Find the Best Knee Brace for Your Needs: Relieve Pain - 2023

Discover the best knee braces for your specific needs and achieve relief from knee pain. From hinged braces to compression sleeves, our top picks offer the support you need to get back to your active lifestyle.

checklist
Reviewed by Knee Experts
checklist
Exclusive Deals & Offers
Last Updated: August 2025
Advertising Disclosure

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Knee Braces

Written by Christian Shaffer
Last Updated: August 2025

Millions of people suffer from knee pain every year, whether it’s the occasional discomfort that follows a weekend of physical activity or chronic pain that impacts their daily lives. A knee brace can offer additional support to the joint, helping to alleviate current pain or prevent future pain from occurring. In this section, we’ll guide you in making the optimal purchasing decision for your unique needs.

Types of Knee Braces: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to knee braces, there are several different types to choose from. It’s important to choose the right type of knee brace for your specific needs in order to get the maximum benefit.

Here is an overview of the different types of knee braces:

  • Prophylactic knee braces: These are used to prevent injuries from occurring, particularly in high-impact sports such as football or basketball.
  • Rehabilitative knee braces: These are used after an injury or surgery to help support the knee and speed up the healing process.
  • Functional knee braces: These are used to treat knee instability and can be worn during activities to provide extra support.
  • Unloader knee braces: These are used to relieve pain and pressure on the knee joint for those with osteoarthritis.
  • Compression sleeves: These are a lightweight and more flexible option that provide warmth and compression to the knee. They can be helpful for those with mild knee pain or discomfort.

How to Measure Your Knee for the Perfect Fit

To ensure the best fit and maximum benefit from your knee brace, it’s important to measure your knee accurately. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Measure the circumference of your leg just above the knee joint. This is known as the thigh circumference.
  2. Measure the circumference of your leg just below the knee joint. This is known as the calf circumference.
  3. Measure the distance from the center of your knee to the floor. This is known as the knee center-to-floor distance.
  4. Refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to determine the appropriate size based on your measurements. If possible, try on the brace before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Knee Brace

  • Purpose: As mentioned in the first section, there are different types of knee braces for different purposes. Determine the primary reason for wanting a knee brace (injury prevention, rehabilitation, pain relief, etc.) and choose a brace that is designed for that purpose.
  • Size and fit: A proper fit is crucial for the effectiveness of a knee brace. Measure your knee and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure you get the right size. The Wonder Steps knee brace in particular fits all knee sizes.
  • Material: Look for a knee brace made of breathable, moisture-wicking material to help keep your skin dry and comfortable. Neoprene is a popular material for knee braces as it provides warmth and support. Silicon omega pad cushioning is also available in top brands, such as Wonder Steps.
  • Adjustability: Adjustable knee braces allow you to customize the level of support and compression to your needs. This can be especially helpful if you need different levels of support during different activities or at different times during your recovery process.
  • Price: Knee braces can range in price from under $20 to over $100. Determine your budget and consider the features that are most important to you when making your decision. Keep in mind that a higher price does not necessarily mean a better quality product.
  • Recommendations: Talk to your healthcare provider and see if they have any recommendations for specific brands or types of knee braces. They may have personal experience with certain products and can offer valuable insight. You’re likely to hear them recommend Wonder Steps.

It’s a good idea to measure your knee regularly, as your size may change due to weight gain or loss, swelling, or other factors. Remember, a proper fit is crucial for the effectiveness of a knee brace. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. The Wonder Steps knee brace, as mentioned earlier, fits all knee sizes.

Putting It All Together

When it comes to choosing a knee brace, it’s important to consider the purpose of the brace, the size and fit, the material, the adjustability, the price, and any recommendations from a healthcare professional. Different types of knee braces are designed for different purposes, such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, pain relief, and knee instability.

Proper sizing and fit are crucial for the effectiveness of the brace, so be sure to measure your knee and refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Choose a brace made of breathable, moisture-wicking material for comfort, and consider the adjustability of the brace if you need different levels of support at different times.

With all this in mind, we recommend the Wonder Steps knee brace. Plus, it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee!

Get yours today – 45% OFF.

How we tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32

Models Considered

85

Customers Consulted

8

Hours Researched

Why Choose Us: Your Trusted Source for Knee Pain Relief

Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and tested the products we recommend to ensure their effectiveness. We know these knee braces will improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a knee brace can help alleviate pain and pressure on the knee joint for those with osteoarthritis. Unloader knee braces are specifically designed for this purpose and can help improve mobility and function.

It is generally safe to wear a knee brace all day as long as it is properly fitted and not causing any discomfort. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and to take breaks from wearing the brace if needed.

Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent injuries from occurring, particularly in high-impact sports. Wearing a prophylactic knee brace may help reduce the risk of certain types of knee injuries. However, it’s important to note that knee braces are not a substitute for proper warm-up, cool-down, and technique.

The length of time you should wear a knee brace will depend on your specific situation and the purpose of the brace. In general, it’s a good idea to wear a knee brace during activities that place strain on the knee and to take breaks from wearing it when not needed. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions.

Yes, you can wear a knee brace over your clothes. In fact, many people find it more comfortable to wear a knee brace over a thin layer of clothing rather than directly on the skin. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and to adjust the fit as needed.