Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football can all do a number on your ankle. But volleyball players are particularly at risk.
See, volleyball is a ballistic reactive sport that entails running, twisting, and pivoting. At the snap of a finger, the sport requires the athlete to endure explosive cuts, vertical power, lateral movements, and accelerated change of direction.
These movements are critical and often initiated by one of the most important parts of the body-the ankle.
Once your ankle joints receive enough stress, the ligaments eventually start to stretch and tear, leading to ankle injuries.
But ankle injuries aren’t only limited to the lateral movement, getting to passing position, or chasing down the ball. Players or opponents contacting each other or landing on other player’s feet can result in ankle rolls.
Now, for the players, nothing is more painful than getting sidelined because of an injury. Even worse, depending on the severity of the ankle injury, an ankle injury can lead to long term damage or muscle weakness.
Thankfully, having a pair of ankle braces can prevent all that.
An ankle brace limits the abnormal motion of an ankle, thus preventing the impact of potential injuries.
They also provide added support for your ankle, reducing the chances of sudden twists, which result in injuries. By keeping your ankle and foot aligned, the ankle braces prevent pronation and twisting.
But not all braces are made equal. Depending on your playing position, skill level, and history of injuries, you need to pick an ankle brace.
But with so many options, selection can be difficult.
But don’t worry, we’ve you covered. We’ve rounded up the best volleyball ankle braces, and we hope you’ll find one befitting your playing needs.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Ankle Brace For Volleyball For The Money
#1 Zamst A2-DX - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Zamst A2-DX is the Rolls Royce of ankle braces. It’s a performance-oriented brace, offering superior support and comfort.
It’s also trusted by many athletes worldwide, and it’s not just the perfect brace for volleyball but also basketball.
It’s not a surprise the ankle brace is the go-to brace for basketball star Stephen Curry.
However, it’s on the higher side of the cost, but worth every penny.
It’s also a bulky option and something that you wouldn’t want to wear all day long.
Features and Benefits
Rigid Design
Zamst A2-DX is a rigid type of ankle brace, the perfect option for those requiring more ankle protection.
More importantly, it’s a fantastic option for volleyball players with an injury, as it allows one to play without aggravating it further.
The polyurethane nylon isn’t only durable and reliable for the high-intensity games, but it creates a rigid design for the perfect ankle support.
Comfort
With a rigid design, it’s easy to think Zamst A2-DX isn’t comfortable. Not true.
First, the rigidness, though a bit restrictive, removes the worry of hurting oneself.
Secondly, the presence of a sturdy plastic guard on each side of the ankle reduces pronation, so your feet won’t roll inward as you move.
Support
A selling point for this brace is the Exo-Grid, a dual exterior support system preventing your ankle from rolling inward or outward.
Its pre-curved design allows your feet to move in a full range of motion without compromising stability, alignment, and medial/lateral stability.
Ankle Protection
Another fantastic feature on this brace is the Grip Tech, which reduces the separation of the two lower leg bones when the ankle meets.
It’s critical for preventing ankle sprains.
Adjustable
The presence of Velcro anchor straps ensures the shoe stays put, and your feet won’t move around.
The strap also lets you customize your tightening and ensures you won’t have to stop to readjust the fit constantly.
Fit
Speaking of fit, Zamst A2-DX employs a-fit and i-Fit technologies, which promote fit and genuinely contribute to over comfort.
Flexibility
Flexibility is what probably makes the Zamst A2-DX the best volleyball ankle brace.
The open-panel and fastener design make it’s easy to customize both your fit and compression levels.
The locked-in feeling, lets users make a full range of motion in the court without the fear of getting an injury, regardless of the intensity of the game.
Pros
- Excellent support
- Durable
- Fit
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
#2 Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer - Best Value
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Have you rolled, sprained, or injured your ankle in some way?
Don’t let the injury hold you back.
With the Med Spec ASO Stabilizer, it’s easy to play volleyball, even when on an injury.
It has all the features to cushion your existing injury, prevent exacerbation, and promote faster healing.
But is the Med Spec ASO alongside its features the right option for you?
Features and Benefits
Material Construction
The ballistic nylon used in making Med Spec ASO is sturdy, standing up to the intense games without wearing down fast. Yet, it’s a lightweight material so that it won’t wear you down even after extended use.
The brace also incorporates a cotton and nylon lining, which increases the overall comfort to the ankle’s Achilles area.
Combined, the material construction on the Med Spec ASO is durable, breathable, and lightweight.
Lace-Up Design
The lace-up design promotes comfort, support, and breathability.
It’s particularly a great option for those with injuries and need to limit their ankle mobility.
The design allows some movement, but prevents excessive rolling, thus reducing the risk of inversion or eversion.
It’s a great option for those trying to get back to normal activity but want to take reasonable steps to prevent re-injury.
Figure- 8 Support Straps
The figure-8 stability straps are where the real support comes from. The straps hold your ankle in a vertical position, preventing rolling and stress when jumping.
The strap wrapping at the top of the brace is necessary to prevent slippage of the brace and unnecessary rubbing against your feet.
Protection
Med Spec ASO is built for ankle sprain recovery and the removable plastics on each side of the brace help with that.
The plastics offer safety net protection, allowing you to play at full speed without worrying about aggravating the injury.
The plastics also double up as lockdown support in case of an injured ankle.
Size and Fit
Med Spec ASO uses Coolflex, a durable and lightweight material offering a contoured design for a proper and snug fit.
Of note is Med Spec ASO runs a tad big, so it’s recommendable to choose a size smaller. Fortunately, the bilateral design allows the brace to fit on either foot.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for those with existing injuries
- Comfortable
- Versatile
Cons
- Can get too tight midfoot
#3 Bracoo Breathable Neoprene Ankle Support - Budget Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Bracoo Ankle Support is an inexpensive volleyball brace ankle, suitable for both the beginners and those on a budget.
However, don’t let the pricing trick you into thinking Bracoo Support is not capable support equipment.
We love its performance, particularly the Neoprene flexibility, letting your ankles make a full range of motion while supporting joints and tendons.
It also incorporates a versatile design, ease of use, and durable construction.
Features and Benefits
Design
The overall Bracoo Support framework easily conforms to the natural contours of your foot, feeling more like an extension of your feet as opposed to an add-on.
At the same time, the design exerts moderate pressure on the ankles, especially the Achilles area, and this is critical in the fast recovery from an injury.
Open-Heel Design
With an open-heel design, Bracoo allows maximum range of motion during sporting activities while maintaining support.
At the same time, the design embraces the Achilles tendon fully, and because of this, the brace can easily accommodate various foot sizes.
Flexible and Secure Fit
For a customized fit, Bracoo features a contoured design with an ankle guard that easily fits your specific needs.
For this ankle support, you simply need to step into the brace while it lays flat on the floor.
From here, you can use the Velcro closure to secure and tighten the brace.
Compression
Neoprene offers adjustable compression, which is necessary for injury recovery.
The compression immobilizes the injured area while deterring further swelling and inflammation.
At the same time, it also offers reliable support for the various ankle issues such as weakened joints, ligament strains, and muscle strain.
While its performance for injury recovery doesn’t match that of Med Spec ASO, Bracoo can be an inspiring option for those who need to continue their playing routine even when on an injury.
Breathable
Aptly named the Bracoo Breathable Ankle Support, this brace is highly breathable, thanks to the neoprene construction.
The material easily adapts to the extensive ranges of temperatures, guaranteeing performance comfort.
It prevents moisture build-up, subsequently bacteria and body odor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget option
- Form-fitting
- Breathable
Cons
- No laces
#4 Venom Ankle Brace - Best for Compression
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re looking for some serious ankle support, Venom Ankle Brace will provide.
In addition to the exceptional support, this brace is also lightweight and extends usability beyond volleyball but to other sporting activities.
Features and Benefits
Design
Like the Bracoo we had reviewed earlier, this particular brace is made from neoprene, a breathable and durable material.
The brace easily withstands the intense volleyball games with tearing or even breaking down.
However, it seems a bit bulky and inflexible, but it’s not a bad thing either as it prevents the ankle’s pronation, reducing the chances of rolling your ankle.
Support
Any sport ankle brace should never lack support, and the Venom Ankle Brace excels in this department.
It features side stabilizers for reinforcing the ankle while maintaining flexibility and stability.
At the same time, the side stabilizers are responsible for optimizing the support, which is needed for volleyball and other sports such as weight lifting cycling or basketball.
Comfort
Venom Ankle Brace is built with comfort in mind, which is evident through a form-fitting design.
When in use, the brace perfectly fits your ankle, keeping it snug and comfortable.
It also acts as a safety net, cushioning your ankle from harm or injury.
Even better, it’s not constricting in any way, thus allowing the free flow of blood, which helps with faster recovery of ankle injuries while improving the overall performance.
Double Straps for Comfort and Support
The double strapping system offers excellent support for your ankle and your entire foot.
At the same time, it promotes closure flexibility, allowing you to loosen or tighten the brace depending on your needs.
When tightened, it locks in place and doesn’t slip or loosen. It means you won’t go through the inconvenience of having to re-tighten your straps throughout the game.
Fit
Venom Ankle Brace offers a form-fitting approach.
The design easily molds into your ankles for a snug and comfortable fit.
There’re also different sizing options available with the ankle brace, which should guide you in making the right size purchase.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flexible
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
#5 BioSkin Trilok Brace - Hypoallergenic Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
BioSkin is my personal favorite so I might be a bit biased.
Nonetheless, I’m satisfied with this brace, so I always try recommending it every time I have a chance.
It’s a great option for sports enthusiasts, especially those suffering from PTTD, Tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, as it offers incredible relief.
According to users, it has a cushioning and pain-relieving effect, ridding users of the dull ache on their arch.
It’s also so good at the pain-relieving that some users claim it even eliminates the need for using sports tape.
It’s also a versatile option, with its usage extending beyond volleyball but covers other sports such as basketball and soccer.
But is the PTTD, Tendonitis BioSkin, alongside its features the right ankle brace for you?
Features and Benefits
Design Quality
BioSkin Trilok features simple and easy to use design.
It lacks laces, instead, it comes with straps, which make getting the braces on and off a lot easier.
Regarding material construction, it’s a reliable option that will easily stand up to the intense volleyball games.
The Ultima 2SL material, consisting of Lycra and polyester, is reliable and will guarantee long term use.
The Velcro straps are equally heavy-duty and will provide a reliable strapping system without breaking down.
The only flaw regarding material construction on this brace is that it doesn’t breathe super well and might get a little sweaty, especially during the hot days.
Support
This brace has three parts, namely the stirrup straps, FootLok straps, and the base sleeve.
The stirrup straps are particularly essential in enhancing the overall comfort of the brace.
They’re not to be used all the time but always come in handy when performing the intense activities.
And the good thing with the straps is they take less than 30 seconds to put on and off.
Comfort
With the BioSkin, you’ll barely notice whether they’re on. The braces are super comfortable, offering a snug fit.
Customer reviews are a testimony to the ultra-comfort offered by the braces, with even some claiming the braces to be more comfortable than the custom-made ones.
Cost and Value
BioSkin Trilok is a premium option and priced considerably higher than a majority of braces within its class.
While it might seem a lot to pay for the ankle brace, it’s not.
It’s a value-packed solution, totally worth every penny.
Users are happy with the BioSkin Trilok purchase, and it seems like many other volleyball players feel the same.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
#6 Active Ankle T2 - Best for Front Row Players
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
For over three decades, Active Ankle has been regarded as a leading ankle support manufacturer, and today, we shall look at one of its offerings, the Active Ankle T2.
The T2 is an improvement for the already popular T1, and expectedly, it’s no different from its siblings and offers the best protective features while keeping you comfortable for optimal performance.
Features and Benefits
Rigid Design
T2 is a rigid brace, thus expect maximum protection. It’s particularly a wonderful option for players with weak or injured ankles.
Protective
Whether you’re a spiker at the net or a libero at the back, Active Ankle T2 protects your ankle in every lateral movement.
It features a guard, effectively supporting your injured ankles on a wide range of motion, ensuring you perform to the best of your abilities.
And in particular, typical of the Active Ankle braces, the T2 features the trim-up wrap support, offering well-distributed pressure around your lower leg.
The non-slip, silicon-grasp design adds to the overall safety of the brace by preventing ligaments from tearing.
Comfortable
Beyond the protective capabilities, T2 is also a comfortable option.
To begin with, it comes with a lightweight EVA cushion on each side of the cushion. The molded padding allows the ankle guard to adapt to the contours of your ankle and feet, thus creating and snug and comfy fit.
Material Construction
The durable neoprene on the T2 serves two functions.
First, it’s breathable, allowing the free flow of air, thus preventing sweaty feet. It also offers the much-needed warmth around your ankle to allow for speedy injury recuperation.
The neoprene pads with finger tabs also ease the wearing process.
I can’t fail to mention that neoprene is lightweight, too. However, the lightness doesn’t compromise on the overall sturdiness. The T2 is durable, and the mechanical structure is less likely to give you abrasions.
Support
Support on the T2 is offered in multiple dimensions.
For starters, the Velcro straps going around your ankle offer the support needed during the dangerous volleyball moves.
The T2 also features a flat plastic piece you can slide under your shoe’s insole to help keep the brace in place. This way, you don’t have to worry about constant adjustment of the braces during gameplay.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable
- Flexible
- Less bulky
Cons
- A little oversized
Best Volleyball Ankle Braces Buying Guide
With plenty of ankle brace options, choosing the right for you can be difficult
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a comprehensive buying guide, outlining the tips to consider before making the next selection.
But before I share with you, let’s look at the various types of volleyball ankle braces.
Types of Volleyball Ankle Braces
The three main types of ankle braces for volleyball players are:
Lace-Up
They’re the least expensive options, yet comfortable.
Lace-up ankle braces offer maximum tightness control and flexibility. They also allow you to choose the tightness at different points of the foot.
However, most of them are made from fabric, so they’re not the most durable options.
Overall, they’re suitable for beginners and those on a budget.
Hinged Braces
The hinged braces offer better protection than the lace-up braces.
The hinge design offers unlimited flexibility, letting you move your ankles freely without restriction or constraint.
Typically, the hinged braces are made from soft or semi-rigid plastics, properly conforming to the shape of your ankle and offering greater durability.
These braces are also suitable for all levels of players and are priced affordably.
Rigid Hinged Braces
The hinged braces perform better than other types of braces, regarding ankle protection.
They’re also the right option for supporting an existing injury, or those recovering from an ankle injury.
However, these braces are rigid, limiting the movement of the ankle.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Volleyball Ankle Brace
Skill Level
Your skill level determines the type of braces to go for.
For instance, braces for the skilled players differ from those on the beginners because their playing needs are also different.
Likewise, the position of a player determines the type of brace to choose. For example, offensive players will need more protective braces than defensive players.
Here’s a breakdown, a broad recommendation based on player skill level and position.
Player | Brace Type |
Beginners | Lace-Up |
Adult beginners | Hinged |
Offensive | Hinged Braces |
Defensive | Low-profile |
|
|
However, this is only but a recommendation- we advise you to consult with your coach or try the different shoes before finalizing.
Comfort and Breathability
Comfort might not necessarily be a protective feature on ankle braces, but it affects your overall performance.
The best volleyball brace should wrap your ankle snugly and comfortably,
Some of the comfort promoting features on ankle braces includes soft interior padding, compression, open-heel design, and gel cushions.
A comfortable brace makes the player confident enough to jump, roll, and turn without hurting their knees.
Support Level
The right brace should also offer additional support to the ankles and the joints and lower leg muscles.
Support for your ankles makes you less prone to injuries and lets you maximize your performance.
At the same time, the braces should offer stability, yet, they shouldn’t hinder your movement or playing ability.
Size and Adjustability
Your size, more particularly the ankle circumference dictates the size of the ankle guard.
However, regardless of the size, the perfect brace should offer a tight and snug fit to immobilize and isolate your ankle’s affected area.
It should also come with straps, letting you adjust the brace according to your needs.
Durability
The material construction affects the overall durability of your brace.
The need for a durable and quality brace is of the essence, especially if you play hard and fast.
Here, you need an abrasion-resistant brace, which easily endures the pressure and intensity of the game.
Typically, durable braces are made from tough materials such as neoprene and nylon. However, durability shouldn’t compromise on flexibility and performance. The materials should similarly conform to your feet, allowing for joint mobility and comfort.
Breathability
Your choice of volleyball brace should also be breathable because moisture around your ankles can cause slippage.
The best brace should have material that can absorb sweat and remove moisture.
Conclusion
The choice of a volleyball ankle brace determines the level of comfort during gameplay.
More importantly, however, it prevents the possibility of ankle injuries.
The best options feature soft materials for comfort and protective guards to shield your ankles against injuries.
At the same time, protective capabilities shouldn’t come at the expense of flexibility. Your ankle brace should allow you to perform a wide range of motions.
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