7 Best Knee Brace for Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is a problem in both athletes and non-athletes. Workout and training routines usually involve running either for body muscle conditioning or warm ups. Running benefits your heart, legs, digestion, and metabolism.

However, physical activities also come with related risks despite their imminent benefits. You risk developing runner’s knee if your knees are misaligned, you’re running on a knee injury, or if your running style isn’t healthy.

Top Choice: The Eveshine Adjustable Knee Brace

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Runner's Knee Defined

Runner’s knee, just like other forms of sports injuries, often refers generally to knee pain related to running.

Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner’s knee may result from tense muscles, unusual pressure, or irritated tissues surrounding the kneecap.

Kneecap Injuries

Source: sports-health.com

Misaligned knee caps, kneecap trauma , kneecap overuse, and flat feet can easily cause runner’s knee. The injury refers to any form of knee injury with tissue damages that hasn’t been diagnosed to be a particular type of knee injury.

Patellofemoral pain around the kneecap points to runner’s injury. The pain becomes noticeable when bending, standing, walking, running, squatting, climbing, kneeling, descending, or sitting for prolonged duration.

More pressure is exerted on your kneecap when you walk downhill or downstairs, making the injury more intense.

Knee braces help prevent and nurse injuries. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right brace and know what it takes to pick the best knee brace for runner’s knee. Use a guide to make the selection process fun and enjoyable.

The best time to wear knee braces is when you’re experiencing pain or want to prevent injuries during high contact sports with the risk of knee injury.

Knee braces are also ideal for rehabilitative use post an ACL injury. You gradually regain your motion range because the brace allows for slow and limited movement.


Knee Brace Levels

If you’re having arthritis, knee brace can help minimize pain and inflammation. They also vary in levels of protection from 1 to 3+, increasing in support in that order.

However, flexibility decreases from level 1 to 3+. Level 1 braces also offer pain relief, and moderate to mild support.

McDavid Ligament Knee Support (Black, Medium), Level 2

Knee straps and wraparound braces are good examples of level 2 braces with lower flexibility and heightened protection. They also have a large movement range.

Pain relief related to tendonitis and ligament instabilities get moderate to mild knee support.

Hinged knee braces at level 3 provide support and limited motion. The braces are heavier, and ideal for recovery applications with limited knee motion to prevent self-injury after surgery.

This offers optimal protection, making it perfect for major to moderate instabilities, support and pain relief.


Types of Knee Braces

Which type of knee braces would you like to buy? Here’re some common types of knee brace. They include:

  • Wraparound/ dual-wrap type braces
  • Knee sleeves
  • Hinged knee braces
  • A knee strap
  • Open and closed Patella braces

A tight knee brace with feeling of tightness and compression is a good fit for reducing runner’s knee treatment. It’s comfortable, and offers individualized support.

Patella Knee Strap for Knee Pain Relief for Hiking, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball & Squats (1 Piece), Black

On the other hand, tight, uncomfortable braces are uncomfortable and loses circulation.

Rigid knee braces are inflexible, but offer more support. However, compression sleeves offer less support and increased movement.

The circumference of your knees determines the right flexible knee sleeve size for you. The level of support you need and recommendation from your doctor determines the right braces for your runner’s knee.


7 Best Knee Braces for Runner’s Knee

The Eveshine Adjustable Knee Brace

The Eveshine Knee Brace is adjustable to fit your knee. With the open patella, the brace allows for easy breathing for good airflow to the contact points with your skin.

Adjustable Knee Brace Support with Dual Side Stabilizers & Open Patella,EveShine Non-Slip Protective Strap Give You The Support and Compression You Need - Fits Right Leg

The supportive and comfortable brace reduces pressure on your sore muscles. It has a strap to secure it around your knee for non-slip use.

The brace has heat retaining properties to promote quick recovery from injuries and pain on your knee. If you’re not happy with the knee brace, which isn’t likely to happen, the product comes with 100% money-back refund policy to get you money back.

Pros

  • Sturdy and breathable
  • Offers exceptional support
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  • Helps relieve knee pain
  • Extra padding offers additional comfort

Cons

  • Isn’t ideal for all knee sizes
  • Some users reported that the braces have chemical smell
Adjustable Knee Brace Support with Dual Side Stabilizers & Open Patella,EveShine Non-Slip Protective Strap Give You The Support and Compression You Need - Fits Right Leg
73 Reviews
Adjustable Knee Brace Support with Dual Side Stabilizers & Open Patella,EveShine Non-Slip Protective Strap Give You The Support and Compression You Need - Fits Right Leg
  • Fully Adjustable for Good Fit & Comfort - Velcro straps are adjustable so the brace fits to your own unique shape to provide the right level of support and compression required. This also means they tend to stay in place better than pull up sleeve braces.
  • Open Patella Wraparound Allow the Knee to Breathe - Has a hole at the front which reduces pressure on the kneecap which can be helpful when there is pain at the front of the knee. Ideal for tender, swollen or injured knees with a quick, easy application.

The Neo G Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace

The Neo G Hinged Knee Brace is designed to provide optimal support and comfort to runners. It’s comfortable enough to minimize pain, fatigue and train when running.

Neo G Knee Brace, Hinged Open Patella - Side Hinges Support for ACL, Arthritis, Joint Pain, Meniscus Tear, Running, Skiing - Adjustable Compression - Class 1 Medical Device - One Size - Blue

 The brace also offers stability to weak, stiff knees or those with arthritis, meniscus tears and runner’s knee. 

The knee brace provides relief from pressure and pain in the knee. It’s adjustable for movement control during recovery.

The warmth of the braces keeps your joints and muscles less painful. Moreover, it’s a one-size fits all for unisex use.

Pros

  • Doesn’t constrain
  • Comfortable and relieves pain
  • Easy to wear and remove
  • Adjustable to control motion
  • Available in one-size fits all for unisex use

Cons

  • Some users reported skin irritation due to the fabric used
  • Isn’t the most durable
Sale
Neo-G Hinged Knee Brace - Knee Support for Joint Pain, Patellar Tracking, Meniscus Tear, Ligament Injury, ACL Knee Brace – Hinged Knee Support – Adjustable Compression
995 Reviews
Neo-G Hinged Knee Brace - Knee Support for Joint Pain, Patellar Tracking, Meniscus Tear, Ligament Injury, ACL Knee Brace – Hinged Knee Support – Adjustable Compression
  • LOOKING FOR PAIN RELIEVING AND STABILIZING HINGED KNEE BRACES? Neo G Hinged Knee Support is medically engineered to aid recovery from knee, tendon, patella injuries, acl mcl pcl tear, knee pain arthritis. ACL Knee support reduces stress and strain, providing stability to weak and injured knees.
  • KNEE SUPPORTS FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Premium quality hinged knee brace support helps you feel comfortable and provides support during everyday activities and sports. Suitable for use during rehabilitation following trauma or surgery, perfect runners knee brace.

Winzone Knee Brace

The Winzone Knee Brace comes in an open patella design for increased breathability.

The bevel strap it comes with is adjustable to provide support, relief and compression. The unisex brace is hinge-free, comfortable and discreet to support flexible movement. 

Winzone Best Knee Brace Support, Knee Brace Neoprene Sleeve with Adjustable Strap, ACL, Meniscus Tear Support, Wraps for Men and Women, Compression Sleeves for Sport, Arthritis Pain Relief

It’s constructed with premium neoprene sleeves to allow for free blood circulation without restriction.

 Moreover, the brace protects your knees and offers relief from all kinds of injuries and pain, including runner’s knee. It also secures well around your knee for non-slip use.

Here’s a YouTube video on the top 5 knee braces in 2019:

Pros

  • Doesn’t slip
  • Sturdy and offers protection from injuries
  • Supports post-surgery recovery
  • Provides pain relief

Cons

  • The Velcro isn’t strong enough to hold for long
  • More costly than other braces
Winzone Knee Brace by ComfyMed Premium Adjustable Compression Support Sleeve CM-KB19 for Sport or Pain Relief
1,380 Reviews
Winzone Knee Brace by ComfyMed Premium Adjustable Compression Support Sleeve CM-KB19 for Sport or Pain Relief
  • ✅ OPEN PATELLA DESIGN - Support and Compression around kneecap and tendon areas to heal injuries and reduce stress during intense exercise.
  • ✅ ADJUSTABLE - Fits left or right knee and suitable for men and women. Adjustable straps can be be attached using Velcro to almost any exterior point, preventing slippage

TuffBrace Athletics Knee Brace

The TuffBrace Athletics Knee Brace is designed to support your injured or painful knees. It’s available in four sizes, unlike other braces, to suit the varied knee sizes out there.

ZSX Compression Knee Brace Support Protector Adjustable, Pain Relief, Injury Recovery with Arthritis, Meniscus Tear, ACL, MCL Premium Patella Stabilizers Non Slip Comfort Breathable Neoprene (Medium)

Designed for everyday wear when engaging in sports, the braces are comfortable, slim and lightweight.

The knee brace reduces all kinds of knee pain due to sports injuries. It offers stability and soothing comfort to enable you train despite your pain or injury without worsening your condition.

The 30-day guarantee it comes with ensures you get a refund for your purchase in case you’re not satisfied with what you get.

Pros

  • Made from premium materials for durability
  • Available in 4 size options
  • Provides unmatched knee support and stability
  • It’s easy to clean and use

Cons

  • Doesn’t secure well around you knee
  • Some users found it to be too warm
ZSX Knee Brace, Adjustable Knee Compression Sleeve Support with Open Patella Stabilizer, Medical Grade Breathable Knee Pads for Running, Meniscus Tear, Joint Pain, Arthritis, ACL, MCL, Injury Recovery
595 Reviews
ZSX Knee Brace, Adjustable Knee Compression Sleeve Support with Open Patella Stabilizer, Medical Grade Breathable Knee Pads for Running, Meniscus Tear, Joint Pain, Arthritis, ACL, MCL, Injury Recovery
  • BEST QUALITY NEOPRENE, INNOVATIVE LAYOUT -- This knee brace is soft to the touch and made with a premium quality neoprene that creates a comforting amount of heat, helping with the recovery of knee pain in every weather and environment. It’s so soft and comfy that you’ll want to wear it all day long. The fabric is capable of absorbing water and sweat. It’s small and light weight, and easy to put on. This makes ZSX your go to knee brace for knee pain
  • OPEN PATELLA DESIGN -- In the center of the patella area, there is an open design which helps the knee brace fit perfectly on your knee & also makes it comfortable during its use. The open patella feature also helps support your knee cap to relieve pressure and improve comfort. This model can be used both to help prevent knee injury and to support an injured knee as it heals. This can be specially beneficial if you have an unstable kneecap according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Vive Hinged Knee Brace

The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is made from a light, latex-free neoprene material with breathable properties for better airflow.

If you’re a runner experiencing strains, sprains, ACL, instability, patellar tracking or MCL on your knees, this is the knee brace for you.

Vive Hinged Knee Brace - Adjustable Open Patella Support for Swollen ACL, Tendon, Ligament and Meniscus Injuries - Athletic Compression for Running and Arthritic Joint Problems

The adjustable fasteners and straps allows for a secure fit to support non-slip use. It also means that people with different knee sizes can wear the brace and adjust it to their size.

What’s more, the brace comes in an open patella design for high breathability to keep your knee cool and dry. With thermal compression, you’re knee injury is bound to heal faster.

 You have 60 days guarantee to return the product for replacement or a refund if you’re not happy with it.

Pros

  • Supports different motionranges
  • Adjustable fasteners give a comfortable fit
  • Hinges on both sides of your knees provide stability and support
  • Ideal for short-term use

Cons

  • Comes in one size
  • Velcro is sticky and less durable
Vive Hinged Knee Brace - Open Patella Support Wrap for Women, Men - Compression for ACL, MCL, Torn Meniscus Ligament and Tendonitis - for Running, Athletic Tear and Arthritis Joint - Adjustable Strap
4,097 Reviews
Vive Hinged Knee Brace - Open Patella Support Wrap for Women, Men - Compression for ACL, MCL, Torn Meniscus Ligament and Tendonitis - for Running, Athletic Tear and Arthritis Joint - Adjustable Strap
  • IMPROVED KNEE STABILITY AND SUPPORT: The Vive hinged knee brace provides comfortable support while recovering from injuries or surgeries, and additional stability for weak or arthritic knees. The reversible, nonslip knee brace also provides soothing compression and retains therapeutic heat to reduce swelling and inflammation, relieve knee pain and promote healing on the left or right knee as needed.
  • ADJUSTABLE OPEN PATELLA DESIGN: Secured with four strong fastener straps, the Vive hinged knee brace easily adjusts to fit most adults. The open patella design relieves pressure on the knee cap while providing stabilizing support for ACL and MCL injuries, for helping relieve strains, sprains, and for patellar tracking.

Crucial Knee Compression Sleeves

The Crucial Compression Knee Sleeves are made from rubber, nylon and spandex materials of top quality.

They’re breathable, lightweight and fits well round your knee without hampering blood flow. The braces also offer relief from LCL, meniscus tears, ACL, MCL and related pain.

Knee Brace Compression Sleeve (1 Pair) - Best Knee Support Braces for Meniscus Tear, Arthritis, Joint Pain Relief, Injury Recovery, ACL, MCL, Running, Workout, Basketball, Sports, Men and Women

The braces feature double stitched rows for added reinforcement and thus durability.

The compression stays intact to support prolonged use, meaning you’ll be running in it for a long time to come. If you aren’t happy, the guarantee offers your money back.

Pros

  • Ideal for compression support
  • Fits snugly for non-slip use
  • Breathable to keep your knees dry and cool
  • Made of premium materials and attractive
  • Effective knee stabilization

Cons

  • Some users found it too thick for them
  • The inner fabric irritated the skin of some people with sensitive skin
  • A few users reported consistent slips
Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve (1 Pair) - Best Knee Braces for Knee Pain for Men & Women - Non-Slip Knee Support for Running, Weightlifting, Basketball, Gym, Workout, Sports
19,578 Reviews
Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve (1 Pair) - Best Knee Braces for Knee Pain for Men & Women - Non-Slip Knee Support for Running, Weightlifting, Basketball, Gym, Workout, Sports
  • Instant Support and Stability - You will feel the difference immediately. Get fast pain relief with less swelling, soreness, and stiffness. Our Power Support technology improves blood circulation and heats your muscles, getting more oxygen and less lactic acid build up so you can perform better, recover faster, and prevent injury. Experience our compression knee brace sleeves and get back to doing what you love!

SB Sox Compression Knee Brace

The SB Sox Compression Knee Brace is made from high quality, lightweight spandex and nylon materials. The silicone grip gel it features prevents friction and relieves pain on your knees.

The versatile knee brace in a fitting size is breathable and promotes fast recovery. It also allows for free blood flow around your knee to support fast healing from your injury.

Pros

  • Snug fit and supports free flow of blood
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Allows for discreet use

Cons

  • Doesn’t come in a pair
  • Elastic loses power over time
Sale
SB SOX Compression Knee Brace - Great Support That Stays in Place - Perfect for Recovery, Everyday Use - Best Treatment for Pain Relief, Meniscus Tear, Arthritis (Black/Gray, X-Large)
663 Reviews
SB SOX Compression Knee Brace - Great Support That Stays in Place - Perfect for Recovery, Everyday Use - Best Treatment for Pain Relief, Meniscus Tear, Arthritis (Black/Gray, X-Large)
  • ✅ Finally – A Knee Brace That Fits Just Right - Tired of wasting money on overpriced knee braces that just aren’t sized right? We are too – which is why we designed our knee brace to provide the perfect compression, smoothly fit your knee/leg, and cover 4 different sizes with a wide range of thigh circumferences including yours (see the 4th image for the size chart)!

7 Best Knee Braces for Runner’s Knee Wrap-Up

The benefits of knee braces include relief from pain and protection from injury. Wearing braces consistently keep knees safe and stabilized for workouts.

They reduce inflammation, provide support against ACL, MCL, PCL and other knee injuries, and stabilizes the knee to prevent kneecap twisting, ligament tears and patella damage.

The braces also compress the knee to promote blood flow and reduce joint pain and stress, reducing arthritis pain. It also secures the patella when running. Whether you want a hinged, arthritic, knee band, patellar stabilizing, knee tape, or neoprene knee brace, there’s one out there for you.

Consider what you’re likely to benefit from the knee brace, comfort, breathability, and compression for enough support and stability. It should be made from lightweight, comfortable and malleable material such as neoprene for great support and better blood flow. Ease of use, size, mobility, price and performance are other factors to consider.

Opt for the best knee brace for runner’s knee today to protect your knees from pain and injury, and promote post-surgery recovery.


Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Me.

Last update on 2023-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API