If you aren’t sure how or where to start looking, we have the top 13 recommendations for you right here. Take a look and stay safe out there!

Top 13 Knee Braces For Skiing

1. Physix Gear Knee Support Brace

The Physix Gear Knee Support Brace is made of four-way stretch breathable nylon and lycra fabric, providing complete support when you are in motion. It is super lightweight and can be worn under jeans. The stabilizer ensures that your knees stay warm. This brace is recommended for the treatment of MCL, ACL, arthritis, and meniscus tear. It is suitable for resistance exercises and perfect for skiers who do not like bulky traditional braces. It has a non-slip silicone grip wave that prevents it from shifting during movement. Pros

Easy to pull on and off Four-way stretch fabric Breathable Keeps joints warm Provides pain relief Non-slip grip Lightweight Available in 3 colors

Cons

May cause rashes

2. Bodyprox Knee Brace

The Bodyprox Knee Brace is made of 63% SBR, 32% nylon, and 5% spandex. It is one size fits all and has flexible stabilizers to relieve pressure and reduce stress on the joints. It features springs in two sides, a patella support strap, and a silicone pad for added comfort during motion. The two velcro straps allow you to adjust the knee brace according to your size. This knee brace is highly absorbent and breathable. Its neoprene material makes skin-to-skin contact comfortable and prevents rashes. The inner sweat absorption feature also keeps you dry and sweat-free. Pros

Universal fit Comes with side stabilizers and patella gel pads Highly absorbent Breathable Prevents rashes

Cons

Not durable The velcro straps are flimsy

3. TechWare Pro Knee Brace

The TECHWARE Pro Knee Brace is super versatile and suitable for squats, football, weightlifting, golf, cross-fit, tennis hockey, dance, cycling, hiking, wrestling, yoga, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, running, skateboarding, jogging, and martial arts. It relieves knee issues like arthritis, tears, bursitis, and tendonitis. This knee brace has four flexible spring stabilizers and alternating closures to provide even support on both sides. The gel pad prevents knee pain and knee injuries by reducing swelling and inflammation. The lightweight neoprene makes it breathable, and the non-slip silicone strips ensure it stays in place all day. This knee brace has an open patella design that provides support and compression around the tendon and kneecap areas. Pros

Lightweight Non-slip silicone strips Breathable Alternating hook and loops Versatile

Cons

Might get stretched

4. Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace

The Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace features convenient finger tabs for an easy-grip pull when you are putting it on and taking it off. The finger tabs also provide your legs space to breathe when you are skiing. Its dual-hinge feature keeps the knee brace in position and provides maximum protection and support all day long. This latex-free knee brace helps with minor ligament sprains, hypertension, minor patella instability, meniscus injuries, and arthritis. It has airflow vented tech that reduces odor, bacteria, and moisture, providing comfort throughout your activity. The bilateral dual hinges provide support, while the four-way stretch lycra mesh provides mobility. Pros

Prevents bacteria, moisture, and odor Latex-free Breathable X-fit strap system Bilateral dual hinges

Cons

Not durable

5. Neo G Knee Brace

The Neo G Knee Brace is made of heated therapeutic neoprene that helps warm muscles and joints. It is recommended by doctors for weak knees, knee joint pain, sprain, arthritis, and strain. It allows flexibility, and the compression system ensures smooth blood flow. It is stabilized with an adjustable side to ensure the perfect fit. The open patella design and stitched buttress provide added support and enable patella tracking, eliminating glide and twisting at the knee. Pros

Medical-grade One size fits all Durable

Cons None

6. EXOUS BODYGEAR Knee Brace Support Protector

The Exous BODYGEAR Knee Brace Support Protector has a four-way strap system, and four adjustable anchor points. These points protect your knees when in motion – from walking to skiing. This knee brace has two sides of stabilizers and patella support for both lower and upper patella tendons. The inner portion is made of jacquard lycra that is smooth on your skin, and the 0.5″ comfort gap provides ventilation and prevents itching and irritation. Its double flexible metal coils provide stability to the inside and outside of the knee. This video will help you understand how to use this knee brace to get the best benefits. Pros

Non-slip fit Wide range of motion Breathable

Cons

The velcro strap is not durable.

7. Mcdavid Knee Brace

The McDavid Knee Brace provides knee support, flexibility, and comfort. This skiing brace has a lightweight hinge with wide, cushioned arms that help maintain strength and prevent injuries like hyperextension. The latex-free neoprene provides superior stretch, maximum heat insulation, and long-lasting support. Its bound edges and articulated steel hinge prevent skin irritation or abrasion. The engineered straps ensure a perfect fit, and the open 360˚ padded buttress supports the patella. It also provides moderate medial and lateral support for improving stability. Pros

Lightweight Breathable Articulated steel hinge Prevents irritation and abrasion Latex-free Long-lasting

Cons

Tight

8. Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support

The Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support provides compression and protects against knee strain during high-intensity sporting activities. It has a contoured pad surrounding the kneecap that disperses pressure. The knitted fabric and pad massage the connective tissues and muscles during movement. Its two pressure points and lateral wings provide targeted stimuli that cause positive sensory-motor feedback. The stabilizing muscles get activated and improve joint stability. This effect reduces stress on the joints and lessens the risk of injury. The air knit fabric is moisture-wicking, lightweight, comfortable, breathable, and washable. This knee brace is also suitable for football, tennis, weight training, soccer, baseball, basketball, running, and lacrosse. Pros

Lightweight Easy to wash Breathable Provides targeted massage

Cons

Expensive

9. Mcdavid 429X Knee Brace

The McDavid 429X Knee Brace has bilateral geared polycentric hinges for free movement and stability and elastic support for maximum compression. The latex-free neoprene uses thermal compression and keeps your tendons and muscles warm. This knee brace has elastic crossing straps that provide rotational and collateral ligament support. The open 360˚ padded buttress isolates and supports the knee patella, while the bound edges prevent skin chaffing. Its perforated back panel manages heat and moisture, providing all-round comfort. The reinforced pull-tabs enable easy pull-on or take off, and the mesh netting prevents hinge migration. Pros

Latex-free Easy pull-on or take off Bilateral geared polycentric hinges Prevents hinge migration

Cons None

10. Shock Doctor 870 Knee Brace

The Shock Doctor 870 Knee Brace has convenient finger tabs for easy grip and pull. These also give your legs ample space to breathe while skiing. The dual-hinge feature ensures that it stays in position all day long. This knee brace provides moderate support for strains and sprains during recovery. It also helps to heal issues like minor patella instability, medial/lateral instability, meniscus injuries, and minor ligament sprains. This product is made of four-way stretch lycra mesh for flex ventilation and offers latex-free patella support. Its airflow vented neoprene offers moisture-wicking compression for healing and therapeutic warmth. The pre-curved anatomical design and integrated, flexible side stabilizer provide enhanced fit, comfort, and support. Pros

Latex-free Breathable Moisture-wicking Integrated flexible side stabilizers

Cons None

11. Modvel Knee Compression Sleeve

The breathable Modvel Knee Compression Sleeve is an ideal product to get relief from and prevent knee pain. It offers a 4-way compression system that offers 360-degree protection. This knee sleeve is ideal for CrossFit, running, doing yoga, hiking, joint pain, climbing stairs, or driving. This sleeve comes with an ergonomic design and is made of washable material. It provides support for arthritis pain and joint stiffness. Pros

Anti-slip Unisex Snug fit Easy-to-use

Cons

Size

12. DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace

The Donjoy’s Performance Bionic Knee Brace has bilateral polycentric hinges with hyperextension stops that support the knee and prevent instability. The top and bottom stretch webbing closure have TPR pull tabs that provide a perfect fit. Its wrap-around design makes it very easy to put on and take off. The anti-migration feature prevents slips, and the perforated neoprene enables maximum breathability. This knee brace has reflectivity that enables better visibility in low light conditions. Pros

Value for money Bilateral polycentric hinges Breathable Reflective

Cons

Gets stretched out Flimsy velcro straps

13. EXOUS BODYGEAR Knee Sleeves

The EXOUS BODYGEAR Knee Sleeve is extremely comfortable and stays in place all day long. It prevents chafing of the skin, as the inner portion is made of jacquard lycra. This knee brace has a four-way compression system, side stabilizers, and a built-in comfort gap to provide non-slip, stabilized knee support. It relieves knee pain and protects the patella tendon and knee cap from injuries. This knee brace has 7mm thick SCR neoprene over standard SBR neoprene, which provides superior support, perfect fit, and warmth around the knee joint. Its sleeves are longer than generic knee braces, which ensures more coverage around the knee joints, patella, and ligaments. Pros

Non-slip fit Breathable comfort gap Available in all sizes 12-month money-back warranty

Cons None

How To Choose The Best Ski Knee Brace – Buying Guide

Type

There are several types of knee braces, designed to either prevent or heal injuries or joint issues. Here is a list of the knee braces types:

Support Braces: These braces wrap your knees from all sides and provide adjustable support.

Rehabilitative: They provide rehabilitation after surgery and help control the knee movement.

Prophylactic Braces: These are specifically designed to heal sports injuries and prevent further damage.

Knee Sleeves: These are basic types that provide generic protection and comfort.

Functional: These are recommended by doctors for protection against sports injury and post-surgery recovery.

Stabilizers Braces: They have steel strings for specific knee issues or injuries and provide exclusive support.

Unloaders: These are recommended for osteoarthritis, arthritis, and other knee issues.

Style

Most people get confused whether to get knee sleeves or traditional knee braces. People want knee sleeves because of their lightness, but they also seek the sturdiness provided by a traditional knee brace. Luckily, there are a few knee braces that have the best of both designs. There are two styles of knee braces. The sleeve type slides on the knee by opening and stretching over your foot. The wrap-around type can be used either from the front or the back. It offers superior support and is better for injuries.

Open Vs. Closed Patella

The closed patella design provides greater support to the knee caps. Open patella braces provide the same pressure but have more breathability and prevent sweating or skin irritation.

Size

Be careful about the measurement of your brace to get the perfect fit. Knee braces that are too tight or too loose can make your injuries worse. Be aware of the measurement information before purchasing a product as the sizes vary with the brand.

Slip-On Vs. Wrap Around

There are two types of braces – slip-on and wrap-around. Slip-ons usually come in sizes ranging from small and medium to large. Wrap-around braces are often used as prescription solutions for knee issues. Hence, make sure you consult a specialist before going for this type. Skiers often get minor knee injuries. If skiing is your hobby, invest in a good knee brace. Order the best-suited knee brace from our list and enjoy the slopes safely!

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Aditi Naskar, the author, has a diploma in health and wellness. She loves writing about fitness and recommends the most useful products for her readers. For this article, she thoroughly researched the knee braces for skiing and read hundreds of online reviews to narrow down the best products. Her carefully curated list features knee braces that are lightweight, offer highly absorbent, and durable. Do knee braces help with all knee problems? Knee braces are orthotic devices that help your body function normally. They help with most knee issues, but not all. If you have a knee injury or issue, consult a doctor before purchasing a knee brace. How do I strengthen my knees for skiing? Here are a few easy exercises that will help strengthen your knees for skiing.Lateral Box Jumps: Stand next to a 20-inch box. Lower your body into a squat position, as you would on a ski slope preparing to jump. Jump on the box. Land softly without stressing the knees. Repeat 5 to 10 times.Straight Leg Raises: Lie on your back. Bend one knee while keeping the other leg straight. Raise the straight leg to the same height as the other knee. Repeat 15 times.Wall Sits: Stand against a wall with your back flat. Walk away from the wall and bend your waist to lower your body until your knees are at 90°. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Repeat a couple of times. This exercise strengthens your quads,, which play a very important role in preventing knee injuries. Weak quads can cause massive strain and damage to your knees.Calf Raises: Hold on to a table, sturdy wall bar, or other support to help you get balance. Raise your heels slowly as much as you can, and then lower them. Repeat this 15 to 20 times.Deep Knee Bends: Stand with your feet as wide as your shoulders. Stretch out your hands. Lower your body towards the ground slowly. Do this until your thighs are in a horizontal position. Hold this position for a few seconds, and stand up slowly without bouncing. Repeat this 10 to 15 times.Hamstring Stretch: Lie on the floor and put a rope around the arch of your foot. Tighten it and start pulling your leg, so it is straight-up as high as possible. Do it for both legs 15 times each. If I start feeling pain, should I push through or take it easy? You should never push yourself too hard if it pains. The best way to prevent extreme knee injuries is to stop immediately and rest. Visit a physician if you experience pain. Go back to skiing only after getting enough rest and a proper check from your doctor. Can I fly with my knee brace? You can do two things – remove the brace and submit it through the X-ray machine or wear it on for comfort. Alert the screening officer that you are wearing a knee brace so that they can inspect you manually. How can I keep my knee brace warm? Make sure the leg vents of your ski pants are closed. You can wear the brace over a thin layer of clothing or wear a sleeve over the brace if you have a tendency to feel cold easily. What are the pros and cons of wearing a ski knee brace? Hinged knee braces reduce knee movements and the risk of knee injuries. They not only help you play extreme sports but also ease your daily activities without pain. As knee braces restrict movement, it may be hard to move your leg after recovery. Should your knee brace go under or over your ski pants? You can wear a knee brace both over and under your ski pants. If your pants are slippery, you should wear them under your pants. Do knee braces help for skiing? Yes, knee braces improve your knee stability by supporting and protecting your knees while you land abruptly. How do I keep my knees safe while skiing? You can keep your knees under proper support with the right knee braces, as wearing them reduces your chances of developing a ligament tear. Can you ski with a torn ACL? Yes, you can ski with a torn ACL if you wear your knee braces, but you should not overdo it as it can make the tear more painful. Is skiing hard on your ACL? Yes, skiing with an ACL can be painful and difficult for anyone if they are not wearing the right knee braces. Knee braces provide proper support and compression to the tear to avoid further damage. How common are ACL tears in skiing? Unfortunately, ACL is ubiquitous, and most skiers – beginners and even experienced ones suffer this painful injury yearly. However, you can prevent ACL with proper training, techniques, and equipment.

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