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"I was hesitant to purchase these because I have yet to find a brace that would fit my large legs and still allow me to have movement. All of the braces that I had tried previously were either too small and would shift or roll down or would fit but then limit my mobility. This brace has been great for both running and lifting."
"I bought this as a travel friendly alternative to the bulky brace I've worn for weightlifting and hiking for the past few years, and it's legitimately a game changer. It's comfortable to wear, stays in place, and has a slimmer profile than most hinged braces so I can comfortably wear it with more things or stash it in my gym bag."
"As an aging athlete, my knees have been bothering heck out of me lately. I bought a pair of the compression sleeves and wear them pretty much daily. The compression seems to help a lot. I’m still hitting the gym running on the treadmill and don’t plan on stopping."
Finding a Knee Brace for Lifting
Squats, lunges, deadlifts and step-ups all load the knee through a deep bend, rep after rep. If a knee is coming back from an injury, or just doesn't feel as solid under a bar as it used to, a brace can add a feeling of support so you can keep training.
These are knitted braces, not thick neoprene powerlifting sleeves or wraps meant to help you move more weight. Their job is support and stability, and the right one depends on how solid the knee feels. For classes, cardio and court sports, see our knee braces for working out.
Stable knee, training support: Compression Knee Sleeve
For a healthy knee that wants a snug, supported feel through training days, the Compression Knee Sleeve is made for squatting heavy. Knitted compression and a patella-shaped silicone gel pad keep it low-profile, with no side structure to get in the way of a deep squat.
A little wobble under load: Knee Brace with Springs
If the knee feels shaky on the way out of the hole or on lunges, the Knee Brace with Springs adds flexible stabilizers on both sides for lateral support without locking the knee up. See spring knee braces.
Returning from a knee injury: Knee Brace with Hinges
Once your provider or physical therapist clears you to load the knee again, the hinged brace gives it the most structure: rigid hinges on both sides, knitted compression, and a non-slip silicone lining so it doesn't creep down between sets. Pull the hinges out as you progress and it trains as a compression brace. See hinged knee braces.
Thighs 23 inches and up: Big Bones Knee Brace
Big legs are common in any weight room, and standard braces roll down on them. Big Bones is cut on a wider pattern with a flared top, plus side springs and support stays. More in plus-size knee braces. After a leg day that left the knee barking, an ice sleeve adds cold or heat with compression.
Sharp pain under load isn't something to push through. Rack the bar and have a healthcare provider take a look.
FAQs
Should you wear a knee brace when lifting?
It depends on the knee. If you're coming back from an injury or the knee feels unstable under load, a brace can add support while you rebuild strength. A healthy knee with no complaints doesn't need one, though many lifters like a compression sleeve for the snug, supported feel.
Knee sleeve or knee brace for lifting?
A compression sleeve has no side structure, so it suits a stable knee that wants light support through training. A hinged brace adds rigid side hinges for a knee returning from injury or one that feels loose. A spring brace sits between the two. Pick based on how stable the knee feels, not how much you lift.
Can you squat in a hinged knee brace?
Our Knee Brace with Hinges is built for high-impact activity and has a non-slip silicone lining that stays in place while you move. How deep and how heavy to squat after a knee injury is a call for your physical therapist or healthcare provider. The hinges are removable if you want less structure as you progress.
Will a knee brace slide down during squats?
A brace that fits shouldn’t. Our sleeve and braces use a non-slip silicone lining, and for thighs 23 inches and up, the Big Bones Knee Brace uses a flared top and support stays so it doesn’t roll down. Measure your thigh 4 inches above the kneecap to get the size right.