The Best Ankle Brace For Running: Our Guide For Runners
Contents
You don’t need to be an athlete or sports junkie to sustain an ankle injury.
After all, these joints carry your full body weight, so ankle sprains can happen to anyone.
However, half of all ankle sprains happen during some kind of sporting activity.
If you’re an athlete or gym-goer, then you’ll surely want to find the best ankle brace for running out there.
This will ensure you can continue to participate in physical activities.
Ankle sprains are so common that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons calls them the number one reason for missed participation in athletics.
Ankle braces and supports are used to improve joint stability and avert injuries.
They’re especially useful for those who suffer from a recurrent injury. A brace can support healing, but rehab exercises for balance and strength matter most. AAOS notes that incomplete rehabilitation is the most common cause of chronic ankle instability after a sprain.
In our guide, we’ll show you our favorite ankle support for runners available. We’ll look at what to consider when searching for ankle supports for running.
What Makes a Good Ankle Brace?
By restricting motion, ankle braces help prevent injury.
It must be said that this doesn’t always negatively impact an athlete’s performance.
Put it this way, if your physical activities involve vertical jumping or balance, a well-fitted ankle brace usually won't hold you back much.
Lets gets down to what features to consider when choosing the best ankle braces for running.
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Ankle support
Make sure that the brace completely surrounds the ankle. This gives even support around the joint.
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Adjustable
They’ll usually be tightened with laces or velcro.
This is important as there are braces available that come without any form of additional tightening, referred to sometimes as sleeves.
These are okay for prevention wear and for minor injuries but are less likely to be tight enough to hold the joint in place for healing.
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Lightweight
Also, be sure to look out for a brace with lightweight materials but plenty of cushioning.
If you intend to continue with physical activities you won't want anything bulky or boot-like.
Make sure the brace fits inside your running shoe. AAOS suggests trying athletic shoes on at the end of the day or after a workout, when your feet are largest.
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Purpose
Have you sustained a minor injury or are you looking for something to prevent injuries?
If so, then you're more likely looking for a breathable, lightweight brace made from compression fabric.
If you have a moderate injury that requires more stability and strapping, then you’ll be looking for a brace, still using compression fabrics, but with more strapping options.
These usually come in the form of lace ups or full strength Velcro straps.
Get a moderate or severe sprain checked by a doctor first, especially if you can't put weight on the ankle.
Liomor Ankle Support Breathable Ankle Brace For Running
Considering everything we’ve already discussed in terms of what to look out for in a great ankle support for runners, this product is our pick.
This brace offers firm, adjustable support for the ankle joint and tendons.
Designed with crisscross straps for maximum adjustable stability, it really means this brace is a step up from most products available.
Made with materials such as high elastic and moisture wicking materials, it allows air to circulate and prevents odor and the accumulation of bacteria.
Liomor support is a one size fits all. However, it does come with the adjustable straps to tighten or loosen depending on the level of support you need.
Buyers praise its durability and fit.
Pros and Cons
There’s a reason the Liomor Ankle Support has been chosen as our favorite product on the market.
That’s because whilst there are a ton of benefits to this product, there aren’t half as many cons.
Some of the positive aspects of this product include the materials chosen, which allow air and oxygen to pass through. This helps keep skin drier and cuts down on odor.
Also, as the materials used are lightweight, this ensures the support isn’t as bulky as some options available. It’s easily covered with socks or shoes.
The Velcro used to hold the straps in place is very high-quality and holds its grip during regular use. This Velcro won’t fluff.
The design for this ankle brace leaves your heel exposed. This allows for a wider range of movement during physical activities whilst still providing strong stability. This brace can be worn on both feet, a great feature most of us overlook.
The only con to speak of is likely to be the ‘one size fits all’, although as mentioned this comes with the tightening straps to counteract any ill-fitting.
However, if you have unusually large or small feet this product may not meet your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an ankle brace that’s great value for money, lightweight, durable, and effective, then Liomor Ankle Support Breathable Ankle Brace for Running should be your first choice.
Use it for support during activity, and pair it with a rehab plan if you're recovering from a sprain. See a doctor if your ankle stays painful or swollen, or you can't bear weight.
Its breathable fabric and adjustable straps make it a comfortable everyday choice.
Sources
- Sprained Ankle, OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Athletic Shoes, OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
