Designed for athletes who like to push past their limits, the Hinged Knee Brace from Vive is the best knee brace for skiing. The Vive knee brace has removable hinges for stability, supports muscles and tendons via adjustable compression, and holds your kneecap in place with an open patella design while you’re swooshing down hills or traveling on cross-country skis.
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Vive’s knee brace is the perfect combination of support and compression. The open patella design, removable side hinges, and knee hugging neoprene make this a knee brace that won’t let you down or fall down when you’re on the slopes.
Buy on AmazonThe twists, turns, uneven terrain, and temperature changes that are an integral part of skiing that can put stress on your knees. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, are recovering from an injury, or need a little extra support while on the bunny hill, we have a knee support that can help. These knee braces are the best in their class for skiing.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Hinged Knee
Brace
Top Performance
Bauerfeind
Sports Compression Knee Brace
Can’t Count Out
PowerLix
Compression Knee
Sleeve
The Six Best Knee Braces for Skiing
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged Knee Brace | Vive | One Size | Men and Women |  |
| Sports Compression Knee Brace | Bauerfeind | XS - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Compression Knee Brace | PowerLix | S - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace Protector | EXOUS | One Size | Men and Women | |
| Neoprene Open Patella Stabilizer | Compressions | One Size | Men and Women | |
| Knee Brace | TechWare Pro | M - XXL | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Buy on AmazonThe neoprene one-size-fits-most hinged knee brace from Vive has an open patella design to keep the kneecap aligned while you’re focused on swooshing down the slopes. Aluminum side hinges give a medium level of support and are removable if not needed. Extra strength fasteners at the top, middle, and bottom of the brace keep it in place so it never needs to be adjusted while you’re busy doing other things.
Main Features
- Open patella
- Removable side hinges
- Provides thermal compression
- Made of lightweight, breathable neoprene
- Extra strength fasteners
Pros:
- Side hinges provide excellent stability
- Good level of compression
- Supportive without being restrictive
- So comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it
- Money back guarantee
Cons:
- Not ideal for the plus sized
- Hinges give only a medium level of tension
Top Performance: Sports Compression Knee Brace by Bauerfeind
Designed to stabilize the knee during exercise, this lightweight compression-style knee brace from Bauerfeind is made from breathable, moisture-wicking material that is lightweight and comfortable. A contoured pad around the kneecap disperses pressure while 2 lateral stabilizers reduce stress in the muscles surrounding the knee. This knee brace is perfect for skiing, basketball, running, hiking, or other vigorous activities.
Main Features
- Pressure points reduce stress on the kneecap
- Contoured knee pad holds the kneecap in place
- Washable
- Breathable non-neoprene material
- Silicone grip strips hold the brace in place
Pros:
- Wicks moisture away from the skin
- Stays in place during activities
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
- Excellent compression
- Relieves and prevents knee pain well
Cons:
- Pricey
- Silicone strips can irritate sensitive skin
Can’t Count Out: Compression Knee Brace by PowerLix
The PowerLix neoprene knee brace applies stable pressure across the kneecap and leg, providing optimal muscle and joint support. This knee brace is made for those who are active and require a high level of support that never compromises mobility.
A built-in anti-slip system of internal silicone gel strips keeps this brace in place during most challenging activities, and 4-way compression material means that joints and muscles stay warm and pain-free.
Main Features
- Internal silicone strips to hold brace on the leg
- Money back guarantee
- Available in black or blue
- 4-way compression
- Keeps knee joint warm
Pros:
- Doesn’t slip, roll, or slide
- Provides excellent compression
- Does not limit movement
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Pulls sweat away from the skin
Cons:
- Can be challenging to get the right size
- Silicone strips may irritate sensitive skin
The Other Knee Braces We Reviewed
Knee Brace Support Protector by EXOUS
The EXOUS knee brace prevents and relieves pain with a 4-way compression system that supports the knee from every angle, giving it medial and lateral support, while the open patella holds the knee in alignment with the body. This brace would have made our top 3 were it not for the fact that the Velcro closures lost their stickiness over time.
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Neoprene Open Patella Stabilizer by Compressions
Steel spring side stays give this brace a firm level of lateral support for tough ski passes. The addition of antislip strips inside the brace, an open patella, and sturdy Velcro closures are all highlights. On the flip side, it isn’t quite flexible enough for a full day on the slopes.
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Knee Brace by TechWare Pro
This neoprene knee brace for skiing is easy to put on and take off via its adjustable bidirectional closures. The open patella supports the knee joint and the material is breathable, so it wicks moisture away from the skin. Unfortunately, it’s a bit bulky to wear skiing so it didn’t make our list of favorites.
Buy on AmazonHow to Take Care of Your Knees While Skiing
Your knees take the brunt of every movement. Acting as shock absorbers, each step you take and every slope you conquer while skiing impacts the kneecap. You can keep your knees better protected by following these tips.
Proper form
Practicing proper form while skiing will prevent knee strain and lessen existing knee pain. Skiing with your legs hip-distance apart and squatting over your ski boots, but never beyond the tips of your boots, will minimize knee issues.
Consider insoles
Insoles work by absorbing shock and correcting foot issues that can lead to knee pain or slow healing of knee injuries. You will decrease the pressure and strain put on your knees while skiing by purchasing a quality insole and keeping inside your boots.
Lessen your load
The more weight you carry, the more stress your knees have to bear. You can lighten the load by using a backpack to store belongings while skiing. Doing so keeps added weight evenly distributed. Also, use your ski poles to help propel yourself uphill and keep you upright when working your way down hills. Wrist compression sleeves can support the wrists while handling ski poles and wrist splints can give much-needed support for carpal tunnel sufferers.
Build muscle and balance
Getting ready for ski season means getting in shape. This can include practicing balance, building up muscles in the quads and hamstrings through weight training, and exercising your heart muscle by doing cardiovascular work like walking, running, and interval training.
Rest
Allowing time for rest gives your body a chance to recover from long days on the slope and ultimately leads to quicker healing. Put your feet up and relax between runs or take a few days off here and there.
Always take a brace
If you’re prone to knee pain from overexertion, arthritis, or you’re healing from injury, always use a knee brace while skiing. Using your brace can minimize stress and swelling, prevent pain, and encourage healing.
How to Deal with Knee Pain at Home
A long day at the lodge can sometimes lead to knee pain no matter how hard you try to prevent it. If pain has you down, reach for these treatments.
Over the counter meds
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like Ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce inflammation and take the pain away. If you take prescription medication, check with your doctor before adding OTC pain medications to your treatment plan.
Prescriptions medications
If you’ve been prescribed medication to treat arthritis, pain, or inflammation, taking them on time will prevent pain and swelling from occurring during activity.
Ice and heat therapy
Immediately following an injury or vigorous ski session, apply ice to the knee to reduce inflammation and stop the pain in its tracks. Heat therapy can also be beneficial. Heat increases circulation and lessens the pain of arthritis and overuse injuries.
Elevation
Elevating your knee and foot above heart level also reduces inflammation and encourages circulation. Use a pillow under your foot to prop your leg up when in pain and you’ll heal faster.
Weighing All the Factors
When you need support on the slopes, a knee brace for skiing is an investment that you can’t afford to skimp on. For maximum comfort and stability, Vive’s Hinged Knee Brace is in a class of its own. If you want to keep joints warm without sacrificing mobility, look at the Sports Compression Knee Brace from Bauerfeind. And if you’re active and want a brace that will give solid compression and stable pressure to prevent pain, don’t count out the Compression Knee Brace by PowerLix.
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Vive
Vive’s knee brace is the perfect combination of support and compression. The open patella design, removable side hinges, and knee hugging neoprene make this a knee brace that won’t let you down or fall down when you’re on the slopes.
Buy on Amazon