Taking key factors into consideration, our pick for the best hinged knee brace is Vive’s Open Patella Knee Brace. It’s the perfect all-around knee support for sports, running, or any other high-impact activity, matching durability with comfort. But that’s not all, keep reading to see why it the all around best choice.
Best Choice - Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Vive’s hinged knee brace is made of durable neoprene with two Velcro straps and an open patella design. Two aluminum support hinges maximize stability, and keep your joint aligned for the long-term.
Buy on AmazonWhether you’re a hardcore athlete or someone suffering from arthritis, a quality knee support is an indispensable addition to your life. With lateral supports that keep your joint aligned, they go beyond the typical knee brace or compression sleeve. See our top braces below, and pick the one that serves your needs best.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace
Top Performance
Shock Doctor
Maximum Support Knee Brace
Can't Count it Out
Neo-G
Hinged Open Patella Brace Support
The Seven Best Hinged Knee Braces
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace | Brace Vive | Universal | Men and Women |  |
| Maximum Support Knee Brace | Shock Doctor | S - XXXL | Men and Women | |
| Hinged Open Patella Brace Support | Neo-G | Universal | Men and Women | |
| Hinged 429X Knee Brace | McDavid | S - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Adjusta-fit Knee Brace | Neo-G | Universal | Men and Women | |
| Hinged Bionic Knee Brace | DonJoy Performance | S - XL | Men and Women | |
| Adjustable Double Metal Brace | MEDIZED | Universal | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
BUY ON AMAZONMain Features
- Breathable material
- Aluminum support hinges
- Durable Velcro fastenersai
- Medium compression for injury support
- Soft and comfortable non-slip texture
Pros:
- High level of support
- Comfortable
- Easy to take on and off
- Provides support for a variety of conditions
Cons:
- Velcro may wear over time
- One size fits most
Top Performance: Maximum Support Knee Brace by Shock Doctor
Main Features
- Moisture and odor protection
- Anti-slip design
- Compression support
- Heavy-duty hinges
- Lasting comfort
Pros:
- Maximum stability and protection
- Increases performance
- Antimicrobial material
- Improves blood flow
Cons:
- Bulkier than other braces
- May slip after extended use
Can’t Count it Out: Hinged Open Patella Brace by Neo-G
Main Features
- Medical-grade design
- Warms muscles
- Two point geared hinge system
- Adjustable compression
- Pain relieving support
Pros:
- Low cost for high quality
- One size fits most
- Breathable open patella design
- Boosts performance with therapeutic heat
Cons:
- May need to be replaced for long-term recoveries
- Wont fit comfortably under most clothes
The Other Hinged Knee Braces We Reviewed
Hinged 429X Knee Brace by McDavid
The highlight of this brace is its moisture management design, which keeps your joint cool and dry. With a heavy duty build and rigid cross braces, it’s an easy and effective way to get the medial-lateral support you need to overcome tough injuries. However, it’s selection of features comes with a hefty price tag. It’s a good option for those who want to invest in a bit of extra lateral support.
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Adjusta-fit Knee Brace by Neo-G
The embedded flexion system that comes with this knee brace allows you to fine-tune your treatment at the turn of a dial. It’s a superb feature for those looking for a more customizable treatment. However, its bulky padding may may not be the most comfortable for everyone, even if it does offer added support.
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Hinged Bionic Knee Brace by DonJoy Performance
This DonJoy hinged knee brace features anti-migration technology that will keep it firmly in place no matter what kind of activity you enjoy. This makes it perfect for those interested in high-intensity workouts and sports. The trade off is the posterior closures, which are finicky and make it difficult to attach and remove the brace quickly.
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Adjustable Double Metal Brace by MEDIZED
Add together a double metal dual hinge with a patella support pad and warming compression and you have a comprehensive solution to joint aches. This brace by MEDIZED offers all that and more, making it a good option for anyone who wants to pair compression treatment with their hinged support. However, it’s two Velcro strips just aren’t enough to keep it in place during vigorous activity.
BUY ON AMAZONWhat is a Hinged Knee Brace Used for?
There are a range of conditions hinged knee supports treat effectively, including:
- Common sprains and strains
- ACL and MCL injuries
- Meniscus tears
- Arthritis
- Instability
- Patellar tracking
- Sports Injuries
What makes hinged knee braces unique are the bilateral supports, which keep the joint supported and aligned during intense athletic activity. The added stability is perfect for pre or post-op surgery, allowing you to heal faster and safer. Many of them also offer mild to moderate compression, which boosts performance and speeds healing even further.
Key Features to Consider
Prioritizing your unique needs is the easiest way to find the ideal brace option. See what features to look for to help you on your search.
Open or Closed Patella
Open patella braces are those that have a large hole in the center of the brace. These additions relieve pressure on the knee cap, while also encouraging proper movement and tracking. On the other hand, closed patella designs provide even pressure across the entire joint for improved compression therapy.
Rigid or Soft?
Soft braces offer greater compression and are ideal for mild conditions, while rigid braces are for more serious ailments. Soft knee braces are usually made of breathable neoprene, which cradles the knee to provide compression and support. They have bilateral hinges embedded in the soft brace to provide some level of stability on par with rigid braces.
How does a rigid hinge brace work?
These knee supports use a plastic or metal framework to keep the joint aligned and supported. While they are durable and effective, they may not be as comfortable as soft braces.
Targeted Relief
It’s important to know that some braces are better at treating certain conditions than others. We recommend getting your doctor’s opinion to ensure you’re making the right choice for your specific needs.
Weighing All the Factors
In the end, its durability, comfort, and ease of use that matters when choosing the best hinged knee brace. Vive’s Open Patella Brace provides all of these at a top level, while introducing a variety of other features like a breathable neoprene fit and extra strength fasteners. Other options like Shock Doctor’s maximum support brace and Neo-G’s impressive open patella design have their own strengths to brag about. In the end, the choice is up to you.
Best Choice - Open Patella Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Vive’s hinged knee brace is made of durable neoprene with two Velcro straps and an open patella design. Two aluminum support hinges maximize stability, and keep your joint aligned for the long-term.
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