Best Knee Sleeves and Knee Wraps
James
If you train heavy in the gym, nothing taxes you more than the squat rack. Your knees bear the brunt of the pressure, so if there’s a training aid that will give them support, you want to know about it. The great thing about the best knee sleeves is that they’ll not only give you that much-needed knee support, but they will also actually allow you to lift more weight.
Knee wraps are absolutely essential when you’re squatting 80% or more of your one-rep max. Your knees can take a pounding under the heavy iron. Weightlifting sleeves provide you with the support to push more weight for more reps. As a weightlifter, you need to have confidence that your joints can perform. We are here with the list of the best ones to give you that confidence.
In a Hurry? The best knee sleeves for squats after 19 hrs of research
Extremely durable with reinforced cross-stitching
Elasticity will improve your squat poundage
Double inlay cross-stitching
Cost-effective
No need to wrap knees
10 Best Knee Sleeves and Wraps
1. BLITZU Flex Plus
Extremely durable with reinforced cross-stitching
Elasticity will improve your squat poundage
Double inlay cross-stitching
Cost-effective
No need to wrap knees
Interior lining may cause slight rubbing to the back of the knee in extreme heat
The Blitzu Flex Plus knee sleeves are the premium choice if your primary focus is on CrossFit, running and plyometric exercises. These knee compression sleeves will allow for the ultimate protection of your patellar joint, boosting the flow of blood to fast track nutrients to the synovial area.
These knee wraps stretch well above and below your knee bringing enough pressure with 4D compression technology for advanced level protection. This sleeve is made of flexible breathable fabric and is durable, providing extreme muscular support.
Read moreBlitzu Flex Plus provides fantastic protection. At the same time, these knee sleeves will allow for a free range of movement so that you can run, jump and lunge without interruption. Blitzu has created a very durable leg sleeve, one which features a reinforced patellar stabilizer.
This knee wrap is made from Power Plus Premium Performance Fabric. The superior grade circular knit structure delivers 360-degree stretch for greater flexibility, power, and durability.
The compression knee sleeve fits snugly and stays in place. Even if you’re doing multiple reps, it will not slip down or bunch up. The close fit that you get with this sleeve will make sure that the heat is retained in the joints and surrounding areas. This will reduce the risk of injury and post-exercise soreness.
2. UFlex Athletic Knee Sleeves
Very durable construction
Anatomical form-fitting design
Comfortable, tight fit
Sweat build-up within the sleeve
UFlex Athletic Knee Sleeves combine cutting edge technology with high-quality materials to provide a premium level of knee compression sleeve support. It is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling, soreness, stiffness. It provides you with heating sufficient for effective muscular recovery making them one of the best knees wraps for squats on the market.
This sleeve offers a tight fit which is no slip and resistant to tearing. It will help your muscle endurance. The stretchable fabric will not interfere with your range of motion so you can focus on your workout without being hampered in any way.
Read moreThese knee sleeves provide you with a 4-way stretch capability so that you get all-around protection. The double silicone anti-slip wave ensures that these sleeves will not roil, slide or slip down when you’re working out. The ergonomic design of the sleeve makes it ideal for a full range of exercise and sporting applications.
Not only is this knee wrap good for your workout, but it is also versatile enough to wear as protection for your knee during your daily activities. The silicone grip gel keeps it in place during any activity. The high-quality fabric helps to improve circulation in your muscles. The quick-dry fabric also makes the sleeve comfortable and anti-bacterial. The UFlex is suitable for all sports activities and can also aid in pain relief and recovery.
3. Iron Bull Knee Sleeve
Superior level of leg warmth
Double silicone gel strips
Tight fit providing excellent compression
Hard to get on and off
The Iron Bull Knee sleeve is made from 7mm neoprene flex material which is designed for maximum support, compression and stability for bodybuilding, CrossFit, weightlifting and powerlifting. You may find these sleeves hard to get on, but it’ll give you the best form fit of any knee sleeves out there. These knee sleeves will also give you the best heat retention of any product on the market right now
Read moreIron Bull sleeves are the go-to and best knee sleeve for people with pre-existing knee complaints who are looking for maximum heat generation while lifting. The upper part of the knee sleeves features double silicone gel strips to lock it in place during intensive activities.
This means that you will never have to reposition the sleeves again while working out.
The 3D design provides a contour fit to compress your joints and provide warmth with the best breathability and comfort. These knee wraps help to reduce swelling and pressure during physical activity, help prevent injury and give your muscles a chance to heal. Increase your performance and confidence during your lifts knowing your knees are protected and strengthened even.
4. Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve
Full-length 16-inch sleeve
Superior sweat and moisture removal
Compact fit
Extra hex knee padding
Little tight in the thigh area
The fabric covering the padded area of the knee is thin
The Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve provides extra patellar padding with four-way compression. It is also a lot longer than most other sleeves, both above and below the patella. This sleeve is better suited for running and CrossFit movements rather than powerlifting. Its long length offers compression while also providing a free form flow of movement. The Powerlix Knee Sleeves have a very effective built-in moisture and odor evaporating system.
Read moreThe Powerlix will wick away sweat and build-up in the knee area so that the knee wraps don’t slip around and there is a minimum of discomfort while training. It also improves the compression of the sleeve, allowing to fit more snugly to the skin. Although there is extra padding over the patellar, the fabric covering it is very thin.
You will find it so helpful to have that full support while still keeping a free range of motion. The high-performance fabric keeps your knee at an optimal temperature all the way around your leg to help reduce pain and improve circulation. This knee wrap is a great fit for any activity which puts a lot of pressure on the joints like basketball, baseball, or tennis. The tight, form-fitting, breathable fabric maintains your joint stability while avoiding the itchiness caused by some of the neoprene supports. This one absorbs sweat to keep your leg dry and odor-free.
5. Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
Form-fitting with thick construction
Don’t slip or bunch up
An effective level of compression
Not a lot of padding or protection to the knee
No moisture eliminating the effect
The Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves are an affordable, premium quality compression band that is designed for protection and performance. They are constructed from 7mm neoprene with double reinforced stitching. It will provide your patellar with great support when squatting. Whether you are a professional or rookie athlete, these knee sleeves will help to improve your performance while helping to prevent injury or pain during your lift by reinforcing any weak points.
Read moreBeing made of 7mm neoprene with double reinforced stitching makes the Nordic knee wraps a relatively thick band, which is better suited for heavy lifting than for running. Ergonomically designed for a form fit, the Nordic knee band is comfortable to wear, allowing for a natural knee bend. The Nordic band will give you a good level of support, providing compression and warmth. Double stitching is used on the seams of these sleeves to provide an extra level of strength and durability.
The Nordic bands have an impressive level of in-built elasticity. This will allow you to make maximum use of the spring loading effect when coming out of the squat ‘hole’. The result is that you can lift more weight. Please note the Nordic sleeve is not approved for competition lifting by the IPF and IWF.
The Nordic knee sleeves have a nice, stylish design that is perfect for men or women. Every pair is hand-crafted using the best materials and made by professional craftsmen. They are made to take a beating during any heavy lift and still keep you supported and protected.
6. CAP Barbell Knee Wraps
Durable construction
Not as stiff as some other brands
Great value for the money
Excellent gripping ability
After repeated use, the wrap may lose some elasticity
The CAP Barbell elastic knee wraps are the best knee wraps that we came across when it comes to pricing. You can pick up a pair for less than ten bucks. They have a great deal of stretch to provide an effective rebound on exercises like the squat. With the CAP wrap, you don’t need to chalk up your knees, because the CAP wraps cling to your knees for a no-slip experience. They are relatively light. In that way, it delivers all of the benefits of a wrap without having the hassle of wrapping and unwrapping.
Read moreThe CAP elastic knee wrap is not as stiff as most other brands, which offers more flexibility in the knee joint. They do a good job of keeping the knee warm, which helps to keep the synovial fluid moving. These wraps provide you with all of the features of the top name brands without the big brand price!
The stretchy fabric provides the mobility and support you need for performing weighted squats and leg presses. They provide excellent support for your knees and will help relieve any pain during your squat. CAP has been manufacturing products for the fitness industry for over 30 years so they are a trusted brand in the field. You will be sure to get more reps and lift heavier by using these wraps to support your knees.
7. Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Comes with velcro strap for easy secure attachment
Easily adjustment for tension
Excellent level of knee compression
Very comfortable
May shrink after repeated uses
A tendency to bunch up behind the knee
The MAVA Sports knee sleeves are the best knee wraps when it comes to comfort. They will not slip while working out and are easily adjustable according to your compression needs. These knee wraps are 72 inches in length. They are very malleable and will stretch to almost double their original length.
They also come with a velcro strap. This helps the wrap stay firmly in place and avoids the problem of the wrap unraveling. You can adjust the MAVA wraps as tightly or as loosely as you want.
Read moreMAVA offers a very functional knee wrap which has the added benefit of a secure closure by way of the velcro strap. It also has an adjustable hook and loop closure to get rid of loose ends. The wraps come in your choice of five different accent colors to match the rest of your training outfit. It has superior compression to fully lubricate the knee joint. These are very effective wraps for deadlifting.
MAVA is designed for superior comfort with this wrap which will not slip, unroll, or fall off. The strong material gives you the best support for heavy squats, leg presses, cross-training, and high-intensity lifting, making it one of the best knee sleeves for weightlifting. They help to prevent injury or pain because you control the tension. You can use them in any weather, indoors or outdoors. They are designed for training, rehab, or active sports. These knee sleeves are easily adjustable to fit your needs perfectly.
8. Slingshot Strong Knee Sleeves
Very stretchy and not too stiff
Ideal for high rep training
Keeps your patellar locked into proper alignment
Soft inner lining for advanced comfort
Not suitable for max lifts
Hard to get on and off
The Slingshot Strong Knee Sleeve by powerlifting legend Mark Bell is a quality knee protector one of the best knee sleeves for CrossFit due to a good deal of insulation to the joint. They feature a soft inner lining to provide leg comfort and to avoid itchiness. This sleeve is made from a reactive type of material that is a lot stretchier than a lot of the other brands out there. That makes this type of knee wraps great for beginning lifters and anyone who’s doing repetitions in their training.
Read moreIf you’re going for a heavy set of 4-5 reps, using a Slingshot wrap will give you better performance. We believe that these are the best knee wraps for a rebound. It’s really important that novice lifters graduate the stiffness of their wraps. If you just start out with a cast iron type wrap, you are not going to be able to learn the proper mechanics of the squat.
When you start with the Slingshot 7mm sleeves, you are able to push into the wrap, driving your knees out and staying in the natural groove of the squat movement. The Strong Band has a vertical slit seam up the side. This is in contrast to brands such as SBD and Rehband which have diagonal seams. The vertical seam is less intrusive when you are going into heavy lifts.
The stitch used on these knee sleeves is cross-over double stitching, which provides extra strength. The Strong bands provide an effective slingshot effect out of the bottom squat position. This will have the effect of increasing your squat poundage. The marketing material for the Strong band claims that you will get an extra 20-50 pounds on your squat max from wearing these sleeves!
9. Meister Power Lift Knee Wraps
Velcro closure
Maximum elasticity
Three inches thick
Lots of sweat build up
The Meister heavy-duty elastic training knee wraps provide a very tight hold that will provide maximum support while doing a squat and powerlifting exercises. The super-tight, extreme strand design provides the ultimate in a rebound effect, allowing you to lift heavier on squats and power cleans. In fact, Meister training straps will add an average of about 10% to your one-rep max on both of these lifts.
Read moreThe Meister knee wrap provides a loop and wrap design which will keep it steady along with a sturdy Velcro closure. The wraps are 72 inches long. These knee wraps add more flexibility and elasticity to the patellar while keeping the area warm, thus providing a greater level of overall protection. These wraps are heavy duty and made to stand up to your most intense workout. Use this wrap if you need extra protection for a knee weakness or while recovering from an injury. These wraps are designed specifically to help you support your knees and legs during exercise or powerlifting.
10. Harbinger Red Line Knee Wraps
Competition grade elastic
78-inch length
Good pricing
A little tricky to take off
Harbinger Red Line wraps feature the distinctive red line, which has come to be seen as a symbol of quality and performance. These knee sleeves, or rather, knee wraps are made from competition grade elastic, providing for a buildup of kinetic energy to power you out of the hole when you are doing a squat. These wraps are designed to give powerlifters the maximum support your legs need.
Read moreHarbinger Red Line wraps are available in a 78-inch length, which is considerably more than the industry standard; this allows you more flexibility in the amount of leg coverage and the tightness of your wrap. It allows for overlap or different styles of wrapping.
Harbinger sells their red line knee wraps as a pair; this is a solidly performing knee wrap that won’t slip or unravel while you are pumping out your reps during your workout. Wrap it tight, and you can get up to an extra 10% on your squat max.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Knee sleeves are designed to protect an already injured knee from getting any worse or protect from future injury or damage. It is wise to use them during high impact physical activity like weightlifting, jumping, or running. You will not be inclined to wear them unless they are comfortable.
For that, you need knee sleeves or knee wraps that are designed not to slip or bunch up. Make sure you find one which has material that will not irritate your skin or pinch you while you are exercising. The fastener should keep it in place so you can comfortably workout without being self-conscious about it.
Materials
Knee sleeves are usually made of neoprene material. The best material is going to be something which is breathable so it resists the moisture and odor of sweating. You also want to make sure the inner surface is something that will not scratch or irritate your skin. If you are looking at a wrap, you want to make sure the Velcro is the best quality, one that will stand up through high pressure and repeated use.
Compression
A good knee sleeve will provide the perfect amount of compression. Compression is important to increase blood flow and reduce pain before and after your workout.
Knee sleeve compression is also important for serious powerlifters. They allow more weight to be lifted in the squat by allowing elastic energy to be stored and then released during the upwards phase. For this reason, the amount of compression available is important.
Durability
You are looking for knee sleeves or wraps which are made to take a beating and last. They need to be strong enough without your toughest workout and still provide support for your knees. They need to be able to hold their elasticity and not shrink if you wash them. The fasteners and Velcro need to be solid and well attached so your wrap will not loosen during your workout. You need a sleeve or wrap you can just put on and not have to put a lot more thought into.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is important because the easier for you to make the sleeve part of your routine, the more likely you will be to make it a habit. If you are using a knee sleeve, you want one which is easy to put on and take off but will stay in place while you are working out. Hopefully, your sleeve will help during your workout and not slip or bunch out.
If you are using a knee wrap, you want one which rolls easily and stays in place so you do not have to fuss with it. The Velcro should fasten with use, adjust easily and stay in place and it should be easy to roll off when you are not using it and easy to carry and wash.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Materials Compression Durability
Ease of Use
Sizing is very important and must be accurate.
Consider why you need to wear the knee sleeve, for weight trainers, runners, gymnasts the needs can vary.
It is a good idea to talk with a physiotherapist and get some good pointers. Take your time while choosing a size which works for you. Try on a few brand products, move around while wearing the sleeve, see if it feels comfortable. Also, choose a sleeve which is specially designed for your choice of activity or sport.
You must be selective when choosing a knee sleeve
There are many professional brand options available and you should be aware that they may well have different sizing systems, this can be confusing when choosing the best option for yourself. When you try on a sleeve, put it on inside out, when you reach to just below the knee, flip/slip it over so it rolls comfortably over the knee area. Be ready to try different options, you will feel and know when you have found the right option.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which knee sleeve would be the best to use during my yoga workout?
The Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve is good. It will provide the support you need to protect your knee while doing the exercises involving a lot of kneeling and squats.
q: Is it healthy to wear my knee sleeves or knee wraps all day?
If you are recovering from knee injury wearing your sleeve is beneficial because it helps to strengthen it and improve circulation without hindering the movement and helping it to get stronger. The sleeve does not need to be worn all the time but it will be a huge help to wear it during your workout.
q: How do I know which sleeve is the best one for my workout?
There are different thicknesses involved when it comes to the several knee sleeves you can choose. Every thickness is used for a different reason and targets a specific area. There are 3MM, 5MM, or 7MM knee sleeves that are available.
If you are a long-distance runner, then the 3MM knee sleeve will be suitable if you are looking for additional stability and support while you are running or participating in any other type of endurance sport.
The 3MM knee sleeve is lighter because it is not as thick as the others, which makes it more comfortable during running.
The 7MM knee sleeve is best for powerlifting and weightlifting and other shorter and heavier activities, especially when you are required to lift the extra weight and put more pressure on your knees. It will add the additional support you will need to lift.
It is best for shorter durations because it is the thickest and therefore will be the heaviest. It is often used in gyms as well for additional stability and support during weightlifting training.
The 5MM knee sleeve is suitable for use with all other sports and activities. The 5MM knee sleeve is considered more of a general knee sleeve and can be used for all activities, including the activities already listed for the other knee sleeve thicknesses.
To find the best knee sleeve, you should consider how the knee sleeve will feel as you participate in your particular activities. It is recommended that you try each of them to help you determine how the compression would feel and if you will need more thickness and support.
