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Rehband Knee Sleeves Review 2024

last updated: Jan 07, 2021

For athletes engaged in active sports both inside a home gym or outside, there might come a time when you need reliable support and protection for a knee.

This can be in a preventative form to prevent injury, or give support and assist recovery for an existing knee issue. there are many options for knee sleeves, some offer extensive support while others offer varying levels of support depending on what is needed.

From the wrap-around bandage-style sleeves right up to the top market full-on support sleeves, we have looked at all options available.

We have carried out in-depth comparative research to find a good wide choice of knee sleeves so that there is a choice for everyone.

In a Hurry? The top winner after 14 hours of research:

icon
COPPER HEAL Knee Compression Sleeve
96/100 our score
Application
97
Adjustability
96
Durability
96
Effectiveness
96
Flexibility
95
COPPER HEAL Knee Compression Sleeve
Why is it better?

Very effective

Good support

Easy to use

Quality materials

Reduce swelling

Promote circulation

Aid injury recovery

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Researched Sources
30
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
8k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
14
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
10
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Application Adjustability Durability Effectiveness Flexibility Ease of Use 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.
96
Application
97 %
Adjustability
96 %
Durability
96 %
Effectiveness
96 %
Flexibility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$10.98
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.4
Application
96 %
Adjustability
96 %
Durability
95 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Flexibility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$39.95
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Application
91 %
Adjustability
92 %
Durability
90 %
Effectiveness
91 %
Flexibility
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.4
Application
89 %
Adjustability
88 %
Durability
89 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Flexibility
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Application
87 %
Adjustability
88 %
Durability
88 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Flexibility
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Application
84 %
Adjustability
85 %
Durability
86 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Flexibility
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$50.00
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.6
Application
84 %
Adjustability
83 %
Ease of Use
83 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Durability
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$18.49
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82
Application
83 %
Adjustability
82 %
Ease of Use
82 %
Effectiveness
82 %
Durability
81 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$17.21
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.2
Application
80 %
Adjustability
81 %
Ease of Use
81 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Durability
79 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$49.98
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
77
Application
78 %
Adjustability
78 %
Ease of Use
77 %
Effectiveness
76 %
Durability
76 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$14.75

Best 10 Knee Sleeves

1. COPPER HEAL Knee Compression Sleeve

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
COPPER HEAL Knee Compression Sleeve
Amazon Link
Application
97
Adjustability
96
Durability
96
Effectiveness
96
Flexibility
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$10.98
Pros:

Very effective

Good support

Easy to use

Quality materials

Reduce swelling

Promote circulation

Aid injury recovery

Cons:

Pricey for some

If you are looking for dependable high results this is the way to go, you get 88% dependable and supportive copper-nylon blended with 12% stretchy supportive spandex. This is the right approach to bringing down painful swelling for knee joints, a knee sleeve which will give stability for hard-working muscles, reduce swelling and give you comfort during exercise.
Even after multiple washes, this will continue to kill off bacteria so the knee support will remain free of odor due to its ability to fight-off odor-causing bacteria.

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With this for support, healing and protective support or in place while being active, whatever sport, blood circulation is stimulated while feeding hungry muscles.

Add to this that these knee-sleeves do promote recovery.

When we exercise, our actions are repetitive, this can result in joint stress and injuries, and these even work for tendonitis, carpal tunnel, strained muscles, and painful arthritis.

There is no need to just accept the pain when it can be alleviated and recovery can be promoted, these knee-sleeves are tried and tested by athletes with knee joint afflictions.

2. ProFitness Knee Sleeve

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.4
ProFitness Knee Sleeve
Amazon Link
Application
96
Adjustability
96
Durability
95
Effectiveness
95
Flexibility
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$39.95
Pros:

Impressive support

Injury prevention

Injury recovery

quality materials

Promotes circulation

Graduated compression

Great for weightlifters

Cons:

Little pricey

The ProFitness Sleeve is good for powerlifters and squats for those who need compressive support for the knee during workouts in the home at the local gym. with these lifters can enjoy top support which means personal improvement through these efficient knee sleeves. compression is strategic and graduated for ongoing effectiveness to ensure firm stable knee support. Wear these if you are thinking of preventing injury or looking for reliable support to assist injury recovery. Take away the feeling of pain while maintaining a steady recovery. The sleeves are 7mm thick and made from comfy strong neoprene.

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These sleeves work for all exercises, part-time athletes and professionals, very good for weightlifters, cross trainers, powerlifters and all sports.

The level of support is highly impressive, squats will really test the stability of knee joints and these sleeves give the needed support.

Built from dependable, supportive and comfortable neoprene and backed up with tough stitching, these sleeves are easy to put on, give excellent FIT due to the design which is ergonomic.

Innovative designing combined with high-quality materials means that the support wanted is there and consistent.

3. Rehband 7051

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Rehband 7051
Amazon Link
Application
91
Adjustability
92
Durability
90
Effectiveness
91
Flexibility
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Very durable construction

Anatomical form-fitting design

Comfortable, tight fit

Ideal for CrossFit

Cons:

Rapidly absorbs odor

The Rehband 7051 is the company’s original 7mm sleeve. It is designed to provide warmth and compression to the entire knee area. This provides better flow, reducing swelling and post-exercise soreness. The 7051 does a good job of keeping your knees warm. It provides a molded 3-D design that will hug your lower thigh and upper calf to keep the joint well compressed.

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The Rehband 7051 is constructed from 100% neoprene fabric. It is 7mm thick, which is the maximum allowable for lifting competition. This thickness provides a very good level of stability to align the knee while also offering the mobility to move naturally. Heavy-duty double-cross stitching ensures that this band will see you through years of heavy iron pumping.

While the Rehband 7051 provides you with a quality product, you can get more for less by investing in an Emerge sleeve. Emerge sleeves provide you with better compression, more flexibility and the same level of thickness – and they are nearly half the price. See below for a full review of the Emerge sleeve.

4. Emerge Fitness band

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.4
Emerge Fitness band
Amazon Link
Application
89
Adjustability
88
Durability
89
Effectiveness
87
Flexibility
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Reinforced cross stitching

Super Elastic

Double inlay cross stitching

Cost-effective

Cons:

Lining Causes Rubbing

The Emerge Fitness sleeve is a hardy one that fits perfectly to the shape of your calves, keeping them warm and compressed at the same time. It's very easy to put on and off, and once you do put it on it stays firmly in place without bunching up. The stitches are high-quality, and the thick 7mm neoprene will outlast most sleeves.

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The neoprene also absorbs the sweat around your knees, keeping your bacteria and odor-free. The Emerge Fitness band’s price makes it accessible to everyone and combined with the features it has, this sleeve is really one of the best out there. A pair of these sleeves cost just a little bit more than the single Rehband 7051 does! Emerge fitness might not be such a recognized name, but the quality of their sleeves makes them deserving of a higher spot on our list!

5. Workt Band

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Workt Band
Amazon Link
Application
87
Adjustability
88
Durability
88
Effectiveness
86
Flexibility
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Excellent insulation

Waterproof

Eco-friendly

Strong yet lightweight

Cons:

No sweat removal system

The Workt Knee band differs from the competition due to its construction material. Rather than neoprene, Workt uses a patented fabric called Ecoprene. This has a much more close-knit and uniform cellular structure. That makes it a lot stronger than neoprene. It is also more malleable, providing the maximum compression and alignment that heavy lifters need. It allows you to feel safer when you are doing maximum weight lifts.

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The interior lining of the Workt Ecoprene fabric provides an exceptionally comfortable fit. It has great gripping ability and provides a very good level of heat insulation. The tight cellular structure of the Ecoprene fabric, along with top quality double-cross stitching along the seam make this a very durable knee band. We recommend the Workt over the Rehband for low rep, max weight lifts.

6. Tommy Kono Band

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Tommy Kono Band
Amazon Link
Application
84
Adjustability
85
Durability
86
Effectiveness
86
Flexibility
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$50.00
Pros:

Superior level of knee warmth

Constructed from Rubber

Supportive Fit

Aligns Joints Properly

Cons:

Hard to get on and off

The Tommy Kono knee band is a throwback to the original 1960’s style knee band. Rather than the modern neoprene, this band is made from all rubber. That makes it do two things; fit tighter and retain more heat. The tighter fit of the TK band will give you more compression on the patellar to keep it tracking in proper alignment on heavy lifts.

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The biggest advantage of Tommy Kono is its ability to retain heat around the knee joint. This allows for smooth fluid movement through the synovial joint. That makes this band the best choice for anyone who has any pre-existing knee problems.

Being made of rubber, the Tommy Kono band is difficult to get on and off. Once you’ve managed it, however, they are there to stay. You will have no problems with slippage or bunching behind the knee with this sleeve.

7. PowerLix Athletics Knee Brace Compression Sleeve

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.6
PowerLix Athletics Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
Amazon Link
Application
84
Adjustability
83
Ease of Use
83
Effectiveness
84
Durability
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$18.49
Pros:

4-Way Stretch

Smooth And Soft

Knitted Design

Eliminates Bad Odors

Cons:

Sizing Is Off

PowerLix took the time to develop a specialized compression knee brace with fabric that stretches four ways to give you maximum comfort and flexibility while still maintaining support and stability. The fabric is also very breathable, and it absorbs sweat quickly, making it dissipate as soon as it hits the surface layers.

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The fabric is also supple and smooth to the touch, giving you comfort all day long. The design is knitted, made to match the shape of all kinds of knees, so don't worry about the size and shape all that much. The sleeve eliminates bad odors, giving you freedom from uncomfortable situations! The edges have a double anti-slip[ silicone wave to prevent the brace from slipping and moving around too much while you exercise. The fabric also retains warmth, keeping your joints toasty and flexible.

8. Physix Gear Knee Support Brace

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82
Physix Gear Knee Support Brace
Amazon Link
Application
83
Adjustability
82
Ease of Use
82
Effectiveness
82
Durability
81
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$17.21
Pros:

Flexi-Fit

Graduated Compression

Non-slip Silicone Wave

Does Not Chafe

Cons:

Flimsy

The Physix knee sleeve is made out of very stretchy lycra that will accommodate the knees of all shapes and sizes. The sleeve is thin and very lightweight, so you can comfortably wear it under any piece of clothing you want, jeans included!

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The brace is not stiff, as it moves fluidly with your joints, and it will not chafe or rub your skin raw, providing comfort no matter what. The inclusion of nylon in the construction makes the sleeve breathable and light. The Physix flexi knitting is simply made to fit your knee, not affecting your range of motion at all. The brace is easy to put on and off, and the non-slip silicone wave keeps it firmly in place. The compression is graduated, allowing blood to flow freely throughout the knees.

9. Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.2
Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves
Amazon Link
Application
80
Adjustability
81
Ease of Use
81
Effectiveness
80
Durability
79
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.98
Pros:

Colorful Design

Reversible Colors

Neoprene Construction

Varying Thickness

Cons:

Short-lived

The super bright and colorful Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves will make caring for your joints fun and relaxing. These knee sleeves are made out of neoprene, built to last and give you the compression you need. These braces are sold as pairs, so expect to see two of them in one package.

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You can choose the thickness of the sleeve, either 5 mm or 7 mm, depending on how much support and warmth you desire. The neoprene gives your knees the much-needed warmth to keep the pain away from your body. The color-ways are reversible, so when you get bored of one design you can simply flip the brace over for a breath of fresh air! You can choose from various sizes, so be sure to measure your knees before placing your order!

10. UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
77
UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Amazon Link
Application
78
Adjustability
78
Ease of Use
77
Effectiveness
76
Durability
76
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$14.75
Pros:

Optimal Compression

Stretchy

Silicone Grip Gel

Anti-bacterial

Cons:

Becomes Loose Fast

The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve has a very effective warming effect that will reduce pain and calm inflammation, saving us from stiffness and aching. The 3D knitting technology gave the sleeve a 4-way stretch that allows you to move your knees just like you would without having the sleeve on in the first place.

Read more

The double silicone anti-slip wave is a popular feature seen in many sleeves, and this one is no different. There's a good reason why this feature is so popular - without it, the sleeve would slowly slide down and cause discomfort, and it won't do its job either! The fabric is stretchy and durable, so don't worry about it falling apart after just a few trips to the gym. The compression is just strong enough to keep your knees in check without constricting their movement. The fabric is also anti-bacterial, fighting off bad odors and sweat.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Application

Knee sleeves are a great way to improve your lifting experience, and to be prepared for what the day has prepared without thinking about pesky knee pain and stiffness. With that being said, you have to know how to put on the sleeve, since it can be quite troublesome because of their stiffness and compression. Seasoned athletes probably already have specialized ways to put the sleeves on, but if you just started using them, it's likely that you struggle, so we're going to break down the basics for you.

One of the biggest problems with putting knee sleeves on is their likelihood to slide down and shift if you fail to put them on correctly. The first method of putting on tight knee sleeves is the most common one, and you've likely seen athletes do it this way a million times. All you have to do is flip the top of the sleeve over until it reaches one-third of the length of the sleeve, and then simply slide it over your knees until the bottom edge sits where you want it to sit on your shins. Once you're happy with the position, shift the sleeve until it's sitting how you want it to, and flip the top over the knees. If the fit feels a bit off, it's much easier to adjust it from there than to take it off again and put it back on in a different way.

If you like to warm up before putting on your sleeves, then this method is just for you. Once you break a sweat, you will need the help of a simple plastic bag. Rip it open so that's it just one flat piece of plastic, as opposed to being a bag. Then wrap this flat plastic strip around your shins. Then you have to roll the sleeve over the plastic using the roll down and pull technique. By doing this, it's easier to grab the sleeve and the bag as one whole piece, and the sleeve uses the smoothness of the bag to slide over your knees, fighting off friction along the way. Once you're satisfied with the location of the sleeve, simply pull the bag out from underneath it and repeat for the other side.

If you like to wear your braces over your clothes, like your leggings or compression pants, then you must utilize a completely different method. The key here is what you do with your leggings before you put the sleeve on. Pull the pants over your feet,m if you can, and then pull the sleeve on. This way, you don't have to fight off the edge of the leggings and your skin simultaneously, you just need to muster the strength to pull the sleeve over the pants, using the roll down and pull technique, again.

The info we listed here is definitely not groundbreaking, and it's just a regular, every day for some people, but if you struggle with putting your knee sleeves on, we hope we at least helped you master it!

Adjustability

Knee sleeves by themselves will not be adjustable. After all, they are made out of one strip of fabric, usually neoprene, and there's not much adjusting you can do there. This doesn't mean that you can't choose the proper size or thickness for your knees! A lot of knee sleeve producers allow you to choose different sizes and thicknesses, and we will explain what those options mean, and how you can enjoy the sleeves to their full potential.

Let's first discuss the size of your knee sleeve. Although some knee sleeves are made to fit all sizes, this is usually not true, because no one was made the same way. You will usually have to measure your size before ordering though, so be prepared to do that! There are no universal sizes here, and what one producer lists as M could be L for a different one. So grab a ruler and measure the circumference of your knee joint on its widest point, and once you get that number down, consult the size chart the manufacturer provided you with and make your choice.

The thickness of the knee sleeves varies a lot as well. Actually, you have three different thicknesses to choose from: 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. The 3mm knee sleeves are just made for athletes who favor endurance. These sleeves are very lightweight, and they allow you to carry lighter weight and cross great distances thanks to their construction. These sleeves work the best when used just at the beginning of the workout and near the end. Plus, they help you control your knee better, increasing the proprioception.

5mm knee sleeves are the ideal middle ground great for almost every use. They're great for long-distance running, for lifting, Crossfit, and general gym use. If you need both agility and good support, choose sleeves that are 5mms thick.

7mm knee sleeves are hardcore, and they are great for similar activities. They stabilize power and are great for people who lift heavy, so they can fight off knee pain after squatting or deadlifting. If you need a lot of support, or if you're recovering from an injury or fighting off a disease, go for 7mm thick knee sleeves. Weightlifters favor these sleeves, and you should too if weightlifting is your goal!

Durability

Since you will likely use the knee sleeves for sports, and you will do it often, it's vital that the sleeves can withstand being abused that much. Before everything else, check what the sleeves are made out of, and how the stitching is done. Both of these factors determine how much wear and tear damage the sleeves can withstand. Do not look at the price either - a big price tag doesn't always define durable items! Consider everything and play it smart when shopping for knee sleeves - after all, it's your health we're talking about here! The more often you plan on using the sleeve, the sturdier it will need to be, so keep that in mind as well.

If the kinds of sports you are into vary a lot, then it's super essential to go for durable sleeves. Squatting tends to rip open sleeves the fastest, so if you're into lifting go for the sturdiest sleeves you can find. Neoprene sleeves are definitely the sturdiest out there, and they are also soft and flexible, so if you need a lot of support combined with durability, search for neoprene sleeves. Neoprene is also very cushy and comfortable, but it might lack breathability, which is often fixed with inserts that promote airflow. Reinforced stitching and good knit patterns are also vital, so look for specialized stitching patterns if you want your sleeves to last a long time.

Effectiveness

We all saw athletes using knee sleeves, and even casual gym-goers, so they must work at least to some degree, but what do the knee sleeves actually do? First, remember that knee sleeves and knee braces are two very different things. Knee braces provide you with much more support, almost immobilizing your knee, while knee sleeves give you light to moderate support, allowing you to partake in various activities. So, braces help existing injuries heal, while sleeves prevent such injuries from happening in the first place.

Knee sleeves also usually have a compressive feature. The compression here is the same compression seen in compressive socks and shorts, so expect to feel the same benefits. The sleeve will improve the blood flow around your joints, thus increasing the warmth and flexibility of the joint. This is true even after you're done working out because the sleeve forces blood to flow throughout the joint. This means that even the recovery after the exercise will be better and faster, and you won't experience that much pain or swelling after you're done working out.

Knee sleeves also keep your patella in place. You will also be more aware of where your knee is when you exercise, thanks to improved proprioception. This makes the sleeve act as a mechanical support for your knees, plus the pain you feel is lowered because they keep your patella locked down. If you're using the sleeve to stabilize your knee and help your ligaments stay in place, you will probably be disappointed, since that is a job for knee braces. You can feel the benefits of knee sleeves if you're beginning to move onto heavier weights, or if you partake in strenuous physical activities often enough that your knees are taking a hit - otherwise, there's no need for knee sleeves since they are pretty good at doing what they're supposed to do (unless you have a medical condition preventing them from doing so)!

Flexibility

The knees are one of the joints we use almost all the time, and they are pretty vital for our well-being. If they cannot function properly, we cannot walk, or at least we don't enjoy doing it, so it's important that we let our knees do their job the right way if we can. This is why knee sleeves must be flexible! If they are not, you will have a limited range of motion, plus the sleeve might dig into your skin and cause chafing and irritation. When choosing flexible yet supportive sleeves, look at how they are constructed, plus what they are made out of.

First, let's see where the difference in construction lies. We have regular knee sleeves, that look just like socks that go over your joints. These are called closed knee sleeves, and their closed style gives the patella compression, along with giving the rest of the joint the same amount of compression. These sleeves are the most popular ones, and they provide a moderate amount of support while being flexible enough to be used every day. Open knee sleeves look just like closed knee sleeves, except they have a hole in the middle where your kneecap should lie. If you often feel knee pressure, then this is what you're going to be looking for. These sleeves also assist your patella, helping it move and adjust to your motions. And lastly, we have knee sleeves with built-in stabilizers. This extra mechanism provides extra support and stability needed by people who are recovering from knee surgeries, or if they suffered from serious knee injuries. These sleeves are the least flexible of them all, and you should not opt-out for them unless you really need them. Now let's discuss the material of choice. Neoprene is the most common choice, along with lycra with a little bit of nylon thrown in between. Both of these options are super flexible, but neoprene tends to be better since it keeps that flexibility and stretchiness throughout the use, as opposed to spandex which loses the flexibility over time. Make sure that you've chosen the right sleeve style and material blend, and you won't feel constricted by it!

Expert Interviews & Opinions

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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#1
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expert tips icon
Focus on Fit

For knee sleeves, FIT is very important because of a knee joint being strong when it is fine but very vulnerable when injured or strained.

Realistically there is little room for error if you want to gain the benefits of a knee sleeve because through wearing it you are able to continue training and sports and feel reasonably safe that you can prevent an injury from becoming worse.

You will need to have a realistic idea for the expectations which you want, do talk to a physiotherapist or similar professional to get a confirmation for which type of knee sleeve will best serve you.

Materials

When choosing a knee sleeve, do not be tempted by budget prices which seem exceptionally low. It may well be that the sleeves look good but are not capable of continuous performance because they might be made from inferior materials.

Neoprene is one of the best materials, combined with a balanced amount of spandex. You should go online and read buying guide reviews covering knee sleeves, read through real customer feedback on these sites and this will steer you towards choosing sleeves which are made from a good quality reliable and high performing materials.

Other Factors to Consider

Bottom Line

Rehband’s original 7mm sleeve, the 7051, is a good multi-purpose band that provides strength, compression, and durability. High-quality double-cross stitching on the seams combines with the 3-D molding and the sweat-wicking neoprene fabric to make it the 7051 a winner. Still, we prefer the Emerge knee band. In terms of value for money, the Emerge sleeve is simply unbeatable, matching Rehband feature for feature, but slashing the price.

​When it comes to straight out weightlifting power, the Workt 7mm sleeve will give you better performance than the Rehband. That’s because it gives you a more rigid fit with greater compression and less flexibility. The Tommy Kono Band is the best choice if you’re nursing an injury, as it provides the greatest level of heat insulation of any band out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Should I choose knee sleeves or knee braces?

a:

This is a point of confusion for many people, as they will confuse the two for the same thing. They are both made for the knees, and they both help the knee function better, but they are quite different. Knee sleeves are flexible and supportive, and they can be worn throughout the day without any issues. Knee braces, on the other hand, are extremely supportive. This increased level of support aids in the recovery of the knee after injuries or surgeries, while sleeves protect the knees from such injuries. So if you are injured and need help healing, go for braces, but if you just need some extra support, knee sleeves are the way to go!

q: Are knee sleeves effective?

a:

The sleeves offer a lot of protection for your knees, softening falls and making injuries less severe. But they do much more apart from that, and there's a reason why they are so popular. They can even help you heal better if you already have an injury, by promoting blood flow to the injured area. Knee sleeves can also effectively increase the amount of weight you can lift, or the distance you can run, thanks to the support they offer. Their compressive abilities reduce swelling and fatigue while lowering the amount of pain you feel. The material also warms up your knees, which aids in pain relief!

q: Do I need knee sleeves?

a:

If you run often, or if you do any difficult exercises, like lifting heavy weights, then yes, you do need a knee sleeve. If you're just starting out, you will probably lift around three times per week, and you won't tackle weights that are so heavy, so you might not need the sleeves when you're just starting out. The same goes for running. But as the distance increases and the weights become heavier, you will see for yourself that the need for knee sleeves will gradually grow! You can skip wearing the sleeves when you warm up though, but when the main part of the routine comes up, pull them on and you won't feel any pain or stiffness!

q: How tight should knee sleeves feel?

a:

Knee sleeves are compressive and firm, and they should feel firmer than a sock, as an example. But do not confuse firmness with a small sleeve! The sleeve should never cut off your circulation, cause tingling or numbness, or be too difficult to put on. If you can't move your knees normally, or if the brace cuts into your skin way too much, chances are that you got yourself a sleeve that is too small. Do not settle for this, as you can create more issues than not! Exchange the sleeve for a larger size, and see how it feels to wear a true fit. If you're between two sizes, opt-out for a smaller size since knee sleeves do loosen up as time goes by, and you will be able to use them much more if you go for a slightly tighter fit.

q: Should I wash my knee sleeves?

a:

If you care about your hygiene and health, then yes! You should also air out the knee sleeves after every exercise - do not put them away while they are still damp from sweat! Wash them every 2-3 days to remove dirt and bacteria buildup. If you do not, you will not only smell bad, but you risk infections, even fungus ones! Wash the braces by hand, with mild soap and lukewarm water, or if the manufacturer stated so, just throw them in the washing machine. Air dry them since the dryer can make them shrink, and keep them out of the sun for the same reason!

Sources

  1. Jake Boly, barbend.com, 3 Effective Ways to Put On Tight Knee Sleeves,
  2. http://blog.thewodlife.com.au, The Lowdown on Knee Sleeves,
  3. Katie Chasey, breakingmuscle.com, The Advantages of Knee Sleeves: What They Are and When to Wear Them,
  4. ZeroPoint, zpcompression.us, Knee Sleeves for Squatting and Their Benefits,