10 Best Knee Braces for Skiing

For many people skiing can be very hard on the knees. Constantly flexing the joints, turning, twisting, jumping and moguls can really take their toll after a while. Not to mention a bad wipeout can cause an injury at any time. Protecting these precious joints can be a key to longevity in the sport of skiing.

On the other hand, if you have already had a bad injury or even had surgery, you may be a little tentative about getting back out on the slopes. Either way, if you are at all concerned about one or both of your knees while skiing, you probably should take a look at investing in a quality brace.

They can be a great tool to protect or help you rehab so that you can continue to enjoy the sport you love so much. As you can see below, these supports and sleeves can range from the very simple and low cost to the very intricate and expensive.

Let’s take a look at some of the best knee braces for skiing in this winter.

Who Should Get This?

If you love to ski but are limited by knee pain or weakness, a brace is something that can help you to overcome those problems. If you are recovering from an injury or even surgery, you will definitely want to consider using one once you have rehabbed and are able to get back out on the mountain.

I have known many skiers who were almost ready to give up the sport due to chronic pain or previous surgeries. It can often be the type of pain that you just can’t get off of your mind and does not allow you to focus on what you are doing. If you have ever had any type of severe knee pain, you know what I am talking about.

It can be really sad for someone to have to give up something they really love such as skiing because of a medical issue. Thankfully knee problems can often be fixed or at least relieved.

While some may require surgery and/or physical therapy, there usually is some type of solution that can help. Of course, it is always best to consult a medical professional, but either way, there is a good chance that a knee brace/support will be part of the solution.

Supports can often help to hold your patella in place, prevent twisting, and provide stability. They will help to prevent pain and further damage to your joints. They can also provide support for joints that feel weak or are not strong enough for the beating they may take during skiing.

How Can Knee Brace Help?

If you have had an injury or surgery, these devices can provide the support you need to start rebuilding the muscles and tissues. They will help you strengthen your knee until you get to the point that you no longer need it.

They can also be used as a precaution, especially if you have had issues in the past. If you are worried about your knees, you may be tentative and not able to enjoy skiing. A good brace can give you the confidence you need to get out there and ski to the best of your ability.

As mentioned above, however you choose to deal with your knee issues, it will most likely involve using some type of knee brace/support while skiing, in order to provide the support and protection you will need to participate in such a rigorous sport. Make sure that you consider all the options and find the brace that works best for you.

Don’t be afraid to invest in a quality medical device. Remember that your knees are not just for skiing. You’re probably going to want them for walking around also. Hopefully, you can preserve them and continue to stand, walk and do many other things long after you are done skiing.

Top Knee Braces for Skiing Reviewed

With the number of products out there, we have sorted through them to come up with our list of the best knee braces for skiing. In choosing this list we wanted to provide a wide variety of products based on features, quality, and price. Hopefully, this list will provide you with something that fits your needs.

1. Best Overall: Patella Strap by Run Forever Sports

Patella straps can be a great and simple way to relieve pain and provide a minimal amount of support. This one will do both, and will not add a bunch of bulk underneath your ski pants. This basic little strap may be all you need to protect your knee and keep you going.

What we like:

• Very simple and easy to use.
• Provides pain relief for patellar tendon issues.
• Low profile, not at all bulky.
• Fully adjustable, one size fits most.
• Made from high-quality durable materials.

What we don’t like:

• It does not provide full support for other parts of the knee such as ACL and MCL.

2. Runner-up: Bodyprox

This very popular brace can be used for a multitude of knee issues. It is lightweight, easy to put on and no need to take measurements of your knee because one size fits most. This is a basic knee brace/support at a great price that will provide the support you need.

What we like:

• Relieves many types of knee pain from MCL, ACL, strains and even arthritis.
• Universal one size fits most.
• Low profile.
• Easy to use.
• Stabilizer inserts and patella pad help provide extra support.

What we don’t like:

• The straps can sometimes cause a little discomfort.

3. Best Compression Sleeve: Athledict

This compression sleeve-type brace can be great to heal from injuries. Its low profile allows you to easily wear it under your snow gear and the straps help to provide more support and adjustability. Compression sleeves are a great way to help heal any injury.

What we like:

• Compression provides support, pain relief, and faster healing.
• Anti-slip silicone design so it stays on your knee.
• Anatomical shape provides comfort.
• Adjustable and removable strap allows you to adjust compression and support levels.
• Low profile.

What we don’t like:

• May not provide protection against hard impacts.

4. Best Budget: EzyFit

If you’re looking for a basic brace that provides great support, protection, and comfort, this is probably the one you are looking for. It’s a classic style at a very affordable price. You can’t go wrong with this type of brace.

What we like:

• It provides great support for all knee conditions.
• Stretch material is comfortable to wear.
• Easy to use and put on.
• Machine washable.
• It allows for full movement and flexibility.

What we don’t like:

• It’s just a basic classic-style brace without any type of new technology but works great if that is what you are looking for.

5. Best for Medical-Grade Support: Neo G

This is a nice low profile compression style brace with open patella support. This medical-grade device is great for almost any type of pain or injury. Not only does it provide great support but it is designed for comfort as well.

What we like:

• Class 1 Medical device registered with international regulatory bodies.
• Easy to put on.
• It provides great support and adjustable compression.
• Designed for comfort and one size fits most.
• Made from heat therapeutic neoprene which helps to warm muscles and joints.

What we don’t like:

• The velcro is not as durable as it should be.

6. Best Mobility: Rehband Rx

This is another compression sleeve-type support. It allows for great mobility and its low profile allows you to wear it underneath almost anything. This one will also make your knee feel very secure.

What we like:

• Great support with mobility and comfort.
• Very good compression to relieve pain and enhance healing.
• Ergonomically designed to fit the knee.
• A low profile allows you to wear it under almost any equipment.
• Available in multiple colors.

What we don’t like:

• May not provide the full support that some are looking for.

7. Best for Protection: Shock Doctor Hinged

This hinged brace provides full support and allows the knee to be flexed in the normal direction. The heavy-duty material provides great protection from unexpected impact and shock. If you are looking for good durable protection, this is a great choice.

What we like:

• Very good for preventing medial and lateral instability.
• Protects against unwanted movement, unexpected shock, and hard blows.
• Dual hinges provide support while also allowing mobility.
• Antimicrobial material and good airflow prevent odor and moisture build-up.
• It provides compression to speed the healing process.

What we don’t like:

• It is a little bulkier than some of the other braces.

8. Most Comfortable: Bauerfeind Sports Support

This is a high-performance brace that provides great support and protection. It also uses compression to actively help relieve and heal knee pain. Its low profile is perfect for skiing and it’s so comfortable you may forget that it is even there.

What we like:

• Medical grade compression accelerates the healing process.
• It provides great stabilization.
• Great comfort and freedom of movement.
• Low profile and lightweight so it won’t be too bulky under your ski gear.
• Very Durable.

What we don’t like:

• You will have to take accurate measurements to get the right fit.

9. Best High-end Option: DonJoy Performance Bionic Fullstop

This high-end support device uses hinged technology and a 4-point leverage system that trains your knee to stay out of risky positions that will cause you problems. This one is great for preventing hyperextension as well as other movements that will cause damage or reinjury.

What we like:

• This one provides top-of-the-line stability and protection with its hinged technology and 4-point system.
• It also uses compression to help the healing process.
• Good airflow to prevent overheating.
• Anti-migration technology prevents slippage.
• Adjustable straps provide good fit and comfort.

What we don’t like:

• It is a little pricey, but the technology and features are well worth it to protect you and keep you out on the mountain.

10. Best for ACL: Donjoy Armor Action

This is a top of the line high-performance medical device. It is designed specifically with skiing in mind and great for a skier recovering from a bad knee injury or even surgery.

What we like:

• It provides the ultimate protection and support for ACL injuries.
• Made from lightweight extremely durable aircraft aluminum.
• Short calf provides plenty of room for your ski boots.
• 4 points of leverage provide both mobility and great support.

What we don’t like:

• This can be an expensive piece of equipment but it really can be worth the cost for this kind of protection for your knee.

How to Choose Knee Brace for Skiing: Buying Guide

Knee braces are probably one of the most needed and popular pieces of medical equipment out there. Because of this, there is a multitude of them to choose from.

If you are in the market for one, especially for skiing, you want to ensure that you get one that fits your needs and that will keep you from doing any further damage to your joints. When shopping for a good brace, be sure to look closely at the product and consider the following.

Support

Good support is key for any brace. This is the main goal of using one, so you want to make sure that it provides adequate stabilization to keep your knee from moving in the wrong direction or from being hyperextended. Just keep in mind that the more support it provides, the bulkier it is likely to be.

Hinged

Many braces will have hinges to prevent lateral movement of the knee, providing extra protection and support but allowing normal bending of the joint. These can be a benefit but they can also make the brace bulky and cumbersome. You will need to weigh this benefit against the added bulk.

Compression

Some of these, especially the sleeve type, will provide compression. Compression can act as counter pressure to help reduce and relieve pain. Compression also helps to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the damaged area.

Protection

Along with providing support, the brace should also provide protection by acting as armor against tough blows taken when falling or wiping out. As with support, the more protection the brace offers, the bulkier it is likely to be.

Mobility

Medical devices such as these can often be thick and cumbersome. Since you will be skiing with it, you still need to have decent mobility. While it needs to provide good support and protection, you should still be able to maneuver well enough to ski with complete control. If not you could fall and re-injure yourself or sustain worse injuries.

Comfort

As with any ski equipment, comfort can be a key factor. If it is not comfortable, it will be very hard to wear it for a long day of activity. Since you will be skiing, you will want something that is lightweight, low profile and high up on the calf. You will be wearing ski boots, so you don’t want it to crumple up inside the top of them.

Breathable

Along with comfort, it should also allow some airflow. If not, it will overheat which will cause you to sweat and trap moisture in the brace. Moisture is not good when you are skiing in cold weather, but it can also create bacteria which can be really bad if you have had surgery.

Sizing/Fit

This is important for comfort. Some braces are made to ergonomically fit the lower thigh, knee and upper calf area. This may require that you take measurements of your leg in order to get a proper fit for the brace.

We have included some videos below that provide instructions for taking measurements for some of them. Manufacturers will also provide instructions for measurement if needed.

Fit can also be important for keeping it in place. If it is too large, it may slip down your leg and not do its job. You want to make sure it fits well enough to stay in place. Some are also made from anti-slip materials which will help to reduce this issue.

Durability

Equipment like this is not always cheap. Some of the high-end ones can get pretty expensive. If you’re going to pay top dollar for a brace, you want to make sure it will take the punishment of numerous days on the slopes. It should last for at least the season and hopefully beyond.

Cost

For some cost is no object and you will spare no expense to get back out there skiing again. While that is understandable, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to get a good device to help you recover from your injury.

For our list, we have provided a range of quality braces at many different price points. Be sure to look for the one that provides you what you need at the best value.

Useful Tips and Resources

When you suffer from knee problems or have had a knee injury, it is always best to see a doctor first to get their diagnosis and opinion.

Many times knee pain and weakness issues can be solved by simply strengthening the muscles in and around the knees. For some great exercises to help strengthen and relieve knee pain take a look at this video on stronger knees.

If you are interested in how the patella strap knee brace/support works, take a look at this video from Forever Sports.

When you are going to invest in a top of the line piece of equipment, you want to make sure you purchase the correct size so that it can provide you with the maximum amount of protection and support. Check out the following videos for the braces listed below.

• Donjoy Sizing
• Bauerfeind Sizing
• Rehband RX Sizing
• Shock Doctor Sizing

Final Words

Protecting your knees while skiing can be very important for anyone who has knee problems or has had injuries in the past. For those who have had surgery, it is a must. Keep in mind that buying a good knee brace/support can be an investment, but it is an investment that can be well worth it.

As you can see from the list above, there are many different types to choose from. Each of these quality devices can be used to support and protect you from the dangers of skiing while having knee issues.

Since there is a wide price range for this type of equipment you will need to weigh the options of what will help your particular issues. Remember that it is always a good idea to first consult a medical professional to help decide what is right for you.

For those who have had to take a break from skiing, these devices can be a savior. They really can help you get back out there and take the pain and worry out of your mind so that you can focus on the hill and enjoy the sport of skiing like you always have.

Have you ever had to recover from a bad knee injury? Give us some feedback and let us know what you think.