Squatting is one of the fundamental strength exercises. But, although it’s a great exercise everyone should be doing, it also has the potential to be harmful.
You see, a study on Gait & Posture says that your knee can produce a force of up to 49.7 N/kg when you squat. (1)
Mind you, that’s a hell of a lot of force on your knee joint, as well as its surrounding muscles.
Combine that with poor form and ego lifting, and you’re buying yourself a ticket to pain and injury.
Luckily, knee sleeves can help. We’ve tested hundreds of these products and ran them through our specific criteria. Ultimately, we found the best knee sleeves for squats. We included reviews for each of them, too, to help you narrow down your choices even more. Take a look!
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Hands down the best knee sleeve for squats. Its unique design gives it all the abilities of a traditional knee sleeve as well as heat and cold therapy for recovery and injury prevention.
Best Value for Money: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
The sleeve does everything an effective knee sleeve should do. No frills, affordable price, quality product.
Best For Patella Stabilization: BraceAbility Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
This hinged brace keeps your kneecap in place while protecting your ligaments and menisci from potential injury. Side stabilizers, an open patella design, and adjustable straps for maximum security.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Knee Sleeves for Squats
1. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Hot and cold therapy in one place.
- More durable than average.
- Perfect for injury treatment and prevention.
- Wear on other joints.
- Insanely comfortable.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Only comes in blue.
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is a versatile knee sleeve that you’ll want with you on every lifting session. It carries the same benefits as traditional sleeves. But, with the addition of heat and/or cold therapy.
Comfort and Stability
A huge factor why we think this is the best knee brace for squats is its material combination: lycra and hydrogel.
Few others use this same combo because it’s pricey. But, it also makes the cocoons ridiculously comfortable to wear. It doesn’t slip, it’s breathable, and it doesn’t bunch up behind your knee when you squat.
That said, what makes it one of a kind is the hydrogel. This gives them the ability to be used as either a warm or cold compress, depending on what you need. Simply pop it in the microwave if you need heat, or throw it in the freezer if you need cold.
Better yet, you can use both – hot to keep your joints warm while you rest and cold for post-workout recovery.
Size options: S, M, L. (Choose a size that best fits your knee. But, be aware that each cocoon can also be used on other parts of your limbs.)
Color options: Black
Who this brace is for
This brace is for the serious weightlifter. The Cocoon might be a little heavy on your pockets but it’s a reliable tool that you can use to prevent injury while providing your knees the support and recovery they need after lifting heavy iron.
Who this brace isn’t for
This probably isn’t the best choice for the casual lifter. In our opinion, the Cocoon won’t be able to showcase its full potential if you only visit the box every so often.
2. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Thin and breathable.
- Wide variety of sizes.
- Uniform compression.
- Stays in place.
- Freedom of ROM.
Cons
- No special features.
- 2 Color options only.
Nowadays, squats are a staple in any fitness routine. The ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve is the perfect piece of supportive equipment that offers you joint protection, stability, and warmth.
It comes in sizes to accommodate individuals of all shapes and sizes (S to XL).
Wearing this sleeve during your squat sessions will offer you protection from future injuries and speed up post-workout recovery. It can help you decrease pain, increase blood flow, and stabilize your knee cap (patella).
The ArmaJoint sleeve is lightweight and easy to wear. You can wear it comfortably under your garments as it is practically unnoticeable.
This compression sleeve will offer you the knee support and protection you need without limiting the flexibility of your movements.
It’s made it from a blend that includes nylon and spandex, making for a soft and thin fabric that you can wear on both knees. This latex-free knee accessory is incredibly easy to wear. Overweight people will not struggle to put this item on. You can wear it in the same way you would wear your socks.
It is suitable for lifters recovering from minor-medium injuries, or to be used as part of your injury prevention strategy. It’s a great “everyday” brace.
3. BraceAbility Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Compression of sleeves.
- Stability of side stabilizers.
- U-shaped buttress for kneecap stability.
- Adjustable straps.
- Free of latex and neoprene.
Cons
- Bulky.
- Takes time to put right.
This one’s a blend between a sleeve, a hinged brace, and a kneecap stabilizer.
BraceAbility offers this option for people wanting extra protection while squatting. This can be a godsend if you’re recovering from an injury, or if you have patella-tracking issues but want to keep exercising.
See, its open kneecap has a U-shaped buttress that keeps the patella in place. The side stabilizers reduce the stress on your ligaments, and the velcro straps help customize the compression.
However, it’s true that it can be a little bulky. This is a tradeoff for all the protection it provides, though.
Material: Neoprene alternative, velcro, aluminum spiral stays.
Size: S-4XL.
Color options: Black.
4. Nordic Lifting Knee Brace
Nordic Lifting is a brand trusted by hundreds of weightlifters, crossfitters and powerlifters.
If you are looking for the best knee sleeves for working out, then this is a product to consider.
The knee sleeve is made from high-end Neoprene and has been designed ergonomically to provide optimum stability and compression, while you are lifting heavy weights.
The knee sleeve has not just been designed to protect your knee, but the manufacturer aims to improve your athletic performance and strengthen your knee joints when you are lifting weights with the sleeves on.
Whether it’s your first day of the gym or you are a pro lifter who is fed up of the ordinary knee sleeve, Nordic Lifting knee sleeve works equally well in either cases.
Comfort and Stability
The knee sleeve is designed to be comfortable, while providing optimum support. It comes with breathable fabric, which keeps the knee skin fresh.
Durability and Quality
It has a premium construction and has been carefully designed under professional trainers’ guidance to perfect it for usage in the gym. It is made from the best neoprene fabric that will not weaken, even after months of daily usage.
5. IPOW 2 Pack Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer
For our first option, we are going to have the one and only IPOW knee straps.
These are sold by IPOW, which is an internationally recognized brand for recovery from sports related injuries.
These knee straps are going to be the lightest weight option that you can have, while also being the most affordable.
The knee straps come in a single size but are fully adjustable to your liking. We recommend these for light weight squatting.
The stabilizers will be a good option to provide some warmth, which is really what you’re looking for when you’re looking for knee straps.
The segmented fix design of these knee straps allow them to fit naturally on your knees and absorb the shocks that will generate during your training routine.
You can wear these knee straps independently or combine them with a pair of proper knee sleeves.
These are also very versatile; instead of just throwing on a knee sleeve, you can precisely put the strap above or below your knee cap, where you need the most support.
Comfort and Stability
IPOW ensures that these knee straps are comfortable. The fabric of the knee straps is made from high quality, soft and breathable material. This gives the fabric a soft and smooth touch. The straps are non-slipping in design.
Durability and Quality
Despite being low in price, the IPOW knee straps are fairly durable. Since they are made from a composite fiber material, the straps are exceptionally rigid. They have been tested in real-life situations and have been updated constantly to ensure that the knee straps are ready to take on the workout challenges with you.
6. Rehband 7051 Knee Sleeves
Next up, we have Rehband 7051 knee sleeves. Now these are the most classic knee sleeves one can buy.
If you are a regular gym goer, you would understand what we are talking about.
You will see not only weightlifters using these sleeves, you’ll see weight lifters wear them, power lifters and also a lot of strongmen use them.
The reason why these knee sleeves are one of the top knee sleeves for squats is simply the unrelenting compression they provide.
This compression warms your leg muscles and gets the blood circulation improved through the length of sleeve.
The latter helps you recover from injuries and prevents your legs from getting tired quickly.
The compression provided is targeted and will allow you to comfortably lift additional weight in your squat, which would not have been safely possible before.
Comfort and Stability
The 7051 knee sleeves are soft and cushy. You can wear them for long hours, while having complete mobility and outstanding stability. Since Rehband is created by medical experts, the ergonomics and comfort of this pair is on point.
Durability and Quality
Like most top knee sleeves, this pair from Rehband is also made from high grade neoprene. This material does not breakdown under stress or tear easily. Moreover, the double stitched seams of the fabric hold on to the structural integrity and provide continued compression, even after months.
Recommended: Reviews of the best knee sleeves for weightlifting
7. Sling Shot Mark Bell’s Knee Sleeves 2.0
The Slingshot 2.0 is a new product in the market, but it has already become a top one and is listed as Amazon’s Choice in the knee sleeve category.
This is a remarkable testament to the product’s quality, but it is nothing surprising given the features it has.
The Slingshot 2.0 is really supportive, but it is also flexible. It is going to provide you with complete compression throughout its length to support dynamic movements during squats.
The knee sleeves are approved by IPF and can also be worn in the CrossFit Games. We recommend these highly if you need a knee sleeve for medium weight lifting or training long sessions.
We find them to have the best combination of comfort, support and warmth in the market.
Do note, however, you will get a little sweaty in them though.
Comfort and Stability
The knee sleeves have a soft material in the inner layer that touches your skin. This prevents chafing, itching and any irritation. Moreover, the anti-slip design keeps the knee sleeves in position to provide stable compression.
Durability and Quality
Made from patented 7mm neoprene composite fabric, these knee sleeves are thick and rugged. They can be worn for any exercise and will last for many months.
8. Sling Shot Mark Bell Strong Knee Sleeves, 1 Pair
Here we have Strong Knee Sleeves, which are also made by the same company which produces the aforementioned Slingshot 2.0.
The Strong Knee Sleeves come as a pair. You can compare this pair to a ProFitness pair (reviewed below), if you have ever used them.
Each knee sleeve is constructed with just a single seam, which allows the whole structure to generate compression and have a strong rebound.
We consider it as one of the best knee sleeves for squats in terms of the combination of maximum support and comfort. It’s a little bit more flexible than other comparable knee sleeves, which allow for greater mobility.
However, if you’re a power lifter in USPA or IPF, you cannot wear these unfortunately.
Comfort and Stability
The Strong Knee Sleeves pair provides you with high end compression, without limiting your mobility or giving you skin irritation. It provides you with a snug support that will keep your knee in position, even if you wear it for several hours a day.
Durability and Quality
Each knee sleeve is made from a level 3 neoprene, which is the most premium grade of material found in knee sleeves. This material is flexible, yet strong enough to endure the wear and tear of rigorous workouts. A locked single seam stitching holds the fabric together. Stack weights and continue your squats, without worrying about these knee sleeves coming apart.
9. UFlex Athletes Compression Sleeve
UltraFlex is one of the most sought after knee brace for squats. It is a heavy duty variant, which supports your knees with the latest compression technology.
Unlike some heavy duty knee supports which comprise on comfort, UltraFlex allows you to enjoy your workout in breathable and anti-odor fabric.
The knee braces stay in place owing to the anti-slip design and keep up the support even under tremendous strength. UltraFlex is used by many professional athletes which is a testament to the quality of this product.
The knee sleeves fit snug and comfortable, which keeps out any stress from developing in your joint. This allows you to feel light and easy as you go through the motion of squat.
Comfort and Stability
UltraFlex knee brace is a lightweight and flexible option. It keeps on your knees without irritating your skin or causing any allergies.
Durability and Quality
The U Flex fabric has been created after stringent testing. Made from a thick multi-layer composite material, the fabric does not break under stress or sweat. Moreover, it also does not lose its compression over time.
10. ProFitness Knee Sleeve
Here we have another Amazon’s Choice knee sleeve: the ProFitness squat support.
Now these knee sleeves are not the most comfortable in the market, but they provide maximum support and truly boost your squatting performance.
You will find many professionals wearing this for competitions, due to the sleeves dynamic support and multiple (from a XS to a 3 XL).
The knee sleeves compress your knees and provide support to the joints, for enhancing your recovery and allowing you to lift more.
The compression is graduated and is optimized for support during lifting.
However, this doesn’t mean you cannot use the knee braces for any other type of exercising. Your will your knees will feel indestructible in the SPD knee sleeve.
Comfort and Stability
Since they are made for maximum lifting, the knee sleeves favor functionality over comfort. They are not soft from the inside. However, once you get used to them, you will not mind having these on for the compression and stability they provide.
Durability and Quality
Made for lifters and CrossFit athletes, the knee braces are of top quality and should be able to take on the wear and tear of training sessions. The thick neoprene fabric will not tear under stress and continue to maintain its shape / compression for a long time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Knee Sleeves for Squats
Sports-wise Factors
Squatting knee sleeves can be used by various strength athletes:
- Powerlifters: They should get knee sleeves that are stiffer and more rigid. This will allow them to train with heavier loads.
- Weightlifters: They should look for knee sleeves that are lightweight, comfortable and warm. Since the squatting will require catching the weight at the bottom, these athletes need to have a more flexible option.
- CrossFitters: These athletes require knee sleeves that are versatile to accommodate a dynamic range of movement. They should check for support, ergonomics and versatility during their purchase.
Comfort and Stability
Since you are going to be squatting regularly, you need a knee sleeve that can be worn comfortably. An uncomfortable knee sleeve will eventually cause you to stop using it and may lead to a wasted purchase. When you are looking for a knee brace, you should check if it has a soft inner layer. Knee braces with this feature are generally a lot more comfortable than other variants. You should not take any risks stability wise as there is no use of an unstable compression – in fact, this may do your knee more harm than good.
Durability and Quality
Durability and quality of the best knee sleeves for squats go hand in hand. If the knee sleeves are of high quality, they are going to be durable. This means that the fabric they come in is rigid and has strengthened stitching to prevent the knee sleeves from coming apart under stress. A great indicator of a durable product is the warranty it comes with. High quality products have a long or even lifetime warranty.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of the best knee sleeves for squats is quite subjective. If you have the budget, even an eighty bucks variant would look worth it. On the other hand, if you have a limited spending, then you may find a budget variant more ideal. In either case, we have listed products in our review that offer outstanding features in varying prices. You will definitely find one that fits your budget and recovery requirements.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the best knee sleeves for squats, we really hope that you found a product that suits your requirements.
We hope one of our mentioned knee supports will help you improve your knee, enhance your balance, and reduce the occurrence of any injuries.
