Written by Kiel DiGiovanni | Co-founder
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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One of the most common fitness accessories you'll see people using these days are knee sleeves.
A knee sleeve, a.k.a. knee compression sleeve, can help you stay injury free while providing extra support and stability or pain relief while you train.
With the almost endless options on the market, we decided it would be helpful to cut through the fog to find you the 9 best knee sleeves on the market today.
Our criteria for selecting the top-rated knee sleeves encompassed factors like comfort, size and fit, compression level, intended activity, durability, reviews, brand reputation, budget, and personal style preferences. With that, we are confident that our selections of knee sleeves will suit your "kneeds".
9 Best Knee Sleeves
- Overall Best Knee Sleeves: Iron Bull Knee Sleeves
- Best Budget Knee Sleeves: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeves For Squats: Stoic Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Compression Sleeve: POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeves For Running: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support NBA
- Best Knee Sleeves For CrossFit: Element 26 Knee Sleeves
- Best Powerlifting Knee Sleeves: Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeve For Arthritis: NEENCA Knee Sleeve
- Best Lightweight Knee Sleeve: MODVEL 2 Pack Knee Brace
SFS Pick
Iron Bull
SFS Budget Pick
UFlex Athletics
SFS Squat Pick
Stoic
1. Overall Best Knee Sleeves: Iron Bull Knee Sleeves
Iron Bull has made itself a name in the gym accessory category over the past years as they continue to turn out quality equipment. The Iron Bull 7MM knee sleeves provide supreme support whether you're a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or CrossFitter.
These knee sleeves are constructed from 7mm thick SCR neoprene material that offers extra support and stability through comfortable compression.
If you're someone who likes to compete in strength sports you need not worry because these knee sleeves are approved by USPA & IPL.
The 3-D design allows these sleeves to sit over the knee joint seamlessly while the breathable material helps to keep your knees warm and compressed. This sleeve features a longer 11.5-inch length of coverage which is 2 inches longer than most knee sleeves on the market. The double reinforced stitching used gives these sleeves a tight, snug fit without drastically reducing your range of motion.
To keep these sleeves properly placed on the knee joints Iron Bull used an anti-slip technology that consists of double silicone gel strips. This is an awesome achievement that can save you wasted time trying to readjust the sleeves during your training session.
If you're looking for a quality knee sleeve that can help you avoid knee injuries while providing some pain relief then look no further.
Key Points:
- Price: $60
- Size: S-2XL (7MM)
- Made for: Weight Lifting
- Length: 11.8in (30cm)
- Material: Neoprene
Pros
- Anti-slip tech
- 7mm thickness
- Longer than many knee sleeves
Cons
- Some people have sizing issues
Featuring 7mm Neoprene Flex-Material designed for maximum support, compression and stability for CrossFit, weight lifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding...
2. Best Budget Knee Sleeves: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeves
The UFlex Athletics knee sleeve is one of the most popular choices on Amazon due to the low cost and quality design.
These knee sleeves a made from 3D knitted material that provides 4-way stretch while the super breathable latex, nylon and spandex mesh results in a comfy fit. They also incorporated double silicone gel strips to ensure the compression knee sleeves don't slide down or bunch up during your workout sessions.
The Uflex Athletics knee sleeve is a good choice for people who want to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the knee joints. So if you're a runner, walker, or want to participate in some dynamic sports these could be a good cheap option to get the job done.
Overall, the Uflex Athletics knee compression sleeves will stand up to intermediate-level workouts but we wouldn't recommend them for high-intensity sports or for heavy weight training sessions.
Key Points:
- Price: $15
- Size: S-XL (5mm)
- Made for: Athletic Training
- Length: 12.2in (31.2cm)
- Material: 53% Nylon, 33% Elastodiene fiber, 14% Spandex
- Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Pros
- Low-cost option
- Overall positive reviews
- Breathable material with silicone gel strips
Cons
- Not meant for high-impact or intense training
With a 4-way stretch capability, our elastic knee compression sleeves offer the best knee support for women & men at every level of sports...
3. Best Knee Sleeves For Squats: Stoic Knee Sleeves
We chose the Stoic sleeves as the best knee sleeves for squats although you can use them for just about any athletic pursuit.
These knee sleeves work thanks to their unmatched design and construction. Formed from Neoprene material that is 7mm thick keeps your knees warm and compressed as you exercise. If you have knee ailments then the Stoic sleeves will probably help to alleviate some of your issues.
Unlike many knee sleeves available, Stoic is offering something unique with their patent-pending triple stitching construction. These sleeves will give you fantastic knee support as they are designed to last a long time and Stoic boasts that they will outperform any other sleeve on the market.
The length of these sleeves is 30cm or just over 11.5 inches making them one of the larger options available except if you start looking towards more knee compression sleeves meant for running or other sports.
If you're serious about weight lifting then you should give these a spin, you won't be disappointed.
Key Points:
- Price: $37.5 ($75 for pair)
- Size: XXS-XXL (7MM)
- Made for: Weight Lifting
- Length: 11.8in (30cm)
- Material: Neoprene
- Customer Rating: 4.7 stars
Pros
- Patent pending stitching
- Heavy duty material
- Built to last
- Longer coverage area
Cons
- Difficult to put on/take off
Knee sleeves purpose built to hit heavier weights, higher reps, and more intensity! Specially designed for optimal performance & support...
4. Best Knee Compression Sleeve: POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeves
The POWERLIX knee compression sleeves are a great pick for people who have a weak knee (or two).
With the PowerLix knee compression sleeve you get even pressure across your knee joint. The knitted design gives you compression from all sides while still allowing for the optimal range of motion.
Use these compression knee sleeves for a range of activities including running, basketball, weight lifting and more. As you push hard during your training you don't have to worry about stinky odor as the breathable fabric material will help you stay cool and dry.
Another feature that makes these the best knee compression sleeves is the fact they employed the use of an anti-slip system by using double silicone that helps keep a nice grip so that you don't have to worry about readjusting them frequently.
If you suffer from knee pain you can even wear these all day long when you're out and about to provide pain relief.
Key Points:
- Price: $29.99
- Size: S-XXL (5MM)
- Made for: All-Around & Recovery
- Material: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex
- Customer Rating: 4.3 stars
Pros
- Anti-slip system
- Budget-friendly
- Breathable material
- Compression from all angles
- 6-month 100% money back guarantee
Cons
- Not the best choice for heavy lifting
PowerLix knee brace applies stable pressure across your knee joint. Perfect knee support for knee pain. It offers optimal muscle support between workouts and during casual...
5. Best Knee Sleeves For Running: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support
The Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support is a fantastic choice for people who like to participate in high-impact sports like running or basketball. Don't just take our word for it, the NBA endorses this product thanks to the medical-grade compression and the superior support it provides. We would classify this product as more similar to functional knee braces than sleeves in part to the stabilization of the patella.
Crafted from 3D lightweight Air Knit fabric these knee sleeves provide stability to the knee area through the use of lateral stays, compression, and patella gel pads to keep your knee stabilized without the need for any bulky adjustable straps or hinges.
The patella gel pad coupled with the moisture-wicking material and 360 degrees of compression set this knee brace apart from the competition. The Viscoelastic gel pad keeps the knee cap in place and helps to absorb shock when running and jumping. Plus, the Omega design consists of small massage nubs that help to reduce knee pain.
At the end of the day if some of the world's top athletes in the NBA trust this as one of the best knee braces out there, then it should be good enough for all the weekend warriors out there.
Key Points:
- Price: $89.99
- Size: XS-XXL (5MM)
- Made for: Sports/Basketball
- Length: 14.3in (36cm)
- Material: Knit
- Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Pros
- Licensed by NBATA (NBA)
- Premium product made in Germany
- Machine washable
- Excellent support, stability and shock-absorbing properties
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Not meant for weight lifting
Targeted compression and gentle massage provide support to the joint and helps prevent excessive strain. 360 degrees of compression surrounds the joint. The massage effect during motion...
6. Best Knee Sleeves For CrossFit: Element 26 Knee Sleeves
Element 26 is a well-known brand in the space of gym accessories and with their knee sleeves they come with something slightly different than the competition.
One big difference with these knee sleeves is that they didn't follow the usual 5 or 7mm thickness as many other knee sleeves do. Instead, Element 26 offers a 6mm thick neoprene sleeve that is somewhere in between the stiffer 7mm for heavier lifts and the 5mm sleeve that provides more range of motion. For this reason, some big names in CrossFit use these sleeves during the competition including Scott Panchik and Dani Speegle.
Made with 100% Neoprene these sleeves fit well thanks to an anatomically contoured design that allow the sleeve to fit snugly in place during your tough training sessions.
Whether you have joint pain, want to improve blood flow or need more support during your WOD give these a try.
Key Points:
- Price: $39.97
- Size: S-XL (6MM)
- Made for: Crossfit
- Length: 9.8in (24.8cm)
- Material: Neoprene
- Customer Rating: 4.6 stars
Pros
- Great for functional training
- Lifetime warranty
- Good design to stay in place
Cons
- Not the best option for heavy lifting
Designed for superior performance and versatility, the 6mm thick Knee Sleeve from Element 26 provides all the support and compression of a 7mm thick knee sleeve, while still allowing you the flexibility and mobility like a 5mm...
7. Best Powerlifting Knee Sleeves: Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
Gymreapers is a familiar name in the weightlifting accessory space as they continue to put out quality products that lifters love.
The Gymreapers knee sleeves are comprised of 7mm thick neoprene. These sleeves can help ward off knee discomfort from tendonitis or injury recovery.
Constructed with reinforced stitching, you can count on these sleeves to stand up to hard training. You can expect your joint pain to subside as your blood flow increases thanks to the compression sleeve. If you want to hit some heavy squats or deadlifts these sleeves should do the job in assisting you.
As usual, Gymreapers offers a risk-free 60-day no-hassle return policy so if you're not 100% satisfied you'll get your money back.
Key Points:
- Price: $69.99
- Size: S-XXL (7MM)
- Made for: Athletic Training
- Length: 10in (20.5cm)
- Material: Synthetic Rubber
- Customer Rating: 4.7 stars
Pros
- Good for intense lifting
- Come with free carry bag
- 100% satisfaction guarantee (1-year replacement warranty)
Cons
- Some people have had issues with their customer service when trying to get a replacement pair
Through strenuous product testing, research and experience our 7MM neoprene knee sleeves will provide superior knee support and protection for years...
8. Best Knee Sleeve For Arthritis: NEENCA Knee Sleeves
The NEENCA knee brace is no joke with some features that make them stand out from the crowd.
Starting off, their knee sleeves hold a patent for their spring knee support technology. This technology sports a closed patella gel pad around the kneecap plus double-sided metal spring stabilizers that help to brace the knee joint. With this design, you get support from all sides which makes it an ideal choice for those who might have recently had physical therapy due to arthritis, knee surgery, ACL surgery or even a torn meniscus.
These sleeves are made of a 3D woven Air Knit material that won't aggravate sensitive skin like some other knee braces on the market. Plus they included non-slip gel strips to help avoid the sleeve from sliding down or bunching up.
You will keep your knees warm, reduce inflammation, minimize stiffness and improve blood flow with this knee brace.
The high-quality elastic fabric combined with the patella gel pads and the spring stabilizers make this one of the best for arthritis.
Key Points:
- Price: $28
- Size: XS-XXXL (7MM)
- Made for: All-Around & Recovery
- Length: 13in (33cm)
- Material: Air Knit
- Customer Rating: 4.3 stars
Pros
- Innovative design for superior support and functionality
- High-quality fabric
- Created by company that specializes in knee braces
Cons
- Sold individually
Spring knee support technology: An anatomically contoured patella gel pad surrounds your kneecap, double-sided metal spring stabilizers fit tightly with your knee joint...
9. Best Lightweight Knee Sleeve: MODVEL Knee Sleeves
The MODVEL knee sleeve is our pick for best lightweight knee sleeves. Thousands of people have gotten enjoyment out of wearing these compression sleeves.
You have 7 size options to choose from with this 4-way stretch material that's made of a nylon and latex blend. These materials create a snug fit that's breathable and will keep you dry thanks to the moisture-wicking capability.
Like some other knee sleeves on our list, they used silicone strips to help keep the sleeve in place while you're enjoying your chosen sport or activity.
Besides wearing for activities, the MODVEL knee sleeves can be worn underneath your pants or leggings so you can move throughout the day pain-free.
Key Points:
- Price: $29.99
- Size: S-XXXL (n/a)
- Made for: Athletics & Recovery
- Length: 12.5in (31.75cm)
- Material: Spandex, Nylon, Latex Fiber
- Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Pros
- Plenty of designs & styles to choose from
- Very affordable
- Nylon & latex blend to keep you dry and cool
- Silicone strips to help keep the positioning
Cons
- Not meant for heavy lifting
- Some people complain of the silicone strip irritating their skin
The circle weave on the kneecap of our compression knee brace helps adjust the sleeve in the right position. This runners knee brace moves to the contour of your knee...
Top Knee Sleeves By Comparison:
|
Brand |
Price |
Size |
Made for |
Length |
Material |
Customer Rating |
|
$60 |
S-2XL (7MM) |
Weight Lifting |
11.8in |
Neoprene |
n/a |
|
|
$15 |
S-XL (5mm) |
Athletic Training |
12.2in |
53% Nylon, 33% Elastodiene, 14% Spandex |
4.4 stars |
|
|
$37.5 |
XXS-XXL (7MM) |
Weight Lifting |
11.8in |
Neoprene |
4.7 stars |
|
|
$29.99 |
S-XXL (5MM) |
All-Around & Recovery |
n/a |
80% Nylon, 20% Spandex |
4.3 stars |
|
|
$89.99 |
XS-XXL (5MM) |
Sports/Basketball |
14.3in |
Knit |
4.5 stars |
|
|
$39.97 |
S-XL (6MM) |
Crossfit |
9.8in |
Neoprene |
4.6 stars |
|
|
$69.99 |
S-XXL (7MM) |
Athletic Training |
10in |
Synthetic Rubber |
4.7 stars |
|
|
$28 |
XS-XXXL (7MM) |
All-Around & Recovery |
13in |
Air Knit |
4.3 stars |
|
|
$29.99 |
S-XXXL (n/a) |
Athletics & Recovery |
12.5in |
Spandex, Nylon, Latex Fiber |
4.4 stars |
Knee Sleeves Vs Knee Braces
The major difference is that knee sleeves only provide compression and some stability. On the other hand, a knee brace will offer some protection to the anterior of the knee and the patella with some cushioning. With a knee brace, you can have a variety of forms and functions whereas knee sleeves pretty much look and function in the same way.
Here are a few discerning factors between knee sleeves and knee braces.
Knee Sleeve:
- Usually made of Neoprene or knitted elastic fabric
- Slide on and off the knee cap
- Great for compression, improved blood flow and injury prevention
Knee Brace:
- Multiple knee brace types including wrap-around (usually with Velcro straps), prophylactic, functional, unloader and rehabilitative (we won't go into detail as this post focuses on knee sleeves).
- Multiple knee brace uses include protecting the knee, preventing injury, limiting mobility, placing pressure on the thigh, improve stability of the ligaments around the knee.
Knee Sleeve Thickness (3-7mm)
Knee sleeves range in thicknesses, typically measured in millimeters (mm), which directly affects their level of support, compression, and flexibility. Here's an explanation of the common thicknesses, specifically 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm:
3mm Knee Sleeves:
- These are the thinnest available.
- They offer minimal compression and support.
- 3mm sleeves are often used for activities that require a light level of support, such as running or low-impact workouts.
- They provide warmth to the knee joint and can aid in maintaining proper blood flow.
5mm Knee Sleeves:
- 5mm strikes a balance between compression, support, and flexibility.
- They provide moderate compression and are suitable for a wide range of activities, including weightlifting, general workouts, and athletic training.
- 5mm sleeves offer decent warmth to the knee and can help alleviate mild discomfort or chronic knee pain during exercises.
7mm Knee Sleeves:
- These are the thickest and offer the highest level of compression and support.
- 7mm sleeves are commonly chosen by weightlifters and powerlifters, as they provide significant stability during heavy lifting.
- They are ideal for activities that require substantial joint support, such as squats and deadlifts.
- However, due to their thickness, 7mm sleeves can restrict flexibility and hinder dynamic movements, making them less suitable for activities that involve a wide range of motion.
In summary, the choice of thickness depends on the specific activity you're engaging in and the level of support you require. Thinner sleeves like 3mm are better for low-impact activities, while 5mm sleeves strike a balance between compression and flexibility. If heavy lifting and maximal support are your focus, 7mm sleeves can provide the necessary stability but might limit your range of motion. Consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting the appropriate thickness for your knee sleeves.
Note: Knee sleeves may also come in sizes such as 4mm, 6mm and thicker than 7mm. Keep an eye on the thickness as it makes a big difference for usage.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING KNEE SLEEVES?
When shopping for a knee brace you should keep a few things at the forefront of your mind. Let's go over the important points to consider so that you get the right knee sleeve for your situation.
1. Usage:
This is perhaps the most vital aspect to think about before you buy knee sleeves.
Let's start with weightlifting. If you're someone who lifts heavy and wants to work on compound movements like squats and deadlifts then aim for the Neoprene 6-7mm thick sleeves. Those who participate in more functional style training like CrossFit might be better served with a 5-6mm thick Neoprene sleeve or a breathable fabric sleeve that offers good compression and stability but doesn't restrict any range of motion.
On the other hand, people who play sports or are runner should look towards sleeves made from 3D knitted breathable fabric that keeps you dry as you sweat but still offers enough support as you move.
If you're coming back from an injury or have more serious knee issues you should think about getting a knee brace that protects the anterior of the knee around the patella while also getting more stability around the joint from lateral movements.
With all the above covered it's always best to consult with your primary medical care provider to see what they recommend is the best knee sleeve for your current condition.
2. Materials:
Knee sleeves are generally made from a few different materials that include Neoprene, Air Knit fabric, and blends of latex, nylon and spandex. The materials used should reflect the type of activity you are using them for. A simple way of looking at it would be to get thick Neoprene sleeves for weightlifting and fabric sleeves for other sports.
3. Price:
The price of a knee sleeve can start at just over $10 to around $100 or more. You should be able to purchase decent sleeves for around $50 but if you want something premium then you might have to shell out closer to $100. Price isn't the most important indicator of quality so be sure to look at the warrant or return policy of the brand.
4. Reviews:
Generally speaking, knee sleeves aren't a super expensive training accessory but to save yourself the headache of going through a return process make sure to spend 10-20 mins looking at what other verified purchasers are saying about the product. Look at the good and the bad reviews to get a sense of the general consensus. Other places to look for reviews are Reddit, Youtube and forums.
BENEFITS OF KNEE SLEEVES
Knee compression braces and sleeves can provide a number of benefits to those who wear them while training. Let's look at the common reasons why you should wear compression knee sleeves.
1. Provides Compression:
One of the main advantages of wearing a knee compression sleeve or knee brace is that they compress your joint therefore many people will refer to it as a knee compression sleeve. This compression leads to increased blood flow, keeping the joint warm and lubricated plus can help reduce rain and swelling both during or after a workout. These aspects can help you to recover quicker after a grueling workout. Also by keeping the joint warm you might mitigate potential injuries.
2. Enhance Stability:
Knee sleeves can give you extra support and stability by limiting the movement in the knee area. Many athletes tend to use knee compression sleeves as they stabilize the knee joint which helps improve balance.
3. Prevent Injury & Promote Recovery:
Knee sleeves help with preventing injuries by keeping the knee joint warm, improving the blood flow, and boosting your stability. We always recommend taking preventative measures like wearing knee braces or sleeves rather than dealing with a serious knee injury later on.
KNEE SLEEVES FAQs:
What are the best knee sleeves?
We mostly focus on strength sports at SET FOR SET, so the best knee sleeve is the Iron Bull knee sleeves, but if we had some extra money to spend then we'd go with the Stoic knee sleeves, as we think they are a little more durable and robust. Either way, both of these knee sleeves should stand up to intense weight training.
What are the best knee braces?
The best knee brace is the Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support. It means a lot when a professional sports league associates itself with a fitness brand. The well-thought-out design and high-quality product from Germany makes for a great knee brace to protect your knees.
Do knee compression sleeves really work?
Yes, knee compression sleeves work well if you purchase a quality product and use the correct size. Knee compression sleeves will help provide some light support, keep your joints warm, improve blood flow, and aid in helping you recover faster. Knee sleeves are not great for people coming back from injuries or who have had weak knees or other stability issues. In these cases, a knee brace will provide you with more benefits.
Are tighter Knee Sleeves Better?
It's essential to get the correct sized knee sleeve if you want it to function properly. Knee sleeves should be tight yet not too tight that they restrict blood flow or limit your mobility too much. Make sure to look at the brand's sizing guidelines before you make a purchase. Loose knee sleeves on the other hand won't provide you with any benefits so the correct size is vitally important.
SUMMARY: WHICH KNEE SLEEVE IS BEST?
If you made it this far, you should have a good idea of which knee sleeves are the best for you. The right knee sleeve will give help prevent potential injuries while adding a sense of confidence to your training. Just remember a knee sleeve isn't the answer to serious injuries or to prop up a weak joint.
We hope this post helped guide you in the right direction in buying knee sleeves!
As a final recap, the best knee sleeve for you will depend on what you want to use it for. In our professional opinion, the best knee sleeve for weight lifting is the Iron Bull, the best knee sleeve for athletics is the Bauerfeind, and the best knee sleeve for all around recovery is the Modvel.
- Overall Best Weightlifting Knee Sleeve: Iron Bull Knee Sleeves
- Best For Budget: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeves
- Best For Squats: Stoic Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Compression Sleeve: POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeves
- Best For Running: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support NBA
- Best For CrossFit: Element 26 Knee Sleeves
- Best For Powerlifting: Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
- Best For Arthritis: NEENCA Knee Sleeve
- Best Lightweight: MODVEL 2 Pack Knee Brace
More Best Equipment Roundups:
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author