Are you searching for the best knee brace for lacrosse? Lacrosse is among the fastest-growing sports in the world. But, knee injuries are also almost inevitable. What with all the pivoting, cutting, physical contact, and whatnot. Knee braces can help you prevent, if not recover from these knee injuries. Though, with so many products to choose from, how do you know which one to buy? Well, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve tested out a bunch of knee supports and ranked what we thought were the best knee braces for lacrosse. Here are quick reviews of our top eight!
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Made with lycra and hydrogel, the Cocoons offer comfort, compression, heat, and cold therapy all in one package. It’s the most unique and versatile sleeve on the market!
Best For Playing: ArmaJoint Compression Knee Sleeve
Our sleeve keeps your joint warm, stays in place, and it’s extremely breathable. You will forget you have it on.
Best Multitasker: 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 8 Picks for the Best Knee Brace for Lacrosse
1. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Compression sleeve, ice pack, and heat pack all in one
- Uses lycra for superior comfort
- Extra weight for better compression
- 1 cocoon can be used on multiple body parts
- Double-stitched and leak-proof for extra durability
- Non-toxic and antibacterial
- Great for highly active athletes
Cons
- Pricey
- No color options
Out of all the knee braces we’ve tested, Cocoon has the most unique and most helpful technology. To us, this makes it the best knee support for lacrosse. And, really, sports in general.
It provides even compression. But, it also triples as an ice and heat pack for both recovery and injury prevention.
Comfort and Stability
Unlike most knee braces, Cocoon uses lycra instead of neoprene. This makes each cocoon extremely comfortable. It almost feels like stretchy silk.
When it comes to stability, it does an amazing job of staying put. Thanks to its material, it doesn’t bunch up when you bend your knees. With all the cutting, pivoting, and activity that happens in lacrosse, this makes it one hell of an option.
Plus, each cocoon is hydrogel-infused. So, you can heat it up in the microwave (10-30 seconds) or freeze it (at least 2 hours). And, voila! You have yourself a hot/cold pack that you can take anywhere you want to go.
It’s pretty heavy compared to most knee sleeves, too. This adds more compressive therapy to an already impressive piece of fabric.
- Size options: Small, medium, large. (Note that you can use a single cocoon on many body parts, not just your knee.)
- Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
The Cocoon has a very luxurious feel to it. Honestly, we put it on, went to play, and didn’t even want to take it off after. It feels that good.
In terms of durability, lycra is known to be more durable than even natural rubber. It won’t degrade easily even when constantly stretched.
The cocoons are also double-stitched for even more durability. The hydrogels are also leak-proof, non-toxic, and antibacterial.
Who this knee brace is for
This brace is for every lacrosse player out there. But, if we had to pick a demographic, we say highly active athletes will love all the benefits that this knee brace provides.
If this is you, your knee is going to need all the recovery tools it can get. This includes the heat, cold, and compression that the Cocoon presents.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
This knee support might be a little overkill for those of you who only play lacrosse every once in a while.
It’s not that you can’t use it (because of course you can). But, it might be a little pricey for a once-in-a-month type of use.
2. ArmaJoint Compression Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Stays in place.
- Freedom of movement.
- Easy to put on
- Effectively reduces swelling and pain.
- Comfortable fit.
Cons
- Only 2 color options.
- No additional features.
The ArmaJoint Sleeve is the most well-rounded knee sleeve on our list.
Its compression will keep your knee joint warm during the entire game. This in turn helps prevent injuries and gives a boost to your muscles.
This advantage will be particularly helpful any time you have to change directions suddenly, or sprint.
However, it’s true that our sleeve doesn’t have additional features – like an open kneecap design or side stabilizers. If you want something more specialized, check the other options below.
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex.
- Size: S-XL.
- Color options: Black, green.
3. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Slip-up design.
- Patella buttress for kneecap stability.
- Side stabilizers, adjustable straps.
- Latex and neoprene-free.
Cons
- Can rub a little on the backside of the knee.
- Bulky.
This Braceability’s hinged sleeve will protect your knee in every possible way.
This brace actually fits like a sleeve – you slip it up and it uniformly compresses the knee joint.
Also, its open kneecap has a U-shaped buttress that keeps the patella in place. The lateral spiral stays add stability, and the velcro helps you further customize the pressure.
So, it basically provides the benefits of sleeves with the protection of hinges and open kneecap designs. If that’s not multitasking, I don’t know what it is.
- Material: Neoprene alternative, velcro, aluminum spiral stays.
- Size: S-4XL.
- Color options: Black.
4. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support
Pros
- Promotes knee stabilization
- Made of high-quality materials
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed by the manufacturer
- Comfortable and flexible
- Made for serious lacrosse players
- Wide array of size and color options
Cons
- Expensive
- May slip from time to time after prolonged use
This knee brace by Bauerfeind provides you with knee stabilization whenever you play lacrosse.
It delivers an anatomically-contoured pad that surrounds your kneecap, which effectively disperses pressure.
In addition, it comes with the Air Knit fabric that is comfortable, lightweight, washable, and moisture-wicking. Indeed, this knee brace would be perfect for use not only for lacrosse, but for other active sports including running, baseball, basketball, tennis, and football, among others.
Comfort and Stability
Made of comfortable, and lightweight materials, this knee brace keeps you comfortable in the field. It also comes with a stabilizing effect, which reduces the risk of knee injuries.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace is made of high-quality materials and was designed to endure high-intensity sports such as lacrosse, soccer, and weight training, among others.
Cost and Value
You might see this as a high-end product but if you do choose this knee brace, you get all these incredible features and benefits.
5. DonJoy Performance Bionic Fullstop Knee Brace
Pros
- Provides compression and thermal heat regulation
- Perfect for lacrosse players
- Protects your knees from injuries
- Prevents sleeve movement
- Allows a customized fit
Cons
- Very expensive
- Inaccurate size chart
Among the many knee braces we’ve tested, DonJoy Performance’s Bionic Knee Brace felt like the best one for sprains. These include common injuries in lacrosse like ACL and meniscus tears.
Comfort and Stability
Donjoy Performance made this hinged knee brace to help prevent sprains. So, its focus is on keeping your knees stable. It does this using its 4-point leverage system. The brace’s hinges use this technology to prevent hyperextension. In turn, making it one of, if not the best of its kind for preventing and treating sprains. It also uses straps to fit the knee brace snugly around your knee. That said, the hinged knee sleeve can also run hot. It’s great for therapy but it can be a little uncomfortable after prolonged use. For relief, all we did was open up the straps a little. After a while, we tightened it back up and went on playing.
- Size options: S, M, L, XL
- Color options: Black with reflectors
Durability and Quality
DonJoy has a reputation for putting out high-quality sports products. So, you can rest assured that the Bionic Fullstop is both top caliber and durable.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for lacrosse players who cut and pivot a lot during games. These are movements that put athletes at a higher risk of ACL tears and other sprains – and the Bionic Fullstop helps prevent that. It’s also for lacrosse players recovering from these same injuries.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace is not for lacrosse players that are on a budget or don’t like the idea of wearing a brace that you can actually feel. I mean, this is seriously expensive. If you can afford it, we think it’s well worth your money. It’s also warmer than most of the choices on this list.
6. Dr. Fit Knee Brace Sleeve
Pros
- Made of breathable materials
- Feature an anti-slip technology
- Suitable for use by lacrosse players
- Provides superior support and pain relief
- Affordable
Cons
- Inaccurate size chart
- Might start to slip as you begin sweating
Unlike the last couple of braces, The Dr. Fit Knee Brace Sleeve isn’t going to break your bank. In fact, it’s the most affordable option you have on this list. That said, it offers so much more than its price suggests.
Comfort and Stability
The Dr. Fit Knee Brace is a combination of nylon and spandex. This combination makes for a very stretchable and breathable fabric. This sleeve also has a padding to protect your knee cap and a silicone strip to help it in place. Although, it did slide down our legs after a while during our tests. It also only offers mild support.
Durability and Quality
Despite the thinness of the material, the Dr. Fit Knee Brace seems durable enough to last you for quite some time.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for lacrosse players who’re only experiencing mild knee pain. And, therefore, only need mild support. Oh, and this would also be a great prospect if you’re on a tight budget.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace is not for you if you’re recovering from relatively serious injuries.
7. RDX K502 Double Strap Knee Brace
Pros
- Affordable
- Provides ventilation and support
- Keeps you comfortable and dry
- Impact-resistant
- Perfect for use by lacrosse players
Cons
- 1 size only
- No color options
The RDX K502 Double Strap Knee Brace allows you to experience a perfect fit, as well as protection for your knee joint. It’s comfortable, well-ventilated, impact-resistant, and – perhaps more importantly – affordable.
Comfort and Stability
The RDX K502 Double Strap Knee Brace is a combination of SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), nylon, polyester, and rubber. This combination makes it capable of wicking out moisture while maintaining warmth. In turn, this makes it comfortable to wear during play. It also uses 2 straps that go opposite directions to help keep the brace in place. Though, this 2-way strap design does make donning it a bit intricate.
- Size options: One size
- Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
In our opinion, using SBR is what makes the RDX K502 unique. The material not only makes the product affordable but also very durable. So durable, in fact, that the automotive industry uses the same material for tires and belts.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for lacrosse players who are looking for an affordable but durable brace that stays in place. Its features may not be as advanced as most other braces on this list. But, considering how much it sells for, we think it has excellent value for money.
Who this brace isn’t for
Those of you who are looking for a more specialized brace that offers more support might want to look for other options.
8. DonJoy Performance Drytex Hinged Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Made of breathable and moisture-wicking materials
- Has an open patella design
- Comes with polycentric hinges
- Equipped with adjustable straps
- Perfect for lacrosse players
Cons
- A bit expensive (although cheaper than the Bionic Fullstop)
- Maybe too bulky for some users
The Drytex Hinged Knee Sleeve is the 2nd DonJoy Performance product on our list. So, it shares the same top-quality production and durability that lacrosse players are looking for. More than that, though, this brace is also great for preventing and dealing with knee sprains.
Comfort and Stability
DonJoy Performance made the Drytex Hinged Knee Brace using, well… Drytex. It’s a combination of nylon and lycra that makes the brace so comfortable. It’s moisture-wicking, soft, and keeps your skin at a pleasant temperature. And, as its name suggests, it comes with hinges that support your knee. Plus, the top and bottom straps help keep the brace in place while also adding compression. That said, it doesn’t have the Bionic Fullstop’s 4-point leverage system. This is why we ranked it lower despite their similarities.
- Size options: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
Again, producing high-grade products is the pride and joy of DonJoy Performance. So, yes, this brace is both durable and high quality.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for those of you who were eyeing DonJoy Performance’s Bionic Fullstop but are looking for a more affordable option. This brace shares similar benefits except it doesn’t have the 4-point leverage system. But, in our opinion, it’s also more comfortable.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace might be too much for those of you who are only looking for a much simpler knee support. In that case, you may want to check out Cocoon (#1) and KneeForce (#2).
Factors to consider When Choosing the Best Knee Brace for Lacrosse
Comfort and Stability
Lacrosse is a high-impact sport, forcing you to make big movements. When choosing the top knee braces for lacrosse, keep in mind that comfort and stability always come first. These two features allow you to keep your focus on the game instead of the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.
Durability and Quality
When searching for the best knee support for lacrosse, the overall quality and durability are also very important. This is where you get to measure how well the knee braces work out for you. In addition, it all comes down to the construction, which says a lot about its longevity.
Cost and Value
While your budget is another major factor before purchasing, you should never think twice if you found a knee brace for lacrosse that offers every feature you are looking for. However, if your budget is a bit tight, there are still very affordable options presented in this review.
Conclusion
Now that we have reached the end of this discussion, it would be great if you have at least narrowed down your choices into choosing the right knee brace for you. You just need to carefully review each product’s best features, pros, and cons, to be able to determine which of these seven picks gives you a great bang for your buck. That way, you get to take home the best knee braces for lacrosse.
