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We’ll state the obvious in that knees are pretty important. If they didn’t work, we wouldn’t be able to walk, much less do all of the other physical things we enjoy doing.
However, it’s quite easy to injure your knees and as we age, ailments such arthritis and physical injuries happen.
This is why it’s so important that we give them a bit of extra support when needed.
So, which are the best knee sleeves on the market, today? Keep on scrolling, because you’re about to find out!
Best Knee Sleeves
| Physix Gear Knee Support Brace | Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves | PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Thickness: | 7mm | 5mm & 7mm | 7mm |
| Sizes: | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Best For: | Meniscus tears, arthritis, ACL recovery & running | Weight lifting | Meniscus tears, arthritis, running & Crossfit |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Knee Compression Sleeves
- Physix Gear Knee Support Brace
- Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves
- PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve
- Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
- Athledict Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
- CAMBIVO Knee Brace Sleeve Support
- Copper Fit Pro Series Compression Knee Sleeve
We’ve reviewed the top rated knee sleeves followed by a comparison table and buying guide to help you decide on sleeve that will work best for you.
Knee Compression Sleeve Reviews
#1 Physix Gear Knee Support Brace
If you’re looking for an excellent budget product, we highly suggest you check out the Physix Gear Knee Support Brace. This pack comes with two, and you can choose between either black and pink, or black and grey.
If you’d like, you can also choose to purchase a single sleeve. They come in 3 sizes, which isn’t as many as we’d have liked to see, but it’s okay.
Made with 4-way stretch Lycra, you’ll get all-day support without any discomfort. The lightweight design is surprisingly sturdy, and can withstand daily use, even during heavy workouts.
Expand to see more The thin, minimal design is easy to wear over workout leggings or bare skin, and can even be worn under jeans or pants. The sleeve works to keep your joints nice and warm to help avoid stiffness, reduce swelling, and also reduce the risk of injury. The no-chafe design moves with you rather than against you, as it’s made perfectly to the contour of the human knee. While stiffer knee compression sleeves aren’t necessarily a bad thing, sometimes they can restrict movement. The Physix Gear allows for a full range of motion and are the best knee sleeves for Crossfit!
#2 Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves
Bear KompleX is a reputable company known for making not only supportive knee sleeves like the ones we see here, but also things like belts, bands, and hand grips, to improve your athletic performance, while still protecting you from injury.
These knee sleeves feature four seams and four panels, which we actually found quite rare among similar compression products.
This is perfect for all-around support, and will also keep your sleeves more durable so you can go harder without worrying about ripping them.
Expand to see more They come in either 5mm or 7mm, but 7 is the standard, and offers optimal warmth and compression support for those “heavy load” lifts. We actually felt that they were a tiny bit more rigid than their competitor products, but that’s probably due to the 4 seams/panels. This makes them a bit more difficult to remove and put on, so during fast-paced workouts, you may find it a bit more slow, but it was nothing deal-breaking for us. The sleeves come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find something that fits you or matches your workout clothing. We found them a bit bulkier and stiffer than other sleeves, but they do provide extra support and you’ll find that they are the best knee sleeves for squats!
#3 PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve
The PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve is our other favorite, both offering an absolutely gorgeous design, with a high level of technology that makes for a unique, highly-functional product.
Made with a specialized fabric blend with 4-way stretch capabilities, you get all-around protection and support better than the vast majority of other sleeves out there.
The ergonomically-designed product works with you, rather than against you, while helping reduce inflammation and swelling, improving recovery time, and keeping you supported during physical activities.
Expand to see more The breathable fabric keeps you dry and odor-free by absorbing moisture quickly – perfect for extended use. Not only that, but the fabric is nice and soft to the touch, ensuring you stay nice and comfortable. A high-performance fabric makes sure your joints are at the perfect temperature, to provide discomfort and potential injury. The knitted technical design isn’t just for looks, although it looks cool, too. It’s made this way to match your joints, supporting you wherever possible. The double silicone anti-slip interior gives you a grip that will make you feel confident about your knee compression sleeve, without you having to keep adjusting them making them the best knee support for running.
#4 Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
Nordic Lifting has given us some of the best knee sleeves on the market today, providing high-quality material, construction, and beautiful craftsmanship.
Made of the standard 7mm-thick Neoprene material, along with reinforced stitching, you’ll find they last you an insanely long amount of time, even putting them through the ringer each workout.
The package comes with two knee sleeves, making them quite an affordable product, and the fact that they come with a whopping 6 sizes means that there’s the perfect fit for just about everybody.
Expand to see more The downside is that they don’t come in anything but black with a white/grey trim, but they look sleek, classic, and go with anything. They work well for both men and women, which is also nice. Compression is solid, and snug around all parts of the knee, promoting muscle recovery while also preventing injuries. We would rate the Nordic’s as the best powerlifting knee sleeves and perfect for standard weight-lifting, cross-training, or where you need the extra support. If that weren’t enough, they even come with a 1-year free, no-hassle replacement guarantee, so if they don’t hold up, you won’t go without!
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#5 Athledict Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
The Athledict Knee Brace Compression Sleeve is consistently ranked number 1 on various websites and user reviews.
However, we like to go in unbiased, so we tried it out ourselves. We have to say while it’s difficult to select just one as being the best, it’s definitely tied for first place.
While it does only come with one sleeve, it’s worth the extra money if you’re serious about keeping your knees supported and protected.
Expand to see more First off, it comes with an impressive 7 sizes, so you can suit anyone in your household. The anatomical shape is designed off of the human knee, giving you improved support, stability, and pain relief right where you need it. The included strap helps provide this support, so you feel confident in every move you make. The anti-slip silicone design won’t slip off like we saw so many others do. While it offers 360-degree comfort and support, it’s also very breathable and comfortable, so you don’t feel smothered. No matter what you need it for: pain relief, improved recovery time, or the best knee compression sleeves for running, you’ll love the Athledict sleeve!
#6 CAMBIVO Knee Brace Sleeve Support
The CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Compression are another excellent pair of knee compression sleeves, perfect for recovering after a meniscus tear, ACL surgery, or other injuries/pain.
In addition, they’re great for supporting you while running and while doing cross-training. Coming in 5 different sizes and 6 different color schemes, we’re sure you’ll find just the perfect pair for you.
The majority of the design is black, with sleek, modern-looking details that not only work well, but look trendy.
Expand to see more As they equally place pressure on your knees, they are quite effective at reducing any swelling, stiffness, and inflammation that you may be experiencing. They’re perfect for just about any sport, and will help with arthritis or tendonitis, if you have it. If you’re worrying about them falling or slipping off, don’t. With their anti-slip, double-lined silicone, it not only keeps you feeling comfortable, it’s thicker than your average knee sleeves to give extra reinforcement and keep them where they belong. The 3D elastic weaving keeps all surrounding muscles warm while relaxing them, and as the fabric is so breathable, sweating is kept to a minimum.
#7 Copper Fit Pro Series Compression Knee Sleeve
Chances are, if you’ve already taken a look at knee compression sleeves, you’ve heard of the Copper Fit.
Endorsed by Brett Favre, it’s definitely one of the most well-known out there, today. If you only need one sleeve, or are willing to spend a bit more for two, then check this one out.
The black-and-gold design isn’t just for looks; it features high-performance, copper-infused material with built-in kinesiology bands to give you targeted compression and dynamic support.
Expand to see more That’s not all, though; it’s also great at improving circulation and oxygenation of muscles, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation, too! This is perfect for injury prevention during sports, but also providing rejuvenating relief and support for pain, stiffness, and soreness. They’re actually made to hold up to extreme training, but are comfortable and soft enough for daily use, too. Moisture-wicking technology makes sure you’re always dry, while preventing uncomfortable rashes and chafing that many other products can cause. Copper ions work to also ensure no unpleasant odors hold onto the sleeve. If you’re looking for best knee sleeves for arthritis at an affordable price, then you should definitely consider the Copper Fit!
Knee Sleeve Comparison Table
| Knee Sleeve | Thickness | Sizes | Best For | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physix Gear Knee Support Brace | 7mm | 3 | Meniscus tears, ACL recovery | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
| Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves | 5mm & 7mm | 3 | Weight lifting | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
| PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve | 7mm | 5 | Meniscus tears, ACL recovery | 4.6 / 5.0 | |
| Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves | 7mm | 6 | Weight lifting, cross training | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
| Athledict Knee Brace Compression Sleeve | 7mm | 7 | Meniscus tears, arthritis, running support | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
| CAMBIVO Knee Brace Sleeve Support | 7mm | 5 | ACL recovery, reducing swelling & inflammation | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
| Copper Fit Pro Series Compression Knee Sleeve | N/A | 4 | ACL recovery, reducing swelling & inflammation | 3.4 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Knee Sleeves – Buyers Guide
By now, you may be wondering which is the best knee sleeve for you. There are some great options here, sure, but which one is the best for you? Well, first of all, let’s take a look at what makes a knee compression sleeve a good one, and how to choose one according to your needs.
Range of Motion
As briefly mentioned above, range of motion is pretty important, depending on which sports/activities you’re going to be using them for.
You should know, that knee sleeves are purposely designed to be tight to give you a certain level of stability, however, you shouldn’t be restricted too much. Contoured knee sleeves are great, because they’re designed especially for your body.
They let you bend your knees without cutting off circulation or making if difficult to perform your best. Keep in mind that this necessity will vary a bit per sport. For example, if you’re looking for the best knee sleeve for running, then you’re going to want a full range of motion.
However, if you’re looking for things like heavy lifts, you’ll probably want a bit more thickness and stability.
Durability
Chances are, you’re not just looking for a knee compression sleeve for just a few uses. You probably want something that you can use on a daily basis, or for regular workouts and sports.
With that being said, you need something that’s going to hold up to all the wear-and-tear you’re going to put it through. Neoprene is the typical material most are made out of, and are quite resilient, however, thickness, construction, and stitching play a huge part in that.
Probably the most durable of any we’ve seen, is the Bear KompleX. They are more ideal for heavy lifting and Crossfit, but if you want the most heavy-duty, this is your new go-to.
If you want to take things a step further than just Neoprene, go for sleeves made with a blend of both Neoprene and SBR for the ultimate in abrasion resistance and effectiveness against moisture and salt.
Generally speaking, the more seams you have on the sleeve, the more stable it will be. If you just have one, stability is more likely to be a bit unbalanced. Look for around 4 stitches and panels.
Cost
Before you get started, it’s always a good idea to give yourself a solid budget that you won’t go over. This is to ensure you don’t spend more than you want, and possibly experience buyer’s remorse, which no one wants!
No matter what your budget is, we know that we have a compression sleeve that can work within it. Keep in mind, though, that if you want a sleeve that’s going to take all the wear-and-tear you throw at it, and stay resilient like the first day you got it, you’re going to want to spend a bit more.
It doesn’t have to be a crazy amount of money, but even spending $10 more dollars or so can really make a difference. All in all, given the amount of time the more expensive products will last versus the cheaper ones, you’ll probably end up saving money.
Function
Many people when they buy their first compression sleeves, make the mistake of thinking that all sleeves are the same. While it’s understandable, it can definitely have an affect on your experience.
As we mentioned previously, not every sleeve is perfect for every person and the activities they’ll be using them with. If you are planning on using it with squatting, heavy lifting, or mat work, you’re going to want those that offer the most support, and are the thickest/must durable. These will provide you with the ultimate in support.
Thinner sleeves are generally designed for recovery, and aren’t going to provide you with the level of protection or abrasion resistance you’d require for more strenuous activity.
With weightlifting, make sure you’re looking at products made of Neoprene or something similar for more stability. Don’t just buy something because it looks attractive, although, you can definitely get a cool-looking, functional sleeve.
Sizes
This is pretty obvious, but it doesn’t matter what your sleeve is made out of, how perfect the functionality is for you, or what color it is, if it doesn’t fit you properly, it’s not going to work.
That being said, make sure the product features the right size for you. Some only come in a couple of sizes, while others come in just about any size one would need.
FAQs For Knee Sleeves
Just to make sure we’re covering all of our bases here, we’ve gone ahead and answered all of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the best knee compression sleeves.
Q: When should I use my knee sleeves?
You’ll want to use them when you’re putting excessive stress on your knees. If you’re lifting weights, running, jogging, or just planning on being on your feet for a long time, knee compression sleeves are a big help. In addition, if you’re trying to recover from an injury or a surgery such as ACL or a meniscus tear, these will also help.
While they may not be necessary for every workout, if you do feel any pain or discomfort while doing basic activities, you should consider wearing it more.
Q: Which ones are the best for running?
You’ll want sleeves that offer high compression, are lightweight, yet still thin and flexible enough that you get a full range of motion out of them. In addition, pick some that are longer, as running can cause shorter ones to easily roll up.
Q: How do I know which size to get?
Most of us don’t really know our “knee size” like our shoe size, so it can be difficult to tell which size you are if you don’t know how to measure them. Stand with your legs straight, use a soft tape measure, and measure the circumference of your knee at the very middle of the knee cap. From there, go off of the manufacturer’s size chart, and you have your size!
Q: Do I really need knee sleeves?
Most people don’t need them, but they can really be a huge assistance. They offer an extra layer of support and safety, stabilizing your knee cap and the surrounding ligaments to help avoid any strains or worse. Tight compression boosts blood flow, which warms up your knee joints, and helps with recover once you’re done.
Tips For Buying Knee Sleeves
Tip #1: Always make sure your knee sleeves are breathable. Not only is this more sanitary and comfortable, but it will help ensure that your sleeves aren’t sliding all over the place or rolling up, essentially defeating the purpose of the products in the first place.
Tip #2: Don’t rely purely on your knee sleeves. Some people also make the mistake of thinking they can lift more because their sleeves will support them. We can’t say this enough: if you can’t lift the amount of weight safely without sleeves, do not think you can with them.
Sure, they may keep you more supported, but it does not take the place of your strength. This will only lead to potential injury.
Tip #3: Make sure you have the correct size. We know, we mentioned this already, but it’s important. If it’s too tight, it’s going to restrict circulation which is not good at all, and if it’s too big, it’s not going to give you the support it’s supposed to.
Summary
So, which one of these best knee compression sleeves will be making their way into your gym bag? No matter which one you choose, know that you’re getting one of the best products on the market, today. Thanks for joining us once again, and we hope that this guide helped you choose the best for you! See you again soon!
Notice:
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But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
