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Best Knee Supports for Runners 2024

14 January 2024

For many people, running is a key part of everyday life, whether it's playing Sunday-league football, training for a marathon or simply running to make it for the bus. Because the knees take on so much strain when we run, overdoing it can lead to long term knee problems that cause pain, discomfort and inconvenience. Conditions such as tendonitis and runner's knee can start to develop, leaving those who love to run feel held-back by crippling pain.

If knee pain complications sound like an all too familiar story, we've got good news for you. We spoke to industry experts and orthotists who helped us put together a list of the Best Knee Supports for Runners. The products featured will provide you with the support and protection you need to push the limits and achieve your goals, without any pain holding you back.

What Will This Guide Cover?

This article features the best running knee supports for a number of different conditions. Here is everything this guide will cover:


Best Overall Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Ultimate Performance Wraparound Runner's Knee Support Strap

Ultimate Performance Wraparound Runner's Knee Support Strap

Why We Love It...

 Three compartments protects each part of the knee
 Minimalistic design provides total movement freedom
 Compression tubing targets the patella tendon
 Adjustable straps ensure the perfect, supportive fit

Perfect For...

 Moderate patella instabilities
 ITB Syndrome 
 Runner's Knee

Not the Best For...

 Arthritis (See our solution)
 Shock absorption (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: With a clever design that's both supportive and discreet, the Ultimate Performance Support Strap takes our spot for the best all-round knee support for runners. Giving your knees plenty of room to breathe and move freely, this innovative brace provides support for multiple conditions, and never disrupts your stride.

When We Asked Ultimate Performance, They Said: "This support works so well because it locks the patella in its correct tracking position, and allows unrestricted movement"

Runner Up: Neo G Patella Knee Support Strap 


Best Knee Supports for Running With Arthritis

Winner: Ultimate Performance Advanced Elastic Compression Knee Support

Ultimate Performance Advanced Elastic Compression Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Provides graduated compression in critical areas
 Neoprene-free elastane for flexibility and freedom
 Wicking materials prevent overheating during activity
 Tailored to provide precise anatomical support

Perfect For...

 Mild arthritis
 Tendonitis
 Weak or stiff knees

Not the Best For...

 Adjustable compression (See our solution)
 Shock absorption (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Constructed using the latest edge trimming technology, the Ultimate Performance Elastic Support provides targeted compression to relieve pain and improve proprioceptive awareness. By making you more aware of your movements, you'll run with the confidence that arthritis pain won't creep up on you.

See What Our Customers Say: "This support fits perfectly and no rucking anywhere. I have a bursal knee and this product keeps it under control" - Dennis

Runner Up: Actimove Arthritis Care Warming Knee Support


Best Patella Knee Strap for Running

Winner: Thuasne Patella Knee Support Strap

Thuasne Patella Knee Strap

Why We Love It...

 Eases strain with localised pressure on the patella tendon
 Anatomically shaped for comfort and precision
 Padding lessens the severity of impact on your knees
 Compression improves leg function while alleviating pain

Perfect For...

 Patellofemoral syndrome
 Osgood-Schlatter's disease
 Tendonitis

Not the Best For...

 Ligament injury (See our solution)
 Knee coverage (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Patella support is crucial in preventing conditions such as Runner's Knee, which can quickly hit the brakes on an active lifestyle. Delivering localised pressure across the patella tendon, the Thuasne Patella Strap improves muscle function and stability, and allows free movement thanks to its minimalistic design.

We Spoke to Thuasne's Resident Orthotist, Who Said: "The Thuasne Patella Strap would be my go-to for 'runners knee', as this simple wrap will apply direct force on the patella tendon... improving quadricep and patella function"

Runner Up: Neo G Patella Knee Support Strap


Best Ligament Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge

Donjoy Full Force ACL Protection Knee Brace with FourcePoint

Why We Love It...

 Four-Points-of-Leverage system reduces load on the ACL
 Forcepoint hinge decreases ACL pressure by up to 13%
 Aircraft quality frame is light enough for heavy activity
 Anti-migration supra condyle pads for comfort

Perfect For...

 ACL, PCL or LCL instabilities
 Post ACL reconstruction surgery
 Meniscus injury

Not the Best For...

 Affordability (See our solution)
 Wearing beneath clothes (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: When it comes to top of the range support for a fast-paced active lifestyle, there's nowhere better to turn than the Donjoy Armor with Forcepoint. Combining Donjoy's advanced Forcepoint Hinge with their staple Four-Points-of-Leverage system, this brace enables people with severe ligament injuries get back into action.

When We Asked Donjoy, They Said: "The Donjoy Armor is great for sports because of what it's made of; the flexible steel hinge and aluminium frame makes it lightweight but strong"

Runner Up: Donjoy Full Force ACL Protection Knee Brace with FourcePoint


Best Compression Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Thuasne Silistab Genu Elastic Patella Knee Brace

Thuasne Silistab Genu Elastic Patella Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Medical-grade compression enhances proprioception
 Flexible lateral stays ensure reliable knee stability
 Soft knitted material for breathability and comfort
 Silicone anti-slip system ensures the brace stays in place 

Perfect For...

 Tendonitis
 Patella pain
 Arthritis

Not the Best For...

 Adjustable compression (See our solution)
 Patella tracking (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Compression helps combat knee pain in a number of ways: by reducing pain, boosting blood flow and improving proprioception. The Thuasne Silistab Genu Brace does all these things and more with targeted, medical-grade compression and reinforcing stays. Available in black (closed patella) or white (open patella).

We Spoke to Thuasne's Resident Orthotist, Who Said: "The compressive nature of the Silistab Genu Brace improves proprioception, which will aid in stability and potentially reduce pain"

Runner Up: Thuasne GenuPro Comfort Elastic Patella Knee Brace


Best Patella Tracking Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Ossur Form Fit Tracker Patella Realignment Knee Brace

Ossur Form Fit Tracker Patella Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 ReflexWing buttress realigns the kneecap to prevent slippage
 FlyWeight fabric provides soft, breathable comfort
 Precise tailored fit provided by special CustomFit hinges
 Features PowerLock straps provide reliable kneecap support

Perfect For...

 Patella maltracking
 Patella misalignment
 Kneecap subluxation and dislocation

Not the Best For...

 Flexibility (See our solution)
 Wearing in warm weather (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If you're out running 5k's on a regular basis, the repeated strain can cause what's known as "Runner's Knee", an umbrella term for a range of painful patella conditions. The Ossur FormFit Tracker is designed to counteract these patella problems with special tracking and realignment features.

When We Asked Ossur, They Said: "The FormFit Tracker works like kinesiology tape but better, and is more long term than taping"

Runner Up: Ossur Black Form Fit Pro Compression Knee Support 


Best Shock Absorbing Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Donjoy Reaction Web Knee Brace

Donjoy Reaction Web Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Unique web design disperses impacts to mitigate strain
 Dual axis hinges offer stability and security for the kneecap
 Webbing works like a loaded spring to boost knee power
 Open frame and mesh backing provide breathable comfort

Perfect For...

 Osgood-Schlatter's Disease
 Patella tendonitis and OA
 Chondromalacia Patella

Not the Best For...

 Compression (See our solution)
 Affordability (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Protecting your knees from shock damage while enhancing performance at the same time, the Donjoy Reaction Web is a steal in terms of what you get for the price. Its one-of-a-kind webbed design disperses impact shockwaves, and works like a springboard to boost the power of every stride.

When We Asked Donjoy, They Said: "Perfect for running thanks to its ability to absorb shock energy during ground impacts"

Runner Up: Donjoy Playmaker II Pull-On Knee Brace


Best Value Knee Support for Runners

Winner: Thuasne Sport Light Open Patella Knee Support

Thuasne Sport Light Open Patella Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Affordable, lightweight compression knee sleeve
 Provides delicate, unrestrictive compression to the knee
 Open patella design improves tracking and comfort
✔ Stretch composition gives you the freedom to move

Perfect For...

 Mild arthritis
 Mild tendonitis
 Fragile joints

Not the Best For...

 Ligament injury (See our solution)
 Shock absorption (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: For people whose condition doesn't demand heavy-duty support, the Thuasne Light Knee Support is a cost-effective alternative that reduces mild pains and strains. Highly flexible and comfortable to wear, this is a great slip-on knee sleeve for the casual or competitive runner.

Runner Up: Ultimate Performance Patella Tendon Knee Strap

Best Knee Ice Pack for Runners

Winner: The Aircast Knee Cold Therapy Cryo Cuff and Cooler Bundle

Thuasne Sport Light Open Patella Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Provides ice cold targeted compression for up to 8 hours
 Uses a gravity-fed system to continually recirculate the water
 Anatomically shaped cuff for complete knee coverage 
✔ Safe to use and easy to setup

Perfect For...

 Post-workout recovery
 Knee replacements
 Arthritis and tendonitis

Try an Upgrade: Enjoy automatic compression with the Aircast Cryo/Cuff with Automatic Therapcy IC Cooler

 

Editor's Verdict: Cool knee pain after every session with our Aricast Cryo/Cuff and Cooler Bundle. This innovative treatment system circulates ice cold water consistently around the knee, expelling any pain or inflammation that flared up on your run. Use this state-of-the-art ice pack to relax and reset your knees, fresh and ready for the next day of training.

See What Our Customers Say: "This has been a lifesaver... The combination of compression and cooling together has made a big difference in reducing inflammation" - Yasmin

Runner Up: Dura Soft Knee Sleeve Knee Ice Pack Wrap

Stay on Track and Achieve Your Goals

Don't let knee pain stop your from reaching your true potential. This guide has presented our best knee supports for runners that are certain to halt pain, improve form and give you confidence while out on the track. However, if you're looking for something more specific, feel free to explore the rest of our Sports Knee Supports Range.

Have any specific questions about our knee supports? Let us know in the comments and we'd be more than happy to help.