Top 10 Best Soccer Ankle Brace

Written by on November 21, 2017 — Medically reviewed by John Doe

Article Last Updated: November 1, 2024

The ankle is the most common injury on a soccer field.

50-80% of football/soccer injuries affect the feet and legs. 40-45% of leg injuries involve ankle injuries and foot pain. Most of those injuries are a sprained ankle. [1]

Ankle compression sleeves and ankle braces can support your ankle, aid recovery and reduce pain.

Related: Our top rated ankle pain relief medication – click here

However, some brands are better than others.

And some brands just shouldn’t be on the market.

In this article we are going to run through the best soccer ankle braces and what you should be looking for to make an informed decision.

compressa socks. One of the best compression socks on the market and our editors choice.

1.Editors Choice Compressa Sport Comprssion Sleeve
Our most popular sports compression sleeve recommended by over 18000+ people. Best for light to moderate injuries and/or prevention of further ankle injuries.

2. ASO Ankle Stabilizer

Best for moderate injuries or very unstable ankles. Only use for short periods of time (1-3 months). Great support, used by professional athletes all over the world.

3. McDavid 195 Deluxe Ankle Brace with Strap

Excellent brace built for jumping sports. Highly adjustable brace with both velcro and lace strapping. Can be used both for the prevention of injuries and recovery. 

At a Glance

Each player can avoid ankle injuries by taking just simple precautions. I was a player for several years and I know what it means to have ankle injury.

When shopping for ankle braces, selecting the best piece for your needs could be difficult, especially with many brands and suppliers in the market. This article makes it easier for you to select the best soccer ankle brace that meets your needs whether you are in the field or recuperating from an injury.

Related: Our top rated ankle pain relief medication – click here

First, it expounds on the types of soccer ankle braces in the market and guides you through the best ankle braces for soccer players. More importantly, it sheds light on the tips that you need to follow in order to make a smart purchasing decision.

Types of Ankle Braces for Soccer

Currently, three main types of soccer ankle braces exist in the market: Lace-Up, rigid, and soft-shell ankle braces.

Lace-Up Ankle Braces

This type of ankle brace first hit the market in 1887. It has gone through a series of improvements to the current model with straps that enable it to wrap around your ankle in a figure-8 design. Based on their fabric material, the lace-up ankle braces are comfortable but less durable.

In some instances, the fabric could absorb odor and smell bad. Research studies reveal that lace-up ankle braces could hinder optimal performance in the field because they restrict the natural flexibility of the ankle. For that reason, sports experts recommend hinged ankle braces, especially for athletes.

Importantly, lace-up ankle braces are suitable for budget players who need just a mild support on the ankle and not participating in a rigorous physical activity.

Rigid Ankle Braces

This category of ankle braces includes both rigid and semi-rigid models. Made of a hard plastic, they come with a special hinge that allows natural flexibility of the ankle. The rigid ankle brace first hit the market in 1985 and since then has become a darling of many soccer players and other participants in high-impact activities.

With a pivot hinge, which connects the bottom to both sides of the ankle, it fits securely and upright.

Once on, you can run and jump without muscle restriction. Even so, it comes with some downsides:

  • Can be too bulky to fit in a cleat
  • Can be uncomfortable if worn for an extend period of time
  • Can affect your grasp of the ball, leading to a continuous dribble

Overall, hinged ankle braces are suitable if you are looking for a mild ankle support. Besides, they prevent ankle twists and sprains.

Soft-shell Ankle Braces

These ankle braces are the newest in the market. With an advanced feature of a “soft-shell,” they react with your body heat to provide a flexible, personalized fit. Since they fit according to your foot structure, they provide adequate support and enable you to prevent possible ankle injuries.

Not only that, but you can also use them for an extended period owing to their flexibility and a low-profile design. They can fit even in a tight cleat. With their snugly-fitting design, you are able to control your motion while allowing your ankle to move naturally.

Additionally, soft-shell ankle braces come with an improved handcuff feature that prevents your ankle from turning or twisting. This enables you to avoid sprains, tears, and ankle twists. They are ideal for athletes who desire to avoid injuries or soccer players who desire mild ankle stability.

Related: Our top rated ankle pain relief medication – click here

Their ability to last through multiple sporting events and the fact that they are more affordable make them a preferable choice for most players.

1. Editors Choice Compressa Sport Injury Compression Sleeve

PROS

  • Excellent for everyday use
  • Actively reduces selling and pain
  • Aeration for reducing smell
  • Prevents diabetic foot pain
  • High-performance and ideal for daily use

CONS

  • Stocks are limited and can sell out
  • Low copper content compared to other brands

Compressa is one of the premier sports compression socks on the market. 

With over 18,000 reviews this compression sock it is a #1 best seller.

It is recommeneded for light to moderate injuries including ankle sprains, rolled ankles, small ligament tears, peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.

If your looking a compression sock that reduces swelling, increases blood flow and decreases pain then this is the best on the market.

You will immediately feel the effects when using this ankle sleeve on the field.

User feedback reports it is made of quality material. One of the main problems with ankle sleeves is they break down quickly due to rubbing on your shoes all the time.

With it, you can experience a cooling effect and a fantastic amount of aeration that extinguishes the emergence of sweat (and smell).

This means you can wear them for longer without smell becoming a problem.

The scientific design and lightweight elastic fabric enable unrestricted movement and boost air circulation, reducing the discomfort when worn for long hours.

There are plenty of companies selling subpar compression sleeves however Compressa rises above the rest in our opinion.

A testimonial from Andy Kelley from San Diego says:

My friends keep asking me to go play baseball, but I keep declining their invitation due to my tired and achy feet. I try to stay off my feet as much as possible because recently I gained a tremendous amount of weight and my feet are at the limits of pain. After trying on these soothers, my feet no longer are in control of my life and I am back on my feet! Thank you so much!

We have contacted Compressa directly and they have kindly offered a 56% discount only for our readers. We thought this was incredibly generous.

This offer is exclusive to Ankle Action. Offer ends March, 2020. Click here

2. ASO Ankle Stabilizer

PROS

  • Contoured tongue for a snuggly fit
  • Lightweight, CoolFlex material for lining
  • Invisible seam for additional superior comfort
  • Finger loops for straps add maximum support and protection
  • Durable and strong

CONS

  • Buy each brace separately
  • No directions on how to wear it
  • May not work for some p​​eople

One of the most popular ankle braces in the market, ASO Ankle Stabilizer is ideal for both soccer and athletics.

It comes with a good overall value. However, the high ankle strap may not work well with cleats.

This ankle brace is suitable for professional and learner athletes, as well as for soccer players. Physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and sports trainers recommend it for ankle support.

Fitting Instructions of ASO Ankle Brace

3. McDavid 195 Ankle Brace

PROS

  • Reduces chances of ankle injury
  • Enhances breathability
  • Offers full support with reduced weight
  • Fully adjustable

CONS

  • Can suffocate the foot if it’s too tight
  • Not good for active playing

McDavid 195 is among the most popular soccer ankle braces, offering a complete support and protection with a snuggly fit.

It is slightly thicker, so may not work best with cleats especially if you give performance a top priority.

However, this ankle brace could be one of the best when you are returning to activity after an injury.

McDavid Ankle Brace Review

4. POWERLIX Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve

PROS

  • Works for professional athletes
  • Leads to a soothing pain relief
  • Superior comfort and a snuggly fit
  • Available in 3 colors
  • Excellent relief for arch, heel, ball, and Achilles

CONS

  • Can be too tight in the foot
  • Can be too small for some people

Compression socks work the same way as ankle braces, except they are slimmer and lack some features found full-fledged braces.

Powerlix Ankle Brace compression socks offer a mild protection from ankle sprains.

Additionally, they offer a great support against common ankle diseases such as tendonitis or planter fasciitis.

More importantly, these compression socks work better with cleats.

5. Copper Compression Recovery Ankle Sleeve

PROS

  • Genuine support to stiff and sore muscles
  • Suitable for mild injuries
  • Ideal for all ages and levels of fitness
  • Cool and soothing
  • Great stability

CONS

  • May be slightly uncomfortable if it fits tight
  • The band may be painful at the rear of the heel

This ankle sleeve protects your ankle while you recover from an injury. It provides excellent immobilization to the injured area, keeping your tendons and muscles safe after an injury.

The copper content in the sleeve provides a good amount of warmth and compression that your recovering ankle needs.

Just as compression socks that work trough soothing and compression, this sleeve is ideal for minor injuries and as a preventive measure against ankle sprains.

It is not a full-scale ankle brace, so it’s not suitable when recovering from a serious injury.

6. Medized Lace-Up Ankle Stabilizer

PROS

  • Ideal for recuperation from sprains
  • Best for prophylac​​tic use
  • A low-profile ankle brace
  • Works better with sports and street shoes

CONS

  • High performance may affect durability
  • Can be bulky on so​​me feet
  • Takes time to put on and to remove

Top on our list is the Medized Lace-up ankle stabilizer, which is suitable for all high-impact activities including soccer, volleyball, and basketball.

The slimmer material makes it ideal for soccer because it can work well with cleats. All the same, the increased performance could lead to decreased durability.

Overall, it prevents and treats ankle injuries, especially sprains.

7. Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace

PROS

  • Excellent for ankle stability when returning​​ to activity after an injury
  • Ideal for all sports including volleyball, basketball, and soccer
  • Ideal for athletics
  • Prevents rolling of ankles
  • iFit/aFat technology for a custom fit

CONS

  • May not fit for some users
  • ​​Some users find it too complicated to put on

This model is a hinged ankle brace, offering excellent stability and support to the ankle.

Besides, it allows ankle flexion and extension, which makes it great for athletes and players who aim at reducing ankle injuries such as sprains.

For soccer players, it offers a great lateral support, a custom fit, and a slim design that makes it work with most soccer shoes.

8. Adidas Adizero Soccer Ankle Brace

PROS

  • Lightweight (only 3.03 ounces)
  • Reduces ankle injury by 30%
  • Cost-effective ​​and re-usable
  • Non-slip material, works better than tape

CONS

  • Only one brace per package
  • Not so durable​​
  • May not work for some ankles

This ankle brace delivers a mild ankle support while it remains slim and lightweight.

You can use it with cleats to reduce the chances of ankle injury.

It is popular among players, athletes, trainers, and coaches.

While it cushions the ankle and protects it from rollover, it provides effective support and keeps you light.

Adidas Adizero Ankle Brace Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs2Qi4NdZss

9. Active S1 Pro Ankle Brace

PROS

  • Dual straps to provide superior support and protection
  • Improved stability—ideal for vertical jump
  • Ideal for all sports
  • Allow natural flexibility of the ankle

CONS

  • The plastic sol​​e may break easily
  • Strapping may be difficult for some people
  • May be uncomfortable with some sports shoes

With a lace-up design, this ankle brace offers a great support to the lower leg, protecting you from injury while your ankle remains stable yet secure and flexible.

It is ideal for athletes and soccer players but not recommended for all-day wearing.

10. Mueller Soccer Ankle Brace

PROS

  • Flexible and strong
  • Full ankle protection
  • Slim design—works well with most soccer shoes
  • Lightweight
  • Available in different sizes
  • Only one piece per package

CONS

  • Minor build weaknesses

With a lace-up style, this ankle brace is ideal for a player who wants an improved ankle support while recuperating from an injury while maintaining a steady performance.

However, it’s not recommended for the initial stages of injury.

It’s designed for strength, speed, flexibility, and control. These qualities allow complete foot movement without losing ball control.

More importantly, it prevents re-injury and protects the ankle from sprains.

11. Nike Pro Combat Ankle Sleeve

PROS

  • Lightweight Ariaprene fabric, which is warm and supportive
  • Tactically-placed mesh for breathability and lease​​ of excess heat
  • Contoured design for added strength
  • Elastic binding and silicone grip
  • Machine wash

CONS

  • May get loose after some washing
  • Might be too tight or too b​​ig for some feet

Made of a lightweight and stretchy material, this ankle sleeve offers a great compression and support to your lower leg.

It is best suited for players with chronic injuries.

Advantages of Ankle Braces Over Traditional Taping

Traditionally, soccer players used taping as the best means to protect their ankles from injuries while in the field. While it worked for some people, it was like a game of gambling.

First, the tape had to be securely in place, applied by a qualified sports medic. All the same, it was like wearing a second pair of socks.

In addition, the tape could get loose and slip off during the game, putting a player at a high risk of ankle injury.

Since their invention, ankle braces and sleeves are on the forefront to curb sports-related injuries.

Modern soccer braces are different from the traditional taping. First, the braces are designed with the player in mind. The grip, breathability, and comfort are some of the features ingrained in every ankle brace.

They allow free movement of the ankle, protect old injuries, and prevent new injuries from happening. Most ankle injuries occur due to overstretched tendons and ligaments.

Ankle braces cushion the ankle and lower leg to prevent the occurrence of these problems. Ankle braces are made of lightweight material, which is also durable and comfortable.

Ankle injuries continue to be a nagging problem for players. Medial and lateral ankle sprains, high ankle sprains, tibia and fibula fractures are all dreaded conditions, which can result in a long-term or permanent disability.

By identifying the best soccer ankle brace, players can avoid such conditions. Even when they occur, the degree of injury cannot be the same as a situation where no ankle brace was used.

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