Don’t Crumble: The Best Ankle Brace For Basketball
When it comes to playing sport, it’s all about really pushing yourself to achieve your best.
It also has to be about protecting yourself while you play. Basketball can get pretty intense in the heat of the moment.
Things can get rough out on the court and it’s important to stay safe.
Be it short-term injuries or more serious issues than can arise, ankle support for basketball is really important!
If you’re a baller, you’ll be all too familiar with joint pain and the high risk of ankle sprains.
Ankle sprains are among the most common basketball injuries; by some counts, nearly half of basketball injuries involve the ankle or foot.
Sports with jumping and cutting are high-risk for sprains, which usually happen when the foot rolls inward, according to orthopedic surgeons.
Ankle braces are worth considering, whether they’re to prevent injury or to help you recover from a current issue.
There is decent evidence for prevention. In a large trial in high school football players, lace-up ankle braces cut the rate of acute ankle injuries by about 60%, although the injuries that did happen were no less severe.
Ankle braces typically lace up around your foot and ankle, offering some heel support, too.
This ASO Ankle Brace is the best ankle brace for basketball for a number of reasons, which I’ll run through.
I’ll also run through some general advice on buying support products – brace yourself…
Criteria
When buying an ankle brace, here are a few things to keep in mind…
Think about what you want this ankle brace for. There are several different types of ankle braces available, all offering different advantages.
You can buy preventative ankle braces which offer general support with the aim of preventing any sprains or joint pain.
They can also be used following an injury to prevent it worsening or returning.
Post-injury braces are usually more rigid. After a moderate sprain, a doctor may suggest a walking boot or a rigid brace while it heals.
Get an ankle checked if you can’t put weight on it, or if it stays swollen or painful for several weeks.
These types of brace will differ in style as well as price, so think about its purpose before you buy a brace.
That way you’ll end up with the right basketball ankle brace for you.
Think about what size ankle brace you’ll want as well. You can find handy sizing guides on the internet which help to determine which size you’ll be.
Much like buying shoes, you want a brace that fits properly. It should be snug but not too tight, comfortable and easy to move around in.
Ideally, look for something which allows ventilation if you’ll be wearing it while playing, as the best ankle brace for basketball needs to allow your body to sweat naturally.
Product Overview
ASO offers a lot of brace for a modest price.
The price can vary by size, so check the current listing for the size you need.
This brace laces up over the foot and has elasticated straps on top of the lacing in order to really hold everything firmly in place.
These straps criss-cross over and up the ankle to offer the ultimate support. There’s also a cuff around the ankle also allows you to strap yourself in tightly.
The brace itself is made of durable, lightweight material which allows your skin to breathe. That’s always important during a hot, sweaty match.
The brace can be done up tightly so that you feel secure, but won’t cut off your circulation.
The boot of the brace also offers support around your heel thanks to some strategic seam-work.
Pros And Cons
For me, this is a great ankle brace offering a lot of support for both existing injuries as well as general support while you play.
There are laces and straps that let you get a snug, secure fit.
When looking for the best ankle braces for basketball, I’d definitely recommend something with lacing. It helps you feel more secure and confident.
This brace is very well priced compared to a lot of other products on the market.
It comes in a variety of sizes which means you’ll be able to find something to fit you properly.
This is the best ankle brace for basketball for those on a budget.
The brace is sturdy enough to feel supportive but lightweight and slim enough to fit inside your shoe.
This keeps your ankle steady, so it’s a popular choice when returning to sport after a sprain. A brace works best alongside the strength and balance exercises that help prevent repeat sprains.
The downside?
It can slightly limit your range of motion if you’re not used to it.
This is fine if you’re suffering from an existing injury, as you’ll already be limited in motion.
However, if you’re looking to play while wearing this brace, I’d suggest getting used to it before a big game!
It does hold your ankle in a stiff lock, so it’s worth warming up with it on and getting used to the feel of it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for ankle support for basketball, this is a strong choice.
No brace makes you injury-proof, so warm up, strengthen your ankles and wear supportive shoes too.
It’s also worth considering buying a knee support for basketball in order to stay super safe.
Your joints are really put under a lot of strain while you’re busy running and dodging and jumping around.
If you’ve had a knee injury, ask your doctor or physical therapist whether a knee brace makes sense for you.
Sources
- Sprained Ankle, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo)
- The Effect of Lace-up Ankle Braces on Injury Rates in High School Football Players, American Journal of Sports Medicine (via PubMed Central)
