Golf is a tricky game that demands focus and practice and an active knee joint! For a good golf score, you should be able to bend your knees easily and comfortably. For enhanced stability and comfort, you need the best knee brace for golf, especially if you have a history of knee pain due to injury or some condition.
Choosing a knee brace is tricky, and it is an important decision, too, since it concerns your health and safety. We have tested and reviewed some of the best knee braces from the market that can help you be the best in golf.
Shock Doctor is known for producing the best athletic wear, and this 870-knee brace is one of its premium products. The ergonomics, fabric content, construction, paddings, straps, and hinges; everything is of top-notch quality. And that’s why it gets the best overall spot on our list.
This premium line knee brace provides an optimum level of support and stability to the joint, thanks to the multiple hinges and straps. The knee wrap itself is tight and snug enough to quickly fit and stabilize the joint as it conforms with the shape of the joint effortlessly. The straps and hinges actually act as side stabilizers to prevent excessive medial or lateral knee movement.
Shock Doctor 870 knee brace is especially recommended for golf players who have suffered any ligament or tendon injury or have stability issues due to any reason. The Lycra mesh at the back provides breathability channels and also wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable all day long.
Pros
Padded patella buttress for stabilization
Pre-curved ergonomic enhanced-fit design
Super stretchable spandex mesh at the back
Bilateral dual stability
Wicks moisture and prevents odor and bacteria
Cons
Sizes run small; it may feel a bit too tight on your knee
This knee brace with a lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about the quality and durability of your knee brace. ATHLEDICT hinged knee brace comes for a higher price than most of the other knee braces on the list, and the reason for that is the warranty, quality, and durability.
ATHLEDICT Hinged knee brace acts as a versatile knee support, thanks to the multiple straps above and below the knee joint. These straps are of different lengths and feature Velcro at different positions so that you get the maximum level of compression and fitting when you put together the last strap.
So, if you are aiming for a loose-fit knee bandage, you can only secure the first level of straps for medium compression, the first two, and so on. The open patellar design keeps the patellar joint free and maximally movable while supporting it through the padded hinges.
Last but not least, the knee brace remains wearable for long hours without even pinching due to the high-quality fabric construction.
Pros
Lifetime warranty; dependable durability
Three levels of pressure adjustment
Breathable fabric that does not pinch when you move
If you are looking for reliable knee support, which is in knitted fabric rather than synthetic ones, this compression-recovery knee brace is the way to go. The knitted fabrics are more breathable and comfortable, and they also keep the joints warm and protected.
The fabric, however, is an innovative technology. In addition to cotton and spandex for comfort and elasticity, respectively, this knee brace uses germanium and bamboo charcoal fiber. This special fiber composition keeps the knee joint warm, helping it heal and recover faster after injuries or workouts.
The 3D weaving technology keeps the crossing of air intact so that you feel comfortable and dry. For extraordinary fitting, compression, and anti-slippage, this knee brace uses high tension fiber strings on either side.
You can find various premium line knee braces in neoprene and other synthetic fibers, but this one is a reliable premium knee brace in knitted fabric. Also, as these knee braces have been anatomically designed into a curved S-shape, you can rely on the fitting and anti-slippage too.
Pros
Anatomically curved for a seamless finish
The knitted fabric offers better wearability
Heat Retention and compression effect
High-tension fiber strings on either side
Cons
Too tight in the beginning; needs a transition period
Here we have another neoprene-based knee support with an open patellar design. This knee brace is getting more popular day by day for its exceptional comfort, mainly due to the adjustable straps with Velcro.
For support and stabilization, this knee brace uses a gel padded open patellar design. Also, each side of the knee brace has a pair of metal spirals to provide side support. This also prevents any meniscus and side ligament injuries. Besides, the gel paddings and the spirals help the knee brace fit better and more comfortably.
The structure and construction of the knee brace may seem a bit bulky, but the fabric is high-quality. And it allows for sufficient ventilation and breathability. The pressure belts allow for pressure adjustment. For instance, if you are aiming for fast healing, you can apply more pressure. And if you want extra support only, you can wear it with comfortable pressure.
This knee brace is not ideal for wearing beneath another garment. You can use them better with golf shorts, as they are a bit bulky due to the paddings for extra support. One downside to this knee brace is that it is available in one size only. You can only rely on the straps and Velcro for fitting and adjustments.
Pros
Medical gel padded open patellar design
Metal spirals for side support and stability
Straps and Velcro for pressure adjustment
Breathable neoprene with moisture-wicking properties
If you want to prefer knitted material over neoprene and spandex fabric combinations, this copper knee brace by NEENCA will make you feel just fine. For the elasticity, compression, and heat retention effects of neoprene and spandex, NEENCA knee brace uses copper ions infused fiber technology.
The fabric is 60% copper ions infused, and the rest is nylon and polyester. Copper ions fight moisture, bacteria, and odor and have thermal regulation properties that aid blood circulation.
This copper knee brace provides great support while retaining flexibility and comfort for golf players. Patellar bone has a gel pad for cushion and support, but it does not restrict movement in any way. Also, the spring knee support technology uses metal spring stabilizers for a snug fit, side support, and heat retention.
This knee brace does not cost much, but it is not one of the cheap, low-quality knee supports. It may be a low-profile knee brace in terms of stability, but the quality is top-notch. The innovative copper infusion technology and design provide sufficient compression, patellar stabilization, and lateral and medial joint stability in a woven, breathable material.
Pros
Efficient blood circulation and heat retention
Fights moisture, bacteria, and odor
Stabilization of patella and lateral and medial sides of the joint
Gel pads and metal spring stabilizers provide comfort
Cons
After a few uses, it begins to slide down as you move
For a low-profile knee brace, without any complicated situation of hinges and huge price tags, TechWare Pro knee brace support is the best option you can avail yourself of.
The style and construction are pretty simple and straightforward, but this knee brace keeps up the game of comfort, support, stability, and protection. You can choose out of five available sizes to find the best compression and fitting.
The fabric is lightweight neoprene so that it stays wearable in all weather. While taking the shot, you need maximum knee support, and the bi-directional strap system takes care of that quite well. This knee brace can help patients with inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis, but only mildly. It does not provide a lot of thermal compressions, but the support and stability are quite reliable for golf players.
This knee brace is the simplest way to protect your knee on the court while using maximum constriction for sufficient compression. The open patella design also helps a great deal with knee pain and stiffness while supporting the knee.
Pros
Low-profile; easy to use
Lightweight and comfortable
Straps and silicone strips keep the brace in place
If you are looking for something that functions like a knee brace for support and looks like a knee sleeve for compression and comfort, MODVEL knee braces will help you out.
These knee braces use non-slip silicone grip waves so that the brace stays put and the fabric does not accumulate when you move a lot on the golf court. The latex and spandex fabric content keeps the moisture away and keeps you cool and comfortable. This fabric is actually a four-way stretch fabric so that, unlike other knee braces, it allows maximum elasticity while staying wearable.
The best feature of this pair of knee braces is a wider range of motion which is rare with knee braces. In effect, it provides reliable support and stability to the joint and ligaments while letting you perform the best swing.
You may think of it more like a sleeve, but the ample compression, reliable stability and support, and thick fabric content really make this knee brace a two-in-one combination.
Pros
The knee braces fit snugly but comfortably
7 different sizes and 9 different color schemes
4-way stretch fabric for a wide range of movement
Non-slip; moisture-wicking fabric
Extraordinary compression and stability
Cons
Does not feature knee cap cushions or paddings for protection
Among the knee braces that either look like sleeves and provide a lot of unneeded compressions or look like knee supports that provide support only, this knee brace is the safe way between the two.
McDavid knee support wrap is a small knee brace with a lightweight and flexible fabric content. It uses straps and elastic makeup so that it is easy to wear, and you can adjust it according to your specific need as well.
The set of wings above the knee is meant for compression and provides you with a snug fitting. The second set of wings isolates and stabilizes the patellar bone so that it stays in its place while you take your best golf shot.
1.5 mm neoprene is latex-free. You don’t have to worry about latex allergies. The fabric also has perforations at the back side so that it stays breathable even when you are wearing them beneath your golf pants. On top of everything, this knee brace does a pretty good job for a reasonable price tag.
Pros
Latex-free thin neoprene fabric for ventilation
Medium-level heat retention effects
Stabilizes the patella and supports the knee joint
Value for money
Cons
Strap adjustment with the Velcro is a bit difficult
If knee support is what you are looking for, this double-strap knee brace is your way to go.
The ortho knee braces with patellar support and straps and hinges are better if you suffer from knee pain due to any reason. While this knee support is not recommended for those with knee pains, it does prevent a lot of injuries that might occur while playing some serious golf.
This knee brace by Mueller offers extraordinary support and stability to the knee joint, both above and below it. What makes it stand out from the others is that it does not in any way restrict your knee joint movement. Especially if you are in no mood for extra sleeve fabric or unneeded compression, this knee brace is the best option as it offers support and stability only.
This knee brace is not very budget-friendly. But given the quality construction of Mueller, we can trust its performance and durability.
Pros
The durability of a high-quality brand construction
Extraordinary support and stability
Offers support both above and below the joint
Leaves the patella free for a sufficient range of motion
Minimal design; easy to wear
Cons
Does not offer compression and muscle warming effects
This knee brace has been designed for daily use, for instance, for people who can use some extra support, compression, and stability for their regular sports. But the 3D knitted fabric content also entertains those with mild knee pains and injuries for accelerated healing.
3D knit technology uses finely knitted fabric which is skin friendly as compared to the neoprene knee sleeves and braces. Besides, it features channels of ventilation for better breathability. This high-quality yarn also features silicone grip lines so that you won’t have to readjust while playing golf. The strong grip also contributes to the warming up of muscles to aid blood circulation and resolve to swell.
The spandex and elastin content provides flexibility and a sufficient range of motion. Because the right golf swing needs a well-supported but freely movable knee joint. The UFlex athletics knee brace also provides ample compression to help you recover fast after long golf sessions.
If you are looking for a comfortable something for your daily golf, your regular size will do. But if you are looking for the healing effect of compression sleeves, such as after an injury, you should go for a size smaller.
Pros
Anti-slip design for better grip
Muscle warming effect that helps in healing
3D knitting keeps it breathable and comfortable
Multiple sizes available
Cons
Tricky sizing
Choosing the Best Knee Brace for Golf – Our Buying Guide
You should consider the following factors before buying knee braces for your golf sessions:
Comfort
Golf is all about focus. Your knee brace should not make you feel out of your body and uncomfortable so that you can focus on your game better. For comfort, you should prefer thin, breathable fabrics. Some knee braces also feature an extended thigh and shin sleeve, and breathable fabric is even more important in such cases.
The knee brace should also have a strong grip and a snug fitting to prevent bunching when you bend and stand back up.
Support
While you may be buying a knee brace for faster healing of some previous injury, most golfers use knee braces for mild knee pains, extra support and stability, and prevention of injuries. So, a good knee brace should provide enough support to the knee joint while restricting the excessive sideways movements and keeping the joint movable enough.
Also, when you bend several times while playing golf, support and stability are extremely important.
Quality and Durability
Brands such as shock doctor are medical-grade brands that make prescription knee braces. It makes a lot of difference if a certain knee brace with the same specifications and features comes from a reliable brand instead of a cheap manufacturer. High quality ensures that you get the comfortable experience while playing golf that you paid for.
Quality also adds durability. Hugh quality knee braces stay a longer time with you. And they conform to your knee shape and requirement with time. With reliable brand names, you can rest assured that you are putting your money in the right place.
Cost and Value
Budget is always a major deciding factor. In addition to specifying a certain budget, you should also make sure that a particular knee brace offers the right value for its price. You will find some medium-priced brands offering you durability, comfort, and support. At the same time, some premium line knee braces charge three times the market price but still do not offer anything better than mid-range knee support.
So, it’s not just about the cost. The value your knee brace provides is also important.
Best Knee Brace for Golf – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Most Common Knee Injury From Golf?
The most common knee injury that you can get from golf is the medial meniscus injury. A muscle or tendon pull can happen when you play golf without warming up. Also, if you have an existent joint pain condition such as arthritis, playing golf can also worsen it.
Should I Wear a Knee Brace While Playing Golf?
A knee brace can help your knee considerably with stability and support. It can prevent injuries by keeping the muscles warm and improving circulation. And if you have any previous condition, such as knee pain or a pulled tendon, a knee brace can help you play golf with that too.
Conclusion
The above list of the best knee braces for golf will help you choose the best safety and prevention gear for your golf sessions. Even if you do not have any joint pain condition, the protection of the knee in sports should be your top priority as it is the most crucial joint in the body. And as you age, you cannot expect these high-stress joints to bear even more.
Knee braces are better known for their medical benefits, such as healing of an injured joint, arthritis, or post-surgery. It is a less popularly known fact that knee braces can, in fact, provide support and stability to vulnerable joints when they are put under high-stress levels.
