Are you looking for the best knee brace for ice hockey?
Ice hockey is considered one of the fastest sports mainly because of the conditions formulated by the physics of skating.
It is a very rough sport that will constantly require your focus, balance, strength, and grit.
Obviously, there is a greater risk of injury, which may include concussions, shoulder pain, and knee pain, considering the overall physicality of the sport and the speed at which ice hockey is played.
Ice hockey is a very physical sport and your knees act as the shock absorber every time you take a fall. This is the very reason why ice hockey players need a protective gear, such as the knee brace, to cushion their knees whenever they play the sport.
Even those who are recovering from a knee injury or pain can benefit from this very useful protective gear. If you have a knee brace, you will be able to take on the sport as if you do not are experiencing any discomfort.
In this post, we will be discussing all it is for you to know before you buy yourself the best knee brace for ice hockey.
Not only that, we also have provided you 7 of our top picks for the best ones available on the market right now.
Lastly, we have rounded up the criteria we used for the evaluation of the best knee braces for hockey players to help you make the decision-making a lot easier.
We hope that after you have read this article, you will be enlightened as to what makes a good knee brace so you can make the most out of the money that you pay for it.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: ArmaJoint Compression Knee Sleeve
A thin sleeve that stays in place. Wear it under your uniform and keep your knee warm for the entire game.
Best For Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
This insanely comfortable sleeve doubles as a hot and cold pack as well. It’s the ultimate tool to promote recovery and prevent injuries.
Best for Stability: Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
This is a hybrid between a sleeve and a hinged brace. Fully adjustable, it will keep your kneecap and ligaments protected on the ice.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 7 Picks: Best Knee Brace for Ice Hockey
1. ArmaJoint Compression Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Thin fabric.
- Uniform compression.
- Stays in place.
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Doesn’t limit movement.
Cons
- No special features.
- 2 Color options only.
The uniform compression from this knee sleeve can boost your performance.
This feature promotes blood flow and keeps your knee joint warm. In turn, this helps your muscles react faster – a huge plus in any hockey game.
Another plus is its thinness – ArmaJoint’s sleeve fits under your uniform comfortably. It’s not bulky like a neoprene sleeve, and way more breathable.
One drawback is its lack of color options. But honestly, this doesn’t matter much if you’ll wear it under clothing.
Material: 60% nylon, 20% elastic, 10% spandex.
Size: S-XL.
Color options: Black
2. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot And Cold Sleeve
Pros
- Hot and cold pack in one place.
- More durable than average.
- Perfect for pain and swelling.
- Wear on other joints.
- Insanely comfortable.
Cons
- On the expensive side.
- Only comes in blue.
Having a Cocoon is like having a physical therapist on demand.
…and this is coming from a physio.
See, these sleeves are filled with hydrogel – a leak-proof material that effectively retains temperatures. This gives you the freedom of taking full care of your knee joint before and after a game.
This material also makes these sleeves more durable than average. So, even though it’s pricier than average, it will also last for longer.
Material: Lycra, hydrogel.
Size: S, M, L.
Color options: Blue.
3. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Slip-up sleeve.
- Patella buttress for kneecap stability.
- Side springs for ligament protection.
- Adjustable straps.
- Latex and neoprene-free.
Cons
- Bulky.
- Can pinch on the back of the knee.
Braceability’s knee brace keeps your kneecap in place and protects your ligaments at the same time.
The U-shaped buttress on the kneecap hole ensures your patella stays aligned at all times. While the side springs add stabilization without restricting movement.
Also, this knee brace works as a sleeve as well. It provides compression, which apart from adding stability, also promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
It’s available in plus sizes as well, so anyone can benefit from this hinged brace. A drawback is that the fabric may pinch a little on the back, but you can fix it by losing the straps a little.
Material: Neoprene alternative, velcro, aluminum spiral stays.
Size: S-4XL.
Color options: Black.
4. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support
Pros
- Offers effective kneecap protection
- Can be used by those who play ice hockey
- Very comfortable and easy to put on and off
- Made of anti-sweat and breathable materials
- Can be washed using a machine
Cons
- Might start to slip down once you begin sweating
- A bit expensive
Bauerfeind offers this incredible knee support that can provide impressive kneecap compression, aside from knee protection and improved blood circulation.
This knee brace is suitable for those who enjoy active sports, such as ice hockey. It is made of extremely soft and breathable fabric, ensuring that you will be comfortable all throughout the game.
To add, it can also be used for pain relief from knee strains, sprains, instabilities, and other pre- and post-operative knee discomfort.
Comfort and Stability
This offering by Bauerfeind is made of soft and breathable materials, making sure that you are in your most comfortable state when you are playing ice hockey.
Durability and Quality
For durability and overall high-quality of the Bauerfeind knee brace, it is reassuring and a relief to learn that this can be machine-washed. You also do not have to worry about losing its original elasticity and fit.
Cost and Value
While it might cost up to more than $100, you would regret having bought this one of a kind knee brace, perfect for those who are looking for the top knee brace for ice hockey.
5. SAFSOU Knee Support Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Effectively reduces pain and swelling
- Provides protection on your knee joints
- Made of high-quality breathable fabric
- Can be used for ice hockey
- Features an anti-slip design
Cons
- Might slip as you sweat
- Might not be suitable for those allergic to silicone
This offering by SAFSOU has the capability to reduce pain and protect your knee joints.
Not only is this suitable for ice hockey players, but they also deliver constant pressure on your knees to relieve various conditions including soreness, stiffness, arthritis, swelling, tendonitis, and meniscus tears, among others.
It is made of high-quality materials and it features an anti-slip design for added stability. Another great feature of this knee brace is that each sleeve can expand up to 60% more than the original diameter listed on the size chart.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of tight, form-fitting, and breathable compression fabric that ensures that you are comfortable while playing ice hockey. It also comes with a double silicone anti-slip design for stability.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace can be worn all day, regardless of the activity.
6. CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Features an anti-slip design
- Perfect for hockey players
- Durable and very comfortable to wear
- Can also be used for pain relief
- Comes with adjustable straps for stability
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- A little bulky because of the gel
- A bit flimsy when worn for a long period
We also consider this offering by Cambivo as one of the best knee braces for ice hockey goalies because of its use of 5cm Velcro belts that come with double lateral spring, which effectively adds stability.
It is made of durable and breathable materials, ensuring that you will feel comfortable when you are playing strenuous sports including hockey, volleyball, basketball, and football, among others.
It can also be used for pain relief from arthritis, meniscus tear, and tendonitis. Lastly, it comes with adjustable straps, which caters to a wider range of users with different needs.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of premium grade materials, which is also breathable and lightweight for perfect ventilation and comfort. It also comes with adjustable straps for added stability.
Durability and Quality
It is constructed from top-grade neoprene materials, ensuring optimum strength and durability.
7. Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Pros
- Provides superior comfort
- Comes with a hook and loop system
- Adjustable
- Can function as a knee sleeve, brace, band, and defender
- Features an anti-slip design
Cons
- The stitching needs improvement
- A bit bulky
Yet another offering by Mava Sports for the top knee brace for ice hockey is the knee wraps, made of elastic and high-performing fabric that can be easily adjusted.
It is very easy to use, thanks to the adjustable hook and loop closure. It is a 72-inch wrap that can be used as a knee brace, knee band, knee sleeve, and knee defender.
It is also very comfortable to wear and has anti-slip, anti-roll, and anti-fall off features. While it would perfect for ice hockey, its strong materials also offer the best support for cross training, leg presses, as well as heavy squats.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of comfortable and breathable materials, which also comes with adjustable hook and loop closure for stability.
Durability and Quality
It is constructed with strong materials, making it perfect not only for hockey but for a whole lot of physically-demanding sports activities.
Criteria Used for The Evaluation of The Best Knee Brace for Ice Hockey
Comfort and Stability
When choosing the best knee brace for ice hockey, the first thing that you should look out for is its overall comfort and stability. Playing ice hockey would require you to move a lot, as well as do big movements, which is why you need a knee brace that offers breathability, stability, and full mobility.
Durability
The sport would likely cause wear and tear on your knee brace. Therefore, it would be in your best interest that you choose one that is made of durable and strong materials. If you have one of these, you would be assured that you will be making the most out of your money.
Features
Features including breathability, the capability to reduce pain and swelling, sweat-absorption, as well as multiple functionalities, should all be considered when choosing the best knee brace for ice hockey.
Conclusion
Ice hockey is considered a very macho sport and you would certainly need a knee brace to protect you from injuries. In this post, we do hope that we have been of great assistance in helping you make a wise decision. Just remember to evaluate each product’s features, pros, and cons, to be able to come up with a great choice.
