Article Last Updated: September 1, 2024
In this product review and buyer’s guide, we’ll show you eight of the best ankle braces we have found, and discuss what to consider when looking for the best ankle brace for lacrosse. Lacrosse is an intense sport that involves a lot of quick cutting and pivots. This fast-paced movement makes sprains and strains the most common injuries to lacrosse players. Athletes who experience injuries that affect their ability to play often look for ways to play through the injury or reduce recovery time.
McDavid Ankle Brace offers great protection and support for the ankle.
Easy-to-use crisscross strapping attaches anywhere along the entire sleeve.
Our ankle stabilizer can fully wrap your bare ankle joint to relieve overmuch burden during exercise, enhancing stability for your ankle.
Best Ankle Brace for Lacrosse
Ankle braces can assist in recovery, and can also help prevent the injury from occurring in the first place, when worn during athletic activity for added stabilization.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor for your ideal brace for your current injury situation.
1. McDavid Ankle Brace Support with Stabilizer Straps
PROS
- 4.4 stars
- Proven preventative capabilities
- Built-in compression
- Ventilated material
- Padded lining for gapless support and comfort
- Wide range of sizes
- Available in three colors
CONS
- sizes can run small
McDavid’s brace with stabilizer straps was featured in a leading research university’s study on the types of braces that best prevent ankle injury. Participating athletes experienced three times fewer ankle injuries in this brace. It’s designed to mimic athletic tape, but with a full adjustability, even while wearing a shoe. Strong, breathable material offers maximum protection with minimal bulk.
2. Ankle Support, Adjustable Ankle Brace
PROS
- 4.1 stars
- Easy-to-use straps
- Silicone gel
- Non-slip
- Comfortable
- Breathable Comes in black with blue, gray, or orange design
CONS
- One size
- Poor material quality
This simple, adjustable design also utilizes gel, providing added security and a better fit.
The strapping attaches anywhere along the sleeve for fully customized support. Breathable, elastic nylon material reduces recovery time after injuries.
3. Liomor Ankle Brace
PROS
- 4.3 stars
- Easy and fast application
- Strong arch support
- Flexibility
CONS
- Only available in two sizes
- Bulky when worn with shoes
Liomor offers this lightweight, black model for injury prevention and post-injury compression and stability.
Four straps provide arch support and flexibility.
Liomor Ankle Brace Review
4. Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace Stabilizer
PROS
- 4.3 stars
- Black or white
- Range of sizes
- Non-slip
CONS
- Complicated to put on
Patented exterior support structure and non-slip material prevent inversion and eversion in this Zamst stabilizer design.
The Exo-Grid reduces separation of the tibia and fibula, thus reducing the occurrence of high ankle sprains. X-strap stabilizers prevent the foot from slipping forward in the brace.
5. Active Ankle T2 Ankle Brace
PROS
- 4.3 stars on Amazon
- Single strap for fast fitting
- Adjustable height
- Contouring EVA padding
- Less bulky
- Rigid ankle stabilizer
- Comfortable
CONS
- Needs to be replaced after a few months of heavy athletic use
The Active Ankle T2 is a great brace for post-injury stabilization and injury prevention.
It’s sleek enough to wear inside shoes with compression socks underneath, and is adjustable for different shoe heights.
It’s available in only three sizes, but the lightweight, EVA padding ensures a gapless, secure fit that doesn’t rub or pinch.
Fitting Instructions for Active Ankle T2
6. Brace Ankle Brace with Breathable Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer
PROS
- 4.1 stars
- Adjustable sizes
- Adjustable shoe compatibility
- Gel padding for added comfort and increased circulation
- Won’t slip
- Arch support
CONS
- Complicated straps
If you’re looking for a gel brace, this Bracoo model is definitely worth a look. Gel reduces stiffness in the outer edges, reducing the friction that causes sores.
The quality material and advanced design fit the foot and ankle closely, allowing stabilized movement, great for injury prevention.
Incorporated compression reduces inflammation and provides much-needed arch support after an injury.
7. Active Ankle AS1 Pro Lace Up Ankle Brace
PROS
- 4.2 stars
- Customizable fit
- Available in black and white
- Secure design
CONS
- Complicated application
- Can be uncomfortable when applied incorrectly
If you prefer the wider range of sizing options available in laced models, the AS1 is the brace for you. This brace frees up the forefoot and heel for improved fit and higher comfort level.
Eyelets offer faster and easier lacing, and non-slip printing reduces slippage during athletic activity.
The AS1 also features a circumferential strap and non-stretch vertical straps for added security and support that mimics taping.
8. McDavid 199 Lace-up Ankle Brace
PROS
- 4 stars
- Available in black or white
- Steel, medical-grade stays
- Breathable fabric
- Ventilated tongue
- Arch support
- Level three/maximum protection
- Fits left or right ankle
- Widest size range
- Lightweight to improve mobility
CONS
- Bulky
- Holds foot in slightly pointed position
This is one of the most commonly-sold ankle braces from McDavid. Medical-grade stays provide dependable defense against inversion and eversion.
The maximum protection offered by this brace is appropriate for post-sprain support and injury prevention.
How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace for Lacrosse
There are several factors to consider when choosing an ankle brace.
The existence of an injury, what type of injury, and what you intend to do while wearing the brace will all effect what kind you need.The quality of the brace should also be considered. Even if you choose something appropriate for your particular situation, a low-quality item might not meet your needs.Condition of the AnkleSome braces are made to help prevent injury to the ankle by providing a small increase in support.
They may not be much more than firm compression, and should be effective for that purpose.However, if your ankle is already injured, much more support will be needed.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you could require anything from mild compression to a fully immobile support structure on each side.Level of ActivityPlayers with uninjured ankles often use braces for injury prevention during athletic activity.
You might consider that stronger support may be needed for this activity than would be needed by, say, a runner.
There’s a reason this sport has a high rate of sprains and strains, so it’s important to choose the best ankle brace for lacrosse, specifically.If the ankle is already injured and you intend to participate in athletic activities before you’re fully healed, you’ll definitely need to consider the strongest available support and inversion/eversion prevention.You should also keep in mind that you’ll need to fit the brace securely into a shoe, if you intend to play in it.If you don’t intend to play on the injured ankle, your options will include bulkier braces that offer strong stabilization.
If you’re keeping weight off completely, a more comfortable, lightweight option might work for you.Always ask your doctor’s opinion of the activity level and amount of stabilization you should have after an injury.ComfortBreathability, padding, sizing, and materials will all affect how comfortable the brace is to be in for extended periods of time.
A lacrosse player in an uncomfortable brace might find themselves having to remove it halfway through a game because of sores or improper fit.These factors will also affect the performance of the brace. Low breathability will cause sweating, which can cause even non-slip materials to slide out of place on wet skin.
Proper padding can improve the fit, and a good fit with no gaps is essential to proper support and protection against injury and reinjury.Quality The quality of materials and construction of your brace will determine its effectiveness and how long it will last.
Even the best brace in the world isn’t the best choice if it’s going to fall apart during a game.Velcro needs to be high-quality to stay in place throughout rough use. Stitching should withstand high activity.
Support structures should have very little give and stay firm when you need it. Laces are expected to stay tied, and compression fabric should not rip.Of course, even high-quality braces will eventually need to be replaced, but a good sports brace should last at least several months before succumbing to the wear of athletic activity.
Conclusion
To avoid long-term issues that could severely affect your ability to play, follow doctor recommendations and find the level of support that’s right for you.
Choosing the best ankle brace for lacrosse or lacrosse-related injury is critical to the protection and recovery of your ankle.
References
Hamel, A. (2015, November 10). What to Look for in an Ankle Brace. Retrieved from Mueller Sports Medicine: http://blog.muellersportsmed.com/sports-medicine-blog/what-to-look-for-in-an-ankle-brace
Lacrosse, U. (2008, September 5). This is Lacrosse. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXO1lPc3p38
LOPT. (n.d.). Should Athletes Wear Ankle Brace to Prevent Sprains . Retrieved from Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy: https://loptonline.com/patient-education/injuries-conditions/ankle-faq/should-athletes-wear-ankle-brace-to-prevent-sprains/
Marc I. Harwood, M. (2017, June 30). Ankle Sprains in Lacrosse Players: The Complete Guide. Retrieved from Rothman Institute: https://www.rothmaninstitute.com/stories/news-and-blog/ankle-sprains-in-lacrosse
Nationwide Children’s. (2014, July 22). New Study Finds High School Lacrosse Players at Risk for Concussions, Other Injuries. Retrieved from Nationwide Children’s: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/news-room-articles/new-study-finds-high-school-lacrosse-players-at-risk-for-concussions-other-injuries?contentid=129470
