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Volleyball involves sudden movements, which is why players tend to sprain their ankles, muscles, joints, and ligaments. With the best ankle brace, you can avoid injuries and take your volleyball career to great heights. Wearing a guard can also decrease the likelihood of suffering from ankle complications again.
To help you make a wise choice, I’ve compared the best ankle braces for volleyball that offer support, comfort, and protection.
Contents
- Best Ankle Brace for Volleyball in 2022
- Best Overall Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Zamst A2-DX
- Best Volleyball Ankle Brace for Stability: Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
- Best Comfortable Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support
- Best Lightweight Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Active Ankle T2
- Best Volleyball Ankle Brace for Recovering Ankle: Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel Lace Ankle Support
- Features to Consider for Volleyball Ankle Braces
- Related Questions
- Wrapping Up
Best Ankle Brace for Volleyball in 2022
Volleyball is a reactive sport, which means players endure sudden cuts and exert vertical power. Such critical movements often put pressure on your ankle joints. To make sure your feet remain in top shape, I’ve reviewed the best volleyball ankle guards for ultimate support and recovery.
Best Overall Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Zamst A2-DX
The Zamst A2-DX is best for athletes who repeatedly suffer ankle injuries, and need a high level of support and protection. If you want to play on an existing injury without aggravating it further, the polyurethane nylon creates a rigid design to support mild to moderate sprains during play.
Zamst, a Japanese medical device manufacturer, has been a leader in the orthopedics market since 1973. The brand designed this model to balance comfort, support, and flexibility for those healing or players with weak ankles.
The unique part about this brace is the Exo-Grid, a dual exterior support structure that prevents the ankle from rolling inward or outward. The pre-curved design enables your feet to move in a full range of motion while correcting your ankle’s medial or lateral stability.
Adding to the brace’s pile of amazing features is the Grip Tech, which reduces the separation of the two lower leg bones where the ankle meets. In effect, you prevent high ankle sprains. What’s more, the inner liner includes rigid stabilizers to prevent the ankle from rolling.
Once you use the Velcro anchor straps, the brace will not move or slide around. As a result, the guard reduces friction and keeps you from having to stop and readjust during a game. Even if the straps make it a secure fit, you can still make lateral movements.
The sturdy plastic guards on each side of the ankle reduce your foot’s pronation. Despite the rigid support, the brace remains comfortable. In fact, Stephen Curry, one of the best NBA players, trusts the A2-DX for support during his practices and games.
The brace’s a-Fit and i-Fit technologies ensure excellent fit, and consequently, genuine comfort. In the same way, these technologies aid athletes in coping with moderate to severe ankle sprains.
What also makes A2-DX the best volleyball ankle brace is its flexibility. With its open-panel and fastener design, you can adjust the brace to fix precisely how you want it. Similarly, you can adjust the compression levels for a further fit.
Because of the brace’s ability to deliver a locked-in feeling, you can confidently move, dig, and jump around the court. With a level 3 support, you can play without the fear of injuries happening again, no matter how intense you need to make spikes or saves.
Pros
- Strong support for moderate to severe sprains
- Adjustable fasteners provide three-way lateral and medial support
- High level of protection and support when making a full range of motion
Cons
- May be too rigid for some athletes
- Putting the braces on is a little complicated
- Usage and Indications: High ankle sprains (Grade III) & chronic ankle instability, reduces inversion...
- Protective Guards: Stabilization prevents excessive inward and outward movements of the high ankle
- Dual X-Strap Stabilizer: Provides three-way support (Anterior, Lateral, Media) for the lower ankle
Best Volleyball Ankle Brace for Stability: Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
If your playing style requires a high level of support without sacrificing mobility, you can rely on the Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer to balance support, comfort, and breathability. This model is perfect for athletes who need to limit up and down movements of the ankle.
The brace makes use of durable yet lightweight material called CoolFlex to ensure the contoured tongue will make a proper fit. The material also lines the inside back of the brace, offering increased comfort to the Achilles area.
This soft mobility brace optimizes an eight-figure stabilizing strap to hold your ankle in a vertical position. That being the case, the brace prevents rolling and stress on the joints when running or jumping.
An elastic strap wraps around the top to prevent the brace from slipping or rubbing against your skin. Paired with finger loops at the end of the stabilizing straps, you get the ultimate fit and support. An elastic cuff closure also keeps stabilizing straps and laces secure.
Removable plastic stays on each side of the brace enhance protection, especially during ankle sprain recovery. Thus, your injured ankle can play at full speed because the brace serves as a safety net. Meanwhile, the brace can also act as lockdown support when you have an injured ankle.
Note that the brace runs large, so you should choose one size smaller. The good thing is that the bilateral design makes the brace fit either on the left or right foot.
This laced-up brace brags ballistic nylon that makes it sturdier yet more lightweight than other models on the market. The garment has a cotton and nylon lining that increases comfort to the ankle’s Achilles area.
The combination of these materials creates a breathable and light brace, making sweating or abrasion unnoticeable. With a level 2 support level, the whole design offers moderate support to relieve pain caused by weak ankles or flat feet.
Pros
- Straightforward design makes the brace easy to put on
- Advisable for those with low ankle sprains
- You can wear it with any type of shoe because of a low profile design
Cons
- Not suitable for those with Achilles injuries
- Possibility too tight around the midfoot and arc
- Stabilizing Straps form a complete figure-eight to protect and support ankle. Woven elastic cuff...
- CoolFlex achilles pad and tongue offers comfort and breathability.
- High quality nylon boot provides superior durability and strength
Best Comfortable Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support
For volleyball players who need to veer toward a reasonable ankle brace, the Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support will let the ankles make a full range of motion while supporting joints and tendons. The brace combines versatile design, quality materials, and ease of use.
The ankle brace’s framework easily conforms to the natural contour of your foot. The design also puts optimum pressure on your ankle, which is crucial if you are still recuperating from an injury.
The open-heel design creates a broad range of motion while embracing the Achilles tendon. Because of this, the brace can accommodate various foot sizes.
With a contoured design, you can customize the ankle guard to fit your specific needs. Make sure your ankle is feeling the floor through the hole in the middle of the brace. Attach the Velcro straps to any point of the exterior surface to tighten the fit on the ankle and midfoot areas.
The crisscross straps stabilize the ankle in place, keeping you from accidentally pointing the top of your foot away from your leg. Aside from avoiding foot slip-ups, the strapping mechanism guides your Achilles tendon and ankle joint to the right motions.
The Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support provides adjustable compression around the foot and ankle for stability and better injury recovery. You receive reliable support for acute injuries, including weakened ankle joints, muscle strain, and ligament strain.
If you want to continue with your daily playing routine, the brace reduces inflammation and relieves chronic pain while still getting stability on the ankles. It also serves as a stable support for protecting sensitive tendons and muscle tissues during recovery.
While the compression immobilizes an injured area, the pressure deters further swelling and inflammation. You can still move the surrounding areas to ensure blood flow, and that oxygen and nutrients can reach damaged tissues and muscles for complete healing.
True to its name, the neoprene material makes the brace breathable. Remember, the more you play, the more heat you’ll produce. Since neoprene adapts to extensive ranges of temperatures, your comfort and performance levels will stay the same.
Athletes experience excessive perspiration, but the material prevents moisture build-up, and subsequently, bacteria and body odor. To speed up healing in your injured area, the neoprene locks in your body’s natural heat, it accelerates tissue recovery and boosts blood circulation.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable open design
- Uses straps for more comfortable fitting
- Provides optimal ankle and foot support, without restricting your foot’s movement
Cons
- Has no laces
- Some athletes are allergic to neoprene
- Adjustable Compression - High-grip crisscross hook-and-loop fasteners attach anywhere along the...
- Skin-Friendly & Breathable - Premium-grade neoprene increases circulation resulting in a faster...
- Multi-Purpose Support - Eases a broad range of conditions such as ligament instability, chronic...
Best Lightweight Ankle Brace for Volleyball: Active Ankle T2
Whether you are a spiker at the net or a libero at the back, the Active Ankle T2 will protect your ankle in every lateral movement. This ankle guard also supports injured ankles on a range of motion, making sure you can still perform to the best of your abilities.
For over three decades, Active Ankle has been regarded as one of the leading volleyball ankle support makers on the market. They are famous for their trim-up wrap supports that provide well-distributed pressure around the lower leg.
Among its innovation is the T2 ankle brace, which is an improvement from T1. For starters, there’s a lightweight EVA cushion on each side of the ankle. This molded padding makes the ankle guard adapt to your foot size, creating a snug yet comfortable and a breathable fit.
There’s also a flat plastic piece you can slide under your shoe’s insole. This part helps keep the brace in place, giving you peace of mind when making offensive and defensive plays.
Aside from that, there are Velcro straps that go around the ankle to support you during dangerous under-the-net contact. You can easily adjust the straps to fit into your high and low cut shoes.
Because T2 is a rigid brace, it offers maximum protection for athletes with weak or injured ankles. This is perfect for athletes who risk ankle trauma. The same goes for players who dash from the back and dive to save a ball.
The non-slip, silicon-grasp design prevents the ligaments from tearing whenever you need to jump, land, or suddenly change directions. The addition of bilateral anatomical hinges creates a full range of motion. Hence, the brace won’t hinder your rapid movements.
Durable neoprene pads with finger tabs make it easy to put on the brace. The breathable material also provides warmth to the skin around the ankle, aiding you in speedy recuperation.
Even if this model has a feather-light construction and slim build, the lightweight construction is more durable compared to its predecessors. Don’t worry about the mechanical structure because the brace is unlikely to give you abrasions.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable design can withstand the demand for competitive play
- Promotes flexibility and stability
- Sleek, less-bulky construction
Cons
- A little oversized
- Some players do not like rigid construction
- T2 Rigid Ankle Braces offer an exceptional level of protection with a quick-fit single strap that is...
- Fits left or right foot, and offers maximum performance and protection for sports like volleyball,...
- Sleek, less-bulky brace features feather-light, custom molded EVA padding, which hugs every contour...
Best Volleyball Ankle Brace for Recovering Ankle: Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel Lace Ankle Support
No products found.The Shock Doctor 849 Ultra Gel Lace Ankle Support is a compression, lace-up wrap that comes with pre-curved tongue and internal gel cushions for stability. Support, alignment, and recovery features get together into one comfortable ankle brace.
Designed with your comfort in mind, this ankle guard utilizes internal gel material as cushions, guaranteeing mobility and comfort while you heal from your injuries. The open heel design invites air to circulate while the antimicrobial liners block foul odors and bacteria.
Gel cushions and the wrap curve into a tongue to offer more stability and alignment. This design provides average support to mitigating sprains, extreme joint movements, and muscle strains, sprained ligaments, unstable joints, and severe joint movements.
Moreover, Shock Doctor 849 boasts a silicone grip pattern to its footbed, ensuring a no-slip fit either the left or right foot in place. It even has an integrated antimicrobial technology to reduce odor-causing bacteria during long periods of playing.
Lacing loops keep your feet comfortable while the finger tabs let you pull the brace easily for the perfect fit. The laces and uppers work together to provide natural warming. Another benefit of this method is that you can readjust the pressure according to your needs.
The advantage of this system is that it’s a convenient way of widening the opening of the ankle guard. Pull the stretchable exterior tabs, slide your foot in seamlessly, and adjust the fit according to your preference.
Spraining an ankle when you need to train for a tournament can be a bummer. Fortunately, this compression ankle guard will let you stay active while helping heal your ankle.
With a level 3 support system, you get compression, support, healing, and stability features in a neatly constructed brace. Whether you need to heal from long or a short-term injury, this braces lessens the pain without restricting mobility.
Adjustable ankle compression lets you modify the pressure, stimulating warmth to the sprain to urge the muscles to heal. In the same way, the heat stabilizes your injury. Thanks to the compression, your blood flow increases to treat your sprain faster.
Lastly, the model combines rubber latex materials, gel inserts, and neoprene to create strong support for your whole feet.
Pros
- Balances support, breathability, and compression without limiting movements
- Wrap looping system serves as stability reinforcement
- Footbed conforms to your foot’s anatomy
Cons
- Natural rubber latex may cause allergic reactions
- Lacing system is not suitable for those with excessive swelling
No products found.
Features to Consider for Volleyball Ankle Braces
Ankle braces differ in functionality and materials, and consequently, their comfort and support. To make sure you will pick the right guard for your situation, consider these factors below:
Comfort and Breathability
The best volleyball brace must wrap your ankle snugly yet comfortably. If you feel uncomfortable, there’s a chance you won’t wear the braces, or you won’t be able to move in it. As a result, you increase your risk of injury.
Ankle braces with soft padding won’t rub against your feet. A comfortable guard will hug your ankle, making you confident enough to jump, roll, and turn without hurting your ankle. Among the features that make the models in the list comfortable are open-heel designs, adjustable compression, paddings, and gel cushions.
Support Level
The best braces for volleyball provide additional support to the ankles as well as the joints and lower leg muscles. Players who wear ankle protection are less prone to injuries, letting them use their full potential. Here are the levels of support:
Performance Level 1: Compression-Alignment-Healing
Braces with level 1 support optimize compression-oriented designs to deliver therapeutic benefits. Compression aid in joint alignment and blood flow. For instance, the Active Ankle T2 provides light support for minor pain, enabling daily use for extended playing periods.
Performance Level 2: Support-Compression-Alignment-Healing
Braces at level 2, like the Bracoo Ankle Support and Med Spec ASO, have the same therapeutic benefits as level 1 models. The only difference is that they provide more support and stability features. These braces support moderate sprains and strains for faster recovery.
Performance Level 3: Stability-Support-Compression-Alignment-Healing
Ankle guards at level 3 share the same characteristics of level 2 models but offer more advanced designs and integrated support features for stability. Braces such as Shock Doctor 849 and A2-DX generate medium stability to support severe muscle strains, unstable joints, and major ligament sprains.
Ankle Support
A jump or dive may turn the foot inward, causing damage to your ankle joints. Ankle support ensures stability without limiting movement. One of the main goals of ankle braces is to deliver support to prevent and heal injuries.
Remember that the right brace must deliver freedom of movement, yet it would restrict excessive ankle rotation. This is why some models have extra closures, laces, stirrup strap, and strapping patterns. Others have front stabilizers for foot compression.
A2-DX relies on sturdy plastic guards and dual exterior support structure for support. Med Spec ASO uses stabilizing straps for stability while Shock Doctor 849 utilizes lacing loops. Bracoo and Active Ankle make use of Velcro straps.
Size and Adjustability
Your size or ankle circumference may dictate the size of your ankle guard. Regardless of the size, the brace must have a tight fit to immobilize and isolate the affected areas in your ankle. Aside from that, the best braces offer laces or straps for adjustability.
Sizing may range from extra small to extra large. Consult this sizing chart to help you snag the right fit:
| Common Brace Size | Ankle Circumference in Inches |
| Extra Small | 9 to 10 inches |
| Small | 10 to 11 inches |
| Medium | 11 to 12 inches |
| Large | 13 to 14 inches |
| Extra Large | 14 to 15 inches |
Durability: Materials, Design, and Construction
If you are playing hard and fast every day, you’ll need an abrasion-resistant brace that can endure the pressure and intensity it receives. In addition, moisture around your ankles can cause braces to slide down. The best ankle brace will absorb sweat and remove moisture at a high rate.
The choice of material is a case to case basis. If you are after durability, go for quality braces with tough materials such as neoprene and nylon. These materials conform to your feet’s shape, enabling joint mobility and comfort.
Although a bit more, neoprene is lighter and more comfortable. Meanwhile, nylon provides better ventilation. If you need to balance ventilation and mobility, it’s better to choose breathable braces made from fabric and knit materials.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about ankle braces for volleyball
Do Volleyball Ankle Braces Weaken Your Ankles?
There is no clinical proof that wearing braces causes ankle weakness. However, some ankle braces with too much support may weaken the muscles around your ankles. This is because, since you are using a brace that overly supports you, the muscle will start to lose strength.
How Long Should You Wear Ankle Support?
This depends on your doctor’s prescription, however, you should never wear ankle braces all the time. This is because these braces can prevent your ankle from strengthening, which can cause injuries later on. If you need to wear ankle support, try wearing them only when necessary.
Do Professional Volleyball Players Wear Ankle Braces?
Yes, many professional volleyball players wear ankle braces to prevent injuries. In fact, it is mandatory to wear them in some professional teams, especially for players in the front row. This is because these athletes have to jump a lot, and might come into contact with their teammates.
Wrapping Up
Volleyball ankle guards help prevent injury and recover from chronic conditions. With the best ankle brace for volleyball, you can confidently land, jump, or dive without hurting your feet. Use the guide and comparisons I’ve provided, so your ankles remain mobilized and safe while playing.
