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Nov 01, 2024

The 9 Best Knee Compression Sleeves of 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Our orthopedist-approved picks will help you get back to your active lifestyle.

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Our orthopedist-approved picks will help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

In This Article

Health / Kristin Kempa

The knees are one of the most easily injured joints in the body. Whether your knee pain is caused by biomechanics, a previous injury, or wear-and-tear due to age, a knee compression sleeve can help increase oxygen flow to the muscle tissue and decrease recovery time post-activity. Knee compression sleeves help with pain relief, recovery, and blood circulation. They are effective in these areas because they provide support and stability to the knee joint. Additionally, compression helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kellie K. Middleton.

When selecting a knee compression sleeve, it's important consider factors such as the level of support, comfort, and cost. And if you'll be wearing it frequently, make sure it's easy to put on and take off. To find the best knee compression sleeves, we spoke with orthopedic doctors and reviewed knee sleeves based on fit, materials, extra features, cost, and effectiveness. We also had a board-certified orthopedic surgeon on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Update on October 25, 2024: Checked stock for all products.

If you’re looking for a knee sleeve to increase blood circulation or to minimize knee pain after working out, our top choice is POWERLIX’s Knee Compression Sleeve. This knee sleeve is made from a tight and breathable fabric, providing stability and protection of the knee joint regardless of the activity you’re doing. There are two silicone gel strips to lock it into place while you wear it. Sometimes, knee sleeves come off during everyday or intense activities, but this is not the case with POWERLIX’s sleeves. It’s quick at absorbing sweat and keeps your legs dry and odor-free—which is great because wearing knee sleeves for long periods of time can make your legs sweat. This compression sleeve is non-slip and comes in a wide range of sizes, from small to XXL. There’s a six-month money-back guarantee, and because of the premium materials it's made from, it's a durable option you can trust.

For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Cambivo’s Knee Compression Sleeve. These sleeves keep your knees warm and can help reduce stiffness in your joints. We like that they provide an optimal balance between compression and comfort. Even though you’re protected from further injury by wearing these sleeves, they won’t feel restrictive during movement. Whether you've got a muscle tear or a form of arthritis, another plus of Cambivo’s compression sleeve is that it provides a firm level of support not seen in other options on this list. This makes it suitable for any sport or activity that puts extra strain on the knee joint. It also comes in a pack of two, making it ideal for those wanting to wear sleeves on both knees or for those who want an extra sleeve while the other is in the wash.

DonJoy’s Performance Stabilizing Knee Sleeve is recommended for those with tendinitis, knee bursitis, or general knee injuries from overuse. There are two adjustable straps for a more secure and comfortable fit. You can easily tighten the straps when you want added support or loosen them if you want to take a break. Its design leaves the kneecap open and exposed, with a hex buttress surrounding it. This provides added kneecap stabilization without limiting your range of motion. Not only this, but this knee sleeve has added reflectivity for low-light conditions, making it ideal if you’re outside in the dark. You also get a stash pocket—something we’ve not seen in any other option on this list—which makes it great for storing your bank card, money, or keys. DonJoy’s Knee Sleeve fits either the left or right knee, but you only get a single sleeve with the product.

For arthritis, we recommend Physix Gear Sport Compression Knee Sleeves. Individuals with arthritis often experience knee joint aches and pains, which is why finding the right level of support is crucial. This compression sleeve is lightweight and elastic, so you can wear it under your everyday clothes without feeling uncomfortable or frustrated. Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it won’t protect your knee. You’ll still get the correct level of support and stabilization while wearing this sleeve. It also comes in a range of sizes and is machine washable.

We’ve chosen NEENCA’s Professional Compression Knee Sleeve as our recommendation for relieving knee pain because it keeps knees warm and lubricates joints. NEENCA’s sleeve comes with a patented gel pad and side spring stabilizers, both of which help to stabilize and support your knee. Whether you’re walking or doing more intense exercise, it should stay in place all day because of the non-slip strips. It’s also elastic, helping to increase oxygen flow and reduce inflammation and swelling, both of which can be common for those with knee injuries. This knee sleeve is made from lightweight and breathable fabric. It can be worn on either the right or left knee and comes with one sleeve in the pack.

Even though they have "weight lifting" in the product name, we recommend ProFitness Knee Sleeves for anyone who wants extra support to alleviate knee pain. They’re made from neoprene, keeping your muscles warm while you use them. This means they’re ideal for preventing knee injuries during squats, deadlifts, lunges, and many more exercises. We also appreciate the anti-slip feature, their zippered outer pocket to store your valuables and carrying bag. This purchase comes in pairs and can be used in the gym or if you want extra support from time to time while walking.

If you’re looking for knee sleeves for running, our recommendation is SportsMed’s Compression Knee Sleeve. We like this because of the fit—it fits your anatomy like a second skin and optimizes your body's biomechanics. When running, you don’t want something that will feel heavy or slow you down, which is a major pro of this sleeve. Plus, it’s designed to give you better muscle oxygenation while you’re being worn. It’s antimicrobial and moisture-controlled, helping to reduce sweat and smell. It also provides full flexibility of movement while worn—helping you keep running while caring for your knees.

Wearing a knee compression sleeve can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins, allowing for greater mobility. We recommend Bauerfriend’s GenuTrain Knee Support because it provides medical-grade compression that exceeds competitor options. A silicone pad surrounds the kneecap, leaving it pressure-free and providing compression to the joint. This helps to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation. Whether you’re an athlete or have suffered from a knee injury in the past, Bauerfriend’s sleeve can help ease pain, stimulate healing, and improve mobility. We also appreciate that it’s machine washable on a gentle cycle.

For the best knee compression sleeve for powerlifting or general weight lifting, we chose Iron Bull’s Strength Knee Sleeves. They're made from 7mm neoprene and double-stitched welded seams, which makes them a dependable choice for maximum support and stability during even the most intense workouts. For competitive lifters, you'll appreciate knowing they are approved in all powerlifting federations, mainly IPF, USAPL, USPA, and IPL and are IWF compliant with the maximum allowable 30cm length. Their level 2 compression also helps with muscle recovery and rehabilitation. Plus, they have gel strips to lock the sleeves into place and help prevent them from slipping down, which is especially important when lifting heavy weights.

To determine the best knee compression sleeves on the market, we spoke with two orthopedic surgeons about what features to look for when purchasing a knee sleeve, how effective compression sleeves are, how tight your knee sleeve should be, and more. Since the best compression sleeve for you will depend on individual factors like the level of support you need, we included sleeves that offer varying levels of protection, from lightweight to extra-thick. When reviewing the various knee compression sleeves available and the level of support, we considered fit, materials, comfort, extra features, and more. We offer a range of knee sleeves so you can find one that best meets your needs and your budget.

In order to determine the best options for knee compression sleeves, we asked the following experts for their professional guidance:

It is essential to understand the difference between knee braces and knee compression sleeves before buying so you don't end up with the wrong product for your needs. Braces offer an element of structural support that sleeves do not, says Dr. Raynor. The rigid elements in knee braces restrict the knee's movement and stabilize it, which is why they are recommended for post-injury and post-surgery support. In contrast, knee sleeves primarily help prevent new injuries but don’t provide the same ligament support, as they don’t limit motion. Their key benefit is the compression they provide, which reduces inflammation, helps relieve muscle tension and post-exercise pain and swelling.

Neither are better per se, but they do have difference uses. Open Patella Sleeves have a hole at the knee cap (the patella is another name for the kneecap). This is ideal for those with patellar tendonitis or other kneecap injuries to help ensure the patella is tracking with the rest of the knee joint. Closed Patella Sleeves have fabric covering the knee caps and provide slightly more support while allowing the knee to move freely. The closed option is generally recommended for people without injuries.

There are many different types of knee sleeves and no one-size-fits-all option. They're effective when it comes to pain relief, recovery, and blood circulation, but for severe knee pain, a medical-grade compression sleeve may be necessary. Although safe to use, we recommend consulting with your doctor before deciding to wear one. Additionally, it’s advised not to wear them all day, every day because your skin needs a break from time to time. Here are all the most important factors to consider when shopping for a knee compression sleeve:

As a qualified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Common knee injuries.