How to Choose a Basketball Knee Brace

While knee injuries aren’t as common as those suffered in other sports, they can still put a serious dent in a basketball player’s game. Thankfully, wearing the right knee brace and compression shin sleeves helps reduce the risk of injury, soothe existing injuries, and aid in recovery.

While many basketball players choose to wear a knee brace for protection, others do so to enhance their performance on the court. The right knee support will fit comfortably and securely, so it won’t slip, obstruct blood flow or restrict movement. It should also be made with quality materials for durability and effectiveness.

The best basketball knee brace will be medical-grade, making it suitable for use in sports and other activities where the same amount of stress is exerted on the joints. It’ll be comfortable and lightweight to wear, too. A great choice for basketball players is the Bauerfeind POWERLIX Knee Support, which is official licensed by the NBA. It’s designed with 3D AirKnit technology that is said to be everything neoprene is not, including being breathable and anatomically-contoured for a perfect fit.

For more advanced knee support, the McDavid hex series and the Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Brace offer stabilisation through tempered aluminum stays and bilateral support hinges. The former is ideal for those recovering from ligament or tendon damage while the latter is more durable against general wear and tear. For all knee protection products, it’s important to find the right size that fits snugly but doesn’t restrict movement too much. To make sure you’re getting the right size, consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart based on knee and calf circumference measurements.