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Knee Sleeves
Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board
Pull-up knee sleeves the simplest type of knee support, offering compression, support and warmth to the knee.
They are really simple to use, cheap, and come in a variety of sizes to ensure that they fit correctly.
Knee sleeves can really help in the first few days following minor knee injuries to take some strain off the joint and give it some support.
They can also be helpful for longer term problems to give the knee that bit of extra support so you can keep going with your normal activities.
They are also a great item to have in the first-aid kit in case of injury.
Knee sleeves provide basic protection and are perfect for mild knee pain, sprains, arthritis, weakness, tendonitis, cartilage irritation and knee swelling. Not only do they provide some support for the knee, they also help retain heat which boosts the circulation to the joint and can aid healing.
They are not suitable for moderate to severe instability and pain – in these cases you need advanced or elite protection.
How Do They Vary?
Knee sleeves can usually be placed into three categories:
- Open Sleeves: These have a hole at the front to reduce pressure through the kneecap and allow the knee to breathe
- Closed Sleeves: A complete sleeve supporting the entire knee and allowing more heat retention
- Inbuilt Stabilisers: Some have side stabilisers which provide extra support for the knee ligaments.
There are a number of different knee sleeves on the market. Here I share with you my favourite, those that people find comfortable, supportive and good value for money. They are all from trusted brands, and can work really well to reduce knee pain, swelling and weakness.
You will find size guides at the bottom of the page to ensure you get the perfect fit for you.
STAR BUY: Ultra Flex Knee Sleeve
Overview: The Ultraflex Athletics elastic knee sleeve uses specially engineered high level 3D knit technology. It's 4-way stretch capability ensures it perfectly fits the curve of your knee and offers superior protection. It is ultra lightweight combining comfort, flexibility and support.
The Uflex elastic knee sleeve is made of breathable anti-slip silicone to ensure it stays in place and is designed for optimal compression to improve muscle endurance, protect the knee and enhance recovery. Available in three sizes S, M, L and three different colours.
Our Verdict: The Uflex knee sleeve is one of the top selling knee sleeves on Amazon and it receives amazing reviews (over 25k of them!). It's design means it stays firmly in place unlike many cheaper knee sleeves. Average user rating 4.5/5.
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $12/£6/€10)
STAR BUY: Magnet RX Knee Brace Support
Overview: The MagnetRX Knee Support has 17 powerful neodymium magnets strategically positions in acupressure points all around the knee for maximum results.
This magnetic knee brace has all the advantages of a regular knee sleeve but has the added benefit of inbuilt magnets that can help to boost circulation and promote healing.
It is made using 3d knit technology to provide superior support and comfort without compromising knee mobility. Made of soft elastic and breathable fabric it has anti-slip silicone strips to keep the sleeve in place.
They are sold in packs of 2 and are available in 4 different sizes, and they come with a full 60-day money back guarantee.
Our Verdict: The Magnet RX Knee Support receives excellent user reviews with people reporting immediate benefits. We like how the magnets are evenly spaced around the front and back of the knee so they work, whichever part of your knee is painful. Average user rating 4.4/5
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $35/£34/€38)
Mava Compression Sleeves
Overview: The Mava Knee Compression Sleeve is anatomically shaped to provide support and compression, increasing circulation to the knee and relieving pain, particularly with squats and lunges. It is made from breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial material, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Mava elastic knee sleeves are only 7 mm thick, and are double stitched for improved durability. They are sold in pairs and available in range of colours with five different sizes to choose from.
Our Verdict: Mava elastic knee braces are extremely popular and come with a 30-day money back guarantee. They are great value as you get two sleeves in the box, perfect if you need one for each knee, or so that you have a spare for when washing etc. Average user rating 4.4/5.
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $25/£28/€30)
ACE Knee Brace with Side Stabilisers
Overview: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers has flexible metal side stabilizers which provide medial and lateral stability, simulating the action of the knee ligaments. It is lightweight and allows full range of movement at the knee.
It helps to support the knee and reduce the risk of knee injuries, and is comfortable, even when worn for long periods. There are two versions available, one has an opening to reduce pressure on the kneecap, the other is a full sleeve.
Our Verdict: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers is one of the only pull up sleeves on the market that has side stabilizers built in, providing that extra bit of support. It a extremely comfortable, easy to put on, provides a good level of support and gets excellent reviews. Average user rating 4.4/5.
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $16/£18/€20)
McDavid Elastic Knee Support
Overview: The McDavid Knee Compression Sleeve is a popular basic pull on sleeve support. It is specially shaped to ensure it fits well, which is something you don’t always get with cheaper brands.
This knee sleeve is also seamless behind the knee which reduces friction for extra comfort. It's also 100% latex-free.
Our Verdict: The McDavid Knee Sleeve is perfect for mild knee pain either following an injury or with ongoing knee problems. It's a great to have in the first-aid kit. Average user rating 4.4/5.
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $17/£24/€27)
McDavid Open Patella Support
Overview: The McDavid Open Patella Knee Support is a very popular pull on knee sleeve providing compression and soft tissue support. There is a hole and buttress at the front to reduce pressure on the kneecap, improving comfort and flexion.
Made of neoprene, it retains heat to reduce pain and promote healing. It has an inner rubber surface reducing slippage and is seamless behind the knee for extra comfort. NB Latex free
Our Verdict: The McDavid Open Patella Support is very comfy even when worn all day and is highly effective. McDavid knee sleeves all receive great reviews. Average user rating 4.3/5.
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $20/£24/€27)
Mueller Knee Support
Overview: The Mueller Knee Support is a popular lightweight elastic pull on knee sleeve offering firm support for stiff, weak or sore knees without inhibiting movement. The contoured design helps prevent bunching and slippage to ensure a proper fit.
This simple Mueller knee sleeve provides compression and retains warmth to promote healing and reduce pain, making it perfect after minor injuries.
Our Verdict: The Mueller Knee Support is a good basic pull on knee sleeve offering mild support and protection, but not right if you have a serious injury. Average user rating 4.3/5
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $12/£13/€20)
Other Knee Brace Options
If you are looking for a brace that provides more support, such as advanced knee braces, or you would prefer an adjustable brace, I recommend checking out the knee brace overview which explains all about the different types of braces on the market and which ones get the best user reviews.
Knee Sleeve Size Guides
It is really important to get the correct size knee sleeve, to ensure a correct, comfortable fit and to get the right level of support.
To get an accurate fit, measure around the knee and chose from the options below. If your knee size falls between two sizes, it is usually best to go for the larger size.
You might also be interested in the following articles:
- Knee Pain & Popping
- Swollen Knee Treatment
- Front Knee Pain
- Side Knee Pain
- Burning Knee Pain
- Knee Range Of Motion
- Knee Pain On Stairs
Page Last Updated: 11/01/24
Next Review Due: 11/01/26
*Prices correct as of June 2024. All prices are subject to change. Please note we do not stock products directly and therefore have no control over price changes. See advertising policy for more information.
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