Best Knee Brace For Skiing

Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace

If you’re after a heavy-duty knee brace that won’t let you down, then look no further than the Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace.

Designed to aid lateral and patella instability, sprains, and heaps of other knee-related problems including arthritis, this is a great brace for all-round support.

It features straps above and below the knee as well as bilateral dual hinges to integrate the brace with the lateral support system of the knee. This, combined with the four-way stretch lycra, enables a great range of movement while ensuring that your knee stays steady and supported.

This flexibility makes for one comfortable brace, and you’ll be able to wear it all day long thanks to the vented neoprene designed to wick away perspiration, helping to keep you ventilated and eliminate the build-up of bad odors.

On top of that, it’s also incredibly robust thanks to the X-strap system, aluminum stays, and durable hinges, so you can be sure this brace will stay in place and won’t buckle under pressure.

Available in a range of sizes, you can be sure to find the size that’s right for you – just bear in mind that it’s designed to be tight-fitting, and so the sizes run a tad small. Its robust, supportive nature does make this brace a little larger and bulkier than some other options out there, so it might not be the best if you’re after something preventative.

However, if you’re after something to help you get back on the slopes post-injury, then we can’t recommend this brace enough.

EXOUS Non-Slip Knee Brace

There’s nothing worse than being midway down a route and feeling your brace start to slip out of place… well, fear not, the EXOUS Non-Slip Knee Brace has you covered.

Its 4-way strap system ensures this brace won’t budge and at the same type ensure compression is distributed evenly above, below, and around the knee.

It’s also incredibly comfortable thanks to the lycra lining, so you won’t spend your evening at the lodge with irritated skin (phew). The neoprene construction and the open-patella design ensure great ventilation, adding to the overall comfort.

On top of that, there’s a gap in the compression on the back of the knee that prevents the material from bunching as well as keeping you cool. If there’s a brace you’d be happy to wear all day long, it’s this one.

Offering medium-to-high level support, it has a sleeker design than some of the maximum support options out there, making it easier to wear under your pants. Unfortunately, it’s only available in one size (although the straps are fully adjustable), so make sure you check out the measurements before purchasing this one.

If you want decent support in a brace that fits like a glove and won’t break the bank, then your search is over.

NEENCA Compression Sleeve

We really were blown away by the NEENCA Compression Sleeve.

The high-elastic material used not only offers fantastic flexibility but is also incredibly soft to the touch and offers fantastic ventilation too – honestly, you’ll barely know it’s there.

On top of that, you won’t have to waste any time fumbling around putting it back in place (which is a nightmare mid-route) thanks to the medical-grade non-slip silicone strips that hold it firmly in place. And, if that wasn’t enough, it features a comfort gap on the back of the knee for breathability and to prevent bunching.

Compression sleeves typically only offer a mild level of support, yet this sleeve is an exception – it features side spring stabilizers plus a gel pad that covers the patella to provide stability and cushioning of the knee joint.

Sure, it’s still not the right choice for severe injury rehabilitation, but it’s a huge step-up from your average sleeve and will work wonders for mild injuries and inflammation. Make sure you look after your sleeve though (no heavy-duty washes in the machine) because the threading will weaken over time.

Overall, if you want mild support, maximum comfort, and a very low price tag, then this sleeve will be your new best friend.

DonJoy Reaction Web Knee Brace

Suffer from patellofemoral instabilities and hate bulky braces that get you all hot and sweaty? If so, you should definitely check out the DonJoy Reaction Web Knee Brace.

The unique minimalistic ‘web’ design on the front, combined with a mesh backing, means that this brace offers unprecedented ventilation, is super lightweight, and can be worn under clothes without causing any troubles.

Primarily designed to aid patellofemoral issues, the webbing framework provides proper traction as well as all-round support to the patella, while the support lines at the top and bottom help alleviate pressure on tendons.

On top of that, it absorbs shock to reduce the effects of impacts on the knee. But don’t worry, despite all this support, you’ll still be able to move your knee freely thanks to the hinges and curved design of the webbing.

Plus, if you decide you don’t like the feel of the webbing, you’re getting a little chilly, or you want a tad more support, then you’ll love the optional undersleeve constructed of nylon and spandex for ultimate comfort. We do wish the Velcro was slightly better quality though, as it tends to lose some of its stick after several months (but hopefully you’ll be fully recovered by then anyway!).

It might not offer the highest level of support, and it can’t cater to every injury type, but if you want to keep your patella on track, then what is a better way to do it than with an ultra-lightweight, customizable knee brace?

Mcdavid Knee Brace Support

The Mcdavid Knee Brace Support is a super high-quality brace you can rely on to provide long-lasting support.

Our absolute favorite feature, however, is the placement of elastic straps across the front of the brace. These are fully adjustable and allow you to achieve the optimal level of rotational and collateral ligament support needed for your condition.

On top of that, the straps are fully adjustable and this brace is available in a range of sizes so you really can get the perfect fit for you (just watch out – the sizes run a little small).

It also features an open-patella design to provide all-round cushioned patella support as well as to increase ventilation, which is further enhanced by the perforated neoprene that surrounds the back of the knee (although sadly, there is no comfort gap so bunching occurs occasionally).

Suited to minor-to-moderate injuries, this study little brace is constructed of quality materials and won’t let you down.

Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap

If you have weak knees and just want to add a little bit of extra support, then the Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap is a great choice and, the best part is, it’s super-affordable too.

The strap attaches just under the kneecap and covers the patellar tendon, helping to alleviate pressure on the knee. The minimalistic design makes hardly any contact with your skin and is the strap itself is constructed from a combination of breathable neoprene and nylon.

On top of that, this strap is ultra-lightweight making for a strap so comfortable you might forget it’s there at all. Although the strap is fully adjustable, it’s only available in one size – so make sure that you fir the measurements.

The simple design also means that you’re free to move your knee as you please, and it takes just seconds to attach the strap, so you can always pop it in your bag for ‘just in case’.

This strap certainly isn’t appropriate for any serious injuries, but it’s a great way to try and prevent them from happening in the first place. It’s also available in a handy 2-pack, and you can pick up two of these (one for each knee) for a fraction of the price of most other braces.

If you’re looking for some minor support and don’t want to break the bank, then this strap is the way to go.

DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace

Suffering from an ACL or meniscus injury? Or perhaps you want some extra joint or patella support? Or maybe you’ve tweaked a tendon or a ligament or overextended? All of these issues can make hitting the slopes again a little daunting – you don’t want to undo all your hard recovery work after all.

The DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to minimize any chances of re-injury (or even injury in the first place) out on the slopes.

It features an almighty four-point leverage system and a hinged design to keep you out of the ‘at risk position’. In fact, this brace is so effective at steering you into other positions that pretty soon you’re muscle memory will kick in and you’ll find yourself avoiding this position even when you aren’t wearing it – how awesome is that?

It also features ‘anti-migration technology’ so your brace won’t shift out of place, although the four fully adjustable tight-closure straps make this unlikely in the first place – plus they provide great support too.

The fantastic support offered by this brace does come with a few drawbacks – it’s large and bulky compared to other, less supportive braces and it’s also considerably more expensive.

However, if maximum protection is the aim of the game, then this brace is definitely worth the investment.

Shock Doctor Knee Compression Sleeve

And now time for another sleeve, the Shock Doctor Knee Compression Sleeve.

We were really impressed with the pre-curved design of this sleeve which, combined with the soft spandex material, results in support that fits like a glove. Not a tight restricting glove though… this sleeve features a generous comfort gap constructed from four-way stretch lycra on the back to stop bunching and increase ventilation.

One thing to watch is that the fabric can stretch with time, so try not to be too rough when you’re slipping this sleeve on and off.

The patella area is nice and padded, proving additional support if you do take a stumble on the slopes and also helping to keep you nice and warm. It’s also incredibly sleek and you can slip this on under your clothes with no problem. As is often the case with braces (as they’re designed to be tight), the sizing runs a little small, so if you’re in between sizes you might want to upsize.

If you’re looking for a way to support your soft tissues, gently align joints, or treat mild pain, this has to be one of the comfiest ways to do it.