If you're trying to choose between an ankle support and a brace, you might be confused by the difference between the two, especially when the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. It's easy to see where the confusion comes from, after all, they both support your ankle don't they?
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Well, in this Ankle Supports vs Ankle Braces guide, we talk about the key differences between the two. We also go over some of our favourite ankle supports and braces, including what issues they can help with, to make sure you find the right ankle device for you!
When it comes to telling the difference between the two, here are some things to look for:
These are great things to keep in mind, but as we mentioned earlier, the terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers, which we understand can be frustrating. The important thing is to find the right device for your own circumstances or injury.
Winner: Ultimate Performance Compression Elastic Ankle Support
Why We Love It...
✔ Incredibly simple to to apply with its sleeve design and no straps
✔ Provides an evenly distributed, high level of compression to the ankle
✔ Ergonomic design moulds to the contours of your ankle for snug support
Perfect For...
✔ General ankle soreness, along with minor sprains and Achilles tendonitis
✔ Easy and discreet support that doesn't restrict your range of motion
Not The Best For...
✘ Impact injuries and major sprains (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: If you're looking for a support that offers reliable ankle compression, while remaining lightweight and thin, this Ultimate Performance Support is your best bet! Despite its simple and discreet design, the anatomical tailoring offers targeted reinforcement to the key ligaments and tendons in the ankle.
Customer Verdict: "Excellent ankle support - Bought this ankle support as I am recovering from ankle surgery. Fits perfectly and is comfortable. Delivered in good time and item exactly as advertised. Very happy with my purchase." Cathel ★★★★★
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Winner: BioSkin TriLok Ankle Ligaments Support
Why We Love It...
✔ Three-strap design gives you fantastic support, customised just for you
✔ Acts as an 'external ligament' to hold ankle in healthy, comfortable position
✔ It's still really lightweight and unobtrusive when fully secured
Perfect For...
✔ Specialised support for arthritis and other chronic ankle issues
✔ Healthy ankle alignment for treatment of injuries and sprains
Not The Best For...
✘ Achilles, heel or plantar pain (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: As its name suggests, the TriLok is secured around your feet at three points, giving you unbeatably comfortable support that's only as tight or loose as you want it to be. As arthritis pain comes and goes, you may want a higher or lower amount of support, and the TriLok gives you full customisation.
Customer Verdict: "Recommended by my podiatrist. I have a lot of ankle problems due to arthritis and bone growth. This supports well and minimises pain. Lorna ★★★★★
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Winner:Actimove Everyday Compression Ankle Support
Why We Love It...
✔ Provides even compression and insulation throughout ankle
✔ Seamless for comfort and to reduce skin irritation and reactions
✔ Super simple slip on design for easy donning and doffing
Perfect For...
✔ Chronic ankle conditions like Achilles tendonitis
✔ Swelling and pain from strains and injury
Not The Best For...
✘ Rigid support (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: With a thin, simple and anatomical sock design, the Actimove Everyday Compression Support is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of footwear. It's also seamless and soft, providing all-day comfort and reducing the chances of itching or irritation. Walking, running or just going about you day, Actimove offers subtle, reliable support.
Customer Verdict: "Just the Job - I ordered one last month and after using regularly I have just ordered another one." Allan ★★★★★
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Winner: Aircast A60 Ankle Brace
Why We Love It...
Feiao Medical Devices Product Page
✔ Plastic stabilisers hold ankle comfortably to help avoid sprains and injuries
✔ Single strap and buckle design is simple while still offering the best fit
✔ Super-breathable mesh fabric maintains airflow for long-lasting freshness
Perfect For...
✔ Preventing sprains and rollovers while running and other sports
✔ Providing reliable and unobtrusive stability during everyday activities
Not The Best For...
✘ Treating existing sprains (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: The A60 is our most popular sports ankle brace, loved by both professional and amateur athletes alike. It reinforces your ankle without compromising your ability so you can be the best athlete you can be, without worrying about your ankle. Along with sports, it's also great for everyday wear if your ankles are sensitive or prone to rolling
Customer Verdict: "Perfect for sports - My son plays squash and these braces provide the support and confidence for him to play competitively without worrying about going over on his ankle which happened a few times previously." Paul ★★★★★
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Winner: Aircast Air-Stirrup Universe Ankle Brace
Why We Love It...
✔ Semi-rigid design allows slight movement for light walking after a sprain
✔ Duplex air technology helps to reduce swelling by compressing the ankle
✔ Anatomical design with strap moulds around your ankle for best fit
Perfect For...
✔ Getting you back on your feet and moving after a sprain (Grades 1 - 3)
✔ Pain relief and correction for instability, acute injury and after an operation
Not The Best For...
✘ Freer ankle movement and more strenuous activity (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: If you're recovering from a sprain and you're ready to get back on your feet, but not ready for full ankle movement yet, the Air-Stirrup could really help. It semi-immobilises your ankle to prevent further injury, while also giving you the flexibility needed for light walking. It's also a fantastic halfway point between a medical boot and a less restrictive ankle support.
Customer Verdict: "Best ankle support I’ve ever used - Since spraining my ankle I used the Air-Stirrup and it helps me walk normally whilst letting the ankle heal." Iain ★★★★★
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Winner: Aircast Plantar Fasciitis AirHeel Ankle Brace
Why We Love It...
✔ Air cells deflate with every step to reduce strain on arch and Achilles
✔ Promotes healthy blood circulation to encourage healing
✔ Offers pulsating compression with every step you take for gentle support
Perfect For...
✔ Treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and heel pain
✔ Reducing swelling and easing pain while boosting blood flow
Not The Best For...
✘ Ankle sprain protection (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: With a simple slip on and single strap design, the Aircast AirHeel Brace offers an easy, seamless way to treat plantar, Achilles and heel issues. The deflating air cells treat ankle inflammation to reduce pain with every step you take!
Customer Verdict: "After 2 years of suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and exercises just making it worse, I thought I would try a support as a last resort before opting for surgery…after just 48 hours of wearing the Aircast Plantar Fasciitis Airheel the pain has considerably lessoned and I am able to get out of bed or get up after sitting for long periods without horrendous pain." Katherine ★★★★★
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When treating ankle issues, selecting the most beneficial orthotic for you is important, as the right choice can help speed up treatment or prevent further damage. If you've injured your ankle or are suffering from a chronic condition, always consult your doctor before selecting an ankle device. The braces and supports we've talked about are some of our customers' favourites, but if you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out our full Ankle Braces and Supports Range.
Do you have any other questions about the difference between ankle supports and braces? Share your thoughts below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Choosing the right brace or support depends on the particular problem. While a support is suitable in the case of bruising or sprains, a brace with rigid components is advisable for more severe injuries. Ideally, you should talk to your physician, physical therapist or other healthcare provider, who can advise you on what form of treatment will work best for your situation.
A good ankle brace or support is shaped to perfectly fit the anatomical contours of the foot. If you look at your ankles, you will notice that the inner and outer parts have different shapes. Ankle braces from Bauerfeind take this difference into account in order to provide optimum support to the individual structures of the ankle. For this reason, you should only wear the support on the side it is designed for – not on the other side.
Generally speaking, Bauerfeind’s lightweight, breathable supports can be worn in any shoes, from sandals through to sneakers or work shoes. There is no need for special shoes. You simply need to make sure that there is no constriction in the region of the integrated pressure pads. In any case, it is advisable to try out your shoe with the brace before going on long walks or practicing sports. If you require a rigid brace following an ankle injury, it is recommended that you wear a sturdy shoe. This combination will provide the optimum level of effectiveness and stability.
We advise that you never wear supports over clothing. The additional material can lead to chafing and will also prevent the support from doing its job properly. Direct contact with the skin is the only way to achieve the proprioceptive effect that creates additional stability in the joint. This is also the case for the sensorimotor function, which can only be activated and trained in this way. In addition, wearing clothing beneath the support will impair the function of specific elements that work to relieve strain, compress the joint, or provide a massaging effect, which is why it should never be done.
Don’t worry - bauerfeind supports are machine washable! Find out more on our washing/care instructions page.
Bauerfeind supports primarily serve to provide stability during activity. This is also where the term “active support” comes from: the full effect of these supports is only experienced during movement, for example the massage function or intermittent compression. Therefore, you can give your ankle a bit of freedom overnight and take the support off for sleeping or long periods of rest.
For more information, please visit Slim Strap Ankle Brace.