The Best Ankle Braces for Volleyball

A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries in volleyball. While minor injuries might heal on their own, more serious injuries might need medical attention or, at the least, a brace that can help keep the ankle stable as it heals. A brace also can be worn to help prevent injuries during play.

  1. Sock Models

    • Sock models are usually made of elastic and pulled on from the toes up around the foot and to the ankle, just like an ankle sock. They either fit around the ankle and hook under the foot for support, or fit together around the ankle and are laced like a shoe.

      Sock braces are stronger and less flexible than regular socks and athletic tape, so you get the compression you need for healing without losing a lot of support. Even so, these models are best-suited for people who are recovering from injury and seeking support. They are not recommended as preventatives. They also wear quickly and are not recommended for long-term use.

    Mechnical Models

    • Typically made of plastic and a foam cushion, mechanical braces, such as the popular Active Ankle, offer much greater support than sock models. They have two sides made of plastic that are fitted to the sides of the ankle and a Velcro clasp or laces that pull the sides tightly together. A stirrup wraps around the bottom of the foot for additional support.

      These ankle braces are ideal for both preventing and recovering from injury. They are long-lasting and can be worn repeatedly. The main criticism of some types is that they can be pulled too tightly and pinch or cut into skin. Many now feature additional cushioning to keep such annoyances to a minimum.

    Futuristic Models

    • Some newer ankle braces are geared more toward recovery than prevention. These typically use a gel or air cells to help the ankle heal by keeping compression on it and allowing the wearer to walk comfortably. They are considered good for speeding recovery and reducing swelling.

      While there are few complaints about these models, the price for some can be double or more that of mechanical models. They also do not provide much protection against injury during play.