Lace-up ankle braces are recently gaining interest and becoming a popular part of an athlete’s equipment, especially if that athlete participates in fast-paced contact sports. It keeps the ankle ligaments, joints, and muscles align for better posture and stability. Lace-up ankle braces are an affordable way to help prevent injury and inflammation of ankle ligaments.
We’ve reviewed four of the best lace-up ankle braces so you can find the right one for your needs.
Our 4 Top Recommended Lace-Up Ankle Braces
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Name |
Type |
Rating |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace-up |  |
$ | |
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Lace-up | |
$$ | |
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Lace-up and Straps | |
$$ | |
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Lace-up with Straps | |
$$ |
How Does a Lace-up Ankle Brace Help?
Ankle injuries are very prevalent among sports players. They can be acute, which indicates the sudden onset of symptoms. However, it is chronic in some cases, which takes some time to develop and is often caused by repetitive damaging movements. Lace-up ankle braces are built to be worn after either of these types of injuries.
Lace-up Ankle Braces for Limiting Movement and Support
If you have recovered from an injury and are using a lace-up ankle brace for added support when getting back into the sport, there are a few ways it is helping. First off, a lace-up brace provides the physical restraint to prevent your ankle from moving that can re-injure/damage the ankle. Plus, the brace provides support to the weaker ligaments.
Increased Coordination with Lace-up Ankle Braces
The second way a lace-up brace helps is by increasing sensory proprioceptive information. Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense movement within joints and joint position. Therefore, you know where your limbs are in space without having to look at them.
Proprioception or position sense is vital for balance and coordination. Wrapping your ankle in a brace increases the amount of feedback going to the nervous system and leads to more smooth and safe movements.
The Difference between a Lace-up and a Rigid Ankle Brace
Here are a few of the differences we can point out:
- Firstly, rigid ankle braces provide a higher level of protection compared to a lace-up ankle brace.
- Secondly, lace-up ankle braces are a lot more flexible and comfortable.
- Thirdly, lace-up braces allow you to maintain a full range of motion.
- Fourthly, lace-up ankle braces are also a more affordable option.
- Lastly, you can tighten/adjust the lace-up ankle brace to your comfort.
Lace-Up Ankle Braces Reviews
- This brace is all about comfort and protection. Its lightweight design promotes comfort and allows you to wear the brace for long periods without irritating you or affecting your normal range of motion.
- Since this brace has low-profile lace loops, it won’t add pressure once you slip your foot into your shoe. The brace has multiple built-in gel pads that are comforting, especially for those looking to tighten the straps tight for added protection.
- The lace-up design is there to protect the ligaments in your ankle from injury. The brace also has grippers on the bottom. As a result, they prevent your foot from moving out of place or slip.
- McDavid is another lightweight brace that protects your ankle joint. The McDavid ankle brace is built to fit either the left or right ankle and comes in many different sizes. This brace can fit easily inside any shoe and is made of strong, durable materials so it can last long.
- Some added features include built-in arch support, spring steel stays, and a ventilated tongue. McDavid ranks this brace as a level three maximum protection which is the highest level for their braces.
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ASO ankle stabilizer is a lace-up ankle brace with the added support of stabilizing straps. The straps are designed in a figure-eight pattern to mimic a tape job and protect the ligaments in your ankle joint. The elastic closure cuff ensures that the straps are secure and laces remain tight.
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This brace has a contoured tongue that is constructed to fit closely and comfortably to your foot. The inside back of the book is lined for added comfort in the Achilles area. These are made in all different sizes and can go on either the left or right foot. These are among the most affordable top-selling lace-up ankle braces with the added protection of straps.
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McDavid is a well-known brand in the athletic support world. This brace is similar to their other lace-up ankle braces, but it has straps. The straps are a distinctive feature and are easily adjustable since they are designed in a figure 6 pattern.
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Moreover, the brace is lined with padding and has an elastic heel so that your ankle joint is not restricted from moving within the natural range of motion. The brace has a sewn-in arch to support the arch of your foot. It is crafted with lightweight nylon and vinyl fabric, which helps your foot breathe while providing maximum protection and support.
Common Ankle Injuries
There are three common ankle sprain injuries that would require a lace-up brace after recovery.
Inversion Ankle Sprain
The most common type of sprain is called an inversion ankle sprain. It usually occurs when you injure the ligaments on the lateral/outside ligaments in the ankle or if the ankle rolls too far inward and tears the ligaments.
Eversion Ankle Sprain
The opposite of an inversion ankle sprain is an eversion ankle sprain. Eversion sprains are caused when the foot rolls too far outward and tears the Deltoid ligament located on the medial/inside side of the ankle.
High Ankle Sprain
A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmotic sprain, is the third type of ankle sprain, less common than the first two. A high ankle sprain is when you tear the connective tissue between the two bones of the lower leg. Mostly, it happens when the foot is pushed too far towards the shin.
When to Wear a Lace-up Ankle Brace
- You can wear lace-up ankle braces either before or after an ankle injury.
- Many athletes who compete in high-ranking ankle injury sports wear ankle braces even if they have not previously injured their ankles – just for supporting and protecting the ankles.
- Sports like volleyball and basketball, where athletes frequently jump and change directions are the two examples.
- Lastly, it is suitable for preventing pain, inflammation, and injury.
Takeaway
In a nutshell, lace-up ankle braces will help to prevent potential ankle injuries players get during sports. If an injury has occurred, it limits the movement of an ankle that could tear fibers in your ankle ligaments. It is an excellent brace that you can wear prophylactically if you engage in heavy sports.
We’ve reviewed four of the best Lace-Up Ankle Braces so you can find the best and affordable ankle braces to help prevent injury and re-injury of ankle ligaments. Read our related posts for more similar products.
