We’ve taken the work out of finding the best drop foot brace and found that Vive’s foot brace is number one. It keeps your foot in a gentle neutral position with its firm exterior and soft interior lining. The straps are completely adjustable to ensure you achieve the best fit. Keep reading to learn more about this brace and the other six braces we’ve reviewed.
Best Choice - Foot Brace by Vive
Vive’s foot brace keeps the foot in a neutral position with its three adjustable straps with buckles. It has a hard exterior and soft, breathable interior lining to keep feet cool and dry.
Buy on AmazonDrop foot is a condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. People with drop foot have difficulty lifting the front of their foot often causing them to lift their thigh higher with each step. Finding the best drop foot brace will help keep your foot in a neutral position while stabilizing the ankle. Read on to find out more about our picks for the best drop foot brace.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Foot Brace
Top Performance
Step-Smart
Foot Drop Brace
Can’t Count Out
AZMED
Night Splints
The 7 Best Drop Foot Braces
| Product | Brand | Latex-Free | Sizing | Men or Women | Lowest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foot Brace | Vive | Yes | S - L | Men and Women |  |
| Foot Drop Brace | Step-Smart | Not specified | S / M and L / XL | Men and Women | |
| Night Splints | AZMED | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Soft Foot Drop Brace | Furlove | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Universal Foot Drop Brace | Core Products | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Ankle Support Foot Drop Brace | Tenbon | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Night Splint Drop Foot Brace | Quanquer | Not specified | S - L | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Foot Brace by Vive
Buy on AmazonOur top pick for the best drop foot brace is this sturdy foot brace by Vive. It has a rigid exterior made with composite material. The interior is lined with a breathable foam to keep feet cool.
The brace will keep your foot in a neutral position and has removable wedges to help stretch the calf and foot if you choose. On top of all these great features, it also includes a spike ball for massaging sore muscles.
Main Features
- Rigid exterior with soft interior
- Removable wedges
- Wear on the right or left foot
- Dual tension straps
Pros:
- Includes a massage spike ball
- 3 adjustable straps
- Maintains foot in a neutral position
Cons:
- Bulky
- Cannot wear with shoes
Top Performance: Foot Drop Brace by Step-Smart
If you suffer from drop foot and need a brace while you are on the go this brace by Step-Smart might be the right one for you. It has three levels of resistance to give you the right amount of lift and shock absorption.
The brace allows you to keep your natural gait and flexibility in the toes. Worn over socks and with shoes, this drop foot brace is both lightweight and comfortable for long periods of time.
Main Features
- Low profile design
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Worn with shoes
Pros:
- Handles shock absorption well
- Allows for flexibility in toes and natural gait
- 3 levels of resistance for lift
Cons:
- High price tag
- Designed to only fit left or right foot
Can’t Count Out: Night Splints by AZMED
Keeping your foot in a neutral position, at 85 to 90 degrees, this brace by AZMED will help reduce the symptoms of drop foot. The fully adjustable straps help the brace conform to your feet.
Both lightweight and breathable, the brace’s fabric is designed to reduce chafing and skin irritation. As a nighttime drop foot brace, we think this product is worth taking a look at.
Main Features
- One size fits most
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Pros:
- Soft padded interior
- Keeps foot in a neutral position
- Dorsal-style brace
Cons:
- For nighttime use only
- Cannot be worn with shoes
The Other Drop Foot Braces We Reviewed
Soft Foot Drop Brace by Furlove
Here is a drop foot brace that can be worn during the day or night. The removable sole can be taken off during the day to then use with shoes that have shoelaces. Keep the sole on the brace during the night to help alleviate drop foot symptoms at nighttime.
The brace can be worn on either the left or the right foot and is made with a breathable three-layer material. The only drawback to this brace is that it only fits ankle circumferences up to 11.8 inches.
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Universal Foot Drop Brace by Core Products
This soft foot drop brace is designed to be worn with shoes or boots that have shoelaces. The tension cord attaches to the laces to lift the toe during the initial swing of the gait cycle.
This brace is one size fits most and works on either the left or right foot. Our only concern with this brace is that it cannot be worn at night time or when you are not wearing shoes with shoelaces.
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Ankle Support Foot Drop Brace by Tenbon
This drop foot brace by Tenbon is a daytime brace that can be worn on the left or right foot. The ankle wrap uses a Velcro strap which is then attached to the shoe. The strap keeps the foot in a neutral position while walking to prevent the foot from dropping down.
It is made with a hand-washable material and can be worn on ankles up to 11.8 inches. However, if you need to wear your brace at nighttime then you may need to look elsewhere.
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Night Splint Drop Foot Brace by Quanquer
Here is a nighttime drop foot brace that will keep your feet cool. It is made with a neoprene material on the outside and a soft foam on the inside. The brace has an open design for plenty of airflow and to keep your feet cool.
Quanquer’s brace can be worn on either foot and is available in three different sizes. But, if you need a brace for daytime use then this might not be the best choice for you.
Buy on AmazonHow Does a Brace Help Drop Foot?
A drop foot brace holds the foot in a neutral position. This prevents the foot from dragging over the ground and helps to keep your balance. Most braces work by wrapping a piece around the ankle and another piece around the sole of the foot. A strap or similar product then connects the two pieces which prevent the foot from dragging.
What Causes Drop Foot?
Drop foot is not a disease or condition in and of itself. It is a symptom of many different conditions. It is caused by muscle weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the front of the foot. Here are the three most common causes of muscle weakness or paralysis:
Nerve damage
The most common cause of drop foot is compression of the peroneal nerve. This nerve controls the muscles that lift the front of the foot. The nerve could also be injured during a surgery, which could cause drop foot.
Muscle Disorders
Various conditions such as muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and polio can also cause muscle weakness, leading to drop foot.
Neurologic Conditions
Conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord can also cause drop foot. Multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and strokes are conditions that are linked to patients with foot drop.
Weighing All the Factors
After reviewing all the top drop foot braces, it was clear that the foot brace by Vive was a clear winner. The brace keeps the foot in a neutral position, preventing any foot drop to occur. It is made of quality exterior material and a comfortable, soft interior. Our other two top choices, foot drop brace by Step-Smart and night splints by AZMED are also good options for any drop foot sufferer. Take a look for yourself to find the best one for your needs.
Best Choice - Foot Brace by Vive
Vive’s foot brace keeps the foot in a neutral position with its three adjustable straps with buckles. It has a hard exterior and soft, breathable interior lining to keep feet cool and dry.
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