If you will talk about winter, one of the things you will think about is snowboarding and skiing. However, it can be dangerous at times since you can easily get injured if you are not cautious enough. Although knee injury is a very common thing you will get in skiing and snowboarding, some can be very painful, cause swelling, and last longer, which can deter your way of living.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself while you are enjoying your favorite hobby. A knee brace can help lower the risk of getting a knee injury and protect the knee injury you already have. It is beneficial, so you need to get one for yourself to worry-less skiing.
However, choosing the best knee brace can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with it. To help you with that, please read this article, and you will find the best knee braces for skiing and more.
10 Picks for Best Knee Braces For Skiing
With tons of options in the market, you will surely have a hard time getting the best one for you. To make things easier, here is a list of the best knee brace in the market, so you know what to choose for yourself.
1. POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve- Breathable
The first knee brace for skiing on the list is this slip-on knee sleeve that is made from high quality materials. It is made to be breathable so you will not sweat too much while wearing it. The materials also absorb the sweat and eliminate foul odor so the wearer will not feel uncomfortable.
Besides that, they also make sure that its four-way compression will give you great support so you can easily do anything without restriction. It is also designed to help with your knee injury and perform better in any activity you want to do. The sleeve won’t slip since it has two silicone gel grips that will keep it in place.
Since it is a slip-on knee sleeve, you will not have a hard time wearing it on your legs. You just need to get the right size, and you are ready to tackle anything. The knee sleeves actually have five different sizes and four different colors that you can choose from.
Features
- Anti-slip silicone gel grip
- Specially knitted feature to keep it breathable
- Four-way compression for great support
- Stylish design
Pros
- breathable material is used
- It is easy to wear and
- It comes in different sizes and color
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- The length is not fix
Why you should buy this knee brace
This one is comfortable to wear and will not have any foul odor even if you wear it all day long. Its compression on your knee is good, so you can expect that you will not feel pain, and it will support your knees perfectly.
2. Bodyprox Knee Brace- Universal Fit
The next knee brace is made for both men and women and has a universal fit, which can suit almost anyone. It is fully adjustable and lightweight, so your mobility will not suffer from using it. The knee brace also has a flexible spring stabilizer to reduce the strain your knees go through every time you go skiing. It also has a patella gel pad to assist your knees when bending to prevent injuries or any further damages.
The knee brace also has two velcro straps to give the right compression and support to your patella. This will help you get a more snug-fitting feel, which also helps in supporting your knees. It also has anti-slip features, so it won’t go down in any movement you make. The materials used are also breathable and absorbent, so you won’t get any problems like foul odor or skin irritation using this knee brace.
Features
- Universal fit
- Velcro strap
- Flexible spring stabilizer
- Anti-slip silicone grip gel wave
- Patella gel pads
- breathable and absorbent
Pros
- Prevent any irritation and foul odor
- Sides flexible stabilizer and patella gel pads for support
- Easy to wear
Cons
- The velcro can be uncomfortable.
Why you should buy this knee brace
If you want to relieve your knee pains from skiing, then try this knee brace. It is comfortable to use and offers great support to your knees and legs so you can enjoy your skiing time or any activity you want to do. This is definitely one of the best knee braces for skiing that is worth your every penny.
3. Physix Gear Knee Support Brace- Four-way Stretch Fabric
For this knee sleeve, the manufacturer used a stretchable material that hugs the knees perfectly. It is lightweight, which is very good, especially if you are not a fan of bulky knee braces. It is easy to wear, so you will not have a problem wearing it under your pants—no slipping down even if you continuously move since they put a non-slip grip gel on its edges.
Besides that, you don’t need to worry about any foul odor or sweat since it is a breathable knee sleeve. You will surely feel comfortable wearing this one even if its a whole day. It has a four-way stretch fabric that will follow your legs’ movement every time. You will also feel warm while wearing this sleeve on your knees since it is made from neoprene material.
Features
- Anti-slip grip gel wave
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Breathable and quick-dry fabric
- Give you support and the right compression
Pros
- Breathable and stretchy fabric
- Easy to wear
- Feel warm in the knees
- It won’t slip down
- Various sizes and color
- Lightweight
Cons
- The fabric may cause itchiness in the beginning.
Why should you buy this knee brace
This product can be one of the best ACL knee brace in the market. It can keep your knees warm while fully supporting them, which is why its use in the treatment of meniscus tear, ACL, MCL, and arthritis.
4. TechWare Pro Knee Brace – Lightweight
If you are looking for a knee brace that is easy to use and still supports your knees every time you ski, then this is a good option for you. It has three Bi-directional adjustable straps that will give you great support every time you move. The knee brace has an open patella design that helps your knee caps and also makes its breathable.
The four spring stabilizers will also ensure that you will have equal support on both sides of your knees. While its gel pad will also help reduce the pain that you have in your knees so you can enjoy any activity you want to do. The non-slip silicone grip is also present in this knee brace, so it won’t slip down easily.
Features
- Adjustable Bi-directional straps
- Open patella design
- Breathable fabric
- Give maximum support
Pros
- Even compression and support
- Lightweight and breathable
- Alternating closure
- Various sizes
- Comfortable and easy to wear
Cons
- It can fall down when you are doing extraneous skiing.
Why should you buy this knee brace
This knee brace will undoubtedly help support your knees so you won’t feel any pain while doing any activity. It is easy to wear and comfortable to use, which is very important for a knee brace.
5. Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace -Best Hinged Knee Brace
Hinged knee braces are good in giving maximum support to your knees, and it’s perfect for those who are suffering from moderate to mild injuries. Since its also a hinged knee brace, you can expect that this knee brace will work wonderfully in any knee injury you might have. It also uses neoprene and spandex mesh, so you can always be comfortable wearing it since it’s breathable and can even eliminate any odor.
It’s Bilateral hinges also offer stability, so you can be more comfortable when wearing this knee brace. At the same time, the x-fit strap will ensure that everything is secure so you can ski without worrying about your knees.
Features
- Open patella design
- Bilateral hinges for maximum support and stability
- x-fit strap system to keep everything secure
- Odor and moisture prevention
- Premium quality
Pros
- It can help you a lot, especially if you have an injury
- Various sizes
- Comfortable to wear
- Breathable
- Its latex-free
Cons
- Not that sturdy
Why you should buy this knee brace
If you are suffering from any injury, then this knee brace will surely help you out. It has maximum support for your knees and will help reduce the pain that you are feeling. Aside from that, it’s easy to wear, and you will not suffer any discomfort while wearing this one.
6. Neo G Knee Brace- Best Support for Knee Injury
If you are an active person who does a lot of things, including sport like skiing, then getting this knee brace is right for you. It is designed to have better support than other open patella knee brace that you can see in the market. The knee brace also uses neoprene that helps warm your joints, which helps in healing injuries.
The best compression knee brace also makes sure that swelling and pain reduces which is one of the things this knee brace is good at. It is actually medically engineered, so you can rely on it, and the pain will surely be reduced and prevent damage.
Features
- Open patella design
- Universal size
- Premium-quality neoprene
- Medical grade
- Non-slip design
Pros
- Class 1 medical device
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Uses neoprene material that helps warm joints
- It can be used in any activity you want to do
- Reduces/relieve pain
Cons
- The velcro strap can sometimes be hard to use
Why you should buy this knee brace
This knee brace can give you the support you want to have while skiing and doing other activities. It also has excellent compression to help reduce and relieve pain in your knees. The neoprene used in the products can warm your joints, so the healing of your injury can be much faster.
7. EXOUS Knee Brace – Maximum Comfort
If you want a reliable knee brace that is comfortable to wear and will not slip in your knee while you are moving, then you can get this knee brace. The material used in this knee brace is jacquard Lyrca, the same material usually used in underwear, which is very comfortable on the skin.
It also has four adjustable straps to make sure that it won’t slip down, so you don’t need to pull it up every time you move. There are stabilizers on both sides of the kneecap that will give you equal support on your knees.
They put a comfort gap at the back of the knee so the heat can escape, and it won’t sweat. Since there is a gap, you won’t also feel the bunch on the knee’s back, which will give you a more comfortable feeling. With the straps on and stabilizers, you can expect stability, pain relief, and protection, which you need every time you ski.
Features
- Four adjustable straps
- Double lateral stabilizer
- Comfortable gap at the back of the knee
- Non-slip fit
- Lycra lining
Pro
- Non-slip features
- Breathable since there is a gap
- Prevent knee aches
- Easy to wear and adjust
Cons
- The velcro is not that dependable
Why you should buy this knee brace
If you want a knee brace that will stay in one place all the time while giving the support you need in your knees, then this is the right option to get. It has four reliable straps that will keep it in its place and support your knees in any activity you do. It is comfortable to wear so you can wear it for a long time.
8. McDavid Knee Brace- Best Latex-Free knee brace
This one is very ideal for skiing since it is lightweight, flexible, and very comfortable to wear. You will not feel restricted wearing it so you can move freely while skiing. Besides that, it has a wider hinge to give stronger hold and support to your knees.
The neoprene helps provide heat to keep your joints warm, but you will not sweat since it has an open patella design. Its articulated hinge is also covered so the wearer won’t have any abrasion and irritation. The engineered straps also promise a perfect fit, so you can protect your knees on any activity you do.
Feature
- Articulate hinge with cushion
- Light hinge
- Engineered straps
- Latex-free neoprene
- 360 padded buttress
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to use
- Its covered so you won’t have abrasion and irritation
- Warm the joints to reduce/stop the pain
Cons
- It can be a little tight when you wear it
Why you should buy this brace
A lightweight and comfortable knee brace is perfect for skiing since you will not have any discomfort when you ride down the slope. It also provides good support and helps relieve pain, so you don’t need to suffer from your injury.
9. Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support- Best in Alleviating Knee Strain
If you are searching for the best knee brace for snowboarding, this one is the right choice. It is perfect for high-intensity sports that need excellent protection and support in the knees. The knee brace alleviates the tension and fatigue in the knees by giving the knees the right compression it needs. It also has a pad around the kneecap to relieve the pressure it has on the knee.
Aside from that, the fabric helps massage the muscle on the legs and knees to give relief and positive sensory feedback. For comfortability, the fabric is lightweight and breathable, which is good for a long day activity. It is also washable, so you can have it cleaned after every use.
Features.
- 3D Airknit technology
- Alleviate strain
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Targeted relief
Pros
- Medical grade compression
- Provide stability
- Comfortable to wear
- It lets you move freely
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Need to get an accurate size to get is full benefits
Why you should buy this brace
If you are passionate about skiing, especially snowboarding, then this knee brace will help you get the protection and support that you will need in these sports. It also provides excellent stability and strain relief so you can enjoy skiing all day long.
10. DonJoy Reaction Web Knee Brace- Best Innovative Design
Last but not least is a knee brace that has a different design compared to the rest. The webbing framework design absorbs the pressure you put on the knee so it won’t feel any pain. Its webbing also helps stabilize the kneecap and help it stay in the right position. Its hinges on both sides enable you to get stability as it absorbs the shock, resulting in pain-free skiing.
With its framework and elasticized mesh, you can be assured that it’s breathable, and you will not have a problem with sweat. It also uses velcro straps to keep it secure and won’t slip on your knees.
Features
- Innovative webbing design
- Best knee support
- Elasticity and flexible hinges
- Pain relief
- Proper kneecap position
- Mesh backing
Pros
- Shift the pressure away so you won’t feel pain
- The frames make it a breathable knee brace
- It helps stabilize the kneecap
Cons
- The hinges can rust
Why you should buy this knee brace
Getting this one promises that you will have a fun day skiing without feeling any discomfort. It will provide you the support that you will in this kind of activity and will also help protect it from injury or further damage.
What Is a Knee Brace and What It Can Do?
Knee injuries are very common in skiing; that is why knee braces are important for you to have. A knee brace is designed to give support and protection to your knee so it can prevent any injury from happening or protect the current or old injury that you already have. It will also help you lessen or relieve pain in your knees.
Aside from that, a knee brace can also help protect your legs as well, and even if you are not skiing, you can still use this knee brace to support your knees while you are doing different activities. It also comes in different designs, and you can even have a metal, plastic, elastic, or carbon fiber knee brace.
Tips to Prevent or Lessen Pain When Skiing
Knee injuries can be prevented by following certain precautions while enjoying your skiing or snowboarding. If you’re interested to learn more, read these tips to make your skiing more secure.
- Correct your Posture
Make sure that you have the right posture wherever you go skiing. It will help you prevent any injury in your knees and other parts of your body.
Ensure that your knees are aligned to your foot between your second or third toe when you bend it. It will give you a perfect balance, which will prevent any pain or inflammation to your knees. Practice it regularly, bend and straighten your legs so your body can remember the positioning.
- Don’t sit down or bend too much.
Bending too much when you are skiing will give your tendons and patella-femoral joint too much strain. To prevent it, you will need to train yourself and practice avoiding bending too much. Practice in front of the mirror so you can check yourself if you are bending too much or not.
- Strengthen your body
It is important that you have a healthy body if you want to ski without feeling pain in your body, especially your knees. Condition yourself by doing exercise that can strengthen your body, like lunges and squats. You can also get a professional trainer that will help you keep fit so you can enjoy your skiing anytime you want.
- Use the right equipment.
When skiing, you will need to use proper skiing equipment that is durable and will work properly. Make sure that a reliable company makes the equipment, and everything fits you correctly. This way, you can go down any slope without worrying that your equipment will fail you in the end.
Different Kinds of Knee Braces
There are various kinds of knee braces, depending on the user’s need and preference. Here are some examples that you can use as a reference when choosing the product for you.
- Prophylactic braces are usually used in contact sports like football to protect the player’s knees from getting injured.
- Rehabilitative braces are used for people who have knee injuries or surgery to limit their knee movement so it can heal properly.
- Functional braces are used for those who already have injuries to their knees.
- Patellofemoral braces are braces that help the kneecaps move better.
- Knee sleeves are common types that you can find in pharmacies or medical supply shops.
- Unloaders are used for people who have arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other knee problems.
How to Get Knee Braces?
If you want to get a knee brace for your knees, here’s how
- From your doctor. A doctor can help you get a knee brace, and they can also inform you if you need one or what you should get. This is a preferable source for those who are suffering from a knee injury so that they can get a knee brace that will help them rehabilitate their knees.
- Medical supply stores and pharmacies. They have simple knee sleeves that you can use in your daily routines.
- Online store. You can find different kinds of knee brace online. However, ensure that the kind of knee brace you are getting is suitable for your needs.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Knee Brace for Skiing (A Buying Guide)
When getting a product, you will need to scrutinize it in order to get what you pay for. However, it can be challenging to get the right one if you are not familiar with it. To know more, here are some things that you can look for to get the right product that you need.
- Size
Keep in mind that you will need a perfect fit of your knee brace to prevent damage to your knee or injury. Make sure that it’s not too tight or too loose in your knees. Check the sizes chart of the manufacturer and get the right size.
- Closed or Open Patella
For this one, you may need to consult your doctor to get the right option for your knee caps. Closed design knee brace actually will give you more support and offers compression in your knee caps. At the same time, the open design is more breathable since it won’t cover your knee caps. It still supports and lessens the pressure on the knees.
However, you need to keep in mind that you need to get the design that will help heal your knee problem before anything else, so please inquire with your doctor.
You may also like: Best Ski and Snowboard Wrist Guards
- Wrap Around or Slip-on Knee Brace
The wrap-around knee brace has adjustable straps that will help it to fit perfectly around your knees. You will need a doctor or specialist for this since this option is used for prescription solutions for knee injuries. The slip-on knee brace actually has sizes that you can choose from small, medium to large. It is made from elastic materials, so you can easily slip it on your knees.
- Protection
Aside from protecting your existing ski knee injury, a knee brace can also protect you from potential injury, which is why you will need to check if the knee brace has good enough protection for your knees. Keep in mind that the more protection you want, the bulkier the knee brace can be.
- Comfort
Comfort is also important to look at, especially if you are planning to ski all day long. You will have a hard time enjoying skiing if the knee brace is not comfortable to use. Aside from that, it should have the right airflow so bacteria won’t spread in your knee braces.
FAQs:
Should you have a knee brace when you ski?
Getting a knee brace will help reduce the risk of you getting any knee injury, and it can also protect your knee if you already have an existing knee injury.
Can you use a knee brace every day?
Generally, you can use a knee brace every day, especially if you have a knee injury or if you feel pain in your knees.
When do I need to wear a knee brace?
You can wear it if you have a knee injury to support your knees and prevent them from further damage. You can use it even if you don’t have any injury or if you just feel pain in your knees.
How to wear a knee brace?
It is important that you get the right fit when wearing the knee brace to ensure that you acquire its full benefit. A bad fit can cut off the blood circulation on your legs or make your injury worse, so make sure you have the right fit.
Conclusion
Skiing is very fun and enjoyable, but injuries are very common in this sport. It is common to get knee injuries that you can totally prevent by using knee braces. Ensure you get a reliable knee brace to enjoy your skiing and any activity you want to do. Use this guide to know what are the best knee braces for skiing and more.