Not-so-fun fact: tendonitis makes up 85% of all knee injuries in lifting sports. It’s a high number for sure but it’s also one that you can avoid if you had the best knee braces for weightlifting (along with proper recovery and execution, of course).
Our team of physical therapists tested dozens of knee braces and found the best ones to, hopefully, help you circumvent the risks while enjoying all of the benefits of strength training.
We included short reviews for each of the products that made our list. And, should neither of the knee braces fit your standard, we included a short buyer’s guide to help you as well. Ready? Let’s get to it!
Our Top 3 Picks for Weighlifters
Best Overall: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves
Our compression sleeve supports your knees, encourages better blood flow, and relieves pain at a competitive price.
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
Its supreme comfort combined with its ability provide both warmth and coolness makes it the perfect sleeve for pre- and post-workout recovery.
Best for Thick Legs: Braceability Plus Size Knee Compression Sleeve
With a size that goes up to 6XL, these sleeves are made for the most monstrous dudes and dudettes in the gym.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves
- Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
- Braceability Plus Size Neoprene Knee Compression Sleeve
- EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
- Rehband RX Knee Sleeve Power Max
- iDofit Knee Sleeves Support & Compression
- Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
- Ironside Knee Sleeves
- Knee Sleeves 7mm Compression & Support
- Mcdavid Knee Brace
- Mava Sports Knee Wraps
- NEENCA Compression Knee Sleeve
- Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support
The 13 Best Knee Support For Weightlifting Comparison
1. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves
Pros
- Can be used for other sports besides weightlifting
- Comfortable and breathable fabric
- 360-degree compression for better blood flow
- Lengthier than average to help keep legs warm.
- Competitively priced.
Cons
- Size only goes up to XL.
Our ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves are our pride and joy.
With versatility at its core, these are made to be used for any sport. That, of course, includes lifting iron in the house that Arnold Schwarzenegger built.
It’s comfortable because our fabric is top-notch and breathable. It stays in place because its design includes silicone strips on the inside. It provides all-around compression that promotes blood flow to your entire knee joint.
And, it’s also lengthier than the most knee sleeves so your quads, hamstrings, and calves stay warm while you rest in between sets.
Our sizes go from S to XL, so it’s wide enough for most weightlifters. If these are still too small for your thunderous legs, however, I suggest looking at Braceability.
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex.
- Size: S-XL.
- Color options: Black, green.
2. Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
Pros
- Multiple therapeutic benefits from compression, heat, and cold
- Superior comfort from lycra
- Leakproof and double-stitched for top-of-the-line durability
- For serious weightlifters
- Multiple size options with each sleeve fitting multiple body parts
Cons
- Only one color option
- Slightly pricey
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is more than just a traditional knee sleeve.
These cocoons are made with lycra and hydrogel – a combination that few others have. Not only does this make them superiorly comfortable, but it also gives it the ability to double as a hot or cold pack.
Depending on what you need, you can put your Cocoon Knee Flex Pro in the microwave to warm up your knees before your lifts; or you could pop them in the freezer and use them for recovery.
While there are other knee compression sleeves with hot and cold properties, none of them are built quite like these Cocoons.
- Material: Lycra, hydrogel.
- Size: S, M, L.
- Color options: Blue.
3. Braceability Plus Size Neoprene Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Size goes all the way up to 6XL
- Made from thick, supportive, and durable neoprene
- More than adequate compression
- Great for lifters with huge legs
Cons
- It won’t fit petite and average-sized lifters
The Braceability Plus Size Knee Compression Sleeves are for the biggest dudes in the gym.
Whether that size came from years of weight training or that you’re a big dude trying to tone down doesn’t matter.
This. Will. Fit.
Braceability specifically designed these knee sleeves to fit the plus-sized population with its size range going from XL all the way to 6XL. Needless to say, however, this design also limits its versatility as it won’t fit the petite and average-sized lifters.
In any case, these sleeves are made of thick neoprene. So, it’s durable, supportive, and has more than adequate compression if you get the size right.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: XL-6XL
- Color options: Black
4. EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Pros
- Amazon’s choice
- 4 way compression
- Immediate improvement in mobility
- 360 wrap effect
- Real functional support
- All day comfort
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Limited size and color options
EXOUS’ wrap-around design makes it one of the best knee supports for weightlifting.
What’s key about this design is its 4-way compression system that gets you strong support above and below your kneecap. It also allows for a gap at the back of your knee which is critical for both comfort and movement, making these the perfect knee sleeves for squats and deadlifts.
Moreover, these knee braces have side stabilizers that reinforce your ligaments as well as an open patella design that optimizes your kneecap’s tracking while you perform your intense leg-day routine.
What we didn’t love about EXOUS’ knee brace, however, is that it smells quite easily. This was a hassle since washing it meant doing it by hand.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: One size fits most
- Color options: Black
5. Rehband Rx Knee Sleeve Power Max
Pros
- High quality neoprene fabric
- Anatomical shape
- Perfect fit
- Allows you to achieve more
- Heat therapy
- IPW / IWF approved
- Designed in Sweden and made in Estonia
- Certified by professional weight lifters
Cons
- New size chart needs improvement
The Rehband RX Knee Sleeve Power Max is made for competition.
First of all, this knee sleeve is approved by both the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IFW). Anytime you see organizations like that behind a product, you just know it’s a high quality knee sleeve.
Besides the institutions behind them, however, the Rehband RX Knee Sleeve Power Max is just tough. It’s more supportive than your typical knee sleeve, granting you the stability, pain relief, and confidence you need to push past PRs.
It also does a wonderful job of keeping your knee joints warm between sets and comes with reinforced stitching. However, its size chart can be a bit unreliable. Most of us in our team had to reorder smaller sizes.
- Material: Nylon
- Size: XS-XXL
- Color options: Black, camo, carbon/black
6. iDofit Knee Sleeves Support & Compression
Pros
- Maximum compression and support
- Superior grip
- 3D design and perfect fit
- Anti-slip
- Multiple sizing
- Improves recovery and enhances performance
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Absorbs a little sweat
We think of the iDoFit Knee Sleeves as as budget Rehbands.
They’re both made for weightlifting and other lifting sports. They also look similar and function in the same ways. But, in these same functions, the iDoFit Knee Sleeve is just slightly inferior.
For one, the iDoFit Knee Sleeve is 5 mm thick whereas the Rehbands are 7 mm. This makes the former slightly less supportive. It’s also made of neoprene – which is traditional of these types of knee sleeves but, in my opinion, also not as comfortable, breathable, and absorbent.
What the iDoFit Knee Sleeve has over its counterpart, however, is that it’s way cheaper. Especially after considering that it comes in pairs.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: S-XXL
- Color options: Black
7. Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
Pros
- Premium quality
- Anti-slip
- 3D knee sleeve design
- Breathable and moisture wicking
- Prevents injury and promotes muscle strength
- Improves performance
- Multiple sizing
- Multiple colorways
- Warranty
Cons
- Extremely tight at first, but stretched out to a comfortable size
The Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves are an Amazon favorite.
Iron Bull is a reliable brand in the world of weightlifting and powerlifting – and it shows on Amazon. It’s similar to iDoFit but so much better.
It’s made with 7 mm thick neoprene, thus making it a more supportive and better quality knee sleeve. It also comes in pairs so both your knees are protected. It’s longer, too, which makes it more effective at keeping your muscles warm and ready for the next set. This makes them great knee sleeves for squats.
Be warned, though: the Iron Bullet Strength Knee Sleeves feel tight at first. A bit too tight, if you ask me. However, once they’re broken in, they feel snug and perfect.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: S-XXL
- Color options: Black/blue, black/charcoal, black/green, black/grey, black/pink, black/purple, black/white
Iron Bull Knee Sleeves Review
8. Ironside Knee Sleeves
Pros
- Immediate support, stabilization, pain management
- Multiple sizing
- Perfect fitting
- Moisture wicking and breathable
- Heat therapy
- For serious injuries such as DJD, arthritis, OS diseases, etc.
- Warranty
Cons
- Bulky
- Smells terrible before getting washed.
Ironside Knee Sleeves have quietly been one of the best knee supports for weightlifting.
Ironside doesn’t have the same following as many of the other brands on this list. But do not be fooled: their knee sleeves are the real deal.
One thing I like about these sleeves is that there’s no huge brand logo at the front of them. But, what I love even more is that despite its subtlety, it’s also massively effective at keeping your knees stable, warm, and pain free.
It also comes in pairs and is so much cheaper than many of the knee sleeves on this list. However, it smells terrible for some reason. Our team had to wash our pairs before we even tried them on.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: S-XXL
- Color options: Black
9. Rip Toned Knee Sleeves
Pros
- Reputed brand
- Worn by professional powerlifters
- Immediate impact
- Hit your fitness goals
- Snug fit and stable compression
- Excellent patella support
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Come with a chemical smell
- Only comes in 1 color.
Rip Toned Knee Sleeves are represented by some of the biggest names in lifting sports.
Like Rehband, Rip Toned Knee Sleeves are backed by some of the biggest organizations and athletes in lifting sports. In this case, it’s the USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) and world champion Kevin Weiss.
That alone makes them reliable weightlifting and powerlifting knee sleeves. However, beyond that, we found that these knee sleeves are designed with you in mind.
It offers maximum support, joint protection, pain relief, optimal compression, and warmth during your lifting sessions. We wish it came with more color options, though. It also had a bit of a smell to it.
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: XS-XXL
- Color options: Black
10. Mcdavid Knee Compression Sleeves
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Padded construction
- Reinforced support with steel spring stabilizer
- Unisex and multiple sizing
- Extra cross strap variant available
- Hypo-allergenic
- Warranty
Cons
- Won’t work for medial/lateral support
The McDavid knee sleeve is the perfect pull-on sleeve support for people who have mild knee pain.
This easy slip on knee sleeve is durable, has a seamless back for comfort, and reinforced stitching using a 5-needle stitch for a flatter, cleaner, and stronger seam.
It’s way thinner than many of the knee braces on this list, though, so it’ll only be great if your knees need minimal pain relief and support.
That being said, its sleek design and knee pad also makes it great for other sports such as basketball, volleyball, cycling. So, if you’re an activity junkie with relatively healthy knees, the McDavid Knee Sleeve should fit right in your wheel house.
- Material: Foam
- Size: S-XXL
- Color options: Black, white, Mgrid, navy, pink, royal, scarlet
For further reading:
11. Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Pros
- Helps you lift heavier weights
- Solid support and compression
- Works for pain relief
- Massive color options
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the most durable.
These Mava Sports Knee Wraps will help pull you out of your plateaus.
I most definitely benefitted from using the Mava Sports Knee Wraps. I was stuck in a rut with my squats when this arrived in the mail and, eventually, these helped pull me out of my plateau and pushed me into new PRs.
Truthfully, it didn’t happen all at once. The first time I wore these knee wraps, the weight I squatted was the same but it somehow felt easier. The second and third time, same. Then came the 4th leg day and I finally lifted more.
Would I have broken through my plateau without the Mava Sports Knee Wraps? Perhaps. But let me tell you this: it definitely boosted my confidence and I do believe it helped spring me back up. I so wish it was more durable though.
- Material: Polyester
- Size: One size only (72 in)
- Color options: Black, blue, camo gray, gray, orange, red, white, yellow-blue
12. NEENCA Compression Knee Sleeve with Patella Gel Pad & Side Stabilizers
Pros
- Seamless 3D knitting technology
- Bilateral spring stabilizers for medial and lateral stability
- Patella gel pad for comfort and knee cap tracking
- Medical grade silicone to prevent slipping
- Wide size and color options
Cons
- Inaccurate size chart
- Slightly expensive
The NEENCA Compression Knee Sleeve is packed with so many features.
Although mainly advertised for basketball, NEENCA’s compression knee sleeve made our list of the best knee sleeves because of its quality. It pairs its 3D knitting technology with bilateral spring stabilizers, a patella gel pad, and medical grade silicone.
Ultimately, you’re getting knee sleeves that are not only comfortable and effective for pain relief and stability, it also won’t slide down your knees as often as others. Plus, they have a massive selection of sizes and colors.
Although, be aware that their sizing chart can be inaccurate. Mine fit me just fine but some of my other team members had to return theirs because it was either too small or too big. It’s also a bit pricier than the average knee sleeve.
- Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex
- Size: S-XXXL
- Color options: Black, blue, aqua, gray, high copper, pink gray, pink white, beige, gray/black, navy blue, skin
13. Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support
Pros
- Packed with features
- Excellent compression for blood flow and pain relief
- Has side stabilizers to protect your knees from sprains
- Patella gel pad works for tracking and makes the knee sleeve more comfortable
- Works great for minor and most overuse injuries
Cons
- Expensive
- Durability issues
- The inside of the knee sleeve feels rough
Bauerfeind’s knee sleeves are the pinnacle of German craftsmanship when it comes to joint support products. These knee sleeves, in particular, offer compression, stability, and optimized patellar tracking all in one package.
These features makes it excellent for pain caused by mild ligament sprains, muscle imbalances, and most overuse injuries like tendonitis.
Although, to be fair, these knee sleeves would be way higher on our list if it weren’t so damn expensive. It’s also not the most comfortable and durable knee sleeve we’ve tested, so there’s that.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Knee Support for Weightlifting
Comfort and Stability
Your knee sleeve is only as good as its comfort and stability. If it is not comfortable, you will not want to wear it and would need a replacement. Unless it provides stabile compression, your knee cannot get the required support for safe lifting.
Durability and Quality
The best knee sleeve for weightlifting has to be durable. Weightlifting is a strenuous activity and the knee sleeve has to bear the stress and tension to prevent it from affecting your knee. If your knee sleeve is not of high quality, it will break apart from this stress and tension.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of a knee sleeve depends on your budget and your requirements. We have listed different products here that can cater to people with varying budgets.
Why you should trust KneeForce
Kris is a physical therapist who specializes in sports rehab and sustainable fitness. His expertise has led him to treat athletes from a wide variety of sports with an even wider array of knee injuries, including weight lifters.
He also has his fair share of knee ailments – from full-grade ACL tears, torn menisci, and other ligament injuries on both knee joints. Hence, he draws his medical opinions from both evidence-based knowledge and experience.
For this article, he and our team of physical therapists tested dozens of knee braces, took note of important features, and compared his own findings with other people’s experiences. Finally, he chose what he found were the best ones for snowboarding.
Conclusion
Choosing the best knee sleeves and braces for weightlifting all comes down to what you need and your personal preference. So, if neither of the products on this list satisfy you, you can still always use our buyer’s guide to point you to the right direction.
If I might suggest, though, you won’t go wrong with ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves. Their usefulness in all kinds of sports and situations is truly something remarkable.
For more specific purposes, the Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are superb for warming up and cooling down. You can even use them on your other limbs if you choose. Braceability’s plus-sized sleeves also cater to the big guys and gals.
