Knee injuries account for 5% of all injuries from cheerleading. Now, while that might not seem like a lot, it’s still worrisome because an injured cheerleader will have to miss time from doing stunts. That’s where the best knee braces for cheerleading come in.
These knee braces need to be supportive to help limit the stress you put on your ligaments. They also need to have great compression to minimize knee pain and inflammation.
Other factors you need to consider here include comfort, durability, and other special features that specifically work in your favor. We’ll discuss all that below as well as reviews and criteria we used to help you find your best knee brace for cheerleading.
Ready? Let’s get it!
Best Knee Brace for Cheer-leading Comparison
Best Overall: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
You can’t go wrong with our sleeve. Along with its comfortable but superb compression, it effectively manages knee pain while promoting blood flow.
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are the most unique knee sleeves on the market. Great compression with the ability to be heated or cooled.
Best for Support: BraceAbility Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
This effectively helps prevent the most common injuries in cheerleading such as ligament sprains, tendonitis, and Osgood Schlatter’s disease.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 8 Picks for the Best Knee Brace for Cheerleading
1. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve (Best Overall)
Pros
- Simple yet effective
- All-around compression
- Great for all sports, including cheerleading
- Great for mild-moderate pain relief
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Not for severely unstable knees
ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeve was designed with simplicity, quality, and versatility in mind.
Simplicity in that they didn’t overcomplicate features but made sure to pack in what’s truly essential for knee sleeves which are excellent compression and comfort. Having both of those properties will give your knees better blood flow, pain relief, and support.
In terms of quality and durability, we’ve been impressed, especially since these sleeves deliver far beyond its already competitive price.
You truly will not go wrong with these sleeves, regardless if you’re cheerleading or doing any other sport. Although, if you’re recovering from severely unstable knees (e.g. grade 3 sprains), I would recommend checking a hinged brace instead.
2. Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
Pros
- One of a kind knee sleeve
- Superb compression
- With hot/cold properties that work great for recovery
- Comfort like no other
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for cheering with unstable knees
In our eyes, MyCocoon has found a balance between sophistication and simplicity with these sleeves. The Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are truly one of a kind.
It does everything that a knee sleeve is supposed to do, which is to comfortably give your knees all-around compression, support, and pain relief.
However, the company takes it all one step further by filling their sleeves with hydrogel. This enables the sleeves to be heated (in the microwave) or cooled (in the freezer), giving you the ability to use it as either a hot or cold pack.
This combination of features makes it an excellent choice for recovery from the beating your knees take while cheerleading. Although, similar to our Knee Force sleeve, I wouldn’t recommend using this to cope if your knees are severely unstable. It’s also quite pricey.
3. BraceAbility Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Helps prevent and recover from common cheerleading injuries
- Side stabilizers for ligamentous support
- U-shaped buttress for patellar alignment and tendonitis relief
- Average price for a knee brace of its kind
Cons
- Not the most comfortable over long periods
BraceAbility has many, many knee supports on their ranks but their patella stabilizing knee brace is the one that effectively targets the most common injuries in cheerleading.
For one, it has side stabilizers which help protect your ligaments from all the jumping and twisting inherent to your sport. It also has a U-shaped buttress which helps align your kneecap while you perform stunts. Furthermore, the same buttress relieves pressure off of your patellar tendon.
These features effectively help you prevent (and recover from) ACL and MCL sprains, as well as tendonitis and Osgood Schlatter’s disease.
Although, because of its bulk, it might not be the most comfortable knee brace.
4. Bioskin Wrap Around Knee Compression
Pros
- Has the capability to control pain and swelling
- Latex and neoprene free
- Made of lightweight and comfortable materials
- Breathable, soft, and durable
- Trusted by professional teams and athletes
- Equipped with a simple strapping system
Cons
- A bit tight for some
- Might roll down after a few walks
This knee brace offered by BioSkin has the capability to control swelling, with the help of the compressive material used in its construction.
It is also very easy to apply and wrap around your knees, along with the simple strapping system for easy adjustment.
It is made of lightweight, hypoallergenic, and comfortable material, both neoprene and latex free.
What made us consider this one of the best is that it is trusted by more than 40 professional teams that keep their athletes functioning at the highest level.
Comfort and Stability
We consider this one of the best knee support for cheerleaders because it is latex and neoprene free and is made of lightweight and comfortable material. It also is equipped with a simple strapping system for easy adjustment.
Durability and Quality
It is constructed from a compressive material, perfect not only for cheerleading but also for controlling pain and swelling, especially in the knee joint area.
Cost and Value
Priced at $124.95, it sure is a big investment on your part.
However, its good reputation speaks a lot about its quality.
5. Hinged Knee Brace By BioSkin
Pros
- Features a multifunctional design
- Suitable for cheerleaders
- Can relieve pain and swelling
- Features a unique strapping system
- Made of breathable and thin material
- Latex and neoprene free
- Trusted by athletes and professional teams
- Can be used for patella tracking
Cons
- A bit pricey
- The thin material might be a concern
Another great knee brace offered by BioSkin is the Hinged Knee Brace, which features a multifunctional design that allows treatment of many patella tracking issues, as well as knee pain.
It can also relieve pain through its compressive base sleeves.
What’s great about this knee brace is that it is scientifically designed to allow an easy and pain-free application.
It is made of a breathable, thin, and hypoallergenic material, free from latex and neoprene.
Like the previous product, it is also one of the most trusted brands by athletes.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of high-quality breathable, thin, and strong material that makes it very stable and comfortable to wear. It also features a unique strapping system that allows a pain-free and easy application.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace offered by BioSkin is made of strong materials and is perfect for use by cheerleaders.
Cost and Value
Priced at $99.95, it is considered one of the most expensive knee braces on this review. However, given its features and a good reputation, you would never regret having bought it.
6. BioSkin Gladiator Knee Brace
Pros
- Features the front closure design
- Can limit painful movements
- Made of thin, breathable, and strong material
- Latex and neoprene free
- Hypoallergenic
- Sturdy and comfortable to wear
- Comes with a rigid strapping system
Cons
- Might slip off when you start to sweat
- Might be challenging to put off
Yet another BioSkin knee brace on this review is the Gladiator Knee Brace, known for its front closure design that allows easy application and adjustment.
It offers controllable protection that limits painful movements, as well as protects damaged ligaments, thanks to its 15-inch range of motion strapping system.
Not only is it suitable for cheerleaders, but it also can regulate pain as well as decrease swelling.
It is made of thin, strong, hypoallergenic, and breathable materials that are free from latex and neoprene.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of thin, breathable, and hypoallergenic materials, perfect for strenuous activities just like cheerleading. It also comes with a wrap-around design, which allows easy application and adjustment.
Durability and Quality
It features a rigid strapping system, which speaks a lot about its durability. To add, it comes with a Visco gel ring for patella support.
Cost and Value
Like the previous two offerings by BioSkin, it is well trusted by athletes and professional teams, assuring you great value for the price you pay.
Gladiator Front Closure Application Instructions
7. Bauerfeind – GenuTrain – Knee Support
Pros
- Offers kneecap protection
- Can be used by cheerleaders
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Made of breathable and anti-sweat material
- Can be machine washed
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The sizing chart may be inaccurate
- Might slide down when you start sweating
This offering by Bauerfeind provides incredible kneecap compression, as well as protection and increased blood circulation.
It is suitable for use by any active person, especially by cheerleaders.
It is made of soft fabric that is breathable and extremely comfortable.
Not only it can be used for extreme sports but you can also use this to relieve knee strains, sprains, instabilities, as well as pre- and post-operative knee inflammation.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of breathable and comfortable materials, ensuring that you would not need to worry about it even when doing active sports such as cheerleading.
Durability and Quality
Did you know that this knee brace offered by Bauerfeind can be machine washed? Yes, you can, without you worrying about losing its original fit and elasticity.
Cost and Value
This knee brace is priced competitively and with its features, you might realize why we also consider it as one of the best knee support for cheerleaders.
8. Sable Knee Brace Compression
Pros
- Promotes equal pressure distribution
- Has a wider coverage
- Affordable
- Can be used for active sports, not just cheerleading
- Can provide protection for your knee joints
- Can reduce stress and swelling, specifically in the knee area
- The brand offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- The sizing chart is off
- Not suitable for those with allergic reactions to silicone
The Sable knee brace has the capability to fit excellently around your knees.
With its elastic compression sleeves that come with an anti-slip design, you are assured that it is very comfortable and stable to wear, even when doing strenuous activities such as cheerleading.
This knee brace can provide both knee protection, as well as improved pressure distribution.
Lastly, it is made of high-quality flexible and breathable fabric that has anti-sweat features.
Comfort and Stability
This knee brace offered by Sable can keep you very comfortable and sweat-free when you are dancing, jumping, and tumbling, thanks to its stable and breathable construction.
Durability and Quality
It can cover a lot of area around your knee, thereby, promoting an even pressure distribution that your knees need for protection. Not only is this knee brace suitable for cheerleading, you can also use it for other active sports including basketball, weightlifting, and running, among others.
Cost and Value
Costing not more $15, it sure is one of the most affordable knee braces on this review. However, do not be fooled by its low price, as it offers one of the best performance when it comes to knee protection.
9. HipStone Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials
- Highly adjustable
- Affordable
- Can be used by cheerleaders
- Comfortable and stable to wear
- Breathable
Cons
- The straps might be too long
- The top portion tends to slip off after being worn for a while
The HipStone knee sleeve is made of high quality 68% nylon and 32% spandex, which attests to its extreme comfort and durability.
Its exquisite design technology mostly caters to protect the stability of your muscles in the legs and knees.
It is made of soft, breathable, and elastic materials that can help prevent muscle strain when you are cheerleading.
Other great features of the HipStone knee sleeve are that it is highly adjustable and can be used even for basketball, football, and other outdoor activities.
Comfort and Stability
It is very comfortable and stable to wear, thanks to its elastic, breathable, and soft construction.
Durability and Quality
It is made of 68% nylon and 32% spandex, which makes it high-quality and durable.
Cost and Value
Costing you not more than $10, it is one of the most affordable knee braces on this review. Considering its awesome features and suitability for active sports, it sure is a great bang for your buck.
Criteria Used for The Evaluation of The Best Knee Brace for Cheerleading
Comfort and Stability
Cheerleading would require you to do big movements and you would need something that will keep you comfortable while you are doing your routine. So, when choosing a knee brace, you also need to consider if it is equipped with anti-slip features.
Durability
A great knee brace for cheerleading should be made of superior quality materials. In addition, it should withstand harsh conditions, especially when you are dancing, jumping, and doing gymnastics all the time.
Features
All other features that include odor and sweat-minimizing features, breathability, the capability to relieve pain and reduce stress and swelling should also be considered when choosing the top knee braces for cheerleading. Remember to take the time to evaluate each product’s pros and cons to be able to determine its value for the price you pay for it.
Conclusion
Because of all the choices out there, choosing knee braces for cheerleading that fit your specifics can be confusing (if not downright daunting). So, we’re ending this round-up with hopes that it helped narrow down your choices.
To recap our top choices, the ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve works as an amazing all-rounder; Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are great for recovery because of their hot/cold properties and BraceAbility’s Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace helps you deal with the most common knee injuries in the sport.
Should our choices not satisfy your needs, that’s all good. You can still come back to our buyer’s guide to help you make the informed choice. Good luck!
