Stiffer through arch and heel.
6 Stiffer through arch and heel
Ankle supports are a fantastic way to prevent common running injuries and ensure you keep crushing miles, pain free
No matter how much stretching or preparation you do before a casual jog or a race, even expert runners can find themselves battling pain and injuries — especially ones affecting the feet and lower legs.
Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains are all extremely common for runners, but luckily there’s gear that can help both prevent injuries and relieve pain in these areas. Ankle supports — which range from preventative compression socks to more supportive braces — help to stabilise the foot and ankle, reduce swelling, and decrease the chance of further injury.
Everything you need to know about ankle injuries
The best ankle supports and braces
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What to consider
As noted, ankle supports exist in many different forms. Consider where you’re looking for more support, or where previous injuries have flared up.
Compression socks and sleeves are best for preventing swelling and for post-run recovery, while a sturdier ankle brace is best for running after an ankle sprain or twist. While these products may appear similar at first glance, subtle tweaks make all the difference. You’ll want to consider where in the foot/ankle there is the most compression and support, how rigid or flexible the brace is, and whether or not it should be used for injury prevention or post-injury recovery.
Note: If you are dealing with a lingering injury that isn’t getting better, these products aren’t a suitable substitute for rest and recovery. If you’re experiencing pain while running that affects your form or swells for multiple days after a run, consult a doctor.
How we selected
As a long distance runner, I’ve unfortunately suffered a few injuries in my career. Whenever I feel the strain or twinge of an oncoming injury, I immediately start using a compression sleeve to alleviate swelling. This list includes a variety of products that I have personally used and swear by, as well as the favourites from my trail running community. Considering materials used, sizing, and stretchiness, you'll find the best ankle sleeves available for runners today below.
For more great ways to ensure your comfort on runs, check out our picks for the best heart rate monitors for runners, anti-chafing creams, and moisture-wicking tops.
The Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace is an all-around bullseye for pain relief and injury recovery anywhere in the foot or ankle. It has a compressive sock that slips onto your foot, and a strap surrounding the foot and ankle that allows you to customise the level of support you need.
Compression improves blood circulation, which reduces swelling and pain. It’s designed for high levels of activity, so while you log miles, this ankle sleeve comfortably wicks moisture away from your feet and flexes with your natural stride. This ankle sleeve is perfect for runners looking to prevent injuries anywhere in the foot, or for those coming back from an ankle sprain.
| Materials | Everything you need to know about ankle injuries |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Best Garmin deals |
| Sizing | One size fits most |
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common injuries plaguing runners. For some, it is treated by a week or two of rest. For many others, it’s a chronic condition that For more great ways to ensure your comfort on runs, check out our picks for the. At the first onset of any pain in the heel or lower foot, it’s time to use this ankle sleeve.
The Pro-Tec PF Foot Sleeve compresses the heel, arch, and Achilles to reduce swelling and improve circulation in these areas, which offers relief from pain during runs or throughout the day when treating a case of plantar fasciitis. This is great for runners who are looking to prevent PF during intense training cycles, or for daily use for those currently healing.
| Materials | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Summer running gear sale |
| Sizing | S/M/L |
The best way to treat injuries is to keep them from happening in the first place. This ultra-minimal ankle sleeve supports and stabilises while running, without you noticing it’s there. It fits just like a sock, but has extra compression to increase blood flow and reduce swelling.
You can also add additional stitching anywhere on this sleeve to target more support in any given area. This product is perfect for trail runners who want more support on technical trails, or road runners who need a bit of extra help recovering while upping miles.
| Materials | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Stiff around ankle |
| Sizing | M/L/XL |
This heavier-duty ankle brace provides the support you need when treating an injury, while still giving you some room to move. Bodyprox uses a stretchy elastic material that can still easily fit under a running shoe. This sleeve is intended to be used for injury prevention, or when first starting to run after healing an ankle sprain or twist. It provides excellent stabilisation, compression, and support to help weakened ankles keep from rolling while running.
This is a great product for runners with chronically weak ankles, or those first coming back after being sidelined with an ankle injury.
| Materials | Latex-free neoprene |
|---|---|
| Stretch | The 11 best wireless headphones for runners |
| Sizing | One size fits most |
Lace-up ankle supports are often a must when playing team sports like basketball. The combination of a secure lace-up fit and compressive straps make for an incredibly secure and supportive fit around the ankle. These are meant to prevent and treat ankle-specific injuries, and they do affect your range of motion.
This ankle support is great for runners who are slowly getting back to it after an injury, but it will affect running performance if you're trying to go fast or run down technical trails.
| Materials | Neoprene |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Best wireless headphones |
| Sizes | S/M/L |
U-pick Plantar Fasciitis Sock with Arch Support
Struggling with arch and foot pain during and after runs? While a solid insole also provides extra arch support, this ankle sleeve wraps snugly around the midsection of your foot to compress and relieve pain in this area. It’s designed like many of the compressive sleeves listed above, with an extra strap that wraps around your foot to provide extra support. This increases blood circulation and reduces swelling, which allows you to run and recover without pain in the bottom of your feet.
Bear in mind that the strap does create a bit of extra bulk, so it works best with roomier shoes and thinner running socks.
| Materials | Most comfortable ankle support |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Everything you need to know about ankle injuries |
| Sizing | One size fits most |
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