Want to find the best ankle brace for protection during basketball?
Basketball ankle braces can help support your ankle while playing.
An ankle brace for your sprain may even allow you to return to playing sport once you have been cleared to return by your health practitioner, and act as protection against sustaining the same injury.
Check out our research into the best brace for basketball ankle injuries.
How we choose?
We know that you want to find the best possible brace for your ankle to play basketball safely.
We are here to make that decision much simpler.
I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings, and put my years of experience in the health industry into the research to help you make the best decision for your ankle regardless of your budget.
From affordable ankle braces to ones with giving better support for sport, I will have something here for your personal situation.
There is a basketball ankle brace to suit you no matter your budget.
What to look for in an ankle brace for basketball
Type of basketball shoe worn
Is it a high top or low cut shoe? If it has a higher profile then the brace choice is more limited.
The type of support required
After an ankle sprain it would be best to wear a more supportive brace for basketball.
I look for one with straps which mimic sports strapping. If there are any feelings of instability in the ankle then I would also choose a brace with straps which mimic sports strapping. It sits over your sock and gives lots of support both medially and laterally.
If the ankle requires support but has no feelings of instability, then a light brace which fits comfortably in your shoe would be suitable.
A compression sleeve or light strapping would be a good choice.
The advantage of this is for basketball shoes which have a higher profile as this type of brace would fit very well.
Comfort
A brace worn for basketball needs to allow a good range of motion to allow plenty of motion for running, jumping, landing, and changing direction quickly.
So ensure that the brace fits well.
Stability
Due to the nature of basketball which involves lots of quick sprints, stops, starts, changes of direction, heavy lands from a height.
The brace must help protect the ankle in these directions.
One that has figure 6 straps will help to protect the ankle from medial and lateral motion but still allow the ankle to bend and flex well for running.
Lace up ankle braces are also good for extra support.
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Why I love it
This ankle brace with stabilizing straps and lace up design form figure-eight to protect and support ankle.
It has an elastic cuff closure which enhances support from stabilizing straps and secures laces.
The low profile of the Med Spec ASO ankle stabilizer will fit in any type of shoe.
The nylon boot with open heel design provides tremendous strength and durability.
What you should know
The ASO ankle stabilizer comes in 8 sizes from XX Small to 3x Large.
Comes in two colours, black and white.
Each size fits left or right ankle.
Made in the USA for higher quality control standards.
Stabilizing Straps form complete figure-eight to protect and support ankle
Can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, no bleach. Air dry.
McDavid Level 3 Ankle Brace
Why we love it
Prevents and/or helps recovery from common ankle sprains
Compression and comfort top strap for custom fit
Breathable ventilated tongue
Comfortable padded lining reinforces closures
Athletes participating in an independent study at a major research university had 3x fewer injuries when wearing the Mcdavid 195 ankle brace
What you need to know
Comes in 5 sizes, from x small to X Large
Two colours, black and white
The brace is adjustable without unlacing or removing shoe
The supportive design simulates athletic tape with figure-6 strapping pattern
Zenith Ankle Brace
Why we love it
Made from the highest quality nylon and neoprene material.
Double stitched seams mean it will be durable and last for a long time.
Proven to reduce or eliminate ankle pain caused by sprains, tendonitis and other acute injuries. The side straps contour your ankle to immobilize the foot without restricting your ability to walk or run.
Designed to perform well in any activity, including: volleyball, basketball, hiking, wrestling, running, soccer etc.
This brace can be adjusted in order to customize the level of support you are after. The lace-up front and straps give you the freedom to adjust tightness.
What you need to know
The Zenith ankle brace comes in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large.
Having the right size ankle brace is important to make sure the device functions properly, keeps your ankle secure and does not move excessively.
It comes in one colour, black.
Fits left or right ankle.
SNEINO Ankle Brace
Why we love it
SNEINO ankle brace supports 360 degrees around the ankle.
The brace is made of neoprene and elastic.
It is durable and breathable, comfortable and quick-drying. So you can wear ankle stabilizer comfortably to spend the day.
On both sides of the ankle brace, there are two steel spring stays that enhance the stability of your ankle. In addition, the ankle support bracket is designed with 2 stabilizing straps to enhance ankle stability.
SNEINO ankle brace with reinforced side stabilizer and curved arch design can quickly reduce the pain and pressure of the ankle.
This ankle support brace can also help Achilles tendinitis, joint pain, minor sprain pain relief, other ankle injuries and injury recovery.
This ankle brace for sprained ankle is also recommended by orthopaedic surgeons.
What you need to know
The Zenith ankle brace comes in four sizes, Small, Medium, Large and X Large. The sizing is based on regular shoe size.
Each ankle brace can be adjusted to fit your position if your size is somewhere in between.
It comes in one colour, black.
Fits left or right ankle.
FAQs
Is it good to wear ankle braces while playing basketball?
Recent studies have demonstrated that significantly fewer first-time injuries occur when athletes wear these braces. An impressive three times as many people sustained sprains without the additional protection, with no disparity between age or ability level.
So if a basketball player wants to keep your ankles safe on court, they should invest in good quality basketball ankle braces.
Do all NBA players wear ankle braces?
The majority of players wear an ankle braces for basketball.
Basketball players can guard against ankle injuries by strapping on an ankle support.
It's a quick and effective way to fortify your ankles while playing, plus balance-focused exercises that enhance muscular control will ensure you remain injury free.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain in basketball?
Recovery following a sprained ankle where the injury is on the outside of the foot will take 6 - 8 weeks to get back on the court.
It can take longer if there is considerable damage to the ligaments, and some people suffer from stiffness and pain for several months.
Is basketball hard on ankles?
Basketball is a hugely physical game that can be tough on ankles, with many players suffering from foot and ankle injuries.
Such afflictions may keep athletes out of the court for an extended period of time so taking care when playing is essential.
What grade is my ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains are graded on a scale of 1-3 - ranging from mild to severe.
Grade One is characterized by only slight stretching and some damage, while.
With grade two, the ligament has suffered partial tearing causing abnormal looseness when moved.
The most serious sprain is grade three which involves complete tear of the ligament.
Why do I keep spraining my ankle in basketball?
Constant ankle sprains while playing basketball could indicate an underlying weakness, usually resulting from previous trauma.
Imbalance or incorrect landings can cause the foot to turn and stretch outside ligaments until they tear or rupture; however, milder cases may only involve a slight stretching of these important tissues.
How do NBA players treat sprained ankles?
NBA players face a lot of pressure to perform, but when it comes to sprained ankles they must take an active role in their own recovery.
The acronym RICE is extremely familiar among athletes - rest, ice, compression and elevation are some essential steps needed for the first 48 hours after injury.
For more severe cases like Grade 2 or 3 ankle sprains immobilisation such as bracing may also be necessary.
Is twisting your ankle worse than spraining it?
An ankle twist is an unfortunate but all-too-common occurrence that can cause significant discomfort.
Though both injuries involve straining the ligaments of your ankle, a sprain generally indicates more severe damage - pain, swelling and bruising may come with it.
Be sure to get medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after falling or twisting your foot.
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