Knee sleeves are thin, stretchy pieces of fabric that you can wear over your knees for additional support and comfort. “Someone may wear a knee sleeve because they feel it will help decrease their [knee pain] or improve their function,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. While they don’t serve as a replacement for physical therapy, knee braces can be extremely useful in-between sessions.
We researched dozens of knee sleeves and braces and evaluated them for material, comfortability, breathability, and price. Each of the knee sleeves and braces chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
Reviewed & Approved
We recommend PowerLix’s Knee Sleeve because it offers four-way compression to stabilize the knee and prevents itching. We also like Cambivo’s Knee Sleeve 2-Pack as a lightweight and budget-friendly option.
Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, this PowerLix knee compression sleeve is a great option for everyday use, which is why it’s our top pick. A stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, the sleeve effectively absorbs moisture so you can avoid both itch and odor all day long.
Best Overall
PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve
Breathable
Helps prevent itch and odor
Slip-resistant
Hand wash only
Meanwhile, the sleeve’s four-way compression design applies stable compression across your knee, giving you support without limiting your range of motion. And since it’s lined with slip-resistant silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you move. The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:Material: Compression fabric | Care: Hand wash | Anti-Slip Features: Knitted design with silicone gel strips
This two-pack of Cambivo knee sleeves costs less than a single sleeve from other brands, without skimping on quality. They are crafted from a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, and they apply consistent compression across your knee that feels both warm and supportive. Plus, the silicone strips that run along the top of the sleeves keep them securely in place, no matter your activity.
Best Budget
Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve 2 Pack
- Lightweight
- Slip-resistant
- Comes with two sleeves
These knee sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $18
Key Specs:Material: Nylon, latex, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Anti-slip silicone waves
If you’re looking for a knee sleeve that offers more support, this option from Bauerfeind Sports is worth the higher price tag. It’s constructed from a lightweight Air Knit fabric, which is both flexible and comfortable. And since the fabric wicks away moisture effectively, you can work up a sweat in your knee sleeve without feeling too uncomfortable.
Best Splurge
Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace
Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Comes in various sizes
Must be air dried
The sleeve also features a ring of contoured padding that lines the center to surround the kneecap, providing ideal amounts of cushion and support as you move. This component makes it feel more like a knee brace without sacrificing the sleek flexibility you expect from a knee sleeve.
The sleeve is currently available in sizes extra-small through extra-extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $90
Key Specs:Material: 3D Air-Knit Fabric | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: N/A
Many knee sleeves are made from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex, but the Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve primarily uses copper fiber cloth, a textile that is genuinely infused with copper. Though there is limited research on the benefits of copper-infused fabrics, at least one study suggests it may have antibacterial and water-resistant properties, making it easy to keep clean. This knee sleeve provides plenty of tight, supportive compression and successfully maintains its fit over time.
Best Compression
Jiufentian Copper Knee Sleeve
- Antibacterial
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
Meanwhile, there’s no need to worry about overheating—this knee sleeve is just as breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying as any other on this list. It’s currently available in sizes small through 4XL.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key Specs:Material: Copper fiber, spandex | Care: Hand wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Rubber anti-slip strips
Breathable, flexible, and durable, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve makes for a great addition to any running routine. The sleeve is made from a blend of nylon mesh and spandex, which is lightweight yet durable. Its four-way stretch design also offers plenty of support and compression without limiting your range of motion. And since the interior is lined with wavy silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you run.
Best for Running
UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Four-way stretch
The sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.
Key Specs:Material: Nylon, lycra | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double-silicone anti-slip wave
When you’re hiking, you need a knee sleeve that’s supportive, flexible, and breathable. This one from Blitzu delivers on all fronts. It’s constructed from a flexible performance fabric that’s durable but soft to the touch. Meanwhile, its four-way stretch design delivers the compression you’re looking for without limiting your range of motion. Lightweight and breathable, it also keeps you cool and comfortable on your treks.
Best for Hiking
Blitzu Knee Compression Sleeve
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Four-way stretch
The machine-washable sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $14
Key Specs:Material: Silicone | Care: Machine wash and air dry | Anti-Slip Features: Silicone gripper
This two-pack of knee sleeves from Iron Bull Strength is ideal for weightlifters looking for a little extra support during intense workouts. The sleeves are made from a thick neoprene-flex material, which is both stretchy and supportive. Meanwhile, the contoured design of the sleeves ensures that you get the snug, cozy fit you need.
Best for Weightlifting
Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
Thick, stretchy material
Slip-resistant
Comes in various sizes
Expensive
And don’t worry about these sleeves slipping down your legs mid-workout. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift. The sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:Material: Neoprene | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Double silicone gel strips
This two-pack of compression knee sleeves from McDavid gives you the flexible support you need while you’re on the court. They are padded with foam, giving you plenty of cushion to tackle sports like basketball and volleyball with confidence. They are also crafted from a moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex, which allow you to work up a sweat without getting uncomfortable.
Best for Basketball
McDavid Hex Knee Compression Sleeve
Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Machine-washable
Tends to slip
Most importantly, the sleeves are durable, holding up to wear and tear from your favorite game. They are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large, and they come in a one-size-fits-all youth size as well.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:Material: Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash | Anti-Slip Features: N/A
If you want a knee sleeve with a little extra support, then try this option from Neenca. The stretchy sleeve is crafted from a woven compression fabric, which absorbs moisture and dries quickly to keep your knee comfortable. There is also a ring of gel padding in the middle of the knee sleeve that contours to your knee to offer additional support every time you wear it. Spring stabilizers lining the sides of the sleeve provide stability and support as well.
Best with Gel Pad
Neenca Gel Pad Knee Sleeve
Moisture-wicking
Includes padding
Slip-resistant
Not durable
This knee sleeve is currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $26
Key Specs:Material: Air knit fabric | Care: N/A | Anti-Slip Features: Non-slip seam strip
What to Look for in a Knee Sleeve
Material
Many knee sleeves are crafted from a blend of nylon, spandex, and latex. However, some are made with softer materials, such as bamboo charcoal fiber, and others use more durable materials like copper fiber cloth.
“The material is very important because there are sleeves that have extra padding to stabilize your knee and joint to reduce pain and instability,” says Mark Russ, PT, DPT, at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio. He warns that these sleeves can also reduce movement, so for very active individuals, he recommends purchasing one that features a breathable material as to not impede movement.
Consider what you’d like your knee sleeve to feel like before shopping to ensure that you select one that feels comfortable to you.
Padding
Some knee sleeves come equipped with padding, which can offer additional comfort and support. This padding is often designed to surround and cushion the knee joint without detracting from the sleeve’s sleek profile. With that said, some designs feature thicker padding down the front of the sleeve to protect the knees during more intense activities like sports.
“There has been more success in recommending knee sleeves with padding to people who are dealing with symptoms of osteoarthritis or the degeneration of knees,” explains Russ. Throughout his career, he has recommended that patients with osteoarthritis obtain sleeves that have padding to push the patella toward the midline of the body. This helps reduce pain by optimizing alignment.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who have tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
To measure for a knee sleeve, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your leg at a certain distance (usually 4 to 6 inches) above your knee cap. When selecting a knee sleeve, consult the product’s packaging or website for specific instructions on where to measure.
In general, knee sleeves are suitable to wear all day and can be worn for support if you’re going to be walking or on your feet for most of the day. The material is usually comfortable enough that you can wear it for extended periods of time without irritation, chafing, or discomfort.
Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist.
A knee sleeve should be loose enough to fit comfortably and not impede blood flow, yet snug enough not to slip down, according to Dr. Schmitt. If you feel that it’s pinching or restricting your movement in any way, then it’s too tight.
