Top 8 Active Ankle Brace Reviewed
James
Ankle braces are useful for several applications in sports and in heavy weightlifting. First, they can help your tendons, bones, ligaments, and muscles knit themselves back together after an injury. If the affected area continues to move, healing will be halted, the pain will increase, and you may even get a new injury on top of the original one.
Ankle braces can also provide mild stabilization, enough to help prevent you from getting hurt in the first place. These braces, some of which are more like wraps, allow the freedom of movement for your legs and ankles.
Active Ankle is a company offering rigid braces, flexible lace-up braces, and sleeves that mainly offer compression. Active Ankle has been in business since 1989. In 2008, they were purchased by sports medicine giant Cramer. In this buying guide, we give you the rundown on Active Ankles' product line.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 20 hours of research
Lets you stay active by allowing front and back motion
Prevents lateral motion to heal injuries
Provides weak ankle protection
Easy strap provides extra compression
8 Best Active Ankle Braces
1. Eclipse II
Lets you stay active by allowing front and back motion
Prevents lateral motion to heal injuries
Provides weak ankle protection
Easy strap provides extra compression
Rigid protection won't be useful for all athletes
The first of our four rigid braces, this one features a letter "u" shaped footbed and stays for rigid immobility, keeping your ankles still so they can heal.
Read moreThe shape and the strap keep the ankle still so the ankle does not move laterally. The strap uses firm compression, similar to a compression sleeve, throughout the whole unit to ease swelling and promote blood flow. A hinge, with an offset design, allows you to move your foot and ankle back and forth freely.
The heel features an open design, which will not constrict or pinch that part of your foot. Closed-toe designs can cause discomfort and excess sweating. The Eclipse II lets your feet breathe. There are also vent openings, for even more airflow. Padding, made from EVA, will mold to your foot's natural shape and retain it for future wear.
The Eclipse II includes an antimicrobial odor-fighting liner. It will fit inside any shoe easily and contains no latex. It is designed for injuries, including sprains, but also helps prevent injuries in ankles that tend to roll. It will allow you to continue playing your sport with a doctor's approval.
2. Eclipse I
Open heel cup
Stirrup design cups foot
Padded liner conforms to your foot/ankle shape
Allows greatest flexibility while still immobilizing ankle for healing
Not as much motion control as the Eclipse II
The Eclipse I has a nearly identical design to the more expensive Eclipse II. It is designed to give you the most mobility possible while still helping you recover from any ankle injury.
Read moreThe brace only has one upright, also called a stay or stabilizer. It is the piece that holds the brace rigid on the side of your ankle. The single upright means you keep lateral flexibility so you can participate in sports where you have to do a lot of running, pivoting, and changing direction rapidly.
Like the Eclipse II, the I spreads healing compression all over the brace with its strap that touches on multiple points.
The offset hinge is ergonomic and body-friendly. You are able to move your ankle and foot back and forth. This also adds in comfort and makes long term wear more bearable. The thin line profile will fit inside most shoes. This brace also features an open heel for maximum comfort. Instead of a U shape, the Eclipse II has a stirrup shape to comfortably cup the bottoms of your feet. It is a welcomed change from the flat design of many heel cup braces.
3. Volt
Molded plastic bearings connect side straps to heel cup
High support with great flexibility
Brace is lightweight and won't cause ankle fatigue
New hinge design for easier back and forth motion
Flat heel cup not as comfortable as a stirrup
This stylish rigid brace features replaceable side stays, and you can even buy Active Ankle cover plates in different colors to match your favorite shoes if you like.
Read moreThe brace is ambidextrous, fitting either the left or right foot. It fits women's shoe sizes from 5 to 16, or men's sizes from 6.5 to 16. The brace is engineered to give you max protection in a lightweight package that won't intrude on your daily activities.
The shell is made of polypropylene, a polymer produced via heat and chemical change in a lab. It is harder and resists heat better than polyethylene. Polypropylene also resists chemical spill, liquid spills, and sweat. The brace will not stink or tear. Like The Eclipse I and II, the Volt has EVA padding for comfort and long-lasting service.
Active Ankle redesigned the bilateral hinge to give a more fluid and natural motion when you wear the brace. This is an improvement over older Active Ankle products. The brace has bearings, allowing the bottom straps to move along with the heel cup so there is no constriction or pinching.
4. T2
Designed not to be bulky
Lightweight, flexible
Allows complete range of motion
Strap adjusts quickly for a tight fit
Doesn't have extended sizes for those with large feet
This brace comes in black or white and will fit men's shoes from sizes 5 to 13, as well as women's sizes from 6 to 8. It is the last of the rigid braces we will look at in our buying guide.
Read moreLike most of Active Ankle's other offerings, this one has an open design to give you a high level of protection while allowing you to move and stay flexible. The brace has only one strap, which adjusts rapidly and can easily accommodate both low top and high top shoes. The brace is suited to athletes who enjoy football, softball, basketball, and volleyball, or any sport where you must rapidly change direction.
EVA padding provides excellent protection at a lightweight, so the brace is not bulky and weighs little. It will not interfere with your activities on the playing field or off. The bilateral hinge is anatomically friendly and lets your foot move through its whole range of motion. This lets the brace promote healing of sprains while also preventing further injuries as a preventive tool.
Reviews are positive. Customers mention being able to get mobile after a period of chronic problems. The brace cuts down on recurring pain and will help prevent ankle rolls which can lead to hyperextension. Reviewers also praised the brace's usefulness for pain associated with long periods of sitting or standing.
5. AS1 Pro Brace
Goes on easily
Straps emulate athletic tape to lock heel
Extra top strap goes around ankle
One of Active Ankle's most comfortable braces
Contains latex and may aggravate sensitivities
Our next two reviews will cover Active Ankle's lace-up braces, which are more supportive than athletic tape but will not completely immobilize your ankle as rigid braces will.
Read moreThe AS1 gives excellent protection from injury, with enough snug compression to ease swelling and prevent extended periods of soreness. The vertical straps have a crossover pattern that follows the layout of heel-lock taping. Heel-lock taping is a time-honored way of providing stability and pain relief to injured athletes using tape.
The laces are a speed style, giving targeted compression near the ankle. They will hold your ankle in place without biting into your skin or coming loose during the day. Though the straps provide compression, they do not stretch and will not lose shape or become ineffective after repeated wear.
The wrap is made from a combination of mesh, neoprene, and a tough nylon outer for tight comfort and durable service. The tailored heel and front of foot opening make for a tighter fit, and also make the brace easy and fast to put on. There is an extra strap on top of the brace that goes all the way around the upper ankle for extra stability and a consistent fit.
Other features include a non-slip silicone outsole and the ability to fit into any shoe. This brace does include latex components.
6. Prolacer Brace
Nylon shell lined with foam for comfort, durability
Allows for full range of motion
Simple, thick upper strap prevents brace from slipping
Speed eyelets make lacing fast
No heel cup or extra stays
Our second and final Active Ankle lace-up brace has a foam-lined nylon outer shell that is durable, flexible, and easy to keep clean even when you wear the brace for outdoor sports.
Read moreThe brace is a great compromise between flexibility and stability. It can provide comfort as you recover from an injury, and also provides unobtrusive, lightweight protection for healthy ankles or for athletes prone to hyperextension incidents. The heel and front of foot area have the same Pro-Fit cut we saw on the AS1, so foot entry and removal are easy and hassle-free.
The only fasteners here are the speed laces, which resemble those on sneakers. The laces go through polished metal eyelets, and won't jam, bind, or come loose as they are protected by the brace's lone strap. The strap is a thick circumferential one, going all the way around the top of your ankle and closing snugly with a hook and loop closure.
The sole is coated with silicone. textured for protection and stability inside any shoe. This means the brace will not slide around during wear, and the breathable, open design will prevent most sweating. This simple brace is a great middle-ground between a one-piece wrap and a more rigid brace with side stays.
7. Ankle Sleeve (329)
Contains no rubber or latex
Gentle compression with thin breathable material
Dual straps form a lateral X pattern for support
Comfortable enough for long wear, flexible
Does not have a heel cup or side stays--moderate compression and stability
This sleeve is similar to a compression sock or fitting, but with extra thickness and durability. It will provide a more supportive and therapeutic compression level while keeping you comfortable and allowing your ankles and legs to move.
Read moreThe dual straps go in two directions to give a strong X-shaped supportive lateral piece. The fabric bottom of the heel is designed to lock your heel in place with soft support. The high compression gives you therapeutic heat to aid in circulation while easing swelling.
The heel lock will also protect your joints and prevent ligament pulls or strains. This wrap provides both moderate injury healing and proactive protection from ankle injuries. The straps are easy to put in place and tighten, and there are no laces or additional straps for extra immobility.
The materials in the sleeve contain no latex. The sleeve is not suitable for multijoint sprain treatment unless approved by a medical professional. The wrap is well suited to gymnasts and cross-fitters who must use their ankles heavily while performing routines or exercises that combine strength, speed, and flexibility.
8. Ankle Sleeve (325)
Dual straps attach and lock your ankle in quickly
Material is thin and porous for air circulation
Compression and some stability in a low profile package
Ideal for sports where players wear cleats
Does not fit true to size, and seams may cause discomfort
The main draw of this compression-style sleeve is its thin material and low profile. You can wear it under tights, leggings, or any kind of dress pants with no interference or extra heat.
Read moreThat also means you can wear the brace comfortable with soccer cleats as well as tight-fitting dress shoes. The dual straps form the lower part of the sleeve, with a stretchy upper that comes to the top of your ankle. There are no additional straps or laces.
The lightweight fabric can easily go in your washing machine, though you will need to air dry the sleeve. Rather than shoe size, fit goes by your ankle width. You will need to measure before you order. The Active Ankle site suggests ordering a size smaller than your measurement. It is a bit confusing, but shouldn't be too much extra work.
Reviewers were mostly positive, but some users noted the difficulty in unhooking the straps when taking the braces off. In addition, there are seams which can push into your arch and cause some discomfort after a while. We believe these problems will lessen by getting the sleeve sizing right; we strongly suggest purchasing the 325 at a brick and mortar store, if possible, so you can try the brace on first.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Application
You don't expect an ankle sleeve to do the same thing as a rigid brace.
The ankle sleeve provides light motion control, compression, and some injury prevention. The rigid brace is for injury recovery. They have a similar design and can provide some of the same benefits, but they are different tools.
Despite the difference, both rigid braces and sleeve braces have the same application. You use them for therapeutic purposed on your ankles. Every Active Ankle product will do what it says and will provide some form of therapy. You just have to make sure you know the difference between the different types of braces, so you can buy one that will deliver what you need.
Breathability
Some of these braces and sleeves are made to be worn the whole time you are on your feet.
That means you run the risk for sweating inside the braces. This will create discomfort and will also cause your foot to slip and slide inside your shoe. The shoe, too, will add weight and thickness and can give you a bad experience with even the lightest braces.
For this reason, we did our research to make sure that all of Active Ankle's products will let air circulate for your feet and ankles. We can't guarantee that you won't sweat at all, but the materials, construction, thickness, and extra vent holes will all help give you the most comfortable experience possible.
Comfort
Breathability is a big part of comfort, but it isn't the whole picture.
Other factors in comfort include the footbed. This is the liner that cushions your feet and gives you a cushioned platform. Often, the footbed will have the same lining or padding you have in the foot area. Materials can include foam, plastic polymers, and neoprene. Each liner type and each outer shell type will give you a different wear experience. Neoprene, for example, may not breathe as well as foam. But the neoprene will last a long time without chipping, will maintain its shape, and will give your feet some relief because the neoprene is not hard rubber. However, the neoprene does not provide the same level of padding and cushioning that foam can. Comfort is a personal preference, but some materials are more comfortable in general than others.
Compression
Providing gentle compression is part of an ankle brace's healing package.
The compression aids in circulation, both by squeezing venous systems and creating gentle heat. The compression is also what helps swelling abate, without squeezing so hard that the swollen area hurts. A rigid brace is designed to give more compression than a sleeve, and also holds your ankle more still to limit the chance of reinjury. The last two braces we reviewed are like compression sleeves, but thicker and firmer, with adjustable compression via straps. You can't expect these braces to immobilize your injured ankle, but you can definitely expect them to stay on tight and not interfere with other clothing.
Motion Control
Even the lightweight sleeves will provide some ankle stabilization.
The rigid ones, at the beginning of our list, will almost immobilize lateral action of the ankle. That is the only way for your injured ankle to heal. Movement or pressure can reinjure the area or bring back inflammation. However, most of the rigid models still allow back and forth motion of the foot. Without that, you would not be able to participate in your favorite sports. Even walking would be difficult. Whatever brace you get, you have to be confident that it will give you motion control. Even if you are not injured now, certain active sports make rolling an ankle very likely. Active Ankle provides protection all along the firmness scale, and we hope our rundown of all their products will help you make the most beneficial decision for yourself.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Application Breathability Comfort Compression Motion Control 
There is a good body of evidence showing that ankle braces can limit ankle sprains and other accidents. Ankle sprains are the most common accidents for college athletes, and sprains tend to happen more during a game than during practice. If a brace can keep many of these injuries from happening, we say wear one. It is not going to make your ankles weaker or make you dependent on the brace.
We will note, though, that a preventive ankle brace does not lessen the seriousness of injuries. If you collide with another player, for example, you will still run the risk of a sprain or other injury. You will still need medical care, a rigid brace, and most likely physical rehabilitation. Braces are a fantastic invention, but we do not want to give you a false sense of confidence or mislead you into thinking the brace keeps you 100% safe.
Also, no brace will be of much help if you don't wear it, or if it interferes so much with your shoe that it impedes you from playing your sport. The two issues go hand in hand. If you have a brace that fails to sit comfortably in your shoe, you probably won't want to wear it. Then you will increase your risk of injury, or have to take yourself out of the game temporarily for safety. Always do your comparison shopping when it comes to braces, and find one that other reviewers say will fit without pinching, sliding, or constricting movement.
There really shouldn't be any controversy or negative publicity around ankle braces. They can protect you, help you stay active, and give your injured ligaments a chance to heal. Wearing one does not weaken your ankles. With a healthy understanding and the knowledge that no brace is perfect, there is usually no harm in wearing one for most of your sports events.
Still, there is some resistance to wearing ankle braces. Here are a few of the counterarguments we have heard:
Ankle braces set you up for knee injuries. There is no lab evidence for this. We think this idea comes from a lab study where researchers found different kinetic patterns when athletes wearing ankle braces jumped and then landed. Different forces do not equal more injuries, and the study never said it did.
Ankle braces weaken your ankles. This is based on the idea that braces immobilize the ankle, so the muscles do not have a chance to stay strong through use. But no brace completely holds an ankle still. Also, rigid braces are designed to be worn just during games, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Braces are not made to be worn at all times, and even if you did, it would not make your ankles weaker.
An ankle brace will weaken how well you play. This is, again, based on the idea that an ankle brace immobilizes your ankle and doesn't let you get a full range of motion, but in reality, braces are designed to keep you in the game. The only thing that would immobilize your ankle would be a cast, and we certainly hope you aren't attempting to play your sport with broken bones.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
It's bad enough having an injury that keeps you from doing your favorite sport or activity. You shouldn't also have to contend with a brace that gives you a hard time when you go to put it on or one that stubbornly refuses to stay in place. We chose Active Ankle, in part, because their products are engineered for easy use. There aren't any complicated wrap patterns or redundant lace systems. Straps are easy to attach and undo. Textured silicone prevents the brace from sliding. Wearing an Active Ankle brace won't make playing the game any easier, but it won't create any extra difficulty for you either.
Traction
Typically, with footwear, traction will refer to the grip surfaces on the outsole of the shoe. But ankle braces are not designed to contact the ground during normal wear. The best braces will slide easily into your shoe, so you can wear them during activity. So when we talk about traction in an ankle brace, we mean how well the bottom of the brace both holds your foot in place and stays steady on the inside of the shoe. Active Ankle braces have silicone textured padding, sometimes on both sides of the footbed, to aid in traction and make sure you do not have to stop during a game and readjust the brace.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do ankle braces work?
The answer to this question is rooted in anatomy and physiology, and the ways your bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles work together to keep your mobile whether you are wearing a brace or not. As a refresher, the ligaments are connective tissues that hold together pairs of bones, cartilage pairs, or a joint. Tendons connect a bone to a muscle. The largest tendons in your body are the hamstrings on the backs of your legs.
All these components work together in a strong, healthy ankle to keep you upright and to protect your entire ankle from injury. When you break a bone, hyperextend a ligament, or tear a tendon, pain and reduced mobility are the immediate result. The ankle brace makes up for the lost component to keep your ankle safe, while also giving whatever is torn or overstretched a chance to heal.
q: What else can I do for weak or previously injured ankles?
There are a few very simple exercises you can do that will naturally increase your ankle's resilience and resistance to injury.
Try standing barefoot and holding a tennis ball in place by squeezing your ankles with your feet together. Then stand on your toes, hold briefly, and go back down. Doing just 20 of these a day will strengthen your calves, inner thighs, and ankles for more stability and less likelihood of a rolling injury,
Another thing you can do is to walk around your gym or home with only your heels touching the ground so that your toes and the soles of your feet are in the air. Walk this way for just a minute or two, and you will feel a difference in the muscles of your shin and calf.
One of the easiest things you can do is bodyweight squats. If you are flexible enough, try going down all the way to a seated position, so you are balanced on your feet and ankles. This has the added benefit of working your core and back muscles, even without a barbell or pair of dumbbells.
q: How are rigid and laced braces different?
The main difference is in how much protection and stability the brace provides. Lace-up braces give enough support to prevent many rolling and hyperextending injuries. They are suitable for athletes of any age or from any background of experience. Rigid braces, with their side, stays and plastic heel cups, are designed for previously injured ankles or as a rehab device during injury recovery.
q: Will an ankle brace stop all sprains?
No. No product on the market can guarantee complete immunity from sprained ankles. But a good brace will make it less likely. A brace may also make an injury less severe and result in less downtime, but there is no scientific evidence to support this that we found. The one thing a rigid brace is guaranteed to do is help your injured ankle heal.
q: Isn't tape just as good as a brace?
Actually, studies have found that the tape can limit your range of motion. The tape also does not have the sticking power that a brace has. It may come loose during a hard game and need to be reapplied. Many braces imitate the classic figure-eight pattern used to laterally tape ankles. We wouldn't discourage anyone from keeping and using tape, but we are confident saying the brace is more effective especially when it comes to long term injury recovery.
Sources
- , Our Story and Mission, Active Ankle
- , To Brace Or Not To Brace: That is the Question!, Cramer Sports Medicine
- , The Effect of Lace-up Ankle Braces on Injury Rates in High School Basketball Players, American Journal of Sports Medicine
- , Interventions for preventing ankle ligament injuries, nih.gov site
