskar has a diploma in health and wellness with a keen interest in the best sports gear the market has to offer. She loves playing soccer but knows how hard it can be on the knees and the damage it causes. To ensure you continue playing soccer safely, she tried on several knee braces and selected the finest ones for her users. This specially curated list of knee braces is breathable, washable, reduces swelling, and stimulates blood circulation, allowing you to be an unstoppable force on the field.
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