If you suffer from an MCL injury you know that finding the best MCL knee brace is important to your recovery. Our top pick by Shock Doctor is a high-quality brace that doesn’t skimp on the details. The brace is made with aluminum stays, has hinged sides, and features a material that compresses the knee and leg. Take a look and you’ll understand why this brace made our number one spot.
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Shock Doctor
This brace features bilateral hinges and side stabilizers to support the knee. The material is both latex-free and anti-microbial to keep you dry and prevent skin irritation.
Buy on AmazonThe medial collateral ligament, also known as the MCL, connects your femur to your tibia. It is typically injured during sports that involve quick, twisting movements.
If you’ve hurt your MCL or are looking to prevent an injury finding the best MCL brace should be a top priority. We’ve sifted through every MCL brace to give you a list of only the best. Take a look and find a brace that works for your needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Shock Doctor
Hinged Knee Brace
Top Performance
Neo-G
Hinged Knee Brace
Can’t Count Out
TechWare Pro
Knee Brace Support
The 10 Best MCL Knee Braces
| Product | Brand | Latex-Free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged Knee Brace | Shock Doctor | Yes | S - XXXL | Men or Women |  |
| Hinged Knee Brace | Neo-G | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men or Women | |
| Knee Brace Support | TechWare Pro | Not specified | M - XXL | Men or Women | |
| Plus Sized Hinged Knee Brace | VieVibrante | Not specified | 3 sizes (size 1, 2, 3) | Men or Women | |
| Knee Brace | Arthetik | Yes | One Size Fits Most | Men or Women | |
| Knee Brace with Stabilizers | Bodyprox | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men or Women | |
| Hinged Knee Brace | McDavid | Yes | S - XXL | Men or Women | |
| Knee Brace Support | EXOUS | Not specified | One Size Fits Most | Men or Women | |
| Knee Brace Support | EzyFit | Not specified | M, L, XL | Men or Women | |
| Adjustable Knee Brace | KARM | Not specified | 3 sizes (size 1, 2, 3) | Men or Women | |
Best Choice: Hinged Knee Brace by Shock Doctor
Buy on AmazonYou’ll find excellent MCL support with this high-quality knee brace. There are heavy-duty bilateral hinges that support your knee while allowing you to have a full range of motion. The flexible side stabilizers and aluminum stay to increase the durability and knee support.
This MCL brace’s fabric is anti-microbial and features an airflow vent to reduce sweating and skin irritation. With so many great features, it’s easy to see why this brace topped our list.
Main Features
- Heavy duty construction
- Side stabilizers
- Aluminum stays
- Excellent knee support
Pros:
- Latex-free
- Airflow vents
- Fits left and right knee
Cons:
- High price tag
Top Performance: Hinged Knee Brace by Neo-G
Another knee brace for MCL injuries is this low profile brace by Neo-G. It is designed to give stability to weak or injured knees by reducing the amount of flexion and extension in the joint.
There is a dial on the brace to precisely input the amount of movement you want to allow your knee to have. The material retains heat to keep your muscles warm and flexible.
Main Features
- Dial to adjust range of motion
- One size fits most
- Neoprene material
- Not bulky
Pros:
- Non-slip
- Unisex
- Comfortable
Cons:
- High price tag
Can’t Count Out: Knee Brace Support by TechWare Pro
Here is a knee brace that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but does support your MCL to prevent injury or support it during recovery. The Velcro straps come from both sides giving you bidirectional, adjustable support that compresses the knee.
Inside the brace are non-slip silicone strips that prevent it from sliding down your leg. The neoprene fabric is moisture-wicking and lightweight making this brace ideal for traveling or when you’re on the go.
Main Features
- Bidirectional strap design
- Compresses lateral and medial sides
- Non-slip silicone strips
- Flexible spring stabilizers
Pros:
- Open knee design
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Neoprene
Cons:
- No rigid vertical stays
- Less support than other braces
The Other 7 MCL Knee Braces We Reviewed
Plus Sized Hinged Knee Brace by VieVibrante
This is an MCL knee brace that is made for people with a thigh circumference of 26 to 31 inches. There are two hinges and four steel springs that are removable to change the support level and amount of flexibility in the brace.
Its fabric is cooling and will absorb sweat. The interior has wide non-slip straps, so no more pulling and adjusting in the middle of the day. The brace includes a laundry bag to protect it but the brace should be air-dried.
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Knee Brace by Arthetik
Arthetik’s knee brace stabilizes the knee while protecting the knee cap. The brace surrounds the knee supporting the ligaments, muscles, and tissues. Its fabric is made of a perforated, breathable neoprene that is latex-free.
If you have to swell from your MCL injury the adjustable straps can be extended and tightened when swelling subsides. You’ll find that this brace doesn’t restrict your range of motion, which may not be ideal for someone with a significant injury.
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Knee Brace with Stabilizers by Bodyprox
The stabilizing compression of this MCL brace will reduce the stress on your knee. It has springs on two sides and a silicone pad around the knee cap.
The Velcro straps wrap around the brace letting you adjust the amount of compression. Breathable neoprene fabric will keep you cool, just make sure the brace is secure enough based on the severity of your MCL injury.
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Hinged Knee Brace by McDavid
Here’s a knee brace that provides maximum support for MCL injuries. The brace has an open patella that surrounds the knee cap. There are metal hinges on the medial and lateral sides of the knee that strengthen the brace and give you the highest level of support. Two Velcro straps can be adjusted to conform to your knee and leg. If you’ve experienced a significant injury or have had surgery then this heavy duty brace might be the one for you.
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Knee Brace Support by EXOUS
EXOUS’ lightweight knee brace has a low profile with four adjustable straps. Its flexible fabric will contour to your knee while supporting it without reducing mobility. The brace won’t slip down your leg making this product a great choice for someone who knees to wear their brace all day long. Keep in mind, while this brace has excellent support it does not have metal hinges or stays if you need maximum support.
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Knee Brace Support by EzyFit
If you’ve suffered from an MCL injury or are looking to prevent one this brace by EzyFit will support your knee and give you the stability you need. The brace has two enclosed stabilizers and three Velcro straps.
There is a non-slip grip on the inside of the brace to prevent it from sliding down. This brace is a great choice if you need full movement but if you need to have some immobilization of your knee this isn’t the best option.
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Adjustable Knee Brace by KARM
This is an MCL knee brace that has side stabilizers and adjustable Velcro straps. The open patella design helps improve airflow through the brace, keeping you cool and sweat-free. It comes in three sizes, with the smallest one able to fit a child.
The majority of the material is made with neoprene, which helps the brace conform to the knee and leg giving you extra compression. Just make sure to check out the sizing chart to ensure you’ve picked the right size.
Buy on AmazonWhat Happens When You Tear Your MCL?
You can have a partial or complete MCL tear. Sometimes a tear can heal on its own with treatment from NSAIDs, rest, compression, and crutches. However, you’ll need to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and to determine the severity of your injury.
MCLs are typically injured during sports or through contact. A common sign of an MCL tear is a popping sound during the injury. After an injury or tear there may be swelling, pain, and knee instability. Wearing an MCL knee brace will provide stabilization and prevent your knee from moving sideways.
What is the Best Kind of Brace for an MCL Injury?
With an MCL injury, you’ll need a brace that can stabilize your knee as it recovers. Here we will cover all the features you should look for in the best MCL knee brace.
Material
As you’re looking for a knee brace make sure to pay attention to the type of fabric used. Neoprene tends to be the most popular option because it’s breathable, lightweight, and flexible. If you are sensitive to latex you’ll want a latex-free brace.
Side Stabilizers
Most, but not all, of the braces have side stabilizers to prevent excess movement in the knee. Side stabilizers are typically sewn into the fabric so you may not be able to see them initially. If you have a severe MCL injury you’ll definitely want a brace with side stabilizers.
Adjustable
A brace that has adjustable Velcro straps will let you find the perfect amount of compression. After an MCL injury, your knee will swell, so a brace that can adjust to your swelling is a critical part of the initial recovery period.
Hinges
The most heavy duty braces have hinges that help to control the movement of the knee and leg. These hinges restrict movement and are typically only necessary for people who need a significant amount of support.
Weighing All the Factors
Recovery after an MCL injury takes a combination of rest, treatment, and wearing a durable MCL brace. Our top pick by Shock Doctor is a high quality brace that includes every feature you could need. The hinged knee brace by Neo-G and the knee brace support by TechWare Pro are also good choices that may fit your needs better.
Best Choice - Hinged Knee Brace by Shock Doctor
This brace features bilateral hinges and side stabilizers to support the knee. The material is both latex-free and anti-microbial to keep you dry and prevent skin irritation.
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