Best Knee Brace for Cycling – Reviews 2023 (Updated)

If you’re a cyclist by profession or someone who enjoys cycling on a routine basis, you know how much strain this activity puts on your body parts, specifically your knees. This repetitive stress can cause your kneecaps to sustain permanent and irreversible damage. It can also cause you to develop problems like kneecap malalignment, which would render you incapable of practicing or pursuing physical activity or cycling.

Fortunately, there’s a very easy and effective method to solve knee problems; a knee brace for your kneecap. A brace supports or protects your kneecaps from aching joints, relieves the surrounding muscles from strain, and helps keep them warm. The brace can also be used to reduce chronic knee pain or any diseases that affect the knee. Some of the best knee braces are covered in this article.

Stay with us and read on ahead to find out about the best knee brace for cycling that you can invest in, all the health benefits therein, as well as any cons related to the product use. Use this article to help you find a product for the perfect solution to your knee pain and injuries.

What is a knee brace?

Knee braces are specially designed supports that you wear for problems related to or pertaining to knee caps and joints. They’re more commonly used by cyclists to prevent patellar tendonitis, and other knee-related pains or problems.

Many people use them while doing strenuous exercises such as knee bends or hamstrings, and activities such as cycling. They can also be used to prevent injuries while playing sports, and as such, they have a variety of uses.

The brace itself is made from materials such as metals, elastics, straps, foam, and plastic. The braces come in different sizes, designs, and colors, allowing for users and wearers to choose a product best suited to their preferences and needs.

Who this brace is for

Before we tell you what this brace is for, you should know what a knee brace can do. It is commonly used to recover from a knee injury, to alleviate pain, for muscle fatigue surrounding knee joints, to improve blood circulation, for heat retention, and to help with the healing process in case of chronic pain or injury.

A knee brace is commonly prescribed by a physical therapist to patients with a knee injury, diseases, or pain, to provide support to the kneecap during recovery. This brace also helps with ACL tears, Knee Osteoarthritis, Chondromalacia Patella, Jumper’s knee, and Runner’s knee.

Other than patients, the brace is also used by many cyclists to help relieve pressure and pain while cycling. The brace can be worn by people of all ages and sizes, for all conditions related to the knees.

Types of Knee Braces for Biking

There are several types of knee braces suited for biking, some of which are mentioned below with descriptions:

Hinged knee brace

Stabilizes and supports the knee joint while cycling, especially for those people who have already suffered from a severe knee injury.

Patellofemoral knee brace

Designed to alleviate pain in the knee joint and support the kneecap while cycling.

Closed patella knee brace

Helps weak or arthritic knees and improves their circulation for better healing.

Neoprene knee brace

As suggested by the name, this brace is made of neoprene, designed to provide warmth, increase circulation, reduce knee pain, and lessen the risk of an injury.

Compression sleeve

Provides support along with compression to the joint while cycling, helping reduce pain and discomfort.

What are knee compression sleeves?

Compression sleeves for the knees are slip-on sleeves that cover the entire kneecap and provide more compression to keep your muscles warm, increase blood flow, and make joints strong. They’re used by athletes or fitness lovers to prevent swelling and inflammation around the knee joint.

Difference between a compression knee sleeve and a knee brace

Even though both terms are used interchangeably for each other mistakenly, there are some significant differences between a knee brace and a compression knee sleeve. Both the products are very different in their manufacturing, materials, and use, and should not be mistaken for one another.

To help you in finding out which one’s which, here are the differences between the two listed in detail:

  1. Knee sleeves are slip-on sleeves that you can put on your knees while a knee brace is a more robust and sturdy covering for knee caps.
  2. These sleeves can be worn by anybody who wants to protect their knees while exercising or recovering, whereas a brace should only be worn if your physician recommends it for you.
  3. The sleeves are commonly used to prevent injury and help support your kneecaps while exercising, whereas knee braces are used to specifically target recovery after sustaining a major injury to the knee.
  4. Knee sleeves are usually made of neoprene, which is a breathable and comfortable material that slides onto your knee joint, whereas a knee brace is more robust, being made from additional materials such as metals, elastics, foam, and plastic.
  5. Knee sleeves are less durable and sturdy than braces.
  6. Wearing a knee sleeve long-term does not have any major disadvantages, whereas wearing a knee brace for longer than necessary can weaken your knees and damage your legs.
  7. A knee sleeve is generally used by athletic people who like staying fit, whereas a brace is used by recovering patients and athletes.
  8. Knee sleeves allow for natural knee movement, while the knee brace can slow down your movements while you’re wearing it.
  9. Knee sleeves are compression garments that support active movement, while the brace is a supportive product that restricts rotary pressure and movement.

What are the most common knee injuries when we cycle?

Before we get to listing the best knee brace for cycling, you should know what injuries are caused by the sport, and what braces help with which injury.

Here are the most common cycling knee injuries:

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Inflammation in the patellar tendon, which connects the knee cap to the shin bone and is known to weaken your tendon unless treated.

Pes Anserine Bursitis (Goosefoot Tendonitis)

Pain at the inside of the knee, caused by overuse of the bursa and constant stress related to it.

Chondromalacia Patella

Damage sustained to the cartilage located under the knee cap due to misalignment of the knee joint.

Cyclist’s Knee

Also known as Band Friction Syndrome, is commonly found in cyclists who have flat feet or excessive pronation, usually caused due to overuse.

Meniscus tears

Known as the tearing of the cartilage in the knee joint best known for its great feature of shock-absorbing.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries

A sprain or tear to the ACL which is a major ligament in the knee, frequently caused by sharp changes in direction or strong impact.

Knee pain

Caused by overuse and resulting in chronic pain followed by lessened flexibility, this is the most common problem cyclists encounter.

Product
CopperJoint Knee Brace
Shock Doctor Compression Knee Brace
NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
Preview
CopperJoint Copper Compression Knee Brace With Straps - For Arthritis Pain, Meniscus, & ACL Support - Knee Support for Sport & Everyday Activities - Adjustable & Breathable Design Large
Shock Doctor Compression Knee Brace for Men & Women, Maximum Support, Adjustable Dual Hinges
NEENCA Professional Knee Brace for Pain Relief, Medical Knee Support with Patella Pad & Side Stabilizers, Compression Knee Sleeve for Meniscus Tear, ACL, Joint Pain, Runner, Workout - FSA/HSA APPROVED
Delivery
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Award
Best Overall & Best for Comfort
Best with Hinges
Best Stabilizing Support
Product
CopperJoint Knee Brace
Preview
CopperJoint Copper Compression Knee Brace With Straps - For Arthritis Pain, Meniscus, & ACL Support - Knee Support for Sport & Everyday Activities - Adjustable & Breathable Design Large
Delivery
Amazon Prime
Award
Best Overall & Best for Comfort
Product
Shock Doctor Compression Knee Brace
Preview
Shock Doctor Compression Knee Brace for Men & Women, Maximum Support, Adjustable Dual Hinges
Delivery
Amazon Prime
Award
Best with Hinges
Product
NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
Preview
NEENCA Professional Knee Brace for Pain Relief, Medical Knee Support with Patella Pad & Side Stabilizers, Compression Knee Sleeve for Meniscus Tear, ACL, Joint Pain, Runner, Workout - FSA/HSA APPROVED
Delivery
Amazon Prime
Award
Best Stabilizing Support

Best knee brace for cycling

Choosing the right knee brace is extremely important for the recovery of your kneecap and joint. As such, there are a lot of products you can choose from with different sizes, designs, and colors. Making the right choice for knee braces is absolutely crucial to the health of your knee, so you must put a lot of thought into it.

Here is a list of the 7 best knee braces for cycling recommended by us, putting the very best at the top. Use this guide to determine which brace you will buy for your knee ailment. It is important to note that before making a purchase, you should consult your doctors and physicians and get their approval on whether the brace will actually help your ailment.

1. CopperJoint Knee Brace

Considered the best in the market, CopperJoint Knee braces provide knee compression and are best used for workouts. The brace is also known to provide pain relief from knee pains, and can be used while doing activities such as cycling, running, and other sports. This product especially appeals to those who have arthritis pain, meniscus tears, patellar tendinitis, or those who are frequently experiencing knee pain or swelling.

The product prides itself on its technologically advanced breathable materials and maximum support to the wearer. The copper-infused fabric provides comfortable support by utilizing copper ions. The product can only be used by adults and comes in 2 sizes: small and large, spandex material, with the color black.

Pros:

  • Provides continual support
  • Stays warm in cold temperatures
  • Gives stability to the knees

Cons:

  • The spandex will be uncomfortable to wear for a long period.

2. Shock Doctor Compression Knee Brace

If you’re looking for a type of knee brace with hinges, this is the right choice. The high-recovery nature of this product makes it great for people with knee problems related to their ligaments, along with arthritis, hypertension, and sprains. The breathable material makes it perfect for highly active cyclists who do a lot of sweat-inducing movements.

The open patella design helps relieve pressure on the knees, providing additional support to cyclists and avoiding further damage in case of severe malalignments. The bilateral hinges allow for full mobility for the wearer. This product is for adult use and comes in 6 sizes: small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and 3X-large.

Pros:

  • The neoprene material allows for air flow and is moisture wicking
  • Bilateral hinges
  • Compression to the knees

Cons:

  • Runs small

3. NEENCA Professional Knee Brace

This type of knee brace is a medical-grade brace that also acts as a sleeve, providing stabilizing support to the purchaser. You can also wear it after knee surgery to help with surgery recovery and blood flow. It specifically helps with recovering from joint pain, ACL tears, meniscus tears, and inflammation.

The product can be used by people aged 8-100 and comes in a total of 11 colors with 6 size choices: small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and 3X-large. The range of choices it provides to the customer makes it a user-friendly product. Additionally, the spring knee support technology paired with the gel and stabilizers makes for a great knee support.

Pros:

  • Patella gel padding, side stabilizers, and compression technology
  • Targeted pain relief
  • Multiple color variety

Cons:

  • Are manufactured small

4. CopperJoint Knee Brace for compression

This brace provides you with a natural way to relieve your pain, with the copper-infused nylon helping that aim. The sleeve/brace is ergonomically designed, meaning it allows for optimal mobility while also providing knee support. The material is non-slip, making for a convenient brace choice.

The product comes in one black color only, like most knee braces. It is manufactured for adults’ use and comes in 5 sizes: small, medium, large, X-large, and XX-large. The best thing about this product is that it comes with a lifetime warranty and in three different designs, one simple, one copper-infused, and the last one with a knee strap.

Pros:

  • Provides natural relief
  • Can be used for any activity
  • Made from breathable fabric for wear – moisture wicking

Cons:

  • The fabric stretches out and becomes loose.

5. Doufurt Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers

If you’re recovering from an injury, this is the brace for you. It has a curved design with springs and a gel pad, which support the joint and relieve muscle pressure from the knee. The metal spiral strips on either side are soft and do not irritate the skin, making for comfortable wear. Furthermore, the brace is adjustable, meaning you can tighten or loosen it according to your comfort.

The product is manufactured for adults’ use and comes in 4 sizes: small, medium, large, and X-large. The best thing about this product is that it comes with a return guarantee and the company provides you with the best customer care service as a part of their manufacturer’s commitment. The brace provides two different color choices to the customers: black and blue.

Pros:

  • Moisture wicking
  • Open patella design with side stabilizers
  • Helps recover from injury

Cons:

  • Rolls down the knee often – inconvenient

6. Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers ; Patella Gel Pads

A good choice for people looking for a brace that stabilizes their knee, Bodyprox comes with side stabilizers and Patella gel pads for added dexterity while also reducing stress on the kneecaps. Mostly worn during heavy lifting or exercise, this brace is adequate for people who do a lot of manual labor or those who go to the gym a lot.

The material is breathable and absorbent, meaning you will not get uncomfortable with your sweat while wearing it.

The brace is made of nylon and spandex, and comes in one single color: traditionally black. The product is for adult use and comes in 2 sizes: 1 count and X-large. The brace has an adjustable Velcro strap attached, so the user can adjust it according to their own preferences for tightness.

Pros:

  • Patella gel pads
  • Side stabilizers for comfort
  • Breathable and airy

Cons:

  • Only comes in two sizes – less inclusive

7. DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Brace

If you’re looking for a hinged design, look no further. This brace not only has bilateral hinges, but its breathable material also makes the user very comfortable throughout the wear. The brace was designed keeping in mind the people who suffer from meniscus injuries, sprains, and osteoarthritis. This brace is also ideal for those who want to avoid friction burns and people who have allergies, since its material is sweat-absorbent.

The brace is made of polyester, spandex, nylon, and neoprene, and comes in one color: black. The size choices for this product are 7 in total, a stark contrast to other products on this list, with this product offering: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and 3X-large. This is a great choice for plus-sized people who struggle to find their sizes for braces while shopping online.

Pros:

  • Bilateral hinges
  • Made of Drytex compression fabric
  • Prevents friction burns

Cons:

  • Pricey – not affordable for the general masses
  • Inaccurate sizing

Benefits of wearing braces for knee problems

Prevents and avoids injuries

Wearing a brace can minimize your chances of getting hurt while cycling since it provides an added layer of protection in case of a fall. This saves you from impact and the pressure that gets put on the knees with repeated peddling movements.

Increases comfort while cycling

Wearing a brace while cycling or any other strenuous activity for the knees stabilizes the knee and gives it better protection, while also providing comfort and strengthening the quadriceps to prevent your joints getting weakened enough to induce a fall.

Alleviates pain

Braces are naturally designed to not only help you after you get an injury but to also relieve you of the pain associated with that injury, making for a good medical support. Wearing a brace while cycling also helps you make sharper turns and ride on the rocky slopes if need be.

Helps with muscle and joint recovery

The main aim of a brace, how it is designed, and how it is manufactured is to provide your knee with the perfect environment to heal and recover from the injury. It also helps you recover from surgical treatments, being an added benefit to investing in a good knee brace.

Increases endurance

The stabilizing effect of the brace will allow you to stay on the bicycle for longer periods of time, allowing you to build up your stamina and endurance. This will help you push your limits and train your body to last longer in cycling than it did before. Some braces also have an adjustable design so you can change the pressure on your knee while you’re on a cycling run.

Tips for preventing knee injuries

For people who are very prone to getting injured, especially in the knees while cycling, we have a few tips and tricks you can use to avoid getting hurt:

  • Visit a doctor routinely for consultation on how much cycling or exercise you should be doing as per your bodily condition.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by keeping a balanced diet with proteins and carbs.
  • Warm up before playing sports or before exercising.
  • Strengthen your knees by doing exercises targeting knee strength.
  • Stop pushing yourself to do sports or exercises that take a heavy toll on your knees.
  • Go for easier exercises if you experience knee pain.
  • Build up your endurance by leveling up work intensity gradually.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes instead of loose-fitted ones.
  • Consult a physical therapist or an Orthopaedic knee specialist.

What features should you consider before choosing the best knee brace for cycling?

Lastly, before you make that purchase, here are a few features you need to keep in mind so that you don’t end up making the wrong purchase and regret your decisions later on (we’ve all been there). Here’s some noticeable features to look out for in braces:

Type of support

Consider the type of support the brace provides (stabilizing, hinged, compression) before you make the decision to buy it, as your needs might differ.

Durability and Quality

A good brace should be durable while also being good quality. Look for the build and what material the brace is made of, to get an idea of how robust and sturdy it is.

Comfort and Stability

The wearer should feel comfortable while using the brace, so look for an added feature of comfortability and stability, so that your knees can be secure and comfortable.

Cost or Value

Even though the higher-priced braces might be better quality, you can just as easily get one with a reasonable price that performs just as better. So choose between cost or value while making your decision.

Final thoughts

A knee brace is absolutely necessary for cyclists who routinely put their knees under immense pressure with no support. A knee brace also helps recover from cycling-related injuries and helps you get back into shape in no time. However, you have to take care to buy one well-suited to your needs and comfort.

FAQs

Open vs. closed patella: Which is better?

An opened patella has a cut-out, while a closed one does not. If you want added protection, go for closed patella, if not, then opt for the open patella for added mobility.

How do I stop my knees from hurting when cycling?

One very simple and easy way you can do that is by wearing a compression brace or sleeve on your knees while cycling, as it will help your blood flow and relieve your pain.

Bestseller No. 1
CopperJoint Copper Compression Knee Brace With Straps - For Arthritis Pain, Meniscus, & ACL Support - Knee Support for Sport & Everyday Activities - Adjustable & Breathable Design Small
  • THE POWER OF COPPER: Our compression knee brace with copper is made to harness its restorative properties, supporting ongoing pain management. Copper infused knee brace promote blood circulation, aiding in improving performance and speeding up recovery.
  • Ultimate Support for Multiple Conditions - Our graduated and optimal compression brace is ideal for continual support and a variety of conditions including arthritis, meniscus tear, joint injuries, patellar tendinitis, and more. CopperJoint's professional compression knee sleeve offers the ultimate comfort along with non-slip grip bands, breathable material, and easily adjustable cross over straps for an adjustable fit with the ultimate support.
  • MANAGE YOUR KNEE PAIN: Our copper knee brace for men and women is made to help support your knees by reducing any discomfort or pain. Our knee support brace is perfect for those dealing with arthritis, surgery recovery or other knee related injuries.
Bestseller No. 2
Copper Knee Braces with Strap for Knee Pain Women and Men(2 Pack), Knee Compression Sleeve for Arthritis, ACL, Meniscus Tear, Joint Pain Relief, Knee Support for Working, Running, Weightlifting(2XL)
  • PLEASE NOTE: Please measure your thigh circumference according to the size chart and choose the right size for you. This product contains a small amount of latex. If you are allergic to latex/silicone, please do not use it.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY FABRIC: Copper knee braces bare made of 3D knitted fabric, copper ions are implanted into the nylon through blending technology, which gives it better cushioning, decompression, disperses knee pressure, promotes blood circulation, and protects the knee from injuries, and at the same time, it provides stable knee support, Moisture wicking, Keep your knees warm and reduce stiffness.
  • OUTSTANDING PROTECTION: Copper knee braces are ergonomically designed to protect your knees during sports such as running, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and skiing. They can also be worn during daily work and walks to minimize pressure on your knees.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Copper Knee Braces with Strap for Knee Pain Women and Men(2 Pack), Knee Compression Sleeve for Arthritis, ACL, Meniscus Tear, Joint Pain Relief, Knee Support for Working, Running, Weightlifting
  • PLEASE NOTE: Please measure your thigh circumference according to the size chart and choose the right size for you. This product contains a small amount of latex. If you are allergic to latex/silicone, please do not use it.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY FABRIC: Copper knee braces bare made of 3D knitted fabric, copper ions are implanted into the nylon through blending technology, which gives it better cushioning, decompression, disperses knee pressure, promotes blood circulation, and protects the knee from injuries, and at the same time, it provides stable knee support, Moisture wicking, Keep your knees warm and reduce stiffness.
  • OUTSTANDING PROTECTION: Copper knee braces are ergonomically designed to protect your knees during sports such as running, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and skiing. They can also be worn during daily work and walks to minimize pressure on your knees.
Bestseller No. 4
JHVW Copper Knee Braces with Strap for Knee Pain(2 pack)- Knee Compression Sleeve Support for Men & Women,Arthritis,Working Out
  • Great Protection: Ergonomically designed copper knee pads use the best compression technology to achieve full protection.Cushioning and decompression,disperse knee pressure,improve blood circulation and protect knees from injury.
  • Comfortable: Leg compression sleeves are made of a new 3D knitted fabric with good breathability and sweat absorption.
  • Anti-slip: Special knitting technology design,with two straps,to ensure that your sleeves always stay in place and maintains joint stability,effectively disperses pressure.
Bestseller No. 5
Copper Knee Braces for Knee Pain Women and Men (2 Pack), Knee Compression Sleeve for Arthritis, ACL, Meniscus Tear, Joint Pain Relief, Knee Support for Working , Running, Weightlifting, Fitness(M)
  • PLEASE NOTE: Please check the size chart to measure the circumference of your thighs and choose the right size for you. If you don't know how to measure please feel free to contact customer service. This product contains a small amount of latex. If you are allergic to latex/silicone, please do not use it.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY FABRIC: Copper knee sleeves are made of 3D knitted fabric with good breathability and sweat absorption. Copper ions are implanted into the nylon through blending, thus better decompression, dispersing knee pressure, promoting blood circulation, keeping the knee warm and reducing stiffness.
  • OUTSTANDING PROTECTION: Copper knee Braces are ergonomically designed to protect your knees during sports such as running, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and skiing. They can also be worn during daily work and walks to minimize pressure on the knees.
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