12 Best Ankle Braces for Running

Running can put a lot of stress on our legs since the shock between the feet, and the ground is absorbed by the legs.

This occasionally leads to ankle and knee pain or even ligament tear. Ankle sprains are very common when you run on uneven trails without any support for the ankle. Dr. Ebraheim explains what ankle pain from running looks like.  

After an ankle sprain, the biggest challenge is usually the instability that results. Since the ankle relies almost completely on the proprioceptive feedback that gives the body an awareness of itself in space, a decreased awareness during a sprain can result in serious instability of the body.

This feedback helps in the communication between the brain and the lower leg muscles that protect the ankle.

When this system is impaired in one way or the other, repeat injury of the ankle has high chances of occurring since the body has a diminished response to help stabilize the ankle.

According to Fleet feet Hartford, there will be a recurring ankle sprain, nagging pain that sometimes resulting in swelling and inability to continue with the normal activity. In most cases, however, the injury is minor and can easily be ignored, but it results in a repeat injury that is potentially harmful to your health.

The best way to prevent or rehabilitate your ankle sprain is to increase focus on giving your ankles strength, proprioception, and balance.

This does not only involve wearing comfortable shoes but also adding protection to fill the gaps and complement the shoes as you run. Ankle braces can protect your foot, by the way it applies pressure and keeps the foot area tight.

Here is a list of the best ankle brace for running worth considering for your active life.

Before choosing your ankle brace it is worth thinking about the following:

According to Fleet Feet Hartford, the CEP  ankle brace brand is perfect for running; this is because it combines enough proprioceptive feedback and low profile hence effectively supporting ankle stability when you are jogging or running.

Its graduated compressive quality helps reduce swelling that you may have in the joints. This option is also recommended during rehabilitation when the individual needs to be active while still in pain.

Designed with additional lacing, this ankle brace can be used for either the left or right ankle interchangably. It can be used to prevent further injury from occurring or just give strength and balance during intense workouts.

Featuring padded lining, an elastic heel pocket, and sewn in arch support, the McDavid 195 deluxe brace is a professional-grade ankle brace for running, it is equipped with Velcro straps that simulate the tapings that a physical therapist would normally do giving the runner adequate support and stability but without the extra bulk that therapist leave you with.

This ankle brace comes with an innovative design to provide the much-needed protection and comfort to the ankle. The Shock Doctor Ultra Gel Lace is gel padded to absorb the shock from the ground while the laces are for firmly positioning the brace and to prevent slipping.

It is made of polyester and nylon material that can effectively control humidity inside the shoes and for durability especially if you are an active sports person who does a lot of intense activity like running or basketball.

When you need maximum protection for your ankle, then Ossur Form Fit Ankle Brace will support your intense workouts no matter how your ankle feels. Designed for the use of runners and basketball players, this product has a tightly fitting build and Velcro straps for tight positioning the braces in place. They also have a heel cutout offering free movement while keeping the ankle well protected, its advanced locking system ensures the brace stays as tight as you place it even after hours of intense activity.

ASO Orthosis ankle stabilizer is the brace you need whether you are trying to prevent injury or recovering from a previous injury to your ankles since it offers superior support and stability no matter the intensity of the activity.

It is designed with a laced up top just like the previous models; its contoured tongue gives a custom feel when you wear these braces. 

As seen in the video below, the figure-eight straps provide enough support to your ankle; the elastic cuffs are for keeping the straps and laces secure; its confidence is the reason trail runner prefer the braces as it supports jumping over obstacles in the uneven trails.