If you have knee pain or instability, supporting your joints during physical activity is essential to prevent further injury—and the best knee braces and sleeves can help. Knee braces provide customized, rigid support tailored to specific knee injuries or conditions, says physical therapist Brandon Schmitt, PT, DPT, ATC. On the other hand, knee sleeves offer compression and mild support, ideal for general use and injury prevention. Choosing the right one depends on your knee-specific condition.
To find the best knee braces and sleeves, we first consulted experts to understand the difference between the two support styles and identify key features to consider in each. Then, we researched dozens of braces and sleeves, evaluating each one for materials, comfort, breathability, and price.
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Rigid support
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Breathable
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Non-slip design
Key Specs
Material: Perforated neoprene | Care: Machine-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Anti-migration technology
Why We Love It
Unlike knee sleeves, which offer lighter compression, knee braces are ideal for injury recovery. The supportive fit of Donjoy’s Performance Bionic Knee Brace helps prevent knee instability with its structured side support, limiting side-to-side motion. It’s a versatile option suitable for daily wear, most workouts, and even under clothing. Since the center of the kneecap is open, it allows you to have a nearly full range of motion while stabilizing your knee.
Its wraparound fit is easy to take on and off, and it’s also designed to stay securely on your knee without slipping. The straps use stretch webbing with pull tabs to customize the fit for your specific needs (but since it’s more rigid than knee sleeves, it’s important to choose the right size). If you’re wearing it for sports and workouts, you can also use the built-in stash pocket to carry smaller items like keys or cards hands-free.
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Key Specs
Material: Compression fabric | Care: Hand-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Knitted design with silicone gel strips
Why We Love It
Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, this PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve is a great option for everyday use, which is why it’s our top pick among sleeve styles. A stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, the sleeve effectively absorbs moisture so you can avoid both itch and odor all day long.
Meanwhile, the sleeve’s four-way compression design applies stable compression across your knee, giving you support without limiting your range of motion. And since it’s lined with slip-resistant silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you move. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
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Flexible
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Breathable
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Four-way stretch
Key Specs
Material: Silicone | Care: Machine-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Silicone gripper
Why We Love It
Blitzu’s Knee Compression Sleeve delivers on all fronts—especially its super budget-friendly price and reliable high-quality design. It’s constructed from a flexible performance fabric that’s durable but soft to the touch. Meanwhile, its four-way stretch design delivers the compression you’re looking for without limiting your range of motion. Lightweight and breathable, it also keeps you cool and comfortable on all treks.
When we tested this product, we were impressed by how easy it was to get on and off, despite its super compressive fit. It helped one tester recover from surgery (ACL replacement and torn meniscus). We love that it helped reduce swelling and provided much-needed support in the knee area. The machine-washable sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.
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Non-slip
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Comfortable for hours
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Adjustable strap
Key Specs
Material: Polypropylene | Care: Hand-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Adjustable strap
Why We Love It
If you want to wear a knee support product under your clothing or avoid the bulky look, Back on Track’s Knee Brace is a great option. We tested this pick firsthand and found that the streamlined, low-profile design fits well under all types of clothing without looking too obvious or cumbersome. We also appreciate the adjustable strap that helps you find the right fit and keeps the brace up and stable on your leg.
Our tester, who recently had an ACL replacement surgery, wore this brace for extra support on days in which her knee pain flared up. But because the brace is so compressive, we recommend waiting to wear it until you’re fully recovered and back to normal activities—as more of a maintenance tool. The brace comes in six sizes, ranging from small to extra-extra-large.
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Lightweight
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Slip-resistant
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Comes with two sleeves
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, latex, spandex | Care: Hand-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Anti-slip silicone waves
Why We Love It
This two-pack of Cambivo Knee Sleeves costs less than a single sleeve from other brands, without skimping on quality. They are crafted from a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, and they apply consistent compression across your knee that feels both warm and supportive. Plus, the silicone strips that run along the top of the sleeves keep them securely in place, no matter your activity.
When you’re hiking, you need a knee sleeve that’s supportive, flexible, and breathable, like this pick from Cambivo. We love how compressive this sleeve is, providing comfort and protection on and off the trail. These knee sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
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Moisture-wicking
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Includes padding
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Comes in various sizes
Key Specs
Material: 3D Air-Knit Fabric | Care: Machine-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Not listed
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a knee sleeve that offers more support, this option from Bauerfeind Sports is worth the higher price tag. It’s constructed from a lightweight Air Knit fabric, which is both flexible and comfortable. And since the fabric wicks away moisture effectively, you can work up a sweat in your knee sleeve without feeling too uncomfortable.
The sleeve also features a ring of contoured padding that lines the center to surround the kneecap, providing ideal amounts of cushion and support as you move. This component makes it feel more like a knee brace without sacrificing the sleek flexibility you expect from a knee sleeve.
The sleeve is currently available in sizes extra-small through extra-extra-large.
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Key Specs
Material: Spandex, silicone | Care: Not listed | Anti-Slip Features: Silicone gripper pattern lining
Why We Love It
Shock Doctor’s Knee Compression Sleeve is a breathable, stretchy option that’s comfortable enough to wear every day while offering extra stability for your knee. This sleeve is best for those seeking light support for daily activities without the bulkiness or strong compression of a rigid knee brace. It’s also designed to lower swelling with gentle compression that increases blood flow.
Since it has a low-profile fit, this brace can be worn under your clothes. Just be sure to choose the right size for your needs, as it won’t provide the intended level of support if it’s too loose. Even with its snug fit, it’s easy to slide on and off thanks to two pull tabs at the top of the sleeve. Behind your knee, it features breathable mesh that allows for airflow and plenty of flexibility without sacrificing compression.
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Antibacterial
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Moisture-wicking
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Breathable
Key Specs
Material: Copper fiber, spandex | Care: Hand-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Rubber anti-slip strips
Why We Love It
Many knee sleeves are made from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex, but the Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve primarily uses copper fiber cloth, a textile that is genuinely infused with copper. Though there is limited research on the benefits of copper-infused fabrics, at least one study suggests it may have antibacterial and water-resistant properties, making it easy to keep clean. This knee sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression and successfully maintains its fit over time.
Meanwhile, there’s no need to worry about overheating—this knee sleeve is just as breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying as any other on this list. It’s currently available in sizes small through 4XL.
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Lightweight
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Durable
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Four-way stretch
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, Lycra | Care: Not listed | Anti-Slip Features: Double-silicone anti-slip wave
Why We Love It
Breathable, flexible, and durable, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve makes for a great addition to any running routine, offering those who wear running shoes for bad knees even more support. The sleeve is made from a blend of nylon mesh and spandex, which is lightweight yet durable. Its four-way stretch design also offers plenty of support and compression without limiting your range of motion. And since the interior is lined with wavy silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you run.
The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.
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Thick, stretchy material
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Slip-resistant
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Comes in various sizes
Key Specs
Material: Neoprene | Care: Not listed | Anti-Slip Features: Double silicone gel strips
This two-pack of knee sleeves from Iron Bull Strength is ideal for weightlifters looking for a little extra support during intense workouts. The sleeves are made from a thick neoprene-flex material, which is both stretchy and supportive. Meanwhile, the contoured design of the sleeves ensures that you get the snug, cozy fit you need.
And don’t worry about these sleeves slipping down your legs mid-workout. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift. The sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
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Moisture-wicking
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Includes padding
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Machine-washable
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine-wash and air-dry | Anti-Slip Features: Not listed
Why We Love It
This two-pack of compression knee sleeves from McDavid gives you the flexible support you need while you’re on the court. They are padded with foam, providing ample cushioning to tackle sports like basketball and volleyball with confidence. They are also crafted from a moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex, which allows you to work up a sweat without getting uncomfortable.
Most importantly, the sleeves are durable, holding up to wear and tear from your favorite game. They are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large, and they come in a one-size-fits-all youth size as well.
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Moisture-wicking
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Well-padded
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Slip-resistant
Key Specs
Material: Air knit fabric | Care: Not listed | Anti-Slip Features: Non-slip seam strip
If you want a knee sleeve with a little extra support, then try this option from Neenca. The stretchy sleeve is crafted from a woven compression fabric, which absorbs moisture and dries quickly to keep your knee comfortable. There is also a ring of gel padding in the middle of the knee sleeve that contours to your knee to offer additional support every time you wear it. Spring stabilizers lining the sides of the sleeve provide stability and support as well.
This knee sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-extra-large.
What to Look for When Shopping for Knee Braces and Sleeves
- Material: Many knee sleeves are crafted from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex. However, some are made with softer materials, such as bamboo charcoal fiber, and others use more durable materials like copper fiber cloth. “The material is very important because there are sleeves that have extra padding to stabilize your knee and joint to reduce pain and instability,” says physical therapist Mark Russ, PT, DPT. He warns that these sleeves can also reduce movement, so for very active individuals, he recommends purchasing one that features a breathable material so as not to impede movement. Consider what you’d like your knee sleeve to feel like before shopping to ensure that you select one that feels comfortable to you.
- Padding: Some knee sleeves come equipped with padding, which can offer additional comfort and support. This padding is often designed to surround and cushion the knee joint without detracting from the sleeve’s sleek profile. With that said, some designs feature thicker padding down the front of the sleeve to protect the knees during more intense activities like sports. “There has been more success in recommending knee sleeves with padding to people who are dealing with symptoms of osteoarthritis or the degeneration of knees,” says Russ. Throughout his career, he has recommended that patients with osteoarthritis obtain sleeves that have padding to push the patella toward the midline of the body. This helps reduce pain by optimizing alignment.
How We Selected and Tested the Knee Braces and Sleeves
With hundreds of products on the market, narrowing down the right knee support product can be tricky—especially when deciding between a knee sleeve and a knee brace. To take out the guesswork, we spent hours researching top-selling products from popular brands and thoroughly evaluating each one for support, comfort, and value.
For product recommendations and buying tips, we also spoke with two physical therapists. They helped us identify key features to look for in a knee support product and which to avoid. We used our research and expert input to generate this reliable list of recommendations. We were also able to test out one of our top picks, the Back on Track Knee Brace, for ourselves to glean first-hand insight on the product and its effectiveness.
Types of Knee Braces
- Compression sleeves: Compression sleeves typically feature a slip-on design with flexible material. These sleeves are best for those with minor knee injuries that need light compression and support without rigid stability.
- Hinged braces: Hinged knee braces are the most supportive and structured type of knee brace. Typically used for recovery from surgery or serious injuries, a hinged brace has rigid side bars that hold your knee securely in place.
- Wraparound braces: Wraparound knee braces are best for those recovering from mild to moderate injuries who need more support than compression sleeves offer, but not the completely rigid support of a hinged brace. Wraparound braces typically have adjustable Velcro straps and can be worn under loose-fitting clothing or during sports and workouts.
- Patellar straps: Unlike most types of knee braces, patellar straps do not extend above and below the knee. These straps are fitted just below the kneecap and typically used to relieve strain from jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis).
- Unloader braces: Unloader braces are typically used to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. They’re designed with a three-point support system that redistributes the weight from your knee to your calf and thigh with hinges and straps. Unloader braces are medical devices that are typically prescribed by a doctor.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of researching and reporting for this story. They helped us understand the difference between knee sleeves and braces, when to opt for each, and what to keep an eye out for when shopping. While we independently select products, we rely on expert input to inform our decisions.
- Brandon Schmitt, PT, DPT, ATC, doctor of physical therapy at Professional Physical Therapy in Melville, New York
- Mark Russ, PT, DPT, doctor of physical therapy at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure for a knee sleeve?
To measure for a knee sleeve, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your leg at a certain distance (usually 4 to 6 inches) above your kneecap. When selecting a knee sleeve, consult the product’s packaging or website for specific instructions on where to measure.
Can you wear a knee sleeve all day?
In general, knee sleeves are suitable to wear all day and can be worn for support if you’re going to be walking or on your feet for most of the day. The material is usually comfortable enough that you can wear it for extended periods of time without irritation, chafing, or discomfort.
Do knee sleeves help pain?
Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Schmitt. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist, which will likely include knee-strengthening exercises.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer for Verywell Fit, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who have tried them.
