Finding the best calf brace need not be difficult, so long as you have the right information. Try Vive’s calf brace to protect yourself from injury or speed up healing after a sprain. Available in three colors, it can be easily adjusted with the built-in straps for a tailored fit and compression. Keep reading to find out what kind of calf brace is right for you.
Best Choice - Calf Brace by Vive
Made from neoprene, Vive’s calf brace retains therapeutic heat to soothe sore muscles, and comes with non-slip edges that keep it securely in place during use.
Buy on AmazonCalf and shin pain can make running, jumping, or even walking painful. Fortunately, a calf brace can help. Providing support and compression, braces for calf strains are usually breathable and fully adjustable for a customized fit. Take a look at our guide to the best calf braces, and don’t let lower leg discomfort stop you in your tracks.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Calf
Brace
Top Performance
Roxofit
Shin Splint
Compression Support
Can’t Count Out
Bodyprox
Calf
Support Brace
The 7 Best Calf Braces
| Product | Brand | Latex Free | Number of Closure Straps | Multiple Colors | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calf Brace | Vive | Not specified | Three | Yes |  |
| Shin Splint Compression Support | Roxofit | Not specified | Three | No | |
| Calf Support Brace | Bodyprox | Not specified | Three | No | |
| Calf and Shin Brace | Neo G | Not specified | Three | No | |
| Calf and Shin Compression Brace | Shock Doctor | Not specified | Four | No | |
| Calf Brace for Men and Women | Yosoo Health Gear | Yes | Three | No | |
| Calf Support | Therapist’s Choice | Not specified | Three | No | |
Best Choice: Calf Brace by Vive
Buy on AmazonMade from a breathable material, this calf brace delivers support and compression to alleviate the discomfort of calf sprains and strains, shin splints, and varicose veins. Plus, it retains therapeutic heat and comes with non-slip edges to prevent it from sliding down or bunching up during use. This product is backed by a 60-day unconditional guarantee.
Main Features
- Available in 3 colors
- Made from neoprene
- Adjustable straps
- Non-slip edges
- Strong fasteners
Pros:
- Retains heat
- Breathable and lightweight
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
- Can be worn on either leg
Cons:
- Some users have reported an odor when first receiving this product
Top Performance: Shin Splint Compression Support by Roxofit
This neoprene calf support brace contours to the shape of the lower leg to alleviate pain, inflammation, and cramping. The three in-built Velcro straps keep the brace securely in place during use and let you control its level of compression. Plus, it fits either the right or left leg and can be comfortably worn under or over clothes.
Main Features
- 3 adjustable straps
- Made from neoprene
- Fits either leg
- Keeps the muscles warm
- Easy to put on and take off
Pros:
- Fits most leg sizes
- Contours to the lower leg
- Can be worn over or under clothes
- Adjustable level of compression
Cons:
- Velcro straps can rip
- Not the best option for thin legs
Can’t Count Out: Calf Support Brace by Bodyprox
This calf and shin brace is soft, breathable, and durable. Made from lightweight neoprene, it features graduated compression and comes with straps for a tailored fit. Plus, it retains heat to promote blood circulation and soothe sore muscles. This product comes with a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Main Features
- Graduated compression
- Retains heat
- Adjustable straps
- Made from heavy-duty neoprene
- One-size-fits-most
Pros:
- Speeds up recovery
- Simple to put on
- Flexible and durable
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Straps can tear
- Velcro fasteners may lose grip over time
The Other Best Calf Braces We Reviewed
Calf and Shin Brace by Neo G
This one-size-fits-most calf muscle brace is made from neoprene and features an adjustable compression system. Ideal for supporting your calf and shin during sports and everyday activities, it is durable and flexible and retains therapeutic heat to relax sore muscles. On the downside, this brace is not breathable so it may be uncomfortable if worn during high-impact activities.
Buy on Amazon
Calf Shin Compression Brace by Shock Doctor
Made from air flow-vented neoprene with lycra binding, this calf compression brace is moisture-wicking for maximum comfort. The four-strap system lets you adjust the brace to your specific requirements and ensures that it contours to the shape of your lower leg. Unfortunately, this brace has not been designed to fit large legs.
Buy on Amazon
Calf Brace for Men and Women by Yosoo Health Gear
Designed to prevent injury and speed up healing, this calf support brace features three Velcro straps for a controlled fit and level of compression. Plus, it is made from a latex-free neoprene blend that is both elastic and moisture-wicking. Luckily, this product comes with a 60-day warranty, as some reviewers have reported that it does not stay in place.
Buy on Amazon
Calf Support by Therapist’s Choice
This universal-size brace for torn calf muscles and other lower leg conditions features three adjustable straps with Velcro closures for a tailored fit and compression. Plus, it is styrene-butadiene free and comes with a breathable lining. Think carefully before investing in this product, as it is not returnable once removed from the packaging.
Buy on AmazonWhat Does a Calf Brace Do
The calves and shins can take a beating, especially during high-impact workouts and competitive sports. Here are just a few of the benefits of wearing a calf support brace during and after activity.
Faster Muscle Healing
Calf strains are all too common. They can happen due to overextension, wrong footwear, or even dehydration. A first-degree calf strain refers to a minor tear, second-degree to a tear across a larger area, and a third-degree to the complete tear of the calf muscle. While the first two types of tear can be treated with a calf brace, the third type requires surgery.
Better Performance and Muscle Recovery
Braces protect the calves from injury or re-injury during workouts by minimizing muscle vibration. They also provide compression, which increases blood circulation. This, in turn, increases the level of oxygen and nutrients in the body and decreases muscle fatigue after exercise. In addition, most calf braces deliver therapeutic heat to soothe sore muscles.
Shin Protection
The support and compression of a calf brace can also prevent and reduce pain along the shinbone. Shin splint, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, is caused by placing too much stress on your legs during demanding activities such as running on uneven terrain.
How Do You Heal an Injured Calf Muscle
Whether you have a strained, pulled, or torn calf muscle, there are a few steps you can take to accelerate the healing process. Follow the PRICE (protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate) protocol to get back on your feet.
- Protect: Wear a calf brace to prevent injury or re-injury.
- Rest: Avoiding placing excessive weight on the injured calf muscle.
- Ice: Icing the muscle for 20 minutes at a time can alleviate pain and swelling (find the best ice packs here).
- Compress: Wearing a calf brace compresses the affected area to increase blood circulation. This speeds up the healing process.
- Elevate: Prop up the affected leg above the level of your heart to decrease swelling.
Self Massage
Massage is another great tool that can be utilized to reduce swelling and pain associated with a calf injury. Deep tissue and myofascial techniques will loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, and blood flow. There are a wide variety of self-massage tools that you can use at home; such as, foam rollers, massage guns, and massage balls.
Weighing All the Factors
Taking into account comfort and support, we believe that Vive’s calf brace is the top choice when it comes to reducing discomfort and protecting your legs from injury. Breathable and lightweight, it comes with three adjustable compression straps and a non-slip design to prevent it from moving during use. Roxofit’s shin splint compression support and Bodyprox’s calf support brace are also great options for both prevention and treatment of calf and shin injuries.
Best Choice - Calf Brace by Vive
Made from neoprene, Vive’s calf brace retains therapeutic heat to soothe sore muscles, and comes with non-slip edges that keep it securely in place during use.
Buy on Amazon