After a thorough review, Vive’s hinged knee brace takes our top spot of the best knee brace for basketball. This is due to its blend of comfort and knee support, ideal for running and jumping during a fast-paced game. But that’s not all this brace has to offer. Read on to find out more!
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
The open patella design of this Vive brace adds extra support to the kneecap, letting you play harder without worrying about injury.
Buy on AmazonSome of the most common injuries on court include meniscus tears, sprains, ACL injuries, and hyperextended knee. Luckily, wearing a knee brace during a game can help absorb the pressure that fast-paced impact and repetitive directional changes can have on the joints and muscles. Check out our list of the best knee braces for basketball—they can be a real game changer.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Hinged Knee Brace
Top Performance
Bracoo
Open Patella Brace
Can’t Count it Out
Shock Doctor
Support Knee Brace
The Eight Best Knee Braces for Basketball
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged Knee Brace | Vive | One Sizes | Men and Women |  |
| Open Patella Brace | Bracoo | One Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Maximum Support Knee Brace | Shock doctor | Six Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace Support | TechWare Pro | Four Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace Protector | EXOUS | One Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Neoprene Knee Brace Support | Compressions | One Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace With Strap | Athledict | Six Sizes | Men and Women | |
| Open Patella Compression Sleeve | Venom Sports fitness | Four Sizes | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Buy on AmazonMake the most of your time on and off the court with this supportive open patella brace. Made from latex-free neoprene, this brace is lightweight and comfortable enough for daily use. The removable hinges are ideal for those who require extra medial and lateral stability. Plus, the extra-strong top and bottom fasteners ensure a personalized fit and level of compression.
Main Features
- Comes in 3 colors
- Removable hinges
- Open patella design
- Extra-strong straps
- Lightweight and breathable
Pros:
- Fully adjustable
- Thermal compression
- Latex-free
- 60-day guarantee
Cons:
- Only one brace in the pack
- Not suitable for children
Top Performance: Open Patella Brace by Bracoo
Ideal for athletes and those with weak knees, this brace reduces stress on the knee caps during exercise and daily activities. It features a reinforced stabilizing ring to keep the knee in the appropriate position during movement, as well as three customizable straps to keep it securely in place. Plus, it is made from perforated neoprene to both provide gentle compression and draw away sweat.
Main Features
- Reinforced stabilizing ring
- Customizable straps
- Perforations to draw away sweat
- Made from skin-friendly neoprene
- Increases proprioception
Pros:
- Can be worn beneath clothing
- Adjustable—fits most knees
- Does not slip during activity
- Can be worn on either knee
Cons:
- Needs to be hand washed
- Not as supportive as some other knee braces
Can’t Count it Out: Maximum Support Knee Brace by Shock Doctor
Made from latex-free spandex mesh with lycra binding, this four-way stretch brace features a pre-curved design that fits either knee. The dual hinges offer heavy-duty knee support while the easy grip tabs ensure a snug fit. Plus, its antimicrobial properties and airflow vented technology minimize odor, bacteria and sweat. This open patella brace is available in six sizes.
Main Features
- 4-way stretch material
- Pre-curved design
- Antimicrobial
- Dual hinges
- Easy grip tabs
Pros:
- Minimizes sweat and odors
- Heavy-duty support
- Comes in 6 sizes
- Made from latex-free spandex mesh
Cons:
- Bulkier than some other knee braces
- Some users have complained that the sizing chart is inaccurate
The Other Knee Braces for Basketball We Reviewed
Knee Brace Support by TechWare Pro
Designed for injury prevention and healing, this knee brace for basketball players and other athletes has an open patella design and four spring stabilizers for localized support and compression. Plus, it is made from moisture-wicking neoprene for maximum comfort and features no-slip silicone strips to prevent slipping or bunching. While this brace is a good option, some users have reported that finding the right brace size can be tricky.
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Knee Brace Protector by EXOUS
This open patella brace features a four point strap system that supports the knee from every angle, providing a snug fit and optimal compression. It also comes with two stabilizing metal coils. Made from breathable neoprene with lycra lining, the open patella brace is adjustable to fit different knee sizes. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for those with very large calves.
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Neoprene Knee Brace Support by Compressions
Another brace designed for active individuals, this neoprene wrap is not just affordable but also effective. The open patella brace is adjustable with high-quality Velcro to fit different knee sizes and features non-slip silicone strips to keep it in place during your fitness routine. It is also fitted with four spring side stays for additional lateral support. On the down side, some users have reported an unpleasant chemical smell when first receiving the brace.
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Knee Brace with Strap by Athledict
Consisting of one sleeve and one adjustable X strap per package, this anatomically-shaped brace comes in an anti-slip silicone design. The nylon and spandex wrap is fully adjustable to fit the contours of your leg and provide targeted compression—simply wrap the strap around the most painful and weak spots. Unfortunately, it is more complicated to put on than some other knee braces.
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Open Patella Compression Sleeve by Venom Sports Fitness
Designed to provide compression and absorb the shock of high-impact activities such as basketball and running, this knee brace is curved for a snug fit. Plus, it is made from neoprene to keep you odor and sweat free during workouts. Simply slip it on and adjust the double Velcro straps until you reach the right level of tightness. On the down side, this brace has no hinges and is not the best option for those looking for heavy-duty support.
Buy on AmazonProtecting Your Knees When Playing
Here are just some of the reasons why so many players are opting to invest in basketball knee braces. Keep in mind, before deciding on any medical treatment its a good idea to consult your doctor.
- Pain Alleviation
Basketball is a fast-paced game with plenty of running, jumping, and sudden direction changes that can take their toll on the knees. This can result in chronic knee pain. The compression and stability provided by a knee brace during and after a game can help to alleviate discomfort, swelling, and inflammation.
- Joint and Muscle Support
A knee brace absorbs the pressure exerted on the knee during a high impact activity such as basketball. It also increases knee stability, minimizing the risk of sprains and strains without inhibiting overall mobility. Keeping your brace on after a game also helps your knee recover from muscle fatigue by increasing blood circulation, and the level of nutrients and oxygen in your body.
- Recovery from Injury
Basketball is a high impact sport that can result in a variety of injuries from tendinitis to ACL, MCL, or PCL injuries. A knee brace is often worn to stabilize the knee and increase blood flow during the recovery process after an injury on the court. Popping a knee brace on can also prevent re-injury.
Features Important for Basketball
The best knee brace for basketball serves a number of functions. Not sure what to look for when buying your knee brace? The information below should help you make your decision.
Size
Some knee braces are one-size-fits-all while others offer a variety of sizing options. Whatever the case, most braces feature adjustable straps for a customized fit. A brace should fit over your knee snuggly without cutting off blood circulation. Ideally, you should be able to fit two fingers under the strap.
Open Patella
Braces with an open patella not only alleviate knee pressure but also provide additional knee cap support. This is because a patella opening encompasses the knee cap to keep it in an appropriate position and supports proper movement while you go about your daily activities.
Hinges
Hinged braces are a good choice for those needing heavy-duty protection as they provide additional stability during activity. They are often worn after a ligament reconstruction, or as a preventative measure against ACL, MCL, or PCL injuries. Some knee braces come with removable hinges to offer support in a variety of different situations.
Weighing All the Factors
Wearing a basketball knee brace is a great way of stabilizing your knees during a fast-paced game. Our top choice, Vive’s knee brace comes with removable hinges that let you adjust your level of support. Nevertheless, Bracoo’s open patella brace and Shock Doctor’s maximum support knee brace come close second and third. Check out our list of the best knee braces for basketball—they are guaranteed to take your game to the next level.
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
The open patella design of this Vive brace adds extra support to the kneecap, letting you play harder without worrying about injury.
Buy on Amazon