Regardless of what level of basketball you play, there are still some serious risks of injury. Ankle injuries are the most common. It’s the first thing NBA players bring up when asked about serious injuries they suffered during career.
It’s quite difficult for the untrained eye to identify the difference between ankle sprains and ankle fractures.
The bottom line is that ankle injuries may sideline players for multiple weeks, costing them a significant amount of playing time, and a potential loss in performance stats.
If you’re serious about your game, and want to protect your ankle, here are the ankle braces to consider.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Zamst A2-DX Strong Ankle Brace | Best Overall |  |
| Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer | Budget Pick |  |
| McDavid Bio-Logix Ankle Brace | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Zamst A2-DX Strong Ankle Brace
Pros:
- Cool design
- If used correctly it will support your ankle through to your knee
In the search for the best ankle brace for basketball, you could find a better choice than the Zamst A2-DX. Its combination of shock absorption and impact protection allow you to let your physical power flow through without hindrance.
One of the best features of this Basketball ankle brace is that it even contains a thermoplastic tape on its sides and straps which are very useful on the court for providing extra support or for taping yourself if necessary.
Another advantage is that this ankle support brace is as effective on its sides as it is on the front side. This is a vital feature for point guards who need extra stability in their steps.
2. McDavid Bio-Logix Ankle Brace
Pros:
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE
- AMAZING SUPPORT AND COMFORT
- PERFORMANCE FOR TOUGH SPORTS
- FITS EASILY AND COMFORTABLY UNDER SHOES
- MADE IN USA
- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
- Reduces stress damage, muscle sprain, bone sprain, joint sprain and arthritis!
Cons:
- Typical review for this product says that the product is great but does not properly fit ankles because of variations in the size of ankles and therefore does not provide the proper support.
- This brace provides protection, support, and comfort with its high density memory foam and dual strap system.
3. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Pros:
- Provides traction while you are walking or running
- Provides ankle support while you are looking to exert more power in your routine
- It’s a super lower leaver
- Used by many of the best trainers
- Excellent durability
- Super range of motion
- Can be worn inconspicuously underneath the boots
- Super adjustable
- Lightweight material
- Good fit
Cons:
- Too stiff for some athletes
- Somewhat bulky and cumbersome to wear
- Needs to be tightened every 20 minutes on court
- Overheats during the day
- May need to be washed and dried for continuous use
Med Spec has created a very solid yet inexpensive brace to provide ankle stabilization which is a great tool to be used during basketball games.
The ankle support doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. You will find plenty of wholesale protective equipment and accessories at fantastic prices.
The ankle brace is medium weight and does not fold down. Because of the support and stabilization, the brace can make your foot uncomfortable for longer sessions during basketball training and games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best ankle braces for basketball?
Very much like wrist support, you should try to get an ankle brace that’s light enough to wear for the duration of the game but tough enough for maximum protection.
One good option is the 5.11 Tactical A-TSU Ankle Brace. It’s made from a woven ballistic nylon fabric that’ll fit well, support your ankle, and be comfortable to wear. If you’re looking for something more lightweight, check out the Unigear Sports Ankle Brace.
Should you wear ankle braces for basketball?
Ankle injuries are one of the most common among basketball players. This is because the sport involves lots of lateral movement, jumping, and quick cutting. If you experience any swelling or soreness in your ankle or any of the ligaments, you may want to wear ankle braces for basketball to prevent long-term injury and improve your performance.
Beginning players tend to have the most trouble because the injury can happen out of nowhere and be devastating. You may not even realize you injured something until it’s too late. Since this is the case, it’s a good idea to use an ankle brace and wear it even during practice to prevent injury.
Does Steph Curry still wear ankle braces?
Corey Lee of Viper Golf, Inc. has been tweeting at Steph Curry throughout the 2016 playoffs, asking the Golden State Warriors star if he intends to wear his Golf Ankle Brace for that year’s NBA Finals. Curry has responded to each tweet with a variation of the same answer. “If I need them, I will,” Curry said in a June 2 tweet in response to a question about whether he will wear the brace. “They’re for stabilization, but there’s a lot of aspects that go into determining that.”
What ankle brace should I get?
The decision really depends on your particular needs and your specific ankle situation. We’ll look at some of the most common basketball-specific ankle braces and why they’re popular and effective. Then we’ll get into some general information on ankle braces and sprains.
Conclusion
The support an ankle brace can provide is invaluable for basketball players. It protects you not only from getting injured but can also provide an advantage to you as a player. We know some people get frustrated looking at the internet and there is no clear winner for ankle braces. We tried to make the list simple and easy to use.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Zamst A2-DX Strong Ankle Brace | Best Overall | |
| Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer | Budget Pick | |
| McDavid Bio-Logix Ankle Brace | Upgrade Pick | |