What to Look for When Shopping for Ankle Braces for Basketball

• Stability: Ryan Balmes, DPT, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics and sports physical therapy, says basketball players are prone to lateral ankle sprains and injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the foot. Ankle braces that offer rigidity to prevent the foot from rolling inward can be particularly useful for preventing basketball-related ankle injuries.
• Fit and Comfort: A brace needs to fit properly to be effective and prevent further problems. Comfort is also a factor to consider so you're more likely to wear it when necessary. When shopping for a brace, look for soft padding. And if the brand has sizing instructions, follow them to get the right fit.
• Appearance: Ankle braces come in a variety of colors and styles, ranging from slim, discreet designs, to bulkier, more noticeable options. Some players avoid ankle braces because they dislike the way they look, says Balmes. Appearance can be a factor when looking for a brace, but be sure to balance it with functionality.
• Key Features: An ankle brace's key features may include compression, support, comfort, and stability. Braces provide these features in different forms, such as laces, hinges, rigid supports, or extra straps or inserts. Pay attention to features that can help with the specific issue you need addressed.
• Durability: A sport like basketball is tough on the ankle joint, so an ankle brace must be durable to keep up. Choose a high-quality brace made with durable materials that can withstand wear and tear, handle a lot of movement, and still provide support and comfort.

How We Selected the Best Ankle Braces for Basketball

To find the best ankle braces for basketball, we extensively researched dozens of options from reputable brands. We reviewed product specifications and details. When creating our list of recommendations, we considered these key features.

• Support: We evaluate each ankle brace for how much stability, compression, and motion control it has, and we note the level of support—low, moderate, or maximum. We evaluate if the entire ankle is protected and to what extent movement is restricted. Lastly, we note if the arch and Achilles tendon are supported. 
• Design: When we evaluate design, we pay attention to features like durability, adjustability, and ease of getting it on and off our ankles. We also note if the design is appropriate for the specific brace’s indications. We prioritize ankle braces for our list that feature high-quality design, user-friendliness, and versatility.
• Materials: When we consider materials, we pay attention to quality, durability, safety for those with skin sensitivities, ease of maintenance, and more. We prioritize easy-to-clean materials that are comfortable, breathable, and won't irritate sensitive skin.
• Washability: An important feature we look for in ankle braces for basketball is washability. We look for braces that are either machine-washable or simple to clean by hand. We also look for products that stand up well to regular washing or cleaning and will maintain their quality over time.
• Value: We prioritize ankle braces that work for various budgets while still meeting our rigid quality standards. To determine the overall value, we evaluate the ankle brace’s features compared to the given price point. We ask ourselves if we would only purchase it on sale and if we’d recommend it to friends and family members.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, selection, and reporting process for this story. They provided insight on how to choose a high-quality ankle brace, key features to look for, and anything to avoid when shopping for ankle braces. While our product selections are independent, we use expert input to help inform our decisions.

• Ryan Balmes, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics and sports physical therapy
• Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CLT, CSCS, physical therapist and clinical supervisor at Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I wear an ankle brace for basketball?

There's no specific benefit to wearing an ankle brace if you don't have ankle issues. However, if you've had a previous injury or currently have weak or unstable ankles, a brace might offer some additional support and reassurance.

Is it better to tape an ankle or wear a brace? 

Tape is a good option for short-term use but can loosen or tear during movement. A brace will be more durable than tape and offer protection for a longer period of time.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a Verywell Fit writer with 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and knows how important it is to find quality products that add value to your fitness routine. She is particularly focused on finding and recommending products for effective home workouts, fitness, and sports.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist

As a Verywell Fit health writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She's careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.