Аnkle injuries are one of the most common types of traumas in gymnastics. They usually result from collision, falling off equipment, taking a wrong step, jumping on a trampoline, etc.

Sport medical experts recommend that wearing an ankle brace can lower the risk of future injuries, especially if you have already been injured in this area before. 

Wearing the best ankle brace for gymnastics can also be very beneficial for recovery and can help with a lot of the very common problems that cause pain and discomfort into the lower area of your body.

In this article, you are going to learn what are the most important things you should know about a good ankle brace and see our top 5 favorite list.

Here we go…

No time to read everything?

Hey, don’t worry I get you. In that case, I would recommend taking a look at our favorite pick: Tuli’s Gymnastics Ankle Support.

We believe assume that to be true because this product combines the support and compression of a much thicker brace in a more thinner and flexible design. So, in other words, this brace actually works and people are happy with it.

Click Here to check it on Amazon

Top 5 Best Ankle Braces for Gymnastics

In our list below we are going to share what we believe are the top ankle braces on the market. 

Here’s a quick comparison table showing the products we are going to review listed side by side so you can see the differences.

Comparison Table

Name	Picture	Type	Support
Tuli’s Ankle Sleeve		Combined	High
Zenith Ankle Brace		Strap/Laces	Very High
TechWare Pro Ankle Brace		Sleeve	Medium
Thirty48 Compression Sleeves		Sleeve	Medium
Ankle Support Sleeves		Sleeve	Medium

All 5 gymnastic support braces are going to be evaluated using our most important criteria in order to find out what are their main differences and which is the best choice for you. 

The 5 Criteria of Evaluation are:

• Comfort
• Breathability
• Flexibility
• Adjustability
• Materials

Keep in mind that every model has its own pros and cons. That’s why it’s a good thing to read the whole review so you can pick the brace you like the most.

Let’s check them out!

#1 – Tuli’s Gymnastics Ankle Support Sleeve – Best Overall [Winner]

Quick Summary:

I do believe this is the best ankle brace for gymnastics because it has everything you really want to have in such a product – comfort, flexibility, good price, and happy customers. It’s also thin and can easily be worn barefoot or in most shoes.

It provides all the freedom you need while giving you a good ankle support and compression. Those things combined make it a great product to have.

Comfort

A good thing about this ankle brace is that the majority of customers are happy with the fit and share that this ankle brace is very comfortable to wear all day long. It’s also made from soft neoprene that doesn’t irritate the skin. 

If you get the right size or you get the adjustable option you will get a very snug fit and the whole thing won’t move around causing fraying or slipperiness.

A set of these supports are also comfortable to wear barefoot or in shoes. Some people find them so comfortable that they wear them even during sleep. 

Breathability

This gymnastic support is made from thin materials resulting in a somewhat breathable and comfortable brace.

Everything works great if used barefoot or with light socks but it can cause some sweating if worn with some shoes.

Of course, that’s depending on the temperature, physical activity and, of course, the thickness of the shoe.

Flexibility

Customers are very happy with the thin and flexible design it offers. It allows great foot movement while on the other hand, it provides good support and compression to help you with pain and stiffness.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability this ankle brace does come in two options – adjustable and not. The non-adjustable version is just a slip-on that is very easy to put on and off.

But you have to be careful which size you pick because you have only one shot to make it right.

If you have a somewhat regular-sized leg I would recommend you go for the adjustable one which uses 2 velcro straps because you have the complete freedom to adjust it exactly how you want.

Materials

The whole design is pretty lightweight and is made from medical grade neoprene which is durable and comfortable to wear.

What makes this product unique from the rest is the additional heel cup it has.

The cup does provide extra support and does help with slippery surfaces and absorbing shock.

The overall design is pretty sturdy and well made and it can be cleaned in a washer and dryer without losing elasticity or break apart.

#2 – Zenith Adjustable Ankle Brace Support – Best Support 

Quick Summary:

The next option we are going to review has a reasonable price per unit and it’s a great option for gymnasts who need to have extra support during the healing process. This type of ankle brace is usually thicker than most but that does lead to better overall support for your ankle and arch all-around your foot.

People are very happy with the quality, comfort, and results they are getting from this support brace. It’s got a pretty accurate size, doesn’t bunch at the feet and it’s fairly easy to pun on and off. It doesn’t fit all shoes very well but on the other hand, it is protecting your foot nicely which is what it’s supposed to do.

Comfort

It’s almost impossible to make this foot support too tight or too loose because you have the complete freedom to adjust it to whatever compression and tightness you feel comfortable with.

The majority of people share that this brace is comfortable to wear for a long period of time and because of the good adjustability it doesn’t stop circulation or cause calluses.

That means it can be worn anywhere around the house, outside, during gymnastics workouts and even while you sleep.

The inside of the brace is soft and doesn’t irritate the skin so you wouldn’t feet discomfort wearing it.

Breathability

Because of the additional laces and straps, this brace is most likely going to be less breathable than a simple ankle sleeve.

That problem is somewhat solved with the help of the special breathable membrane found on all the important places where most sweat is accumulated.

Even with its somewhat thicker design customers find it still very breathable and comfortable to wear.

Flexibility

Compared to similar products such as compression sleeves, etc. these type of braces is somewhat thicker making it a little more stiff to move around with.

Even so, the product is still very supportive without being too restrictive on your movements.

Because of how it’s designed it gives you plenty of movement so you can train freely all kinds of sports including gymnastics as well.

Adjustability

This support brace has one of the best adjustability options I have ever seen. It uses a combination of both laces and straps to provide you with the biggest freedom of choice you could have.

Having these things is going to help you easily find the best tightness and support for your needs.

Even if this type of ankle support is somewhat more difficult and time-consuming to put on and off compared to a sleeve it’s actually not that bad.

The majority of people share that they find the whole process fairly easy and fast.

Materials

Everything is made from thick high-quality fabric that uses double stitched seams for extra durability.

At first glance, the whole design might seem a little heavy but it actually isn’t.

People find it very lightweight and durable.

Every detail is well thought and you are going to get a product that is well made and it’s probably going to last a while.

No matter which foot you want to use it on you won’t have any problems because the brace is bilateral so it’s going to fit both legs the same.

#3 – TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeves – Best Design

Quick Summary:

The third ankle support for gymnastics in our list is very affordable and it uses simple yet effective design. What I like about this model is that it comes only in pairs. It works great with many common injuries and comes with pretty big color options to choose from.

People are very happy with this product and confirm that it does really help with problems such as ankle sprains, arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, etc. Even if you don’t have any issues wearing it is still going to help with ankle protection and at the same time improve blood circulation and stability.

Another great thing is that because of their slim design they could easily be worn in almost any shoe.

Comfort

People share that wearing them does provide good support and compression while at the same time the compression sleeves do feel nice on the feet.

The inside of the sleeve is soft and comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Because of their design, they could be worn alone or in combination with a sock.

One of the biggest pros of this type of design is that they can be very easily put on and off in just a matter of a few seconds.

The inner part does not become slippery so you can be sure that everything will stay in one place and won’t shift around causing discomfort and unwanted problems.

Breathability

Because of how thin they actually are they do breathe pretty well and don’t make your feet sweat if you wear them inside shoes.

Have in mind that this really depends on the type of shoe, temperature, etc.

Even so, most people confirm that it’s good against sweat. Another great thing about these supports is that they also dry out fairly quickly when they get wet.

Flexibility

As you have guessed from the picture this gymnastics ankle support does provide very good freedom of movement. You can fairly easy rotate or flex your feet in any direction you want.

That amount of flexibility is why this is one excellent choice for people who are into gymnastics.

Adjustability

Because of the way, it’s made this support adjusts to the form your feet and if the size is right you are going to be very happy with the overall performance.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any other way to adjust them and if for example, they don’t fit you very well you got a problem.

If for example, they are too big or too small there isn’t anything you can do about it than to simply return them back.

f for example, they are too big or too small there isn’t anything you can do about it than to simply return them back.

A good thing to know is that TechWare Pro does have a fairly nice return policy to help you with.

Materials

These braces are made from 80% nylon and 20% spandex that are both good materials for support and compression while providing you with fairly big freedom of movement.

A good thing I have to add these types of materials continues to stay in good condition even after many washes. In addition to that, the whole washing process is fairly easy to do. 

#4 – Thirty48 Compression Sleeves (2 Pairs) – Best Value

Quick Summary:

The fourth model we are going to check out is made by a company named Thirty48 and offers the best value per the price you can find. You get 2 pairs of compression sleeves for the usual price of only 1 pair or in some cases a single unit.

I know that’s great but that’s not the reason we have added it into our list. You can find it here because it does actually work and help reduce ankle pain and inflammation while increases the blood circulation and protects your feet from further damage. If you don’t believe this to be true feel free to check out what hundreds of worldwide customers have to say.

Wearing this ankle brace does provide good support and compression while also help reduce the chance of spraining and twisting your ankle during workouts. I believe it has everything a good ankle brace should have. And you can find all that for a very good price.

Comfort

What I like about this design is that is quite slim so it’s more difficult to cause discomfort.

That also means that it can be worn in almost any type of shoes, socks or even barefoot.

The sleeve type design makes it very easy to put on and off in just a few seconds so if you don’t like dealing with straps or laces you may like it.

Everything is made from soft lightweight materials that are proven to be comfortable to wear for a long period of time which is one of the reasons why these compression sleeves may be an excellent choice for gymnastics and many other sports.

Breathability

The sleeves are thin and breathable meaning they can with no problem absorb sweat and keep your feet dry and moisture-free.

Another plus is that they don’t heat up your feet causing an excessive amount of sweat even if you have problematic feet. 

Flexibility

Their light and elastic design are going to provide you with great freedom of movement so you can do almost anything without feeling constrained or uncomfortable.

People share that the snug fit does not limit your ability to move. 

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability this gymnastic ankle support does come in 4 different sizes to choose from.

In some way, it does provide some type of adjustability because it’s made from quite stretchy materials that can easily fit somewhat larger feet without stopping the blood circulation.

A big downside for this type of ankle braces is that they don’t have any additional way to control the amount of support and tightness you want.

So if you want more or less support for your ankles you can’t really do much. 

Materials

Each compression sleeve is extremely lightweight, stretchy and durable. It’s made from nylon and spandex which are good quality materials used in many similar products.

The materials wash well and don’t lose their stretch and compression after some time.

Some people like to throw them into the washing machine which is not what I recommend for these types of products but it apparently does work and stays still stall the same.

For the price, you are paying I might say that you are getting quite a decent product that is going to last for a fairly good chunk of time.

#5 – Ankle Compression Support Sleeves – Best Length

Quick Summary:

If you are into gymnastics you want to check out our final pick. It has a decent price, longer design and does help with many common problems people have with their ankles and feet.

We are talking about things such as Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendon, swelling, heel spurs, etc. It does provide good ankle support and compression and people are happy wearing them.

They are also a lightweight, comfortable and great option for gymnasts looking for something that is going to provide them with good freedom of movement while protecting their feet.

Comfort

Many customers are happy with how well do they fit (if they have the right size) and share that these compressions socks do have a snug fit without restricting the circulation of your feet.

That’s why this support sleeve can be worn for long periods of time in any shoe or sock you like.

This design is preferred by many people because it makes putting it on and off a fairly easy process to do.

Breathability

The Crucial Compression sleeves breath well, don’t allow your feet to get drenched in sweat and dry fairly quickly.

Also, they deal well with water and sweat by easily absorbing it while keeping your feet nice and dry during your workouts.

Flexibility

You won’t be limited to how much you can twist your legs because both sleeves are made from relatively thin material that is at the same time very flexible.

So if you are looking for the best ankle support for gymnastics that could provide you with a great amount of movement you might like checking it out.

Adjustability

Because of the bigger length, this model could be adjusted up and down your foot in order to focus more directly on the target area you like but when it comes to adjustability that’s really it.

Similarly to the other 2 options above this gymnast ankle support doesn’t provide you with any other adjustment options.

Depending on what you seek that might be a good or a bad thing.

Be very careful about picking the right size because there are some complaints about the sleeve being too loose or tight.

Don’t worry too much about it because Crucial Compression does have relatively good customer service which can help you replace it with different size if needed.

Materials

Both compression socks are made with somewhat thick quality material – a combination of nylon, rubber, and spandex.

Customers find it very sturdy and durable so you won’t have to worry about tearing down just after a few weeks of usage.

The cool thing is that even with this good quality and thickness the whole thing is still lightweight and breathable.

It stands up well to a washing machine and has a fast drying process so you can wear it again in no time.

7 Things to Know Before you buy Ankle Support Brace for Gymnastics

I know you are probably very eager to stop the pain as fast as possible or simply you don’t have the time to read everything but I still highly recommend to take a look and educate yourself. 

These few minutes of reading may save you a lot of money, nerves, and frustration in the future. 

So without any further ado let’s jump to the good stuff…

[#1] – Type of the ankle brace

When it comes to different types there are usually two main types of ankle braces:

• Sleeves
• Straps/Laces

Depending on what level of protection you seek or how severe injury you have you should go for one or the other. 

If for example you don’t have any serious injuries or pains or you are just seeking to buy a gymnastic ankle brace for safety reasons then you might be fine with the lighter compression type of ankle support aka the sleeve type. 

Or if you are the exact opposite and are looking for something with a lot of support that is going to provide with a ton of support then you should go for the other option. 

Please Note:

Our recommendation is not intended to be medical advice and it’s written for informational purposes.

Always consult with a doctor or specialist first.

Now let’s dive deeper into the 2 most common types of ankle braces on the marker for gymnastics and see what are their pros and cons in order to help you decide what you want.

Sleeves

Sleeve type of braces are less expensive than the rest because they have fewer features and materials. 

Because of their design, they are easier and faster to put on and off and are usually thinner and very flexible. 

That’s the main reason why they can fit into the majority of shoes and socks without any concerns. 

They are also fairly breathable because of the thin material and allow very good freedom of movement. 

People use them mainly for light injuries or as protection against future ones. 

They do provide somewhat support but it’s far less than the more complicated available options. 

Overall they wash fairly easy and dry quickly. 

A big downside is that many of them are not designed to be very durable or start to lose elasticity in a short amount of time after every wash. 

Of course, the quality is really depending on who doest make it, with what materials, where, etc.

Straps/Laces

They are more expensive than the sleeve option but the higher price does come with its perks.

To start they are super adjustable giving you the option to choose whatever amount of support you need. 

That way it’s very hard for you to have problems with sizing (too big or too small) because you usually decide how tight you want them to be. 

That freedom of choice does come with a little disadvantage – it takes a little longer to set them up every time you want to put them on. 

For some people, that’s not a big deal but I know from fact that some you might not like this. 

Another benefit is that they provide better support for your ankles because they are usually thicker and more complex to make. 

That makes them ideal for people looking for solid recovery and protection. 

Even with thicker materials, they are still breathable usually by using a special membrane of certain places and offer enough flexibility so you can do a lot of gymnastic movements freely. 

Usually, because of their higher price companies use better and more durable materials to make them meaning they are more likely to last for a very long time. 

One downside of this type is that because they are bulkier than the sleeves some people have a hard time wearing them in some type of shoes. 

So that is a nice thing to consider before you decide you are going to go for such model.

[#2] – Comfort

I believe that comfort is for sure one of the most important things all of us seek in a good ankle brace. 

I find it to be even more important than support or price because we all know the bad feeling when you have to wear something uncomfortable for a long period of time. 

In order to save yourself from that the first thing you can do is to insure that the brace you like is comfortable.

You can do this by checking what do previous owners have to say about comfort. 

Even if a product has solid reviews but you for some reason don’t get the right size then you are not going to see it as comfortable as some other people may. 

That’s why it’s important to make sure to select the right size for you and double-check everything before you complete your order. 

You should aim for a snug fit that doesn’t stop your circulation but provides you with proper support and pressure so you can exercise freely. 

The brace shouldn’t move around with every step you take because that can cause blisters and calluses. 

It’s also good to check out the materials of the brace and see what it has been made off.

Check if they are soft and comfortable on the inner part of the brace. 

That’s important because you don’t want the equipment to irritate or make your skin itchy every time you decide to wear it. 

Instead, it should be soft and comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

[#3] – Breathability

It’s important that the materials from which your ankle support is made from are somewhat breathable so your feet don’t get drenched in sweat every time you wear it.

Not only is this uncomfortable but it can also become dangerous because having excessive amounts of sweat for a long period of time can produce bacteria and even infection.

Another thing to look for is to check if the material does absorb or repel water so you can keep your feet nice and dry. 

Finally, it’s good to have fast-drying fabric so even if you somehow get it wet it won’t last for long causing additional problems.

[#4] – Flexibility

The main purpose of wearing an ankle brace is to limit the overall movement of your ankle and to make it more stable. 

But that doesn’t mean it should become completely stiff like you are wearing a cast. 

Wearing a protective brace should still give you some flexibility so you can still walk and do freely your gymnastic exercises and movements. 

That’s why it’s important that you go for a size that is not going to be too small and tight so it severely limits your foot movement abilities.

Usually, the thickness and the type of the used materials have a direct impact on flexibility.

If you want something more flexible go for a thinner material with better flexibility characteristics, etc.

As you have probably read from the text above the sleeve type of brace does have better overall flexibility.

[#5] – Adjustability

Some models have little to no adjustability options to choose from – aka the sleeves type.

That way you can’t really control the amount of support and pressure you desire. You are in a way stuck with what you get. 

Meaning if you don’t get the right amount of support or you get too little to none you can’t really do a thing except to return it back and eventually get a refund. 

Others require a little more time to be put on but as a result of that, you get the complete freedom to adjust the tightness as you are pleased. 

That is usually done with the help of velcro straps or leases or sometimes even a combination of both.

Depending on what’s your goal and needs you can go for one or the other. 

At the end of the day, both options can provide you with enough compression and support to lower the pain and make working out more enjoyable and secure.

[#6] – Materials

There are a ton of different materials used in these types of products but there are a few things that are important to know about them.

Firstly try to find if the materials allow air circulation around your skin and how well does it do the job. 

It’s also important that the whole thing is lightweight because after all, you may be wearing it for a very good amount of time. 

Some people have allergies towards some materials and if that’s the case it’s good to check if the materials used are hypoallergenic or not. 

Also, it’s a good thing if they don’t allow bacterial formation (antibacterial) which can cause additional bad odor and even on rare occasions severe complications.

Another good thing you can do is to check the overall thickness of the whole thing in order to see if it can provide you with the amount of support and compression you need.

If it is too thick it may even be uncomfortable to wear so watch out for that.

Finally, it won’t hurt to try to find if the materials can be machine washed or not. 

Speaking of that, it’s very important to know how the whole thing reacts to washing. 

Some products are just made poorly and can easily become too tight or loose only after a few washes. That makes the whole support thing pretty useless.

[#7] – Visuals

This factor is the least important and it should only be considered after a product has met most of the previous 6 requirements.

In other words, aim for functionality and comfort and right after that consider visuals.

Some brands do offer their products in different color schemes and if that’s the case go for the product you find most visually appealing.

Of course, that’s individual thing so don’t take advice too seriously from other people because you are the one who is eventually going to wear it, not them.

It’s always good to know that some companies do offer additional colors so you have more options to choose from while others are limited by only 1 color. 

Even if that’s the case don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world because you are looking for support, not style. 🙂

Bonus Video

Here’s a quick video showing you proper ankle training that is going to help you prevent future injuries: 

Final Thoughts

At this point, you should have a clue and a clear understanding of what are the most important things to watch for if you want to get the best ankle brace for gymnastics. 

I know that you probably believe this post contains way too much information and details but believe me it’s all worth it.

If you use it wisely I’m almost sure that after a certain period of time you will start seeing positive results and your pain and discomfort will slowly start to fade away, etc. 

I’m a firm believer that it’s never a bad thing to be well informed before you make a decision.

I also believe that this is one of the main reasons why so many people are unhappy with the results they get from their decisions. 

So if you don’t want to be like the majority take the necessary time and get yourself educated and don’t be afraid to learn new stuff. 

If you are looking for good products that do have all important factors mentioned above and are proven to be good again and again by a lot of people please take a look in our top 5 list above.

Use everything you have learned and pick a product you like.

If you don’t know which one to pick I highly recommend you to check out my favorite pick – Tuli’s Gymnastics Ankle Support.

This product has everything you really need in a support brace and it can be used for both healing and prevention of injuries.

Click Here to check it out on Amazon

I do believe you may like it.

Bonus:

No matter what type of training you do it’s always better to be prepared and to know what to do when things do not go as planned.

Here are a few tips I have prepared for you that could be useful. You don’t have to remember all of them but it won’t hurt to check them out.

Quick Tips:

• In order to recover faster from a current injury, it may help to follow a great diet plan full of protein, carbs, fats, fruits, and vegetables. 
  
• Taking recovery drinks, protein bars, BCAAs, creatine, and other useful supplements can also increase the healing process of your body and help a lot with recovery. 
  
• Make sure to sleep at least 6 hours every night in a dark, cold and quiet place. 
  
• Wearing a stable pair of workout shoes, wrist wraps, knee or elbow braces, gloves are also recommended for additional protection. I know that most people don’t like wearing them but it’s better to be prepared than sorry.

That being said it’s time to end this article. I wish it was helpful and useful to you and you have found what you were looking for.

It would mean a lot to me if you share it with a friend or leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Hope to see you again (without any injuries of course),

– Bozhidar