How to find the best knee support for running

As runners, the majority of us are terrible at acknowledging pain and what could be a potential injury. Instead, we tell ourselves stories: “that pain has already been there,” or “I’ve experienced worse, it’ll be fine.” Maybe we do this out of fear that we won’t be able to run, that reality will kick in and that we’ll be side-lined and unable to stomp the pavement. However, as much as we hate to admit it, dealing with pain and warning signs of injury head-on is, well, the best way to prevent injury… as simple as it may sound.

So, who should wear a knee brace or other form of knee support for running? Generally, if your knee pain is gradual and not a sudden and sharp pain, then you may benefit from a knee brace. Wearing a knee support will provide you with additional compression and pain relief, allowing you to resume training somewhat until you pinpoint the source of the pain. 

Often, high-level athletes wear knee braces and other forms of support to protect against injury, mainly if they experience gradual pain. Wearing a brace can make all the difference, especially if you also attend a physio or doctor to determine the source of the pain and a plan to eliminate this entirely (e.g. working on muscular imbalances, a stretching routine, etc.).

While most runners will likely benefit from a knee brace for running with general pain and discomfort, there are some instances when you should sit it out and instead seek medical support.

For example, if your knee pain is acute and not gradual, i.e. if the pain is a result of a fall, sprain, or another injury, then instead of going straight for a brace, you should receive a professional medical opinion first and foremost. This is required to ensure there is no serious damage to your knee (or other ligaments), and to determine whether or not there is a proper injury, and the ideal path to recovery.

Choosing a knee support is not as straightforward as you may think. This is because there are three different types of brace available, each doing a slightly different job, used for more severe or discreet-related knee pain or injuries.

For the very best results (and to protect against injury and further pain), we recommend visiting a doctor before purchasing knee support. Nonetheless, the three main types of knee braces available are as follows:

Compression knee support for running 

Firstly, we have the compression knee support for running. Out of the three options available, this brace offers the least support, but is also the most accessible, least invasive, and safest option for runners experiencing gradual knee pain.

Much like other compression running gear, a compression designed knee support fits tightly around the knee joint, providing increased blood flow, improved movement, and support to protect your knee. 

As previously mentioned, this is the safest knee support option for runners – there are very few, if any, downsides of wearing one.

Patellar knee brace

Second, we have the patellar knee brace. This type of brace is used to help straighten the knee when running and walking, reducing the tension on the knee joint and the tendon. Often, a patellar knee brace is prescribed or suggested to runners with patellar tendon issues or injuries.

Unlike the more popular compression knee brace option, the patellar knee brace is less accessible and not recommended for those experiencing gradual or mild knee pain (unless you receive diagnosis or advice suggesting you to do so). 

Medial and lateral knee support 

Finally, we have the medial and lateral knee support brace, offering the most support, but also the most invasive. Once again, this is not a brace you willingly use to reduce your pain – it’s one that a doctor recommends, usually in response to ACL-related injuries, severe arthritis, and other running-related injuries where the knee is prone to caving in or out.

As discussed above, we do not recommend purchasing a patellar knee brace of medial and lateral type of knee support before consulting a doctor or physical therapist. Alternatively, compression knee support is recommended if you are experiencing gradual knee pain – this is the least invasive and may offer the appropriate level of support without increasing your risk of injury.

So, with this in mind, we’ve gathered together the three best compression knee support options for runners below:

The Physix gear knee support for runners is our number one choice for numerous reasons. For example, the signature four-way stretch design provides ultimate support for those suffering from knee pain or more serious knee-related injuries.

Also, in particular, the gel design prevents the brace from slipping during exercise. Furthermore, the design is non-bulky, making it just as good for everyday use as it is for running and other exercises.

It is worth noting that some runners had issues choosing the right size. Therefore, we recommend looking at the size guide before ordering to avoid disappointment.

Next up, we have the Copper compression knee support for running. Similar to the Physix gear one above, the Copper design uses three dimensional knitted fabric for equally as impressive ventilation and breathability.

Unlike other fabrics, including nylon, copper provides superior pain relief, allowing you to focus on your run, cycle (or other forms of exercise) with no worries. This running brace also contains silicone gel strips (as does the third option on our list) to prevent the brace from slipping while running. In particular, the copper design applies constant pressure on the knee joint to increase blood flow and promotes proper support to reduce your risk of injury and pain.

Some users, however, reported the fabric to appear a little rough and abrasive when wearing for long periods of time. Therefore, there are perhaps better options available for all-day wear, and instead, the copper compression knee support should primarily be worn for running (and exercise).

Third and final, we have the Avidda compression knee brace for running, once again utilising these silicone gel strips to prevent slipping while wearing. Unlike the copper brace above, the comfortable and sweat-absorbing material makes this support ideal for all-day use (and other activities).

Unlike most other knee supports available, this one comes as a pair (one for each leg). This is great value if you were originally going to buy two, or if you want an extra one so that you always have one clean and ready to go.

Despite this, similarly to the Physix gear sleeve, some runners did also have trouble finding the right size. In particular, you may wish to consider ordering a size up compared to usual.

We have already touched upon this point. However, it’s important to mention that knee braces are not a permanent solution for most runners. Instead, they are a temporary aid used to help you keep training and reduce pain while figuring out what is causing the pain and how to fix it. They can also be beneficial in protecting against injury, as we see many elite athletes using them for this exact reason.

For the very best results and to protect yourself against injury, it’s best to seek the advice of a physical therapist or doctor if you are experiencing any kind of knee pain when running or walking. 

There are little to no downsides of wearing a regular compression knee brace, so consider wearing one in the meantime to help reduce pain and allow you to go about your day and regular training somewhat pain-free.