Volleyball, a very demanding and exciting sport but also, with many risks of injury, especially in the ankle. Ankle injuries are very common as they can occur at any second by a bad position of the foot, which can lead to a serious sprain, even the most experienced players can get hurt. It should thus come as no surprise that the ankle is the body component most susceptible to injury and risk in the activity. There may be hundreds of ankle guards and braces available, but only a select number genuinely provide a player with what they want. This is why we also recommend knee pads.
With volleyball ankle braces, you won’t have to worry about these accidents.
In this post, we bring you the best volleyball ankle braces that ought to provide you with good ankle support, compression, protection and comfort so you can play a safer game. We examined a large number of types of braces, including mechanical, sock, and gel/air pocket designs, as well as their strength, comfort, primary use, and cost.
Additionally, we looked into ankle braces that would work best for various athletes before settling on precisely 10 of the top ankle braces for volleyball. These offer the ideal level of comfort, protection, compression, and support for the ankles without immobilizing them to the point where movement is restricted.
What should the best volleyball ankle pads look like?
- Materials: neoprene offers stability and flexibility at different temperatures, it is resistant to degradation, twisting or bending. And the absorbent microfiber fabric can retain and absorb large amounts of liquid while keeping the surface clean.
- Durability: you need an ankle brace that will hold up to the way you play.
- Purpose: whether it’s to prevent injury or help you recover from one.
- Volleyball position: if your position involves putting more pressure on your ankles you will need it to be durable.
- Adjustability: you need a comfortable fit while still allowing for mobility during play.
5 Best Volleyball Ankle Braces
Zamst A2-DX Strong Ankle Brace Active Ankle Stabilizer
This is the best volleyball ankle brace because it is quite popular with players who need an older level of protection and support for their ankles. You just need to give yourself a few extra minutes to put it on correctly, and you’re ready to go to an anklet of sorts. The Zamst A2-DX is the best choice since it is especially well-liked by athletes who frequently sustain ankle injuries and want more protection and support.
This is the best volleyball ankle brace because it is quite popular with players who need an older level of protection and support for their ankles. You just need to give yourself a few extra minutes to put it on correctly, and you’re ready to go to an anklet of sorts. The Zamst A2-DX is the best choice since it is especially well-liked by athletes who frequently sustain ankle injuries and want more protection and support.
It might not be the most affordable choice available. But if it holds up well enough for Steph Curry, one of the top NBA players, to put his confidence in it and wear it day in and day out, it will definitely withstand everything you can subject it to.
Don’t forget to give yourself some time to put it on. This is not a simple slip-on ankle brace that you can put on in a few seconds and be ready to go. However, the extra effort spent applying it quickly pays off. Giving you the assurance that you can leap, dig, and move about the court with the energy you need and that there won’t be any hesitation while making a play, it truly gives you that “locked-in” sensation.
It is designed with ANTI-ROLL AND ANTI-SPRAIN technology for better support, and ANTI-MIGRATION technology to prevent the ankle from rolling in or out.
- Highly durable
- The choice of professionals
- Anatomically correct fit
- It can be an expensive option
- It takes some practice to wear
Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace for Injury Prevention
Zamst is extremely durable and provides unmatched support and protection. It is easier to put on, it is also a little cheaper and will give you the support and protection you need when playing.
Main Features
This ankle brace is tough, wears in seconds and will protect you for hours allowing for a high range of motion.
Soft shell technology is very form-fitting and durable throughout several seasons.
- Easy to put on
- With good care it can last for years
- You can get these ankle braces in black and white.
- May squeak a bit after a few months, but it’s nothing a little lube can’t fix
Active Ankle T2 Ankle Brace, Rigid Ankle Stabilizer
This is the most popular model of the brand, especially among volleyball players near the net for the jumps, blocks and spikes they perform.
Main features
This is one of the best volleyball ankle braces because it provides a great amount of support without impeding movement, especially from front to back. Its bilateral anatomical hinge allows for a full range of foot movement up and down.
It has a unique quick-adjust strap that is adjustable for both different types of shoes. And it fits any foot!
Features a custom molded EVA cushioning and lightweight feather-light padding that can be comfortably adjusted.
- Can be worn on any foot
- Allows for a full range of motion
- Needs time to adapt
Mizuno DXS2 Ankle Brace Left Leg 480110
The Mizuno DXS2 are among the best volleyball ankle pads for comfort and free mobility.
Main Features
A very stable ankle brace, it has three separate straps that provide stability and support: V-shaped, under the heel, and Anchored Wrap.
Inserts for lateral stability for the old are available as an option.
It is constructed with antibacterial and deodorant material, so it will need less washing than other ankle guards.
- Longer-lasting freshness thanks to an antibacterial design
- Allows more freedom of movement
- A little confusing to put on at first
Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
These ankle braces allow for good support and instant relief, less pain, swelling and comfort.
Main Features
The compression technology of this ankle brace increases circulation and provides stable support in all the right areas.
It is thin, so you can wear it with any shoe and under socks because it is lightweight and breathable.
It also has a pleasant, ergonomic fit without cutting off circulation owing to its superior ComfortFlex
- Lightweight and breathable
- Instant relief
Is it necessary for all volleyball players to wear ankle braces?
Volleyball players are very likely to suffer from ankle bursitis due to the mobility required by the game. If the ankle does not move properly or is not adequately supported, it will weaken, increasing the risk of further problems later on. To avoid or prevent any accident or injury, it is necessary to perform warm-up exercises and use ankle braces to strengthen muscles and ligaments. Ankle protection is a need if you play volleyball at least sometimes and are worried about an ankle injury. While an injury can happen to anybody on the team, players at the net are more vulnerable since they engage in more jumping, blocking, and spiking.
Also, in case of injury, wearing an ankle brace makes recovery easier because the ligaments, muscles and tendons will no longer be under stress while you recover and minimize movement. A present injury can be healed and recovered more quickly. The ligaments, muscles, and tendons won’t be placed under stress as you heal since an ankle brace is made to restrict the movements that can lead to an injury in the first place. Quicker recuperation is the effect of this. The immobility that a proper ankle brace for rehabilitation should offer will help your ankle mend because it won’t be put under as much pressure.
The answer is an unquestionable yes if you’re a player or a worried parent questioning whether ankle braces are worthwhile to get.
Types of anklets for volleyball support
When choosing an ankle brace you should always consider the type according to your needs whether they should be straps, sleeved braces, hybrids and lace supports, each will help you in a certain way.
- Sock: is the simplest design and unique to all, being easy to put on and very effective, works more for the recovery of an injury.
- Mechanical: has supports with straps with repositionable fasteners that are usually fastened around the ankle and is ideal for injury prevention, it is the best option for play.
- Gel/air Pockets: are a comfortable orthopedic model, suitable for healing by decreasing swelling and providing support and compression.
A lot of athletes appear to believe that an ankle brace might weaken the ankle. Clinical studies, however, have disproved this. Ankle braces do not appear to have a detrimental impact on players’ performance on the court, according to the evidence.
Ankle braces may and should be washed. You should receive cleaning instructions with each brace you purchase. Typically, it is advised to hand wash in cold water with a light soap or laundry detergent. Soak in a mixture of water and white vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes for a more natural remedy. After that, the brace has to air dry.
