The Uflex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve receives our vote as the best knee brace for soccer due to its superior design, comfort, and durability. The Uflex remains intact during a 90-minute soccer match, and it’s low profile ensures that you can focus on the match and not an uncomfortable brace. Keep reading below to learn more about the Uflex and our other top choices for soccer braces.
Best Choice - UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
The Uflex Compression Sleeve is a top quality brace with premium stitching that provides moderate compression for an intense cardio sport like soccer.
Buy on AmazonSoccer is the most popular sport in the world for many reasons—it’s fun, a great workout, and it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment. But with so much kicking and running, soccer can be tough on your knees.
Finding a proper knee brace for soccer requires a few decisions about the material, level of support, and specific use. Keep reading to learn about the different options and to see our choices for top soccer braces.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
UFlex Athletics
Knee Compression Sleeve
Top Performance
Shock Doctor
Hinged Knee Brace
Can’t Count it Out
Vive
Hinged Knee Brace
The Nine Best Knee Braces for Soccer
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Sleeve | UFlex | S, M, L | Men and Women |  |
| Hinged Knee Brace | Shock Doctor | S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Men and Women | |
| Hinged Knee Brace | Vive | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Cambivo | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Men and Women | |
| Knee Strap | IPOW | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Knee Strap | Run Forever | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Crucial | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Powerlix | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Men and Women | |
| Open-Patella Knee Brace | Bracoo | One Size Fits Most | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Buy on AmazonThe Uflex stands out for its durability and comfort. It features a special 3D knit design that ensures durability, and the stretchable fabric is breathable and light. The Uflex provides moderate compression to reduce inflammation and control minor aches and pains. The sleeve also comes with anti-slip silicone strips to help keep the brace in place so you won’t have to worry about readjusting during the game.
Main Features
- Breathable fabric material
- High quality 3D knitting
- 4-way stretch design with moderate compressive effect
- Anti-odor and anti-bacterial technology
- Anti-slip silicone strips
Pros:
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Three sizes to help find a proper fit
- Suitable for any high cardio activity like soccer, running, basketball, skiing, and more
Cons:
- Fabric may not provide enough warmth
- Only good for minor injuries and aches
Top Performance: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
When you require maximum support, then Shock Doctor is an excellent choice. This brace provides lateral stability through heavy-duty bilateral hinges that can be removed for more flexibility is desired. This brace is built with N-Tex technology for moisture-wicking and features X-Fit straps to keep the brace secure.
Main Features
- Medium stability and support for moderate to major sprains and strains
- Removable medial and lateral hinges
- Open patella design
- Antimicrobial material
Pros:
- More stability than a compression sleeve
- Premium materials
- Easy grip tabs to help apply the brace comfortably
Cons:
- More expensive than the other braces
- Bulky
Can’t Count Out: Vive Hinged Knee Brace
The Vive is perfect for when you need a brace with more support than a compression sleeve but something lighter than the Shock Doctor. Vive’s brace features aluminum side hinges that provide superior medial and lateral support, and an open-patella design to give comfort and support at the kneecap. It is designed with extra-strength fasteners to keep the brace intact for the long haul.
Main Features
- Open patella design
- Dual aluminum support hinges
- Extra-strength fasteners
- Neoprene material
Pros:
- Superior medial/lateral stability
- Supports patellar tracking
- Neoprene provides compression and therapeutic warmth
Cons:
- One size fits most
- Velcro may wear out over extended use
The Other Knee Braces for Soccer We Reviewed
Cambivo Knee Compression Sleeve
The Cambivo is a budget-friendly two-pack that is great when you need compression for both knees. This knee sleeve features 3D knit technology for durability, and double anti-slip silicone strips to prevent bunching.
The Cambivo comes in five sizes and multiple colors to help you find one that suits your style. This brace does not provide high-level stability for anything more than a minor injury, however.
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IPOW Knee Strap
Knee straps are perfect for patellar tendon pain, also known as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee. The IPOW provides compression at the front of the knee and has a very low-profile design so you don’t have to worry about a heavy brace during your match. On the downside, it is designed for patellar tendonitis, so doesn’t provide compression or any lateral stability.
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Run Forever Sports Patella Knee Strap
Like the IPOW, Run Forever’s Knee Strap provides support for patellar tendon pain. This strap is fully adjustable to dial in the compression you desire and comes as a two-pack to provide compression for both knees.
The Run Forever strap also comes with a 100% lifetime risk-free guarantee to provide peace of mind. Knee straps are only helpful for patellar tendon pain, so keep looking if you require a different level of support.
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Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve
This compression sleeve comes as a 2-pack and features a ComfortFlex design to provide a snug fit during your game. The Crucial is designed with silicone strips to prevent slipping and bunching and comes with a 100% “Perfect Fit” guarantee. This sleeve comes in seven different sizes which may make it challenging to find a perfect fit on the first order, however.
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Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve
Powerlix offers a superior quality knee sleeve that provides graduated compression for support. The fabric design is lightweight and breathable but will remain secure during the match with double silicone strips.
The Powerlix has a 100% guaranteed for six months and comes in five different sizes to help you find one that suits your needs. The Powerlix only comes as a single sleeve, so you may want to pick another sleeve if you prefer a double-pack.
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Bracoo Open Patella Brace
The Bracoo is an excellent brace for when you need more support than a compression sleeve can provide. The open-patella design provides patellar tracking and reduces stress on the knee joint.
The Bracoo is made with thick neoprene which provides more therapeutic warmth than the fabric braces. While the Bracoo provides more support than the compression sleeves, it is not as supportive as a hinged brace like the Vive, however.
Buy on AmazonWhen would you need to wear a knee brace for soccer?
Perhaps the most common reason to look into a knee brace is if you develop a nagging but tolerable knee pain during your soccer game. A knee sleeve or brace can provide enough compression to keep your knee stable and allow you to play pain free. We always recommend checking with your doctor or physical therapist for the best course of action with any persistent knee pain.
Tips for Finding a Perfect Soccer Brace
Support vs. Flexibility
For an high cardio sport like soccer, you want the most comfortable brace that provides enough support for your needs. Knee sleeves are usually sufficient for minor knee irritations, but you may require a more rigid hinged knee brace if you have a more serious injury or are easing back into your sport after a surgery. Check with an orthopedist if you are unsure which way to go.
Design
Knee supports come in three different designs: straps, braces, and sleeves. Knee straps have the lowest profile as they wrap around your knee at the level of the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. They are good for patellar tendonitis — aka “runners knee”. Braces are the most stable — often having medial/lateral support stays that may be removable. These braces are the bulkiest. Sleeves are wraparound knee supports that provide more support than straps, but are not as heavy as braces.
Material
Knee supports are generally made with either neoprene or fabric designs. Neoprene is a rubber synthetic that is generally warmer and more compressive than fabric. It provides therapeutic heat to promote circulation and is very durable. Some people don’t like the smell or feel of rubbery neoprene, however. Fabric braces tend to be lighter and more breathable than neoprene. They generally do not provide as much compression as neoprene and may tend to wear out a little faster, however.
Weighing All the Factors
The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve gets our nod as top brace for soccer due to its lightweight but durable design. It provides enough compression to keep your knee stable for a 90 minute match, and should last for the long run. But if you need more or less support than a sleeve provides, then check out our other reviews to find a knee support that is more suitable for your needs.
Best Choice - UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
The Uflex Compression Sleeve is a top quality brace with premium stitching that provides moderate compression for an intense cardio sport like soccer.
Buy on Amazon