Best ASO Ankle Stabilizers Reviewed and Rated
Ankle braces have been around ever since humans first realized that you can boost the healing of injured joints by immobilizing them to some degree and that a moderate amount of injuries can be made less serious if the person decides to wear a brace. Ankle braces are very useful tools that help doctors, therapists and fitness enthusiasts all around the world. In this article, we review top-rated ASO ankle braces out there and show you why you should consider buying one!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hours of research:
Non-stretch Stabilizing Straps
Ballistic Nylon Construction
Low Profile Design
Quite Supportive
Top 10 ASO Ankle Braces and Stabilizers
1. ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Non-stretch Stabilizing Straps
Ballistic Nylon Construction
Low Profile Design
Quite Supportive
No Refund Policy
The ASO ankle stabilizer is the original ASO product. It features nylon stabilizing straps which place a restriction on inversion or eversion ankle motion, movements which often lead to injury, especially when running. The ASO brace product's ballistic nylon boot construction makes this an extremely durable, yet lightweight brace. This ankle stabilizer greatly increases the longevity over other construction materials such as neoprene. The ASO ankle support is a bilateral design, so can be used on either the left or right foot.
Read moreThe non-stretch stabilizing straps of the ASO Ankle stabilizer simulate the basketweave technique used to apply athletic tape, providing the rigidity of tape, without the hassle. The heel of the brace is effectively locked in place to enhance plantar protection. A unique aspect of the brace is that you are able to retighten the straps at any time without having to take off the shoe. Furthermore, the low profile design makes the ASO brace suitable for all types of footwear.
2. ASO EVO Ankle Stabilizer
Inner Stirrup Strap
Dynamic Cuff
High Ankle Support
Bilateral Design
A Little Bulky
The ASO EVO Stabilizer has all of the extra support features of the original ASP stabilizer but adds an inner stirrup strap and an ankle cuff. This provides even greater protection against inversion and eversion ankle injuries when running. The dynamic cuff of the ASO ankle support boosts the stability and support you need when you are recovering from an ankle injury. It also allows you to continue training without discomfort. In addition, the inner stirrup strap affords maximum protection against heel displacement injuries.
Read moreThe ballistic nylon design of ASO EVO Stabilizer gives you a superior level of strength and rigidity, ensuring that it will last for years. The plastic cuff provides you with high ankle injury protection and can be easily adjusted without having to take off your shoe. This product is bidirectional so will fit either foot. It is made in the USA under strict manufacturing conditions, so you can be assured of the quality.
3. ASO Speed Lacer
Fast On/Off Application
Breathable Materials
Plastic Cuff Enclosure
Lace Design
Sizing Chart Is Unreliable
The ASO Speed Lacer deliver all of the benefits that users expect from an ASO product with the additional factor of the speed of application and release. The ASO ankle support speed lace closure allows you to get the support and off in a matter of seconds. It features very securely stabilizing straps which are wrapped in a Figure 8 pattern, simulating wrapping tape.
Read moreThe straps on the ASO Speed Lacer are enforced with a plastic cuff enclosure to provide the extra rigidity that ensures a tight fit to improve compression and increase oxygen and blood flow to the affected area. The breathable construction materials mean that the boot will stay airy and moisture will be wicked away. You’ll also have no problems with odor or bacteria build up.
The low profile design of the ASO brace makes it suitable for all shoe types. Strong velcro closures support the lacing and cuff systems.
4. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Elastic Cuff Closure
Low Profile
Bilateral Design
Ballistic Nylon Boot
Difficult To Put On
The Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer is designed to allow some movement of the ankle but it has a special lace-up design that prevents excessive rolling, thus reducing the risk of inversion or eversion. This is one of the most popular ankle stabilizers in the world and is especially popular with people who are trying to get back into normal activity but who want to take reasonable steps to prevent re-injury.
Read moreIt features velcro-style velcro straps that can easily be re-tightened even if you’re wearing an athletic shoe. These figure 8 straps support the ankle in a neutral position in order to prevent an eversion or inversion ankle injury. The ASO ankle brace comes with medial and lateral stays to enhance the overall level of support that you get with this brace. Removable ASO brace plastic stays enhance protection against a repeated ankle sprain. This brace is made in the USA under strict manufacturing conditions.
5. ACE Ankle Deluxe
Open Heel Design
Easy On/Off
Adjustable Closures
Reinforced Sides
Too Loose On Small Ankles
The ACE Ankle Deluxe stabilizer is a more slimline, simple unit than any of the ASO brace models we reviewed. It features a slip-on sleeve with open heel. Just like the ASO brace orthosis with inserts, it provides side stays to ensure that the ankle remains properly aligned as you go about your daily activities. This ASO ankle brace fits comfortably into any shoe. The open heel design makes it more breathable than anything in the ASO ankle support line.
Read moreThe ACE Ankle Deluxe stabilizer features adjustable closures that allow you to control the level of support and compression that is applied to the ankle. The lightweight ankle brace, breathable material prevents moisture build-up and sweat slippage.
The ankle brace is among the most well known and respected on the market. Find out how good they really are with our ACE Ankle Brace Review feature article.
6. Active Ankle T2
Performance Hinge design
Built-in EVA Padding
Allows For Complete Range Of Motion
Bilateral Hinge
A Bit Bulky
The Active Ankle T2 provides a quick fitting single strap design that is augmented with a performance hinge system. This provides an almost unlimited range of movement while providing the rigidity that you need to support an injury. The T2 has built-in EVA padding which contours to the ankle to provide a very comfortable fit. The lightweight design makes this strap ideal for use with most shoe types.
Read moreThe Active Ankle T2’s anatomical bilateral hinge does a great job of minimizing the effects of strains and sprains, as it allows for a complete range of motion while still delivering maximum support. This is an ideal support if you are a player of sports like basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and softball.
The Futuro brand of ankle supports is a favorite among athletes. Find out why with our Futuro Ankle Brace Review 2019 feature article, which compares their 4 top sellers with the best of the competition.
7. Shock Doctor 851
Low Profile
Odor Elimination Technology
Performance Level 3 Protection
Multi-directional Strap
Seams Not Reinforced
The Shock Doctor 851 is very solid ankle support that features a unique silicone gripper pattern on the sole to deliver better gripping ability than any of the other options. This brace combines velcro strapping with a lace-up system. The strap wrapping system is adjustable, allowing you to control the level of compression applied to the area. It features an anatomical footbed with an open heel design.
Read moreThe Shock Doctor 851 provides you with the rigidity and stability you need without having to tape the ankle. The pre-curved tongue and ergonomic design ensure a very comfortable fit. Low profile lacing loops help you to get the brace on and off more quickly. This ASO ankle brace is made for people with moderate to a severe ankle injury.
8. McDavid 195
Single Layer Polyester Fabric
Compression Comfort Top Strap
Breathable Tongue
Padded Lining
A Little Bulky
The 195 is made out of just one layer of polyester, adjusting completely to the shape of your feet while giving you stability and support. Because of that material choice, the brace is very lightweight and breathable, and it almost feels non-existent.
Read moreThe top strap is comfy and compressive and gives you a massive amount of support which you can adjust to your liking whenever you want. The tongue of this brace has a design that makes it very breathable, so no worries about smelling bad when you take it off. Bacteria and fungus also won't be able to grow, so you'll be safe from infections as well. The brace adjusts easily without the need to undo the laces. The lining is padded and the closures are reinforced, bringing the comfort level of this brace to the max.
9. SS SLEEVE STARS
Compression Support
Extra Compression Strap
Soft Inner Lining
One Size Fits All
Strong Petroleum Smell
This ankle brace was specially designed to speed healing along and to help fight the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It compresses the injury site and promotes blood flow to the area that brings a lot of nutrients and oxygen where it's meant to be.
Read moreThere's an extra compression strap that gives this brace extra adjustability and support. This strap both prevents injuries and promotes the healing of injuries that already exist, making it a very versatile tool. This ASO ankle brace is ideal for walking, running, going to the gym, or just doing anything you do normally during the day.
10. Cramer T1 Active Ankle
Very Supportive
U-shape Design
Neoprene Padding
Great For Volleyball
True To Size
Can Be Too Rigid
Sharp Edges
The Cramer T1 is a super versatile tool fitting on both of your ankles in the same way. Remember that you get only one brace per order, so if you need two, order it twice! The only difference in the fit is where the strap goes, just change the direction of the strap and the support will change too.
Read moreThis ASO brace also has some extra padding acting as support and a cushion at the same time. This padding makes wearing these braces with shoes comfortable, although some people report that the edges are still too sharp. This ASO ankle support is one of the best volleyball braces you can find, so expect it to last throughout a lot of matches and outings to the gym. These braces are not compatible with work shoes however since it's rigid and it can't bend that much. You might also want to avoid wearing the ASO ankle brace when you run since it will restrict the motions you need when you go running!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
If you ever suffered from an ankle injury that was a bit more serious than a mild ankle sprain, then you're probably familiar with ankle braces. Ankle braces support your joints, the muscles surrounding them and every inch of tissues between them. This, in turn, prevents injuries and helps them heal faster. Braces are great both for the purpose of healing an injury and for helping sports performance, you just need to make sure that you got the right model for your needs.
Ankle braces became popular around the 1990s. The reason why is simple - their design was brilliant, and they were much more convenient than the kinesiology tapes available then. Today, there are a lot of different ankle brace that can be worn to enhance the performance of volleyball, running, basketball, and everything else in between, while other styles help your injuries heal faster, just like we mentioned earlier. Although the ASO ankle support won't make an injury less severe, if it occurs, it will make the possibility of an injury even occurring minuscule. If you already have an injury, wear the ASO ankle brace to help it heal faster and better.
The ankle is constructed out of the joint, the bones around it, the muscles that support the motions, and the tissues between them, like the tendons and ligaments, and they all make walking and running or walking one smooth and effortless motion. All of this is then connected to your knees and hips, and they all work together in unison and you do not even get to think about what happens when you just move your leg. The ankle brace is there to help this machine work even smoother. When an ankle sprain occurs though, it can happen two ways - by twisting your foot inward or outward. Most ankle injuries happen because of inversions, and these injuries damage your tendons and ligaments, and sometimes even the bones. Eversions, on the other hand, hurt your muscles more. This is the reason why you need a different model of the ankle brace to promote healing. Just slap the ASO brace around your ankle, put your shoes on, and go about your day like nothing even happened! Just make sure to rest if your physician advised you to do so!
Effectiveness
If you were ever blessed with an ankle injury, or just needed to wear the brace for sports, then you already know just how effective an ankle brace truly is. Depending on what you will use the brace for, it will give you different benefits and results. If you need one because you need help healing, be prepared to keep using the brace for around six weeks or so, because that is the recommended time frame you should be wearing it for to experience the most benefits. The brace must be worn until every sign of the injury has disappeared so until the swelling, pain, and aching has gone. This is because the ASO brace actually helps keep the swelling and pain at bay, working just like compression socks do. They boost the circulation, and thus promote more blood flow to the area, helping speed healing up. This ankle brace support doesn't need to be everywhere all at once - depending on how you hurt your leg, the brace will need to support one side, two sides, or it will even need to have a frame to help immobilize your foot. The frame does the job your tendons and ligaments normally do, letting them take a break and heal on their own.
But just how effective is the ASO ankle support at keeping injuries at bay? It is surprisingly effective, but only if you wear the right model. It will make the risk of injury significantly lower, and that makes it ideal for people who are just a little bit too much flexible, or prone to ankle rolling. If you wear the wrong model though, it will affect your performance badly, and it might even hurt you, so make sure you got the right kind for your needs.
Materials
What your ankle brace is made out of says a lot about it. The breathability is the very first thing that will be affected, and you don't really like low breathability when you're working out and sweating. The ASO ankle brace that has low air permeability will let bacteria, fungus, and bad odors thrive, which is really on nobody's wish list. The fit and support also suffer if the material choice is subpar. And lastly, a poorly constructed brace will not last long, so consider what the brace is made out of before you decide to buy it.
Ankle braces are made out of neoprene, nylon, and spandex, most of the times, and they are usually all blended together to create the best possible mix of materials. Nylon and neoprene have the same place of origin, and they both were created by accident, by the very same people. Nylon was the first one to see the light of day, and it was widely used in WWII. Once the war was over, people recognized nylon as a prime contender for hosiery, and neoprene was recognized as a super-material with many different uses. Both nylon and neoprene are quite durable and flexible, although nylon is more breathable than neoprene. All of these materials are great, but they do not stretch enough to accommodate our feet, nor the swelling that an injury can cause. This is why they need the help of elastane. Elastane can stretch as much as 500% of its original length, more than what you need for your injured ankle. Spandex is also quite supportive, which is just what you need. But if the support these materials is not enough, you might need to find a brace that has a plastic or metal frame. They will be heavier, of course, but you won't really need to use your foot in the first place if you're looking for braces such as these.
Support
The amount of support an ASO brace has is definitely one of the most important criteria to consider. The support determines how fast your injury will heal, and how safe you are from them in the first place. Your ankle brace can either stop you from moving altogether, or it can allow you to move just enough to play sports or walk normally. The support you need will be determined by what you need the brace for, how bad your injury is if you have one, and what sport you are into.
The support that comes from your ASO ankle support is determined by what your brace is made out of, in the first place. If all you need is a little bit of extra help when you play basketball or run, as an example, choose a brace made out of neoprene and a little bit of nylon, or a 100% spandex one, and you will get just what you crave. This support can then be increased by the addition of special closure systems, or with frames. A brace can either look like a compression sock, a shoe, or it can have many velcro strips that tighten around your ankles and feet. The corset types and the ones with frames support your feet the most, while compressive braces just help you do better when you exercise. The support coming from them and wrap-around braces can be adjusted though, so you won't need to feel the full force of their hug all the time. Hinged braces are where it's at since they give you just the right amount of support and mobility to play sports as you would without an ASO ankle tool there in the first place!
Model
Ankle braces come in various styles meant for a specific purpose only they can fulfill. Each and every one of these brace models has its own level of comfort, effectiveness, breathability, support, and everything else in between. Since you are here, you are most probably looking for an ASO ankle brace that is made for sports. Most ankle braces like these were made for running. Running tends to make both your knees and ankles hurt, so a brace is a welcome aid. Your ankles do a big job of pushing you, and that overwhelming job can cause a lot of ailments, like shin splints and ligament tears. Runners have a lot of ways to keep injuries such as those at bay, like running on a soft surface, choosing the right kind of shoes, replacing those shoes when the time comes, and of course, warming up before actually running. Yet, wearing a brace takes the cake. The best ankle braces for running tend to be the sock-like braces or hinged braces that do not immobilize your joints. Volleyball and basketball both put a lot of stress on your joints, so you will need the very same ASO ankle brace here as well.
Injured ankles require different brace models. In this case, you need wrap-around braces, lace-up braces or the ones with a frame that completely prevent you from moving your joints. These braces are not good for working out, so avoid them if you only need the safety net braces to provide. But these ASO ankle brace models help your tissues and bones heal up fast and good, as they offer maximum amounts of support, almost acting like a second ankle.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Putting on the brace is simple enough. Just slide it over your ankle and that's it! But there's the chance that you did this the wrong way, and if you want to avoid putting your braces on awkwardly, producers usually include a guide, and some general guidelines exist that tell you how to do it the right way. You must remember to always wear a sock underneath the brace. The sock protects your skin from the brace material, keeping it safe from redness and irritation. This will also make the brace much comfier. The brace should hug your feet tightly, but not so much that it cuts off your circulation. You can check if it fits well by squeezing your toenails, and if the color returns fast it's good to go. A loose brace will move around too much, and there's no way you won't notice that one!
The material the brace is made out of will determine its breathability, along with the construction. Nylon and spandex are quite breathable, but neoprene is not, since it essentially acts like rubber. A brace that is not breathable does not let cooling air slide in to lower the temps and keep sweating at bay. If you sweat too much, bacteria and fungus will grow, causing bad odors and infections! And you will wear the brace almost all the time if you're injured, so it's absolutely vital that at least some degree of air circulation is possible!
Other Factors to Consider
Weight
The weight of your ASO ankle brace isn't all that important if you're wearing it to heal since you won't exactly use that foot for the weight to bother you. But if you use the brace as support when you exercise, the weight does play an important role. A brace that is too heavy can negatively affect your exercise, and your performance and progress can be hindered. The total weight of your brace is determined by what it's made out of. Neoprene, spandex, polyester, and nylon are all pretty lightweight, and they cannot add to the total weight by themselves. Laces, wraps, and velcro are all also quite lightweight, but plastic and metal frames, including the hinges, are what make a brace heavy. You won't use braces with frames for working out, but you might use hinged braces. Make sure to buy lighter hinged braces, because even an extra 10 oz can significantly slow you down!
Flexibility
Ankle braces have a whole range of flexibility, also because of what they are going to be used for. Braces used for recovery will be super stiff because they need to immobilize your foot and joints. On the other hand, braces that are used for exercising will be much more bendy and stretchy. Some hinged braces tend to be a bit too rigid, but that is all fixed thanks to the hinges. The flexibility of your brace is determined by its construction, namely how it was made and out of which material. Neoprene, polyester, nylon, and spandex are all quite flexible, although spandex is definitely king here. If you have braces made out of just these materials and nothing else, you will end up with a pretty flexible piece. If, however, you buy an ASO ankle brace that has metal or plastic pieces, do not expect it to give in at all!
Durability
You will use your ASO ankle brace almost all the time, for six weeks or so, if you are injured, or you will use it a few times a week if you exercise with them. This is why your ASO ankle brace needs to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear damage. Your feet are used every day, almost all day long, so if you have a brace it will be used often as well. When you jump, run, and walk, the brace will absorb some of that shock while giving its best to resist the pull of your feet, and the pressure from the shoes that keep them locked in. Some braces are very good at doing this, while others fall apart as soon as things get complicated. Braces made out of premium material blends can last a long time, and so can braces that have reinforced stitching and perforation where your foot bends. Braces that have frames last a much longer time, simply because you won't actually use the foot being held down by them. The shape of your feet and your size and shape will also affect the durability of the ASO ankle brace. And lastly, the closure system needs to be good, because if it fails to work then the whole ASO ankle brace loses its purpose!
Bottom Line
Ankle braces are often a source of controversy in the fitness community. Many people believe that they hinder performance and that they make the joints weaker by replacing their role. Some people think that ankle braces hurt your knees! These claims are valid, but only if you wear the wrong brace style for your needs. We broke down just what kind of brace you need for what purpose, and if you follow that along closely you will have zero problems with them. We hope you understand braces better now, and that you managed to find just what you were looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Do I need to wash my ankle braces?
We know that washing clothes can be boing, especially if you do it by hand, but washing ASO brace is an absolute must. Feet are really sweaty, and your socks and the brace will soak up most of it up. This sweat then helps bacteria and fungus grow nicely, promoting pungent smells and risks for infections. Ankle braces are usually moisture wicking, but you have to help them by keeping them clean. You can either wash the ASO ankle brace in a washing machine or by washing them with your hands. Read the manual you received carefully and it should tell you how to clean your braces. You should usually use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a little bit of patience. Once you've thoroughly washed the ASO ankle support, air dry them and that's it!
q: Will an ankle support affect my performance?
This is a common opinion shared by many fitness lovers. An ankle brace can affect your performance, but that only happens if you have the wrong ankle brace style. Lace-up braces are great for promoting healing, but they fail at supporting you through your sporty endeavors. Simple, compressive braces do a good job there, but they will not immobilize your foot, which is what you need when you're injured. Make sure you got the right ASO brace, and your performance will not suffer.
q: Why does it hurt to wear ankle braces?
Wearing ankle braces should never hurt. This means that you're doing something wrong! You could be wearing the wrong side of the ASO ankle brace. Some braces are universal, but most of them vary in size. Get an ASO ankle support brace that is the same length and width as your shoes are, and it will not hurt. You could also be wearing the wrong ankle brace style. Wrap-up braces can hurt you if you play basketball in them, as an example. And lastly, remember to wear a sock underneath your ASO ankle brace to avoid having it cut into your skin and squeeze you too much.
q: Do I need ankle braces on both of my ankles?
There's no need to wear braces on both of your feet unless you want to. This is especially true if you hurt yourself and are only using the braces to help you heal faster. Your healthy ankle has no need for an ankle brace, and thus there's no need to wear one there. If you're wearing them to better your performance, it's better to wear them on both of your feet to achieve balance and the same level of support throughout.
q: Do I need an ankle brace if I have no injuries or joint issues?
Well, no, not really. But you won't be hurt if you decide to get some even if you're completely healthy! They will help by making you do better when you work out, especially if you run or do anything where you have to jump. All you have to do is find the right ASO ankle brace for your needs, and you won't ever look back!