As any athlete knows, knee injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating. Unfortunately, they are also fairly common, particularly among tennis players.
Knee braces are often used to help reduce the risk of knee injury and provide support for the joint. However, with so many different braces on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
To help you make a decision, our registered physical therapists have compiled a list of the best tennis knee braces on the market.
We considered a variety of factors, including support, comfort, stability, and experience from our patients to create this comprehensive list.
So whether you are looking for basic support or more comprehensive protection, you are sure to find a proper knee brace that meets your needs.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
This is hands down the most unique and most versatile knee sleeve we’ve tested to date. Great for the recovery.
Best Value for Money: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
The most well-rounded compression sleeve on this list. It does everything well and does nothing bad.
Best Hinged: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
Heavy-duty and great for returning from surgery or highly unstable knees.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Best Knee Braces and Sleeves For Tennis Players
1. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
Pros
- Compression sleeve + hot/cold pack all in one
- Astoundingly comfortable
- More durable than the average compression sleeve
- Perfect for highly active tennis players
- Multiple sizes with each size fitting many body parts
Cons
- Can be expensive
- No color options
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is the most unique and versatile knee support we’ve tested.
While many other knee braces provide the benefits of a traditional sleeve, this also works as a hot and cold knee support. This is something that our team, as physical therapists, are all excited about.
MyCocoon specifically designed its knee sleeves using lycra and hydrogel. Lycra is what makes this sleeve feel so comfortable and durable while hydrogel is what makes the heating and cooling properties of these cocoons possible.
Plus, the Cocoon Knee Flex Pro isn’t just made for your knees. Should you suffer from tennis elbow (another common injury in tennis), you can use it there, too.
However, all of these luxurious features and versatility come at a steep price. Moreover, the silkiness of lycra doesn’t bode well for activity as it makes the knee sleeve slide down fairly often. So, I recommend you use this before and/or after your tennis matches; not during.
- Material: Lycra, hydrogel
- Size options: S, M, L.
- Color options: Black
2. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Easy to put on
- Significantly reduce knee pain and swelling
- Comfortable fit
- Made from premium grade latex-free neoprene material
Cons
- Runs a little big
- Can slide down if you machine wash it
The ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve has everything you’d want in a knee sleeve at a very practical price.
Made using a combination of nylon, spandex, elastic, and silicone gel strips, this blend ensures both comfort and stability throughout your tennis games.
The compression that the ArmaJoint knee sleeve gives is also adequate. It isn’t too tight that cuts off circulation but not so loose that it’s ineffective. This compression brings about warmth, bolstered blood flow, moderate levels of support, as well as knee pain relief.
However, these do slip down from time to time, especially if they’re machine washed. Still, I recommend this sleeve to anyone who has mild-moderate knee pain and swelling.
- Material: Nylon, spandex, elastic, silicone gel
- Size options: S, M, L, XL
- Color options: Black
For further reading: Complete breakdown of the ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
3. Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Guard
Pros
- Heavy-duty hinged brace. Superior support.
- Moisture absorbent ventilation system
- Boosted movement
- Premium materials
- Patented hinge technology
- Warranty
Cons
- Back of the velcro straps feel like they dig into the back of your leg after a while.
The Shock Doctor 875 is a heavy duty knee brace that’s great for highly unstable knees.
First of all, the Shock Doctor 875 is one of, if not the best knee brace on Amazon in terms of ratings and sales – and it has been since we started keeping track of these things. That alone should tell you that it’s helped a lot of people.
That being said, is features tempered aluminum hinges on both sides, unique X-fit straps, an open patella design, and finger tabs.
The hinges add strong support to your knees which helps prevent ligament sprains when cutting and side stepping. The X-fit straps further prevent ACL knee injuries while the open patella design adds stability to your knee caps. The finger tabs make it all easier to put on.
The sizing chart on this can be a bit tedious to figure out, though. And, even if you get the right size, it’s going to need some breaking in because it’s going too feel tight at first.
- Material: Latex-free neoprene
- Size options: S-3XL
- Color options: Black
Recommended: The best performing hinged knee braces in the market
4. aZengear Knee Compression Support Sleeve
Pros
- Amazon’s choice
- Extended support for meniscus
- Designed to last
- Multiple sizing
- Targeted compression
- Breathable
- Great customer service
Cons
- Sizing can be complicated if you have a large-sized patella
- Only 1 color option
The aZengear Knee Compression Support Sleeve is incredibly stretchy but it always goes back to its original form.
This is possible because of this knee sleeve’s combination of materials: nylon, lycra, and elastane. We haven’t found a lot of other compression sleeves with this combo but, basically, all this means is that it keeps your knee warm, is smooth, form-fitting, but still a breathable material.
The warmth and compression are crucial as it’s what’s going to boost blood circulation around your knee which, in turn, relieves pain and regulate inflammation. The form-fitting factors, breathability, and smoothness of it means you’re going to be comfortable while wearing it.
I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re the tennis player that needs quite a bit of support to his/her knees, though. The aZengear Knee Compression Sleeve is too thin and too pliable to offer significant stability.
- Material: Nylon, lycra, and elastane
- Size options: S, M, L
- Color options: Black and gray
5. Copper Compression Extra Support Knee Brace
Pros
- Reputed brand
- Breathable fabric
- Targeted support
- Relief from multiple ailments
- Versatile for different sports
- Suits all ages and genders
- Warranty
Cons
- Durability of the straps might be an issue
- Not for larger athletes
- No color and size options
Copper Compression’s copper-infused knee brace will keep you feeling and smelling fresh while you play tennis.
Needless to say, the star of Copper Compression’s knee braces are, well, their copper-infused fabric. This makes the knee braces resistant to both moisture and odor, so you can keep smelling your best despite playing tennis with your buddies.
More than that, however, Copper Compression’s knee braces come with a couple of adjustable straps (top and bottom) and an open patella design. These are common features in many other knee braces because it helps keep them in place while also optimizing the tracking of your kneecap – and that’s certainly evident here.
However, the velcro straps on these knee braces aren’t the most durable that we’ve seen. Still, it’s a great knee brace for tennis players who’re looking to reduce pain and swelling but also don’t want to smell like an old pair of socks after their games.
- Material: Copper-infused fiber
- Size options: One size fits most
- Color options: Black
6. Bear KompleX Compression LITE
Pros
- Thicker and a bit more supportive than most knee sleeves
- Helps prevent injuries
- Special charcoal fiber
- Comes as a pair; very affordable
- Guaranteed performance
- Warranty
Cons
- Not for major injuries
- Issues with the sleeves rolling down
The Bear KompleX Compression Lite is thicker than the average and is made with bamboo charcoal fiber.
First of all, its thickness makes it better than most sleeves in terms of supporting your knee joint. That’s great if your knees occasionally buckle during or after you played tennis.
Besides that, the bamboo charcoal fiber used to make this knee support gives it better moisture absorption, temperature regulation, and odor prevention. Not to mention, bamboo charcoal is allergen-free, making this knee brace hypoallergenic.
Oh, and this knee brace for tennis comes in pairs, making it one of the most affordable and practical options out there.
You may have to pull it back up from time to time though. I found that it rolled down my knees after a while, even though the pair I tested out fit snug and comfortable. It wasn’t that big of a deal, though. I just adjusted the sleeves after every few sets.
- Material: Bamboo charcoal fiber
- Size options: S-XL
- Color options: Black, grey, pink
7. Mava Sports Reflexology Knee Support (Pair)
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Anatomical shape
- Daily usage – breathable fabric
- Natural hypo-allergenic material
- Unisex & multiple sizing
- Improves endurance
- Warranty
Cons
- Mava branding rubs off due to sweating / washing
- Rolls down from time to time
The Mava Sports Reflexology Knee Support combines bamboo charcoal fiber and reflexology dots
Like Bear KompleX, Mava Sports designed its knee support using bamboo charcoal fiber. This, again, gives it the same benefits of odor and temperature regulation, moisture absorption, and allergy prevention.
Similarly, the Mava Sports reflexology knee support also comes in pairs. It is, however, more expensive. Thus why it’s lower on our list.
That being said, it does offer a unique feature: reflexology dots. These dots are meant to help with pain relief. I personally found this feature useless but some of my other team members found it helpful. Or, at the very least, comfortable. So, I can’t say for sure if it’ll help you out but it’s definitely worth a try.
What I will say, however, is that it rolls down from time to time. Their sizing chart isn’t also the most accurate.
- Material: Cotton, bamboo charcoal fiber
- Size options: S-3XL
- Color options: Black, grey, black & grey
8. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace
Pros
- Immediate support, stabilization, pain management
- Multiple sizing (with comfort sizes)
- Special omega pad protection
- Moisture wicking and breathable
- Heat therapy
- For mild to serious injuries such as DJD, arthritis, OS diseases, etc.
- Machine washable
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
- May slip down with wrong sizing
Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain is an award-winning knee brace that uses its signature Omega+ pad.
If you’ve been searching for a knee brace for tennis for quite some time now, chances are you’ve heard of Bauerfeind. It is, after all, a world class brand that’s known to make some of the best knee braces in the business.
Their GenuTrain, in particular, works amazingly for tennis players such as yourself. For one, this knee brace uses the brand’s trademarked Omega+ pad. It’s basically a patella pad on steroids because not only does it help stabilize your kneecap, it also relieves pain and pressure on the most commonly hurt parts of your knee joint.
This knee support also has spring stabilizers to give your healthy or injured knees a bit more support. The compression feels fantastic, too. However, like most other sleeves, it can slip down from time to time.
Really, the biggest reason it fell so far on our list is because it’s so expensive. So much so that it’s almost ridiculous. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this if you came to me looking for the best knee brace for tennis players.
- Material: Specialty knit fabric (specifics undisclosed)
- Size options: 0-7C
- Color options: Black, titanium
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Tennis Knee Brace
Comfort and Stability
There is no denying that your knee brace for tennis must be comfortable and stable at the same time.
The lack of any of these factors will not let your knee support perform its functions well. The best tennis knee brace is both comfortable and stable, which will allow you to focus on your training without fidgeting with your brace.
Recommended: Is my knee brace too tight or too loose?
Durability and Quality
It doesn’t matter if you have compression sleeves, hinged braces, or knee straps. The best knee braces for tennis players should be durable.
After all, tennis is a grueling game and sessions can last for hours. Your knee brace should be able to sustain the wear and tear, while maintaining the same level of support throughout the game.
Cost and Value
Quality braces come in both affordable and pricey packages. Although, the cost and value of a knee brace depend on your budget and your requirements. We have listed different products here that can cater to people with varying budgets.
Why you should trust Knee Force
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 joint injuries.
He also has his fair share of knee ailments – from full-grade ACL tears, torn menisci, and sprains on other knee ligaments. He’s also had to use a knee brace during his recovery from knee surgery and when he was getting back into his sport (basketball).
Hence, he draws his medical opinions from both evidence-based knowledge of physical therapy 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.
Conclusion
The knee is a common joint to be injured in tennis players. Whether it’s your basic sprain or strain, patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), or knee cap tracking problems, there’s now a better solution than your traditional neoprene brace and that is a knee brace. We have listed the best tennis knee braces in this review and hope that you are going to find one that helps your case.
