Best Ankle Supports for Sprains 2024
Sprained ankles come in varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild to severe. Mild sprains may only take a couple of weeks to heal, whereas more severe sprains could take a number of months. This is an important point to remember when choosing an ankle brace, as you won't want to overspend on a restrictive, heavy-duty brace for a mild sprain, nor waste your time with a lightweight sleeve that doesn't offer enough support for a serious sprain.
To help you avoid making these mistakes, we decided to write this article about the Best Ankle Supports for Sprains 2024, which outlines the best braces to use for each degree of sprain, and each stage of recovery.
What Will This Guide Cover?
In this article, we'll take a look at the best ankle braces for mild (Grade 1), moderate (Grade 2) and severe sprains (Grade 3). Each brace was chosen based on expert recommendations from the product specialists at the top ankle brace brands in the world, as well as on feedback we received from our customers. Follow the links below to skip straight to what you're looking for.
Our Best Ankle Braces for Sprains
- Best Ankle Support for Mild Sprains (Grade 1)
- Best Recovery Ankle Support for Moderate Sprains (Grade 2)
- Best Active Ankle Support for Moderate Sprains (Grade 2)
- Best Ankle Support for Severe Sprains (Grade 3)
- Best Ankle Support for Sprain Prevention
Helpful Information
Best Ankle Support for Mild Sprains (Grade 1)
Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace
How It Works...
✔ Clinically proven semi-rigid shell prevents inversion and eversion
✔ Foam-filled aircells deliver moderate compression to relieve swelling
✔ Unique step-in design makes for fast, easy application
Ideal For...
✔ Grade 1 sprains
✔ Later stages of recovery
Not the Best For...
✘ Severe ankle sprains (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: When suffering from a mild ankle sprain, the main aim is to stop the injury from worsening by preventing the ankle from rolling again. Thanks to its semi-rigid shell, the Aircast AirSport Brace works to prevent ankle rollover by restricting sideways ankle motion during movement. Not only that, it also comes with foam-filled aircells that deliver precise pneumatic compression to help ease pain and swelling.
From Aircast's Ankle Brace Expert: "The Aircast AirSport features foam-filled aircells to cushion and support the ankle, while the semi-rigid shell and cross strap provide stabilisation."
Customer Feedback: "I purchased this as I was returning to netball after badly spraining my ankle!! This ankle brace gave me full support, it was comfortable and gave me the confidence I needed! I would highly recommend this item." - Tina ★★★★★
Best Recovery Ankle Support for Moderate Sprains (Grade 2)
Aircast Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace
How It Works...
✔ Duplex air cells compress the ankle to reduce swelling
✔ Anatomically-designed rigid shells provide a secure fit that matches your ankle
✔ Intuitive strapping feature allows for easily-customisable compression
Ideal For...
✔ Grade 1 and Grade 2 sprains
✔ The middle stages of recovery
Not the Best For...
✘ Active use for moderate sprains (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: For moderate sprains, a more restrictive brace is often a better solution to guarantee effective ankle recovery. Featuring two anatomically shaped splints that provide both medial and lateral stability, the Aircast Air-Stirrup is more secure than the AirSport, meaning it provides stronger support, but at the cost of less flexibility.
From Aircast's Ankle Brace Expert: "The Air-Stirrup brace features anatomically designed semi-rigid shells lined with the patented Duplex aircell system for support and graduated compression during ambulation."
Customer Feedback: "I sprained my ankle while living in France. This is the standard issue brace by the A & E department that I visited. The French Doctors have chosen it for a reason. It works. It feels light but does in fact give great support. Certainly helped me get on with life while my ankle recovered." - Gillian ★★★★★
Best Active Ankle Support for Moderate Sprains (Grade 2)
Thuasne Malleo Dynastab Boa Ankle Brace
How It Works...
✔ Metallic splint along key points of the ankle helps maintain stability
✔ Boa lacing system provides an incredibly snug and supportive fit
✔ Micro-aerated 3D fabric ensures lightweight breathability
Ideal For...
✔ Grade 1 and 2 sprains
✔ The middle stage of recovery
Not the Best For...
✘ Rigid stability for moderate sprains (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: If you're looking for a Grade 2 ankle brace that won't cause too much restriction, the Thuasne Malleo Dynastab is your best option. It's unique Boa lacing system is designed to tighten anatomically around the ankle to provide the most precise fit possible, resulting in top-level support that is further reinforced by the adjustable cross-straps. Despite the heavy-duty support it provides, the Dynastab is made with super lightweight materials to give stability without restriction.
From Thuasne's Ankle Brace Expert: "The Malleo Dynastab utilises a unique BOA lacing system that helps prevent inversion and eversion, allowing you to continue normal activity as you usually would, while keeping the ankle fully protected."
Customer Feedback: "I recently damaged some ligaments in my ankle when I slipped whilst out running. I needed an ankle brace to help support my ankle while I recover. I was recommended the this Thuasne brace by a friend, and I haven’t regretted it, it’s brilliant. It’s enabled me to walk with stability and comfort. I highly recommend this brace if you like me have damaged your ankle." - Jill ★★★★★
Best Ankle Support for Severe Sprains (Grade 3)
Aircast AirSelect Elite Walker Boot
How It Works...
✔ Completely stabilises the ankle with a secure and rigid shell
✔ Provides intermittent pneumatic compression to relieve pain and swelling
✔ Absorbs and dissipates shock during movement to protect the ankle
Ideal For...
✔ Grade 3 sprains
✔ Immediately after injury or surgery
Not the Best For...
✘ Mobility (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: For sprains that are so severe that the ligaments have been completely torn, the best course of action is to see a doctor. In many cases, surgery is needed in order for the ligament to repair, and after which the ankle will need to be placed inside a cast or walker boot. The Aircast AirSelect Elite is the best walker boot currently on the market, with many NHS hospitals prescribing it for patients after an operation.
From Aircast's Walker Boot Expert: "The Aircast AirSelect Elite as the walker boot that most customers are given at hospital after an operation or surgery"
Customer Feedback: "This boot gives great support and relief from pain. The ability to finely adjust the support accurately to what is exactly required is very good and I am very pleased with this product. If anything it is better than I thought it would be." - Colin ★★★★★
If you're on a budget but you're still looking for great support, why not try the standard version of the Aircast AirSelect Boot.
Best Ankle Support for Sprain Prevention
Aircast A60 Ankle Brace
How It Works...
✔ Moulded stabiliser prevents the ankle from rolling sideways
✔ Low-profile design slips easily inside trainers and running shoes
✔ Breath-O-Prene fabric offers unmatched comfort
Ideal For...
✔ Grade 1 sprains
✔ Post recovery and beyond
Not the Best For...
✘ Initial stages of recovery (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: Unfortunately, ankle pain and instability can stick around for months or even years after an injury. Not only does this make it harder to stay fit and active, it also means your more likely to injure the ankle again in future. To give your ankle its confidence back, the Aircast A60 is fitted with an anatomically moulded stabiliser that stops the ankle from rolling when you run, jump or kick a ball, preventing another injury from setting you back to square one.
From Aircast's Ankle Brace Expert: "The Aircast A60 features an ankle stabiliser that guards the ankle and prevents it from rolling over."
Customer Feedback: "Bought this as my ankle kept rolling over after I sprained it 4 weeks earlier. I have now worn it everyday for the last 9 days as I am on my feet all day at work and the difference is amazing. At last I feel as if my ankle is on the mend and the A60 is very comfortable. I have even been back to the gym at long last!" - C Tong ★★★★★
What To Consider When Choosing A Brace
When setting out to decide which ankle brace is best for you, the first thing to determine is the severity of your sprain. After your injury, contact your physiotherapist or doctor to get a diagnosis, and they'll be able to tell you whether your sprain is mild (a week or two for recovery), moderate (one to two months' recovery time) or severe (multiple months' recovery time).
Here, we'll lay out our three keys points to consider when choosing your support:
- Rollover Protection: This is our number one concern for sprain recovery, as a twisted or rolled ankle is the most common cause of a sprain. A good support will limit your side-to-side movement to reduce strain on the injured ligaments.
- Comfort: This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people forget that comfort is important for a brace that they will likely be wearing for a long time. When selecting a brace, look for lightweight, soft materials that are easy on the skin.
- Bulk: This applies more for mild strains and the latter stages of recovery, but your support will need to fit inside your footwear. This is especially important for getting back to physical activity, as only low-profile braces will fit into athletic footwear such as trainers and football boots.
Which Type of Sprain Do I Have?
Ankle sprains are graded on a three-tier severity scale, with Grade 1 for mild sprains, Grade 2 for moderate sprains and Grade 3 for severe sprains. To find out which grade of sprain you have, we recommend consulting with your doctor for a full diagnosis. However, the guide below may also give you a rough idea.
- Grade 1: Symptoms – Mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. It is still possible to walk with a Grade 1 sprain.
- Grade 2: Symptoms – Moderate pain, swelling and bruising. The ankle is painful to the touch and walking is more difficult.
- Grade 3: Symptoms – Severe swelling, pain and bruising. The ankle is very unstable, and it is likely not possible to walk.
Take the Sprain Away
Once you're out of your walker boot and are able to bear weight again, it's important to maintain some level of support until your ankle is back to 100%. These ankle supports are tried and tested to provide comfortable support, helping you get back on your feet and back to your exercise regimen.
Whether you're an avid hiker or a football fanatic, we're confident these ankle braces will do the trick. If you'd like to browse even more ankle braces, feel free to take a look at our entire Ankle Supports & Braces category.
Has an ankle support helped you recover from a sprain? Let us know in the comments below, or find us on Twitter and Facebook!
Tags: Ankle Pain, Ankle Supports, Foot and Ankle Pain, Learn About Conditions