10 Best Ankle Brace For Gymnastics [Reviews + Buying Guide]

Gymnastics is one sport that requires balance, and gymnasts do the most daring jumps and spins to wow their audiences and leave them satisfied. Unfortunately, these magnificent performances come at a price – bruised ankles. 

Gymnasts have to twist their bodies into positions that put a lot of pressure on their joints, especially their ankles, elbows, knees, and shoulders. This article focuses on providing you with information regarding the best ankle brace for gymnastics.

Quick Answer:- The 10 Best Ankle Braces/Support

10 Best Gymnastics Ankle Braces

The importance of ankle braces in gymnastics is unmatched because this simple product can make a difference in reducing injuries and sprains. These braces give gymnasts support on their feet and reduce the pressure applied to them during games. They also prevent serious injuries caused by the pressure on the feet.

1. Tuli's Cheetah Heel Cup with Compression Ankle Support Sleeve - Editor's Choice

Tuli’s Cheetah support sleeve is considered the best choice, especially when treating an injured ankle. The sleeve provides support from the neoprene waffle design guard and compression from the soft, breathable Lycra material. Its neoprene cup comes with unique indentations to improve balance and allow the passage of air.

This gymnastics ankle brace comes as an easy slip-on sleeve with a secure fit, and it is stretchy enough to fit many sizes. You can use it for daily workouts and performances, and it helps to alleviate pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendon. It also improves blood circulation and works as a shock and impact absorber.

2. Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks Foot Sleeve

The Physix Gear foot sleeve provides compression and excellent ankle support specifically for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. They are also useful for speeding up the treatment of the ailment and other foot pains caused by Achilles tendonitis, ankle spurs, and edema. 

Physix compression foot sleeve is tight enough to provide enough compression while being free enough to allow gymnasts to move their feet as usual. This comfortable fabric is designed to be thin enough to use daily, but firm enough to be effective. You can wear these sleeves with shoes for any activity. They keep your feet dry, and they are really easy to maintain.

3. TechWare Pro Gymnastics Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve

This compression sleeve is a perfect choice for gymnasts that want to treat and prevent conditions that arise from intense pressure applied on the feet and ankles. These sleeves are so thin that you can use them with different shoes for different purposes.

These sleves are easy to wear, and they stay on through the most rigorous workouts and training. Your feet also stay dry throughout due to its moisture-wicking property. It is also a great sleeve for reducing the pain that usually accompanies plantar fasciitis, and it speeds up the healing of other conditions by reducing inflammation of the feet.

4. Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer

This model has an innovative figure 8 design, which offers your feet and ankle total protection and support while doing intense physical activity. This product is made with ballistic nylon, which is a tough and durable material that is also lightweight and easy to wear.

ASO stabilizer is rigid enough to keep your feet straight and in a good position, but it is also flexible, so it doesn't interfere with your exercises and workouts. Thanks to its bilateral design, this gymnastics ankle support can fit either foot, and it can be worn with other footwear. It also has a flexible cuff closure that keeps its straps in place while in use.

5. Crucial Compression Ankle Brace Support Sleeve

The Crucial Compression support sleeve is easily one of the best ankle brace out there because of its efficiency in providing pain relief and support for the feet and ankles. This sleeve has been proven to provide quality compression to combat painful conditions that can arise from intense physical activity like exercise and gymnastics.

With the ComfortFlex design, Crucial Compression is known for offering comfort and flexibility without compromising on the efficiency of its compression. It is comfortable to wear all day, and even with other footwear. Also, it has moisture-wicking abilities that reduce the moisture that can arise from sweat. This sleeve is made from an elastic and snug material mix that holds on to your feet all day.

6. POWERLIX Compression Support Sleeve

This is perfect for relieving pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other discomforts that come from intense physical activities. It provides quality compression with a flexible material that hugs tight to your legs for the best compression. This product is also suitable for preventing pain when used during physical activity.

The beautiful design of this sleeve makes you look trendy while sporting it, and its knitted design ensures you get a snug fit. The fabric is soft and comfortable to wear, plus the moisture-wicking feature leaves your feet odor-free and dry. You can wear this sleeve with other footwear, and in any case that you’re not satisfied with the product, it comes with a six-month guarantee.

7. BraceAbility Lace Up Kids Ankle Brace

Braceability’s lace-up is perfect for your active kids who are interested in sports like basketball, football, and gymnastics. They are useful for speeding up the healing of plantar fasciitis and other conditions, but they also work well to prevent them from occurring during games. It is fantastic as an ankle-foot orthotic and helps kids maintain proper balance.

These braces comes with an inventive figure 8 design, which makes it a universal fit. The extra adjustable straps help it adapt to different kids' foot size. It has an open heel, which makes it flexible and versatile, and the nylon material makes it a free and breathable product. This means the material doesn’t restrict the foot.

8. Neo G Ankle Brace for Kids

This ankle brace is made specifically for kids 12 and younger, and it is an active device for combating the pain that can come from physical activity, like gymnastics. It also provides compression to your ankle and heel, as well as ankle support.

One thing that stands out is that the adjustable straps are not only used to adjust the size of the brace but also as the compression pressure. It is a medically proven device, and it has the figure 8 design that makes it a universal fit. The brace is made from neoprene, which also has some therapeutic heat property that keeps your feet warm.

9. BXT Kids Adjustable Nonslip Ankle Compression Brace

The BXT gymnastics ankle brace provides excellent support and compression to the ankle and the tendons in the ankle. It acts as a stabilizer and protector for your child’s feet when they engage in physical activity. With its open heel design, your kid has enough allowance for foot movements and stretches.

These braces is made with neoprene, which stores heat and reduces the occurrence of skin inflammation. It also has Lycra, which is breathable and prevents the buildup of sweat and odor. You can adjust the cross straps to adjust the size, but it also acts as a stabilizer to direct the movement of the Achilles tendon and talocrural joint. They also help to prevent plantar fasciitis.

10. BraceAbility Kids Elastic Gymnastics Ankle Support

This ankle support for kids is perfect for applying targeted compression to the ankles and feet during physical activities. It is particularly good for gymnastics and dance because of the flexibility it provides while offering support and enhancing balance. It mainly works to prevent foot pains, but it is also good for speeding up the healing process.

The material of this ankle support is elastic without latex, and it is perfect for those that have latex allergies. BraceAbility’s ankle support comes in an unobtrusive design that can be easily worn in shoes. It comes in 5 sizes that are based on your shoe size.

Buying Guides For Gymnasts

Gymnastics ankle braces protect your ankles during gymnastics routines and performances. So, using one should be your foremost priority. Gymnastics and similar activities like cheerleading and dance require you to put a lot of weight on your feet and ankle, thus leading to so many conditions that cause pain and discomfort.

Chief among these conditions are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon, and ankle spurs. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue connecting the heel to the toes gets sore and inflamed. Achilles tendonitis is the injury of the Achilles tendon, and heel spurs are growths that form around the bone of the heel.

Most braces support work to prevent these conditions from happening. There are other factors that you should check out before buying one.

1. Types of ankle Support

Ankle supports come in different types that target different functions. The type of ankle support you buy is determined by what you need it to do for you. Some of them are milder and more flexible than others, and these properties are determined by other factors, like their materials and compression level.

Some ankle brace styles are listed below:

Ankle compression sleeve

Compression sleeves provide pressure on the ankle and feet to guide the tendons and muscles of the feet in place. They also provide relief from pain caused by some of the foot injuries listed above.

These sleeves are soft and easy to wear, especially with other shoes, and one can wear it for daily use. Most are very flexible, and they don’t restrict the movement of your feet while maintaining a good compression on your legs.

They are also easy to maintain and use, and they improve blood circulation. But, they are not suitable for severe injuries as they may not be firm enough.

Ankle Brace

These braces are firm and rigid, and they are perfect for the more severe injuries that may occur. They are less flexible and do not allow a fluid movement, except there is an adjustment in its design. These braces keep your tendons and muscles together to avoid flexion, and they’re also good for relief and rehabilitation.

Support Straps

Support straps are elastic bands that wrap around the foot to provide pressure. Most times, they are made into an easy-to-wear piece, and they are specifically good for gymnasts and dancers. These straps allow the most flexibility of all the ankle supports, and they also target specific areas for compression.

Hybrid brace

A hybrid brace is one that combines aspects of the gymnastics ankle brace and support straps. It usually comes with the straps wrapped in a figure 8 shape around the foot, and the rigid part of the brace holding up the ankle.

Generally, this type of ankle support is preferred amongst athletes because of its versatility. It typically comes with adjustable straps and a bilateral design. These braces also provide heel support and acceptable flexibility for gymnasts.

2. Fit

The fit of an ankle brace is something that you never want to compromise on. If it fits too tightly, it becomes uncomfortable to the point of pain. On the other hand, a loose fit won’t provide enough compression and rigidity for you.

Many braces come as a one-size-fits-all with adjustable straps. However, if you are specifically looking for braces of one kind, you should use the sizes provided by the manufacturer. Do not use your shoe size unless it is explicitly stated because many manufacturers do not use shoe sizes.

3. Material

The material is important because it plays a role in how comfortable it is for you. Many of these braces are made with nylon, neoprene, and Lycra. Some of them contain a mix of two or more of these fabrics. These are light, breathable fabrics that let air in and reduce the accumulation of sweat.

Neoprene also retains heat and acts as a thermal therapeutic material in some cases. You can pick out which material suits you, and if you’re allergic to latex, there are some latex-free options out there.

4. Flexibility

As a gymnast, flexibility and being quick on your feet are priorities. This is why, when choosing these braces for gymnastics, you should pay attention to how much movement the ankle brace allows you to have. Some types allow more movement than others, so you should make an informed pick.

5. Price

As always, you have to consider the cost of the product before you buy it. These braces do not usually differ too much in price, and factors like material and features have a hand in their pricing.

Some braces are sold as singles, so you have to buy two if you need them on both feet. You have to consider all these before making your choice, and having a budget makes things easier.

Always remember that a mid-range product is usually a safe bet if you’re finding it hard to make a choice.

The products in this article were carefully and thoroughly reviewed for the best product to be determined. So, at the end of this review, our top pick for the best gymnastics ankle brace is the Tuli's Cheetah Heel Cup. This product provides sufficient support and protection for gymnasts and other sportspeople without compromising on comfort. Its neoprene waffle bottom also adds support and offer shock absorption properties.

The popular product among customers is the Physix Gear Sport Foot Sleeve. This foot sleeve provides pain relief for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. It is also very comfortable, and it offers targeted compression and pressure. 

Finally, our pick for the best value product is the TechWare Pro. It provides enough compression and support for your feet during intense physical activity, but the reasonable price sets it apart from competitors.