Top 10 Futuro Ankle Braces Reviewed
James
Futuro Products, a subsidiary of the 3M company, are a popular top rated supplier of ankle support and protection products. With 11 products in their catalog, their distinctive yellow box packaging can be seen in gyms and running tracks the world over. Futuro is well regarded for the extensive research and development that goes into their product development.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the best of the Futuro range and offer some of the other market leaders for comparison.
Futuro Sports Deluxe
Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace
Futuro Infinity Precision Fit
Futuro Sports Adjustable Ankle Brace
Futuro Sport Moisture Control Ankle Support
Futuro Comfort Lift Ankle Support
Futuro Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Foot Support
ASO EVO Stabilizer
ACE Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer
McDavid Ankle Brace
In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research
Moisture wicking
Adjustable closures
Reinforced side stabilizers
10 Best Futuro Ankle Braces
1. Futuro Sports Deluxe
Moisture wicking
Adjustable closures
Reinforced side stabilizers
No double stitching
The Futuro Sports Deluxe keeps your ankle moderately stable and has customizable compression levels. It also helps with heat retention and support. The adjustments provide arch support and lift while the stabilizers on the keep your foot from moving laterally.
Read moreThe Futuro Sports Deluxe ankle support is designed to allow you to keep playing despite an ankle injury. You wear it over your sock and inside your sports shoe to provide yourself with maximum protection while ensuring full mobility. The durable construction material provides rigid support while promoting flexibility. It is highly breathable and has moisture wicking properties to allow for aeration.
The Sports Deluxe features reinforced side stabilizers which limit the amount of lateral movement, thus protecting the most vulnerable parts of the ankle joint. Adjustable closures provide the ability to get a customized fit and total support, while ankle straps lift and support the ankle. The sleeve has been made following an easy fit ergonomic design that makes it a breeze to slip on and fit under your shoe. This is a bidirectional sleeve, suitable for both left and right feet.
2. Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace
Easy to use design
Open heel
Breathable
A little too tight
The Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace helps with stiff or injured ankles. It is easy to use so you can adjust it exactly how you want it. The material allows air to circulate to keep your skin dry while your arch is lifted and supported. You can wear it on either ankle.
Read moreThe Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace is a neoprene blended support that provides a good balance of support and mobility. It provides soothing warmth and comfort to bring relief from general soreness, tendonitis, arthritis, sprains, and swelling. It features an easy-to-apply wraparound design that puts you in control of the level of tension applied. The open heel ensures breathability.
Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace comes with an open heel. This gives you more mobility through the entire lower foot, while also increasing breathability. This support is supplied as a single pack and is suitable for either left or right foot. It provides a moderate level of support to allow you to train and play with confidence despite nagging ankle pain.
3. Futuro Infinity Precision Fit
Comfort straps
Enhanced breathability
Enhanced heel strap
Poor instructions
The Futuro Infinity Precision Fit has a wraparound design that lets you choose your level of support and compression. The material is breathable and helps to keep your feet dry. It has a heel strap which helps keep your ankle comfortable.
Read moreThe Futuro Infinity Precision Fit is low profile support designed to bring relief to weak, injured or stiff ankles. It has been ergonomically contoured to fit the shape of your foot, allowing it to easily slip on and fit under your footwear. It has been fitted with an antimicrobial treatment to bring relief from odor issues and bacteria build up.
Comfort straps allow you to be in control of the level of tension applied to the ankle area, providing lift and support to the heel. The fabric provides enhanced breathability and is lighter and airier than neoprene. An enhanced heel strap provides extra security through a more rigid fit. The Precision Fit provides a moderate level of support to provide relief from general soreness, sprains, arthritis, swelling, and tendonitis.
4. Futuro Sports Adjustable Ankle Brace
Heel loop
Open heel
Comes as a two pack
A little too bulky
The FUTURO Sport Ankle Support is made of a neoprene blend which retains heat and will give you good support. The design is simple to use and lets you adjust it for your needs.
Read moreThe Futuro Sports Adjustable Ankle Brace is a neoprene blended support that provides a good balance of support and mobility. It provides soothing warmth and comfort to bring relief from general soreness, tendonitis, arthritis, sprains, and swelling. It features a wraparound design that puts you in control of the level of tension applied. A heel loop makes it easy to get the brace on and off.
Futuro Sports Adjustable Ankle Brace comes with an open heel. This gives you more mobility through the entire lower foot, while also increasing breathability. This support is supplied as a two pack and is suitable for either left or right foot. It provides a moderate level of support to allow you to train and play with confidence despite nagging ankle pain.
5. Futuro Sport Moisture Control Ankle Support
Has adjustable straps
Can be worn on either ankle
Can be worn with a variety of footwear
Not firm enough for some people
This Futuro Sport support helps your ankle feel better by keeping soothing heat on it while still letting it move naturally. It has a dual strap you can use to provide the perfect amount of compression and it is easy to put on quickly.
Read moreThis moisture control ankle brace gives you support and compression which you can control and adjust to fit your needs. The straps give you support and lift around the arch of your foot and helps to support an injured ankle or just comfort a sore, stiff one.
The ankle brace is made of breathable material which helps to keep moisture away and keep your skin dry. It is flexible enough to wear on either foot and you can wear a sock under it for enhanced comfort.
6. Futuro Comfort Lift Ankle Support
4-way stretch material
Soft binding around the heel
Made with breathable material
Can be worn on either foot
Edges are a little thick
The Futuro Comfort Lift is designed to support weak or injured ankles. It gives your ankle support which is targeted so a sore ankle will not slow you down. It slips over your foot easily and is made of breathable material.
Read moreThis ankle support is made with a material which stretches four ways to give you the mild support and comfort you need for a sore or stiff ankle. The breathable material will keep moisture away from your skin while it is healing.
This brace has a soft binding which holds around your heel to keep it comfortable. It is versatile enough to wear on either foot and slips on easily.
7. Futuro Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Foot Support
Gives low profile support
Durable, soft straps
Durable cushion for lasting support
Conveniently designed for either foot
Not good for wide feet
This support is designed especially to help relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It keeps your foot secure in the position it needs to be in to help it feel better by morning. The design is low profile so it will not interfere with your sleep. The lightweight materials will keep it snug.
Read moreThis night brace is designed to help you deal with symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It has a low profile that will not get in the way of your slumber and the straps are soft and durable.
The brace has soft edges that hold smooth on your skin and the cushion is durable enough to give you long-lasting comfort while you sleep. The design is convenient and can be worn on either foot.
8. ASO EVO Stabilizer
Greater support than Futuro range
Ballistic nylon construction
Flexible plastic cuff
A little too bulky
The ASO EVO Stabilizer offers great stability to help prevent sprains and strains. Wearing a brace means you can decrease pain and decrease medications for inflammation.
Read moreThe ASO EVO Stabilizer incorporates some innovative technology that provides stabilizing straps and a dynamic cuff to deliver a stronger level of support than any of the four Futuro supports we have looked at. The compromise is that you don’t get quite as much mobility throughout the entire lower foot. An inner stirrup strap enhances the stability even further with greater resistance to inversion or eversion.
The ballistic nylon construction of ASO EVO Stabilizer gives it a great level of breathability that is comparable to anything in the Futuro range. However, it doesn’t have built-in anti-microbial properties. A flexible plastic cuff increases support around the ankle joint. This bidirectional brace fits both the left and right foot.
9. ACE Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer
Low profile, open heel design
Rigid side stays
Very breathable
The leg strap is too high
ACE is a trusted brand in joint support and this stabilizer helps to limit your ankle's lateral motion. The design lets you customize the amount of compression you use. It is easy to use and hassle-free. The material will help keep your skin dry by letting the air circulate.
Read moreThe ACE Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer is a low profile, open heel support that gives a high level of support to the ankle. It features rigid side stays that keeps the ankle aligned, prevented inversion and eversion problems. The easy design of this sleeve makes it extremely user-friendly. It is lightweight and can be worn over the sock and under the shoe without any bulkiness or discomfort.
The ACE Deluxe has a high level of breathability, allowing air to circulate freely and providing a moisture wicking ability. It also has an open heel to make the sleeve even more breathable and to improve mobility. The enclosures are adjustable, allowing you to control the tightness of the fit. This product is completely latex free.
10. McDavid Ankle Brace
6 figure strapping system
Level 3 support
Lightweight
A little bulky under sports shoes
The McDavid Ankle Brace is made from a single layer of polyester fabric for full support with minimal weight. The strap design is unique and works like athletic tape with its figure styled strapping up system. You also get padding and the closures are reinforced for comfort and secure reliable fit. This brace provides high support at level 3, making it suitable for all instability levels instabilities, positive and active prevention of injury, and after-surgery support and protection.
Read moreThe McDavid Ankle Brace will help you prevent or recover from ankle sprains. The design is very supportive of a figure six pattern of strapping. The top strap helps to give you a comfortable amount of compression.
You can adjust the brace without having to remove your shoe and the tongue is ventilated to make it breathable. It has a padded lining that reinforces the closures. It is made to fit snug to give you quality support and will fit on either fit.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Futuro has done extensive research into what makes an ankle brack most comfortable. They know that a quality ankle brace that will keep your ankle comfortable is important because you need something you can use easily to aid in your recovery. This is something you will be wearing for an extended period of time so it needs to be comfortable enough to keep a good compression while not irritating your injury.
The brace needs to support your ankle in just the right places to keep it comfortable. Futuro offers that with an ergonomic design which holds your ankle steady. It is adjustable with straps and heel supports so it is designed to keep your foot easily in just the right position. The material should be soft and breathable which Futuro does with quality neoprene material. The straps on Futuro ankle braces have easy edges that will not cut into your skin and they are easily adjustable so you get just the right amount of tension. This brace can comfortably be part of your daily wear when you need it.
The Futuro Ankle Braces cover all bases when it comes to comfort. They offer heat retention and support which will keep your ankle comfort while the moisture-wicking material will keep the skin dry. They have ergonomic designs that fit nicely around your injured ankle. A nice added benefit is that the braces will fit over your sock and into most shoes, so they will minimally affect your daily routine.
Adjustability
You need to adjust the amount of compression on your ankle. The brace needs to fit snugly around your ankle so you can get the ultimate support out of it. The straps should be easy to use or the brace should be easy to slip on if that is how it is designed.
Your ankle brace needs to support the ankle from below, above, and on the sides, and each one of these directions needs to be adjustable. Ankle braces do this with straps, heel supports, lacing up or a simple slip-on designs.
Futuro ankle braces are designed to meet these needs. The adjustability of their designs provides you ultimate comfort. Some of the models have customized ankle support straps. You can adjust the closures to give your ankle the perfect amount of tension and support to keep your ankle comfortable. Some of the designs have dual straps.
Other designs have wraps which are easy to maneuver to get you just the right amount of tension and support. There are also some designs which are easy to just slip on. We have researched all these designs and found them impressively easy to adjust and keep secure on your ankle.
Spraining your ankle is the most common injury for athletes and studies show that 70 percent of athletes who sprain or injure their ankle will injure it again. An ankle brace will be needed for anywhere from 10 days to six weeks, so having a quality ankle brace is a smart investment and using Futuro is a smart choice.
Materials
A quality ankle needs to be made a material which is rigid enough to support the injured ankle while being flexible enough to allow your foot to move and be used. It should be able to provide your ankle with good compression to stabilize your injury and heat to keep it comfortable. It should also be breathable so your skin stays dry.
Futuro ankle braces are made from nylon or strong neoprene which offers your ankle good support and mobility. They have four-way stretch material to keep the adjustability flexible so you can apply the compression wherever it is needed. The material is also breathable and moisture-wicking, treated with an antimicrobial treatment so there is no chance of odor issues or bacteria forming which could lead to infection.
Futuro ankle braces were designed by a collaborative effort of engineers, doctors, and specialists, experts who know the very best materials to get the job done. Some of the designs have sturdy side stabilizers made of flexible plastic to help with support. They have quality hook fasteners which hold the brace in place and keep your ankle comfortable throughout the day. If you need it, there are some models which provide harder arch or heel support.
Future is also careful to not let their braces get too bulky. The material is sleek and allows you to wear the brace over your sock while still having room to wear your shoe. The hooks or velcro are designed to keep everything in place and let you go on about doing what you love without worrying about it.
Features
Futuro ankle braces offer a wide variety of features to make sure you get the very best support. They are made of flexible, breathable material which will protect your ankle and at the same time keep moisture away from your skin so there is no risk of bacteria irritating your skin or causing any sort of infection. The best idea is to research all the different models available and choose the one which will be the best for your circumstances.
If you have a light sprain or just weak ankles, you may find the slip-on design useful and convenient. Most of the sprains feature durable straps which are adjustable in different patterns so you can control the compression levels. Some of the models have extra support for the arch of your foot. Others have an enhanced heel strap or you have a choice of an open heel. You can also find ones with reinforced side stabilizers if you need help with your ankle moving laterally.
Another helpful feature is having a brace with is bidirectional, one that can be worn on either foot. Having a brace ergonomically contoured helps with your comfort level, and the antimicrobial treatment will help prevent moisture and bacteria. Futuro also has the convenient feature of velcro straps and other fasteners which stay in place.
A feature you will need to pay special attention to is the level of compression and support each of the braces have. Some are designed to give you a light compression you can wear with your shoes which are designed for a typical workday. Others are from the sports line and are a little thicker to provide more support during athletic activities.
Durability
Your brace needs to be durable since you are going to be wearing it for long periods of time to protect your ankle or to get over an injury. Look for good quality material which will not fray after it is worn for a while. Having something which will stand up to machine washing is convenient. Also, double check the straps and make sure they are attached securely and will not tear or lose their attachability.
Futuro Ankle Braces are a perfect example of durability. They are made of durable neoprene which stands up to an active lifestyle, fraying and being washed. They hold their shape and compression strength for longer periods. The braces have straps which are adjustable, soft, and double stitched and connected with hooks and loops or velcro which holds its strength as well so your brace stays in place.
Some of the models also include flexible, durable side stabilizers. Others have durable cushioning to protect your arch or the heel of your foot. These ankle braces are all designed with durable quality in mind so you can count on your brace giving your ankle quality protection for a long time. Keep your needs in mind as far as how much compression you need and we are sure you will find the perfect Futuro Ankle Brace to take care of your ankle with good compression material which will stay strong after many uses and the amount of thickness for the immobility you need.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Compression Comfort Adjustability
If you are suffering from a sports injury, take a look at the lace up type ankle braces. They give you excellent ankle support. If you have an acute injury or high ankle sprain, a stirrup brace will keep you mobile. If you just need a little compression, the sleeves work well for that. If you just need a little extra support during an activity, the wraparound braces are perfect.
If you have weak ankles or just workout a lot, ankle braces help you keep everything stable. You will avoid pain from twisted or even a sprained ankle. They will help you keep your ankles straight. If you already have an injury, a good brace will help with that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can ankle braces prevent all of my ankle injuries?
The ankle braces cannot actually prevent injury. They can reduce the risk of injury. The true benefit is helping to prevent more ankle sprains after the initial injury.
q: Do ankle braces give you more knee injuries?
Researchers have demonstrated changes in knee kinematics when landing from a jump while wearing an ankle brace. However, there is no proof of injuries increasing because of wearing an ankle brace.
q: Do ankle braces cause weakness in your muscles?
Having your ankle immobilized for a long time could cause muscle weakness but if you are just wearing the brace during your sport, it is not immobilized.
q: Do ankle brace impair your performance?
A brace will restrict your motion but they do not impede performance, agility or speed even after using them for a long time.
q: Can you wear an ankle brace to bed?
When you are not up on your feet you really do not need the support of an ankle brace, but if you are a light sleeper it might be helpful or if you protecting a more severe injury so it depends on the circumstances.
Sources
- , To Brace Or Not To Brace, Article
- , 5 Ways To Support And Strengthen Your Ankle, Article
- , Frequently Asked Questions, Article
- , 5 Questions About Ankle Strains, Article
- , The Role of Ankle Bracing, Article
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Futuro Sports Deluxe
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Futuro Wrap Around Ankle Brace
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Futuro Infinity Precision Fit
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Futuro Sports Adjustable Ankle Brace
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Futuro Sport Moisture Control Ankle Support
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Futuro Comfort Lift Ankle Support
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Futuro Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Foot Support
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ASO EVO Stabilizer
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ACE Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer
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McDavid Ankle Brace
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