When all things are considered, our top choice for the best knee brace for running is the hinged knee brace by Vive. With its superior support, snug fit, and breathable neoprene fabric, you can comfortably wear it all day as you run. That’s not all, though. Keep reading to see why we think this brace will help you get back on your feet.
Best Choice - Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace
This hinged brace by Vive features aluminum hinges for extra support, and breathable neoprene for comfort. This makes it an ideal choice for runners looking to hit the pavement.
Buy on AmazonIf you recently injured your knee, or simply want to avoid any accidents in the future, braces for runners knee helps you keep your kneecap secure. With their tight straps, supportive knee rings, and comfortable fabric, a good knee brace will help secure your knee and relieve the aches and pains. Have a look at our top choices for braces for runners knee and pick out your next marathon buddy.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Hinged Knee Brace
Top Performance
TechWare
Knee Brace Support
Can’t Count it Out
EXOUS
Knee Brace Support
The Eight Best Knee Braces for Running
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged Knee Brace | Vive | Universal | Men and Women |  |
| Knee Brace Support | TechWare | M - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace Support Protector | EXOUS | Universal | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace Support | Compressions | Universal | Men and Women | |
| Knee Patella Support | 4well | Universal | Men and Women | |
| Pro Knee Compression Sleeve | TechWare | M - XL | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace for Running | Ultra Sports Gear | M - L | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace with Silicone Pad | ANRi.E. | S - XXL | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Buy on AmazonMain Features
- Suitable for both injury prevention and post-injury
- Adjustable tightness
- One size fits all
- Aluminum hinge that supports the knee
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Can be worn all day
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- A little bulky
- People with larger or smaller knees may struggle to get a perfect fit
Top Performance: Knee Brace Support by TechWare
Main Features
- Suitable for meningitis and arthritis sufferers
- Can fit all ages and genders
- Velcro straps keeps a tight fit
- Full support around the kneecap
Pros:
- Provides fantastic support to the knee
- Can be worn comfortably under clothing
- Straps allow for adjustable tightness
Cons:
- Size chart not 100% accurate
- May take some fiddling to get just right
Can’t Count it Out: Knee Brace Support Protector by EXOUS
Main Features
- Suitable for all sports, not just running
- Brace allows for full knee bends
- Features additional support for the patella tendon and jumper’s knee relief
- Made with a breathable neoprene material
Pros:
- Good price
- Very comfortable
- Rapid customer service
- Effective at relieving knee pain
Cons:
- Tricky to wash
- Only comes in one size
The Other Running Knee Braces we Reviewed
Knee Brace Support by Compressions
If you need knee support for running while on a budget, this one by Compressions fits the bill. With such a great price, it’s hard to turn down such a well-made and positively-reviewed brace. It’s easily adjustable on the fly, so you can find the ‘sweet spot’ as you run. Unfortunately, the brace is very hit-or-miss with its ‘one size fits all’ design, with reports of slipping braces and uncomfortable fittings coming from some users.
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Knee Patella Support by 4well
Another good budget choice, this brace by 4well is designed to help with injured or arthritic knees. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a knee problem and need some help to get running again, this brace provides great support and get you moving once again. However, you may find the first week with this brace will involve a lot of adjusting and breaking into the material before it can really shine.
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Pro Knee Compression Sleeve by TechWare
If you’re after a knee sleeve for running instead of a traditional brace, try this one by TechWare. It’s not just a compression sleeve, though. It comes with a knee stabilizing ring that provides support for the kneecap while you run. It’s easy to put on and designed to fit people of all genders and ages. If you do decide on these sleeves however, be prepared to experiment with the size!
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Knee Brace for Running by Ultra Sports Gear
This knee brace for running by Ultra Sport Gear is the best bang for your buck. The high-quality make gives great support for the knee, and it’s not too bulky when worn under clothing. It’s suitable for both injury prevention and recovery.If you’re in the latter camp, you’ll appreciate the free eBook they send that gives handy tips on recovering from knee pain. Despite this, the brace has a nasty habit of slipping during running.
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Knee Brace with Silicone Pad by ANRi.e.
Another compression sleeve brace, this one by ANRi.e has a plastic brace inside the sleeve that props up your knee as you run. If you’re recovering from an injury, the combined effect of the kneecap support with the compression sleeve relieves the leg of pain while also speeding up the healing process. Unfortunately, it is very tricky to get a good fit, with people reporting that the sleeves are one size too small despite following the measurement guides.
Buy on AmazonTypes of Knee Brace that are Good for Running
There is a wide range of different options for braces for runners knee you can consider. See how each of them can improve your stride. From a small knee brace for running to knee straps, there are a lot of things to consider before picking the right one for you.
- Hinged Knee Brace
If you’re recovering from a major knee problem and need maximum stability, pick up a hinged knee brace. These may be firmer and more restrictive than other braces, but they will give you the support you need to get back into running.
- Wrap-Around Knee Brace
If you’re suffering from mild pain and simply need something to make running comfortable, try a wrap-around brace. These typically use Velcro to strap on, and are easier to move in than a hinged variant. They are perfect for people who don’t need a great deal of support and just want relief from their knee issues.
- Knee Strap
The knee strap is the least restrictive variant of the brace. These are very basic straps that fit underneath the kneecap. They’re not great for people who need full kneecap support, but if you have a nasty case of jumper’s knee or runner’s knee, a strap will give you targeted relief that’s easy to put on.
What to Look for and Consider
Braces can be a great help, but you need to pick out the one that suits your needs best. Here are some things to consider before you buy.
- Tightness
The tightness of the brace is very important. Too tight, and the brace’s support ring will dig into the knee can cause more pain. Too loose, and it’ll begin to slip or bunch up during your run. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines on measuring your leg, as well as reading reviews for advice on picking out the right size.
- Braces vs. Sleeves
Traditional braces typically come with a means to adjust the pressure, ensuring a tight and supportive fit around your kneecap. These are best for keeping the kneecap in place while you run and preventing re-injury. However, if you’ve recently injured your knee, the fabric used by sleeves will stretch to accommodate any swelling that may have occurred. The compression also promotes blood flow to the knee and aids with the healing process.
How Can a Knee Brace Help My Running?
A knee brace doesn’t aid with running by itself! It’s not a tool that anyone can put on and feel an improvement. If your knees are perfectly healthy, a knee brace will restrict your movement without much of a benefit.
Knee braces are designed for people who have knee problems, and need that little extra support in order to run. For example, if you injured your knee or have chronic knee pain, you may find running to be an excruciating process. A knee brace gives your kneecap the support it needs, reducing the pain and allowing you to run once again.
Weighing All the Factors
A knee brace is worth its weight in gold for avid runners with knee problems. The Vive knee brace is the perfect choice for all-day, long-term use for marathons. TechWare’s knee brace is a valuable tool for sporty types who partake in a large variety of activities, and EXOUS’s model is best for people who want full kneecap support from all sides.
Best Choice - Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace
This hinged brace by Vive features aluminum hinges for extra support, and breathable neoprene for comfort. This makes it an ideal choice for runners looking to hit the pavement.
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