Mark Greene
Knee sleeves are built with one primary purpose – to support the knees against extreme pressure. They have a variety of uses and hence come in a wide range of options. There are knee sleeves for power-lifting, running, weightlifting, and a variety of other sports and workouts. There are also knee sleeves designed to help injured people recuperate.
Whatever your particular need for a knee sleeve may be, this article covers 2020’s best knee sleeves for a wide range of uses.
The Best Automatic Knife
1. Our Pick: PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is comfortable and effective
- Looks sleek and fashionable
- Comes in a variety of colors
PROS
- Superior build for protection and comfort
- Great for athletes
- Multi-purpose use
CONS
- No particular purpose or specialty
DETAILS
PowerLix is our personal favorite knee sleeve owing to its superior quality and multi-purpose use, among other factors:
- Premium Quality Build
PowerLix knee sleeves are made of compression breathable fabric that not only feels comfortable but also ensures all-round protection for your knees. This fabric hugs your knees tight without causing itching; it also absorbs sweat to keep your legs dry and free of bad odors when working out. The fabric is further reinforced with two silicone gel slips that further boost comfort especially when working out and ensures that the sleeves do not slip.
- Multi-Purpose Use
These knee sleeves are so comfortable that you can wear them all day for everyday use. They have a variety of uses ranging from simple comfort to support for a variety of workouts and sports including running, hiking, power-lifting, weightlifting, golf, soccer, basketball, and so much more. Their superior build also makes them effective for recovery from past injuries.
- Fashionable Appeal
The design on these knee sleeves is not only practical for a variety of uses but also appealing to the eye. They look tactical and compact so much so that they make a fashionable statement. They also come in a variety of colors designed to suit your unique preferences.
2. Premium Pick: Rehband RX Knee Sleeves
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is affordable
- It looks fashionable
PROS
- Ideal for multi-purpose use
- Comfortable and efficient
- Exceptional patented 3-D contoured technology
- Looks good
- Affordable
CONS
- Does not last as long under extreme pressure
DETAILS
Rehband has been one of the notable makers of joint support fabrics and accessories for over 60 years now. The Rehband RX knee sleeve is one of the brand’s most notable makes for a variety of reasons:
- All-Round Use
Rehband RX knee sleeves are designed to provide support for your knees when engaging in a wide range of activities. At the very least, these sleeves are ideal for walking and running. They are also ideal for athletic use in a wide range of sports ranging from cross-fit training to soccer and everything in between.
- Comfortable and Practical Design
These knee sleeves are made using the best neoprene materials in the market. This material is comfortable and tight-fitting for a tactical feel. It also absorbs sweat when working out and keeps the knees warm during the cold seasons. It does not come with inconveniences such as itching or restricted blood flow.
- Patented 3-D Contoured Technology
The Rehband RX knee sleeves are exceptional from the competition in more than just looks. These knee sleeves were created by a team of textile engineers in conjunction with R&D specialists to come up with a special 3-D contoured design designed to perfectly fit the knee. This technology is so effective that it has been patented – you will not find it anywhere else.
3. Best Value: Mauwi Knee Sleeves
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is effective against a range of knee complications
- It prevents against knee-related injuries
PROS
- Comfortable
- Ergonomic design
- Medically effective
CONS
- Mostly limited to medical use
DETAILS
Mauwi knee sleeves are designed primarily for medical purposes. To this end, they utilize the best materials and design to ensure efficacy for a wide range of conditions.
Their features include:
- Comfortable Compression Fabrics
Mauwi knee sleeves are designed using three distinct fabrics: spandex, latex, and nylon. These fabrics not only feel good against the skin for comfort but also offer the desired support ideal for more than just working out. They provide much needed relief against pain and other complications that arise from injuries to the knees. They also regulate temperatures during the hot and cold seasons and absorb sweat for added comfort.
- Medically Effective
As mentioned, these knee sleeves are primarily designed for medical use. They are recommended for people suffering from a wide range of knee complications including bruises, arthritis, tendonitis, meniscus tears, and ALC, among others. They are also ideal for prevention against injuries especially among athletes engaged in extreme sports and heavy weight lifting.
- Ergonomic Design
These knee sleeves utilize ergonomic design to ensure utmost efficacy. They are designed to conform to the knees’ contours and fit snugly to provide support all-round. They are also durable and will not loosen and begin slipping over time.
4. Mava Sports Knee Sleeves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It inspires confidence by assuring athletes of their safety
- It is ideal for a wide range of sports and especially popular in basketball
PROS
- Comfortable and good-looking
- Covers a larger area
- Inspires confidence among athletes
CONS
- Sizes are smaller than advertized, so you may need to size up
DETAILS
Mava knee sleeves are popular with athletes as they are built to not only ensure protection against injuries but also enhance performance through a variety of features that include:
- Comfortable Fabric
Mava knee sleeves are made using comfortable fabric that feels soft to the skin and fits well. This fabric regulates heat by keeping the knees warm in the cold and helping dispense excess heat when working out. They also absorb moisture to keep the knees and legs dry and prevent nasty odors that would otherwise arise.
- Foam Padding
In addition to the comfortable fabric these knee sleeves are also fitted with cell foam padding. The padding not only improves comfort but also functions as a shock absorber to prevent against bruises and more serious injuries such as fractures in case of accidents when playing or working out.
- Longer-than-Average Lengths
One notable aspect of these knee sleeves is that they are longer in length than most others. This is by design as it protects a larger area against possible bruises and cuts when working out – it also contributes to their good looks.
- Ergonomic Design
These knee sleeves are designed according to the knee’s anatomical structure to ensure that every area is covered and support is perfect. The ergonomic design also prevents against slipping, which is distracting when working out or playing.
5. SBD Knee Sleeves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- High-precision built; fit for professional use
- Durable and good-looking
PROS
- Thick and strong for optimal support
- Comfortable
- IPF-approved
CONS
- Limited to extreme sports
- A bit costly
DETAILS
SBD knee sleeves are built with power lifters in mind. Each feature is designed to cushion against the immense pressure that power-lifting exerts on the knees.
Their features include:
- Built with High-Grade Neoprene
SBD knee sleeves are built using thick, 7-mm neoprene material that is strong and sturdy enough to protect against the immense pressure. This material is also comfortable against the skin and easily absorbs streaks of sweat that are not only uncomfortable but also can be distractive in a sport that otherwise needs complete attention. Finally, these sleeves feature reinforced stitching to protect against wear and tear and ensure durability; they even enable squatting.
- Ideal for All Weight Lifting Sports, and More
These sleeves are primarily built for power lifters. To this end, they are ideal for all kinds of heavy lifting at the gym. However, they are just as effective in other sports as they are at the gym. To this end, they are popular in a wide range of sports that may be considered extreme.
- Approved by the IPF
The exceptional thing about the SBD knee sleeves is that they are approved by the IPF for professional use. This means that professional power lifters can wear them to competitions for an added advantage.
6. BERTER Knee Sleeves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Built specifically for runners
- Affordable and good-looking
- Ideal for other low-intensity sports
PROS
- Highly durable
- Features moisture-absorption technology
- Offers excellent support
- Comes with a one-year warranty
CONS
- Does not prevent odors
- Sizing is not precise
DETAILS
BERTER knee sleeves are primarily designed for runner. To this end, all their features blend to boost runners’ performance on the track:
- Excellent Support and Stability
These knee sleeves feature an ergonomic design that lines up well with the knee’s contours to provide all-round support as you run.
- Moisture Absorption
Running is a sweaty affair, but these knee sleeves are designed to absorb moisture and sweat as it forms to keep your legs dry and prevent unnecessary discomfort and distractions.
- Comfortable and Snug
BERTER knee sleeves are made from the best variants of neoprene. This material feels comfortable against the skin and fits just right. It is also durable and can withstand pressure not only from running but also weight lifting.
7. Shock Doctor 865 Compression Knee Sleeves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
- Provides good stability
PROS
- Comfortable and protective
- Supports free movement
- Has moisture-wicking and odor-prevention technology
CONS
- Not ideal for sports
- Incapable of expediting recuperation from injuries
- Low durability
DETAILS
Shock Doctor 845 compression knee sleeves are rightly named so as they are designed to protect against a wide range of knee injuries and complications.
- Ergonomic Design
Shock Doctor knee sleeves feature an open-patella design that fits the knee’s contour perfectly. This enables it to evenly protect against pressure for all sides. It also enables free movement such that you may even forget you have them on.
- Comfy Fabric
Shock Doctor knee sleeves are made from fine fabric that feels soft on the skin; it does not cause itching or scratching. The fabric also regulates temperatures in all seasons and provides much-needed warmth during the cold season.
- Moisture-Wicking Technology
In addition to being comfortable, the fabric used to make these knee sleeves absorbs moisture fast and prevents awful odors.
Knee Sleeves Buying Guide – What to Look For
Knee sleeves vary in design, purpose, looks, and many other factors that count. To this end, it pays to know what to look for when shopping for a pair. These factors should guide you:
- Intended Use
Most knee sleeves are designed for general-purpose use while others are meant for specific purposes. For instance, SBD knee sleeves are specifically designed for weightlifters. As such, take your intended use into consideration and go for a pair designed for that particular use. General-purpose knee sleeves are not ideal for athletes but good enough for everyday wear.
- Comfort
The ideal knee sleeves should be so comfortable that you eventually forget that you have them on. Comfort depends on a variety of factors including the material used to make them and type of design. Neoprene is a popular material among knee sleeve manufacturers are it is soft, flexible, and it easily absorbs moisture. However, the material alone is not enough – added features such as moisture-absorption technology and odor prevention also go a long way. Every respectable pair of knee sleeves should also feature an ergonomic 3-D design.
- Durability
You do not want your fresh pair of knee sleeves tearing as you work out; it is embarrassing, inconvenient, and a waste of money. Unfortunately, a majority of knee sleeves brands are sub-standard and ideal for low-intensity use. Some, however, go the extra mile to ensure durability.
Durability depends on a range of factors including materials used, design, and added factors such as reinforced stitching. Take all these factors into consideration before checking out.
- Fit and Style
It wouldn’t hurt to look good as you work out, so do not compromise on style. Most brands of knee sleeves look eerily similar, but some stand out. Usually those that stand out also boast of good quality and durability.
Fit is also crucial as it determines comfort and durability. Get knee sleeves that fit just a bit tightly – this will make room for future expansion and offer greater support. Low-quality knee sleeves tend to become loose over time and begin slipping off.
- Price
You get what you pay for when it comes to knee sleeves. Options range from the cheap to the pricey, and the difference can be staggering. Cheap knee sleeves, of course, offer less-than-desirable quality and performance while those on the higher end go all the way when it comes to essential factors such as material, design, durability and more.
However, that doesn’t mean that the most expensive option is always the best as brand prestige may also have something to do with it; as such, let your choice be based not only on price but also the other aforementioned factors. If, however, money is not an option then I’d recommend going for the high-end options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are knee sleeves similar to knee braces?
A: No, knee sleeves are fundamentally different from knee braces. Both look eerily similar and are worn around the knees. They are also both designed to provide support for the knees. However, the fundamental difference between the two is that knee sleeves are designed to prevent injuries while knee braces are designed to knee braces help protect already-injured knees and expedite recuperation.
Q: Which sports require knee sleeves?
A: Virtually all sports that involve squatting and use of the knees in general require knee sleeves. They are essentially for protecting against possible injuries as accidents are common among athletes.
Some of the sports that utilize knee sleeves the most include running, weight-lifting, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and many more. In fact, knee sleeves are a requirement among some professional sporting events.
Q: Besides protection against injuries, how else do knee sleeves aid athletes?
A: Knee sleeves inspire some confidence among athletes; the knowledge and surety that they will not be injured when training or competing gives them the confidence to go all the way out and do their best on the field. In contrast, athletes who do not wear knee sleeves constantly worry about injuries and this throws them off their game.
Conclusion
Knee sleeves are vital accessories for athletes. They provide protection against injuries that may bench them or derail their careers and even change their lives. They also inspire confidence and push athletes to perform at their best.
The knee sleeves on this list stand out from the rest and are among the best in 2020, so do not hesitate to get one. However, take factors such as intended use, quality, and durability into consideration to ensure that the pair of knee sleeves you settle for is just right for your needs.
