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Best Ankle Braces for After Sprain Injury – 2024 Edition

last updated: Dec 23, 2020

The ankle braces market is wide and varied. Within that range are some very good products that provide relief for sprains and injury, some that help you be better at sports, and others that are less than ideal. Sorting the good from the bad is vital if you’re going to get the protection your ankles deserve, and if you wish to help them heal as soon as possible. In this article, we zoom in on the best ankle braces for sprains and injuries on the 2021 market.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 10 hours of research:

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Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel
98/100 our score
Use
99
Effectiveness
97
Materials
98
Support
97
Model
99
Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel
Why is it better?

Gel cushioning

Nonslip silicone footbed

Easy pull-on finger tabs

Pre-curved tongue

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Researched Sources
15
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
13k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
40
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
12
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Use Effectiveness Materials Support Model By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98
Use
99 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Materials
98 %
Support
97 %
Model
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$29.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Use
96 %
Effectiveness
96 %
Materials
95 %
Support
95 %
Model
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$48.31
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.4
Use
92 %
Effectiveness
92 %
Materials
90 %
Support
91 %
Model
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$44.99
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.2
Use
89 %
Effectiveness
89 %
Materials
88 %
Support
88 %
Model
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$69.95
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
Use
87 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Materials
87 %
Support
87 %
Model
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$31.88
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Use
85 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Materials
86 %
Support
85 %
Model
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$29.97
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.2
Use
83 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Materials
85 %
Support
85 %
Model
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81
Use
80 %
Effectiveness
81 %
Materials
82 %
Support
81 %
Model
81 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$40.50
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80
Use
80 %
Effectiveness
81 %
Materials
80 %
Support
80 %
Model
79 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$46.99
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79
Use
79 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Materials
79 %
Support
79 %
Model
78 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (06.10.24)
Amazon Link
$39.99

Best 10 Ankle Braces for Sprain or Injury

1. Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98
Compression Ankle Brace - Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel Lace Up Ankle Support
Compression Ankle Brace - Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel Lace Up Ankle Support
Amazon Link
Use
99
Effectiveness
97
Materials
98
Support
97
Model
99
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.99
Pros:

Gel cushioning

Nonslip silicone footbed

Easy pull-on finger tabs

Pre-curved tongue

Cons:

Laces lose tension

The Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel provides an extremely secure footing base by way of a nonslip silicone sole. This gives you the confidence to move on the sports field without impedance.

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You get Maximum Level 3 stability with this brace for sprained ankle so that it is ideal for ligament sprains and joint instability.

This is a lace-up brace which provides a high level of compression to allow for faster nutrient and oxygen supply to the affected area.

It also features gel packs which have been strategically located around the brace to deliver unprecedented protection for your injured area. You are in control of the tension and compression by way of a compression wrap looping system.

2. Active Ankles T2

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Active Ankles T2
Amazon Link
Use
96
Effectiveness
96
Materials
95
Support
95
Model
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$48.31
Pros:

Performance hinge design

Built-in EVA padding

Complete range of motion

Quick-fit

Cons:

Chunky

The Active Ankles T2 features EVA padding which provides a very comfortable fit. The lightweight, durable material has anti-moisture properties, as well as the ability to alleviate odor and sweat build-up problems. It will not slip down or bunch up during exercise.

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The Active Ankles T2 brace has a single strap system that provides a high level of tension and support while also giving you the freedom of movement through the heel and ankle.

The bi-lateral hinge design of this brace for sprained ankle provides for medial/lateral motion so you can continue to play sport without impairment.

At the same time, it provides rigid, secure protection and support. The single strap design allows for fast on and off application.

3. Shock Doctor 851

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.4
hock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
hock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
Amazon Link
Use
92
Effectiveness
92
Materials
90
Support
91
Model
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$44.99
Pros:

Low profile

Odor eliminating

Level 3 protection

Multi-directional straps

Cons:

Poorly done seams

The 851, one more gem from Shock Doctor, is a super sturdy brace that has a unique silicone pattern that acts as a grippy surface that keeps the brace where it's meant to be, no bunching up!

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This ankle support for sprain has a great combination of both a lace-up system and velcro straps, for extra ways to support your ankle.

The wrap-up straps are adjustable, so you can change the level of compression you get from them any time you wish. There are an anatomical footbed present and an open heel as well, giving your feet all the comfort in the world, and the breathability that keeps sweat and bacteria at bay.

The tongue is pre-curved and the design is ergonomic, so don't worry about feeling discomfort when wearing these braces. The brace is very easy to put on and off, thanks to the low profile lacing loops. This brace is ideal for you if you've got a moderate to severe injury, as it will promote healing like a champ!

4. Bioskin Trilok

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.2
Bioskin Trilok
Bioskin Trilok
Amazon Link
Use
89
Effectiveness
89
Materials
88
Support
88
Model
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$69.95
Pros:

Ultima 2 fabric

Strong velcro

Double strapping

Breathable and thin

Cons:

A little bulky

The Bioskin Trilok brace is made from high grade patented Ultima 2 fabric. This is a lace-free brace, meaning that you are able to get it on and off far more quickly.

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The velcro strapping system is high quality, giving you confidence that it will not lose its grip after a few months. The Bioksin Trilok Ankle brace for sprain provides superior support for people who have injured the plantar fascia.

A patented Footlok strap design provides a maximum level of protection and support without restricting natural motion. A pair of straps enhance stability around the mid and rearfoot.

The combination of the foot locking mechanism and stability straps prevents foot inversion and eversion issues when walking or running.

5. ASO Stabilizer

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
ASO Stabilizer brace
ASO Stabilizer brace
Amazon Link
Use
87
Effectiveness
86
Materials
87
Support
87
Model
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$31.88
Pros:

Figure 8 design

Lightweight

Elastic cuff closure

Ballistic nylon

Cons:

No warranty

The ASO Ankle Stabilizer has a low profile design and is lightweight and breathable. It is a bilateral brace, so you can wear it on the right or left foot. This support has anti-moisture and anti-odor properties. The ballistic nylon construction is both durable and strong.

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This ASO ankle brace is a Figure 8 strap based brace that gives you a high level of tension and compression.

This provides you with enhanced blood flow to the area for faster nutrient and oxygen supply to the injured area of the ankle.

The brace features an elastic cuff closure that boosts the support it provides. A lacing system adds a very secure closure that allows you to control the tension level provided.

6. Zenith

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Zenith Ankle Brace
Amazon Link
Use
85
Effectiveness
85
Materials
86
Support
85
Model
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.97
Pros:

Affordable

Easy to adjust

Slim design

Cons:

Uncomfortable elastic base

Runs large

What we like most about this design from Zenith is that it is incredibly supportive and comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank. It is incredibly easy to adjust to find the perfect fit that supports your joints without squeezing the life out of your foot. Users love that this design is lightweight, supportive, and incredibly comfortable.

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The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is super simple to adjust. It uses a series of velcro straps to fit your foot perfectly. It also has a central lace-up interior frame that provides a good deal of support from your arches to the top of your ankle.

The best part of this design is that it has a slimmer profile than some of the other bulky braces out there on the market. Users found that this design is slim enough that you can still wear it with your sneakers, but you won’t be able to lace up your shoes with this design.

If you are in the market for something that is slim and effective, this design from Zenith is a great choice. It boasts dual layers that hold your ankle firmly in place without cutting off the circulation to your toes, and it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.

7. Mueller HG80 Rigid

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.2
Mueller HG80 Rigid
Mueller Hg80 Rigid Ankle Brace Left
Amazon Link
Use
83
Effectiveness
84
Materials
85
Support
85
Model
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

HydraCinn high-performance

Anti-microbial barrier

Interior cushioning aircast air cells

Figure 8 strapping design

Cons:

Tricky lace-up

The Mueller HG80 features unique interior cushioning aircast cells that provide your injured ankle with superior protection and comfort.

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This is coupled with the moisture-wicking comfort of the fabric, which ensures that the area doesn’t overheat and become sweat-soaked. You also get a convenient carry bag when you buy this product.

The Mueller HG80 ankle brace makes use of a dynamic criss-cross figure 8 strapping system to provide the highest level of compression and support to protect and stabilize the heel and ankle. This gives you the same level of tension that you get from applying wrapping tape.

This product is made from a unique material known as HydraCinn high-performance fabric. It's an extremely flexible yet durable material that is also very comfortable.

8. Aircast A60

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81
Aircast A60 Ankle Support Brace
Aircast A60 Ankle Support Brace
Amazon Link
Use
80
Effectiveness
81
Materials
82
Support
81
Model
81
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$40.50
Pros:

One strap closure system

60-degree side stabilizers

Low profile

Lightweight and breathable

Cons:

Tight

The Aircast A60 brace has a low profile and is lightweight and breathable. It has an easy feel and allows for air circulation to prevent over-heating and moisture build-up. The Aircast A60 ankle brace features a single strap bracing system.

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This gives you an easy on/off system that provides you with a very secure level of protection. Side stabilizers have been placed at 60-degree angles to provide the best side support to ensure lateral/medial security.

This brace provides Level 2 ankle protection, making it ideal for people with mild to medium ankle injury or those who are chronic over or under pronators.

9. DonJoy Performance POD

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80
DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace
DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace
Amazon Link
Use
80
Effectiveness
81
Materials
80
Support
80
Model
79
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$46.99
Pros:

Slim frame

Hard TPU shell

EVA foam lining

Cons:

Expensive

Runs small

This design from DonJoy is slightly different from many of the lace-up options that we have seen out there on the market. It is composed of a strong and sturdy plastic frame that firmly holds the ankle in place and also prevents it from rolling while in use. It may cost a bit more than some of the others, but we feel that it's worth every penny!

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What makes this design unique is that it has a slim frame that easily slips inside of your sneakers. It has a Molded TPU shell that contours to the shape of your foot and will not bend like many of the stretchy designs that we have seen so far.

The interior shell is made from super soft EVA foam that contours to the shape of your foot while also providing slight compression to help with circulation and pain. It comes in a wide variety of sizing options to ensure that you get the right fit for your frame.

If you are in the market for something that boasts a stiff brace that holds your ankle firmly in place without the need for high compression, this is a great option from DonJoy. It may cost a little bit more than some of the other designs, but the quality of materials used as well as the slime frame makes it an excellent value.

10. McDavid

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79
McDavid 195R-BK-M Ankle Brace Support/w Stabilizer Straps
McDavid 195R-BK-M Ankle Brace Support/w Stabilizer Straps
Amazon Link
Use
79
Effectiveness
80
Materials
79
Support
79
Model
78
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$39.99
Pros:

Trusted brand

Affordable

Many sizing options

Cons:

Not for high arches

This design from Mcdavid is a great choice for athletes that want something that is slim yet super supportive. It is composed of quality materials that provide a good deal of compression that helps circulation, yet also circulate air which keeps your foot dry and comfortable.

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What users love most about this design is that it boasts a lace-up base layer and stimulates your muscles and joints much like athletic tape. It provides a good deal of compression which aids in pain management and is slim enough to slip inside of your shoe.

We also like that this design is super easy to adjust so you can find the perfect fit that is helpful, but not too tight. It comes in three different sizing options that include small medium and large which makes it a perfect fit for men and women of all sizes.

If you are in the market for something that hails from a trusted brand that is made from quality materials that are flexible and breathable. It uses a figure 6 strapping system that contours to the shape of your foot for an incredibly comfortable fit.

This design from Mcdavid is a great choice if you want something that comes from a trusted brand and clocks in at a price point that won’t break the bank. Users love that it has a slim frame and comes in a wide variety of sizes so you can ensure that you get a fit that is perfect for your frame.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Use

You're looking for braces for sprain that can help you with sprains and injuries, and you will definitely find what you're looking for because most braces out there were made to help with sprains and injuries.

Ankle braces have been around since the 1990s, and this is when they started to gain popularity, thanks to the improved design and budget-friendliness, at least when compared with kinesiology tapes.

These days you can find all sorts of ankle braces, even brands that make sport-specific braces. No matter what they look like and who made them, the main purpose of braces is to prevent injuries and help them heal faster.

More and more people are starting to use braces for sprained ankle to heal injuries, and specialists have started recommending them as well, so you can't go wrong in using braces to help you heal. If you're in high school or still have developing bones and tissues, an ankle brace can act as support to those stretchy structures and keep your ankles in check.

Your ankles are made out of ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles, which all work together to keep you moving. These structures then synchronize with your knees and hips and every piece of tissue that surrounds them, which is why a sprained ankle can sometimes cause your whole leg to hurt, and why it's important to take good care of them.

Ankle braces limit the movement of your ankles, more or less, and keep them safe from inversion and eversions, while providing you with spatial awareness. If you want maximum performance out of them, wear them inside shoes while you go about your day to stay safe all day long. If you still feel pain after wearing a brace to heal, it's likely that you didn't use it long enough or that you might need rehab.

Your ankles won't be the same after an injury, and you will need to help them feel better with therapeutical exercises and rest, so make sure you follow through and you won't have any issues with your ankles after that!

Effectiveness

Ankle braces are very popular and recommended by physicians for a reason.

If you ever had to wear a brace before, you probably already know just how good they are, but if you never saw them before, you might wonder just how a brace can fix your injury. Different brace styles give different results, and you will first need to select the right model, but more on that later.

You will need to wear the brace for six weeks, more or less, in order to let your ankle heal up completely. This is a very important step, and if you fail to do this you might think that braces are not effective, which is not the reality. You have to have the brace on as long as there are symptoms of an injury present, so if you see swelling, pain, or redness, you will still have to wear the brace.

Braces work like compression socks do, with some added benefits of the extra support. Braces will promote more healing to your ankles, thus giving your injuries more fresh blood to draw oxygen and other nutrients from, which in turn speed up recovery. If you have a minor injury, you won't need to wear extra supportive braces.

Depending on how you hurt your ankle, the brace will need to support your whole ankle or just one side at a time, or you might need braces that have rigid frames that do the job injured ligaments and tendons cannot, helping them heal faster.

Materials

What ankle braces are made out of says a lot about them.

The material choice affects breathability, fit, support, durability, compression, and many more factors that all play a role in your healing process. Ankle braces that have low to almost no air permeability will not be helpful, because they will promote sweating and bad odors, and you might want to stop wearing them which is a bad idea if you're injured. The brace will not fit you well, nor will it compress your injury at all. And lastly, the brace won't be able to withstand constant wear and tear damage and it might fail you before you're healthy, and that is the last thing you need!

Most of the time, ankle braces are made out of nylon, spandex, polyester or neoprene, although more material choices can be seen. These materials are usually mixed together in ways unique to every brand, and they all claim that their blend is the best. We can't certainly know which one truly is the best, but we can tell you what you need to look out for.

First, remember that every material we mentioned here is synthetic, or man-made, and they are all derived from plastic, in one way or another. This does not make them inherently bad, and do not be afraid to wear it around your ankles!

Plastic can be manipulated in many ways, and you can see that by noticing how different these materials act even though their source is the same. Nylon is light and stretchy, but not so durable, which is why it needs the help of polyester or spandex. Spandex is extremely stretchy and compressive, and it's the one that provides you with lightweight support. Neoprene is firm and supportive, and very durable, but it does not breathe all that well, so it can't work great alone. This is why you must always look for a good material blend.

Some braces have plastic or even metal elements. These hardcore braces are made to help you with moderate and severe injuries. These materials will make the braces heavier, but you won't exactly need to jump and run while having them on so don't worry about that!

Support

One important thing that all braces share is the support they provide you with when you are injured.

The level of support can vary, but you won't find an ankle brace out there that is not supportive in any way. You must remember to make the right brace choice when it comes to the support you may eventually need. Braces can allow you to move just as well as when you don't have them o, or they can completely stop your ankles from moving, which is exactly what you need when you're injured in order to let your ankles heal up nicely.

The material choice determines how supportive the brace is, before everything else. Spandex braces, the ones that look like compressive socks, are made for sports and are just what you need if you crave that little bit of extra support and love that keeps you safe from hurt.

Hinged braces are also great for sports, but they do give you more support than ankle sleeves. If the brace for sprained ankle has any extra closure systems, like lace-up braces, figure 8 wraps or frames, expect to feel moderate to extreme levels of support, nearing immobilization. These braces are just what you need to help your injured ankles heal faster and better.

You can change the level of support and compression these braces provide you with because the laces and wraps can be easily adjusted to your liking. So the better your ankles feel, the less support you will need, and you will simply readjust the closure system to change it, no need to buy all new braces!

Model

Ankle braces do come in a big variety of styles, although it may not seem that way.

This is necessary because one brace style cannot give the same benefits to injured people and people looking for ways to prevent injuries. Every brace model has its own set of pros and cons, like the amount of support they can provide you with, the fit, the size, and much more. You will need braces made for injuries, and luckily the market is filled with braces made to speed healing up.

These braces either have wrap-up straps, following the shape of the number 8, or they have laces and various cushions that keep your foot secure and in place. You won't help your ankles heal with braces that have no means of supporting you, so look for models that immobilize the ankles to some degree.

Braces that have plastic and metal frames are the best for serious injuries. The frame will replace your tendons and ligaments, allowing them to take a break. you will not need these braces if you're not really hurt though because these elements can dig into the hurt tissue and cause more pain than not.

If you're hurt but want to play sports, go for hinged braces, after your ankle is healed up of course. Hinged braces keep the stretched out tissues in place while giving you all the freedom of movement you may need when playing sports. Your recovery will depend on the brace model, so make sure you've chosen the right one for your needs!

Expert Interviews & Opinions

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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expert tips icon
Weight

If you're wearing the braces to promote healing, this isn't something you should worry about since you won't walk around that much. Their weight does matter though if you want to exercise while wearing them, or if you're in the final stages of recovery and can handle walking. A heavy brace can negatively affect your performance and healing process!

The weight of the brace is determined by its construction. If the brace is simple and has no extra elements, do not worry about it being too heavy. If it has a metal or plastic frame, or any element that is not made out of lightweight materials like nylon or polyester, expect to feel its weight!

Durability

You will need to wear your brace every minute of the day for six weeks or so, so it's imperative that they can withstand that. The brace must be able to survive a lot of abuse, especially when you adjust the laces and wraps. If they give in you lose the precious support, and the brace is rendered useless.

The brace will absorb all the impact when you walk while trying to resist the tightness of your footwear at the same time. If the brace was poorly constructed, it will give in and you will have nothing to help you heal. Make sure to find braces made out of great material blends and reinforced stitches, and you won't be left without help!

Other Factors to Consider

Bottom Line

The top-performing ankle brace for sprained ankles is the Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel, delivering superior protection with its unique gel cushioning system and nonslip silicone footbed.

Our favorite brace for a high ankle sprain is the Active Ankles A2, featuring a patented high-performance hinge design for maximum mobility and stability. The best compression sleeve is the Shock Doctor 851.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: How do I care for my ankle braces for sprained ankle?

a:

Remember to air them out as often as you can, most preferably every time you're done using them. This prevents smell and sweat build-up, and keeps you fresh and smelling good for a longer time. Do not forget to wash either!

If you can't wash them yourself due to injuries, find someone to help you because it's very important that they remain clean. You either wash them by hand or in a machine, depending on what the manufacturer stated, Air dry them after you're done with washing them, and never leave them out in the sun or in the dryer!

q: Can I exercise while wearing these braces?

a:

Well, that all depends on the model. Some braces were made for exercising, some were made for helping injuries heal faster, while others are a combination of both. If you've got the right model on, you can probably work out while wearing them without any issues.

Hinged braces and sleeves are ideal for exercising, while lace-up and wrap-around laces are better for healing. Just remember to wear the right type and you won't have any issues!

q: Should wearing an ankle support for sprain hurt?

a:

Ankle braces should never cause additional pain! The only pain you should be feeling is the one caused by your injury, but that pain should be lessened as well. The most common culprit is the wrong size.

Make sure you've found the right size for you and you shouldn't feel any pain or numbness. Remember to wear socks underneath the braces as well, because they could be digging into your pain and causing more trouble than help!

q: Shoul I wear braces on both of my feet?

a:

There really is no need to do this if only one of your ankles has an injury. If you somehow hurt both of your feet, then go ahead!

Or if you wanted to exercise while wearing braces, you will have more benefits while wearing braces on both of your feet. Remember that the braces made for injuries are almost never sold in pairs, so you will need to buy two if you want two of them!

q: Can I wear a brace if I have no injuries?

a:

Sure, there are a lot of braces out there made for preventing injuries and improving performance, so there's no reason why you shouldn't wear them if you're perfectly healthy. Make sure that you have the right model for your needs and reap all the benefits braces can provide you with!