| Best Knee Supports for Runners 202414 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 RunnersWinner: Ultimate Performance Wraparound Runner's Knee Support StrapWhy We Love It... ✔ Three compartments protects each part of the knee Perfect For... ✔ Moderate patella instabilities Not the Best For... ✗ Arthritis (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 ArthritisWinner: Ultimate Performance Advanced Elastic Compression Knee SupportWhy We Love It... ✔ Provides graduated compression in critical areas Perfect For... ✔ Mild arthritis Not the Best For... ✗ Adjustable compression (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 RunningWinner: Thuasne Patella Knee Support StrapWhy We Love It... ✔ Eases strain with localised pressure on the patella tendon Perfect For... ✔ Patellofemoral syndrome Not the Best For... ✗ Ligament injury (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 RunnersWinner: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint HingeWhy We Love It... ✔ Four-Points-of-Leverage system reduces load on the ACL Perfect For... ✔ ACL, PCL or LCL instabilities Not the Best For... ✗ Affordability (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 RunnersWinner: Thuasne Silistab Genu Elastic Patella Knee BraceWhy We Love It... ✔ Medical-grade compression enhances proprioception Perfect For... ✔ Tendonitis Not the Best For... ✗ Adjustable compression (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 RunnersWinner: Ossur Form Fit Tracker Patella Realignment Knee BraceWhy We Love It... ✔ ReflexWing buttress realigns the kneecap to prevent slippage Perfect For... ✔ Patella maltracking Not the Best For... ✗ Flexibility (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 RunnersWinner: Donjoy Reaction Web Knee BraceWhy We Love It... ✔ Unique web design disperses impacts to mitigate strain Perfect For... ✔ Osgood-Schlatter's Disease Not the Best For... ✗ Compression (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 RunnersWinner: Thuasne Sport Light Open Patella Knee SupportWhy We Love It... ✔ Affordable, lightweight compression knee sleeve Perfect For... ✔ Mild arthritis Not the Best For... ✗ Ligament injury (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 RunnersWinner: The Aircast Knee Cold Therapy Cryo Cuff and Cooler BundleWhy We Love It... ✔ Provides ice cold targeted compression for up to 8 hours Perfect For... ✔ Post-workout recovery 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 GoalsDon'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. |