TOP 15 Best Knee Sleeves For CrossFit – Buyers Guide & Reviews For 2024
What one thing stops the most dedicated athlete in their tracks?
Injury.
One injury can keep you away from the box for days, weeks, even months while the injury heals.
Meanwhile, you may be losing precious muscle, gaining unwanted fat, and going backward on your fitness goals.
That’s why I recommend all CrossFit athletes and lifters wear knee sleeves when they lift.
I gathered this list of the 15 best knee sleeves for CrossFit, wrote this buyer’s guide, and answer your knee sleeve questions in the FAQs. So let’s go!
Contents
- TOP 15 Best CrossFit Knee Sleeves 2024
- Rogue Knee Sleeves
- Aeolos Knee Sleeves
- Hookgrip Knee Sleeves 2.0
- Stoic Knee Sleeves
- ProFitness Knee Sleeves
- Workt Knee Sleeve
- Bear KompleX Compression Lite Knee Sleeves
- Rehband Knee Sleeve
- Exo Knee Sleeves
- Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves Original
- Iron Bull Knee Sleeves
- Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
- RockTape Knee Sleeves
- Sling Shot Mark Bell Strong Knee Sleeves
- Exous Bodygear Knee Sleeves
- Knee Sleeve Buying Guide 2024
- Knee Sleeve FAQs
- Summary
TOP 15 Best CrossFit Knee Sleeves 2024
Rogue Knee Sleeves
Review: Rogue knee sleeves will give you the extra support you need for heavy lifts and help prevent knee injury or support your knees if you already have problems.
They are comfortable, and unlike many knee sleeves out there, these last. You can wear them training 5 days a week without worrying they will split, lose their compression or come unraveled.
Pros
- Comfortable, will not roll.
- Last a long time.
- Very supportive.
Cons
- Run a little snug.
Takeaway
Best knee sleeves for CrossFit in 2024 in terms of durability and support.
Aeolos Knee Sleeves
- ✅POWERFUL SPORTS ACCESSORIES – Built completely of AEOLOS at a 7mm thickness ,we’ve managed to create a breathable, comfortable, and effective tool for men. No matter what you do to stay in shape—runners, bikers, hikers, lifters—we’re the best choice for comfort, effective recovery and relief.
- ✅SUPPORT & PROTECT KNEES – AEOLOS provides the best support for both Men & Women, It provides an adaptive level of stabilization and support for the knee and leg area during all sports and fitness activities.it also helps reducing the risk of sudden jerks/twists that can leave you injured.
- ✅QUICK MUSCLE RECOVERY – Our Knee compression sleeves Compresses the knee joint & promotes blood flow to help in the muscle recovery & helps in prevention of an injury.
- ✅PROMOTES FITNESS LONGEVITY – Our knee compression sleeves will provide the support & protection you need for years to come! Keeping fitness enthusiasts healthy so they can continue to pursue and surpass their limits.
- ✅OUR QUALITY GUARANTEED – If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, we will REFUND your payment or send you a pair of new replacements. Please don't hesitate to contact us,we will always be here if you need us.
Review: These Aeolos knee sleeves are a great choice for a budget-priced pair of supportive knee sleeves. They stay in place, are not too long, and are available in cutting edge patterns that will have your friends asking where you got them.
Pros
- 7mm thick – supportive.
- Several fun, dynamic designs available.
- Stay in place, don’t roll up.
Cons
- Runs a bit large for some.
Takeaway
Best knee brace for CrossFit at a great price.
Hookgrip Knee Sleeves 2.0
Review: Hookgrip knee sleeves are made for warm-up and recovery. They will keep your knees warmed up before a lift and offer circulation promoting compression after a tough workout to aid with recovery.
Pros
- Thin, breathable knee sleeves keep your knees warmed up.
- Allows complete range of motion.
- Compression fit helps with recovery after your workout.
Cons
- They have no “spring back” and little support.
Takeaway
Best recovery knee sleeves for CrossFit.
Stoic Knee Sleeves
- NEXT LEVEL LEG TRAINING - Knee sleeves purpose built to hit heavier weights, higher reps, and more intensity! Specially designed for optimal performance & support for driving increased stimulus and progression. Experience new personal records while reducing or eliminating knee pain! SOLD AS A PAIR.
- KNEE PAIN REDUCTION & PROTECTION - Holds knee compression through the full range of motion. Unlike other sleeves designed for comfort, these sleeves are designed to add support, warmth, and compression during leg workouts. The added heat retention and compression provided by our unique ultra-high density 7MM thick neoprene can dramatically reduce aches and pains during exercise.
- HIGHEST GRADE MATERIALS, HEAVIEST DUTY - Built to outlast ANY other knee sleeves on the market using patent-pending construction methods. Our neoprene knee sleeves are 100% guaranteed to outperform and out-last even the most expensive knee sleeves on the market. You'll feel the difference!
- UNBREAKABLE CONSTRUCTION, GUARANTEED - Our patent pending triple reinforced seam offers the strongest stitch ever used on a knee sleeve. The use of the heaviest grade tear resistant materials used both inside and out makes these knee sleeves built to last. We're confident you'll absolutely love our Knee Sleeves - or any of our other products! If somehow you aren't 100% satisfied, just contact us!
- EXTRA LENGTH, COMPLETE COVERAGE - Every size sleeve comes in full 30CM length for maximum coverage and support. Our knee sleeves are designed to add warmth and compression through the knee joint and surrounding muscles. NOTE: Due to the length and strength of materials used, tight sleeves may be very difficult to apply. Please see application and removal directions.
Review: These are the sleeves you want if you lift heavy or squat heavy. They are strong and supportive, with high compression.
They are longer than most knee sleeves, but they are still reasonably easy to get on and off. They may be a bit more expensive, but they last longer than most other brands too.
Pros
- Extra-long length, full coverage.
- Designed to outlast most other sleeves.
- Stiff, thick, highly supportive material.
Cons
- The seam behind the knee can be irritating.
Takeaway
Best lifting knee sleeves for CrossFit, lifting and squats.
ProFitness Knee Sleeves
- ✅ Strengthen With Support – Enhance your exercise with your top-notch ProFitness knee sleeves for weightlifting for men and women! Extra-thick, 7mm, premium neoprene weight lifting knee sleeves men maintain muscles’ warmth and stabilize their structure, improving form and lessening the chance of injury.
- ✅ All Lifts, No Slips – Skip knee compression sleeves that slide or shift. Your weightlifting knee sleeves for men stay put through rigorous sets of squats, lunges, and deadlifts thanks to their nonslip, gripping technology with compression knee sleeve men.
- ✅ Versatile Comfort: Crafted from breathable 7mm neoprene, our knee sleeves weightlifting men offer comfort and effective support for various activities like running, lifting, and hiking, catering to both men and women
- ✅ Premium Stability: ProFitness 7mm neoprene weightlifting knee sleeves for men offer maximum support, compression, and stability for cross-training, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and more, ensuring competition-approved gear for enhanced performance
- ✅ (Pro)Fitness For Life – Like you, your fitness knee sleeve set is built for action. Crafted with extra-strong nylon thread and heavy-duty neoprene, your knee compression sleeve weightlifting provide support and injury protection for years to come.
Review: Top-notch pair of lifting and CrossFit knee sleeves in the budget price range. They have noticeable support, decent rebound and will give you the punch of confidence you need to lift “just a little more”.
They are plenty tight, lots of compression and do not stretch out like others in this price range. They are ideal for lifting, but you may want to remove them when you are doing other exercises.
Pros
- Strong compression – lots of support.
- Stiff and tight – great for squats.
- Really affordable.
Cons
- Really tight at the top edge.
Takeaway
Best CrossFit knee sleeves for lifting in this price range.
Workt Knee Sleeve
Review: The Workt knee sleeves are designed for both support and recovery, offer good compression, keep your knees warmed up and circulation in the knee area flowing.
They are long-lasting and will not fall apart in a few months like cheaper ones, which is a huge bonus in my book.
Pros
- Designed for support and recovery.
- Made in the USA.
- 5mm sport specific neoprene – washable and long lasting.
Cons
- Sold individually, not as pairs.
Takeaway
Great CrossFit knee sleeves for recovery, rehab and keeping your knees warmed up.
Bear KompleX Compression Lite Knee Sleeves
- Lunge Into Comfort: No pain, no gain? Wrong. With Bear KompleX crush leg day with the right support and work towards your fitness goals – without the pain. The right knee support is essential to prevent long-term injury. That’s why we made our knee sleeves in 4 different sizes with the snug, flexible, well-fitted compression. Get the durable 360-degree comfort and superior support of our compression knee sleeves.
- Minimize Risk, Maximize Gains: Prevent those annoying issues that commonly occur with regular workouts. A knee sleeve offers moderate yet effective compression, helping increase circulation, retain heat in the tissues around the joint capsule, and provide superior joint stability. With 5mm & 7mm thick, you’ll get the support you need to hit your training goals without straining your tissues.
- Master Your Squat: Pro athletes wear knee sleeves to increase their knee proprioception – awareness of their knees in relation to hips & ankles during highly technical exercises like squats. The result is improved technique, a more effective and safe movement, and a better understanding of the unique and subtle mechanics of your body. That means fewer, more effective squats, better results, and next-level training.
- Chosen By The Pros: When you choose Bear KompleX knee sleeves, you’re wearing what pro athletes depend on to meet their training goals and keep their knees safe from injury. We’ve been a leading, trusted brand in the industry for years, making superior products that help serious trainers get the support their fitness demands. When you wear Bear KompleX, you’re using the same gear as the pros.
- Our Goal: Our knee sleeves offer an effective amount of compression to insulate the knee joints and increase circulation to your tissues. With 5mm and 7mm thickness, you get the fit that’s right for you so you can keep moving, squating, lunging, and running – whatever you love to do to stay strong, fit, and meeting your goals, pain-free.
Review: These Compression LITE knee sleeves by Bear Komplex are recovery and rehab knee sleeves for CrossFit.
They are a little thinner than the original Bear Komplex sleeves, with softer breathable material. They will keep your knees warm, allow a complete range of motion and still provide support and compression for squats and lifts, while not being as stiff as the originals.
Pros
- Bamboo and charcoal eliminate odor and wick away sweat.
- Allow a full range of motion.
- Soft and comfortable fabric.
Cons
- Tag in the back is irritating.
Takeaway
Supportive and comfortable knee sleeves for recovery and support while lifting.
Rehband Knee Sleeve
- Feel more confident and secure in any activity, from weekend warrior pursuits to powerlifting or elite competitive sports. The Rehband 7051 7mm model provides knee support with comfortable, flexible, knee joint compression. Rehband's 7mm neoprene knee compression sleeve acts as a mobile knee support that offers warmth, relieves pressure, and improves coordination for any activity.
- The Rehband knee support pattern construction is built on an anatomical fit so unique that it has been patented! Due to this product’s medical classifications, they are sold as a single unit. Note a package will contain a single knee sleeve.
- The Rehband knee sleeve provides reinforcement all the way around the knee, and allows for a safe, optimal range of motion in any leg-driven activity - whether you’re an elite athlete or just casually active, and no matter how old you are. It’s perfect to help prevent strain or injury, while also ideal to use for faster recovery and rehabilitation from knee strains or other wear and tear.
- Rehband has been a top-flight, dependable creator of knee supports and other joint support technology for decades, making only the highest quality handcrafted products since 1955. Designed in Sweden and produced in Europe, we build our products in close collaboration with athletes. We keep one foot in medical science and one foot on the sports field to address every point of potential need for our customers.
- If you’re like Rehband, you want to make the best possible choices in your life, and for your health. Choose Rehband and find out why so many of the world’s most elite athletes select our knee sleeves over any others. Opt for the uncompromising, premium quality and superior design of Rehband knee support to stay healthy, get stronger, and reach your full potential.
Review: Rehbands are some of the most popular knee sleeves available. They are often sold as a single sleeve instead of a pair, and they are average length for a knee sleeve. They are stiff and supportive with good rebound.
Pros
- 7mm thick neoprene.
- Stiff sleeve, good for moderate weight lifting.
- Comfortable, shorter length.
- High-quality durable stitching.
- Flexible enough to wear during the whole workout.
Cons
- Tend to run large.
Takeaway
Nice natural, comfortable fit with material that does not bunch at the back of the knee, while giving plenty of support. One of the best knee sleeves for CrossFit.
Exo Knee Sleeves
- ✔️ Enhances Blood Flow:- Exosleeves offer the best stability, warmth, and compression to enhance blood flow, lessen stress, and reduce swelling. Excellent as knee supports for daily use or as accessories for trekking or weightlifting.
- ✔️ Enhanced Stability:- EXO knee sleeves offer enhanced stability to your knees, making them ideal for weightlifting, powerlifting, and other high-intensity workouts. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to peak performance!
- ✔️ Premium Quality:- Our knee sleeves are crafted from high-grade triple-reinforced neoprene, known for its durability and flexibility. The triple-reinforced construction ensures long-lasting performance and comfort.
- ✔️ Versatile Use:- Perfect for various activities whether you're hitting the gym, participating in sports, running, hiking, basketball, or recovering from an injury, these knee sleeves provide versatile support for various activities.
- ✔️ Targeted Support:- Designed to offer targeted support to your knee joint, reducing the risk of injuries during weightlifting, powerlifting, and other intense activities. So you'll be ready to tackle your workouts with confidence.
Review: 7mm knee sleeves built for functional athletes and CrossFit. These sleeves are great for repetitive movements and offer some support without restricting movement.
Pros
- Flexible, good for agility.
- Tapered design so they are easy to remove.
- Comfortable tapered fit.
- Longer than the average knee sleeve.
Cons
- Less rigid than other 7mm sleeves.
Takeaway
These knee sleeves are ideal for everyday wear and are comfortable and flexible enough to wear for the entire duration the workout, but may not be stiff enough for serious lifting.
Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves Original
- Lunge Into Comfort: No pain, no gain? Wrong. With Bear KompleX crush leg day with the right support and work towards your fitness goals – without the pain. The right knee support is essential to prevent long-term injury. That’s why we made our knee sleeves in 4 different sizes with the snug, flexible, well-fitted compression. Get the durable 360-degree comfort and superior support of our compression knee sleeves.
- Minimize Risk, Maximize Gains: Prevent those annoying issues that commonly occur with regular workouts. A knee sleeve offers moderate yet effective compression, helping increase circulation, retain heat in the tissues around the joint capsule, and provide superior joint stability. With 5mm & 7mm thick, you’ll get the support you need to hit your training goals without straining your tissues.
- Master Your Squat: Pro athletes wear knee sleeves to increase their knee proprioception – awareness of their knees in relation to hips & ankles during highly technical exercises like squats. The result is improved technique, a more effective and safe movement, and a better understanding of the unique and subtle mechanics of your body. That means fewer, more effective squats, better results, and next-level training.
- Chosen By The Pros: When you choose Bear KompleX knee sleeves, you’re wearing what pro athletes depend on to meet their training goals and keep their knees safe from injury. We’ve been a leading, trusted brand in the industry for years, making superior products that help serious trainers get the support their fitness demands. When you wear Bear KompleX, you’re using the same gear as the pros.
- Our Goal: Our knee sleeves offer an effective amount of compression to insulate the knee joints and increase circulation to your tissues. With 5mm and 7mm thickness, you get the fit that’s right for you so you can keep moving, squating, lunging, and running – whatever you love to do to stay strong, fit, and meeting your goals, pain-free.
Review: These 4 panel neoprene knee sleeves come in both 5mm and 7 mm thickness. This sleeve is thick, and very supportive, while still allowing the knee to move.
Pros
- Stiff sleeve, good for squats, snatches clean jerks etc.
- Two thicknesses to choose from.
Cons
- Challenging to get off, rigid and tight.
Takeaway
Great for power and strength movements, one of the stiffest and longest knee sleeves designed for CrossFit.
Iron Bull Knee Sleeves
- ✅ PREMIUM 7MM KNEE SLEEVES (1 Pair): Featuring 7mm Neoprene Flex-Material designed for maximum support, compression and stability for CrossFit, weight lifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding and more! Our sleeves are also competition approved: USPA & IPL Approved Gear
- ✅ KNEE COMPRESSION & SUPPORT: Our 3-D design provides a contoured fit for perfect joint compression and warmth with optimal breathability and comfort.
- ✅ ANTI-SLIP TECHNOLOGY: The knee sleeve upper limit features double silicone gel strips to lock it in place during intense activities. Never re-position your sleeves again during a WOD or intense workout!
- ✅ PREVENT INJURY: Knee sleeves reduce pressure and swelling during activity proven to promote muscle recovery and prevent injury. Increase performance and confidence instantly on all your lifts!
- ✅ SIZING CHART: Please use sizing chart in listing images to order the correct size. You need to measure your true knee size with a flexible tape.
Review: These Iron Bull knee sleeves are a shorter sleeve, 4 panel, 7mm neoprene sleeve with decent stiffness.
Pros
- Rigid, stiff knee sleeve, tight and supportive.
- Double silicone strip to keep sleeve in place.
- 11.5” long.
- Double-stitched seams.
Cons
- Tend to run small.
Takeaway
These sleeves have a moderate length, not too long nor short, and they are pretty stiff and tight, and won’t get lax, loose and lazy with use. We appreciate that!
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
- KNEE SLEEVES - Provides "Next Level" Results - by Premium Weightlifting Brand Nordic Lifting
- THE BEST SUPPORT - 7mm Neoprene to Unlock Your Potential, Please see Listing Images for Sizing Chart
- PROVEN RESULTS - Compression is proven to promote Muscle Recovery and Prevent Injury Perfect for Weight Lifting, Cross Training, Powerlifting, Gym and other Heavy Fitness Workouts
- 1 Pair of Knee Sleeves - With 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- HSA/FSA ELIGIBLE - You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase these knee sleeves, making it super easy and budget-friendly to care for your knees!
Review: These sleeves are comparable to the popular Rehband knee sleeve, while being significantly less expensive. Several users have said they are very similar in how they feel while worn.
Pros
- 7mm neoprene.
- 10” total length.
- Comparable to more expensive brands.
- Flexible enough for squats and high reps.
Cons
- Tend to run small, although they should be tight.
Takeaway
While the Nordic Lifting knee sleeves are some of the shorter knee sleeves available, some athletes prefer the shorter length, and they are also one of the best quality sleeves for the price.
RockTape Knee Sleeves
- SUPPORT, COMPRESSION & WARMTH RockTape Assassins provide support, compression and warmth to your knees during any activity, from cross training to weightlifting to running!
- TWO LEVELS OF SUPPORT RockTape Assassins are available in both 5mm and 7mm Neoprene thicknesses - 5mm is great for general workouts and WODs, while 7mm is perfect for those who exclusively weightlift or need extra support due to knee pain.
- SOLD AS A PAIR RockTape Assassins Knee Sleeves are always sold as a pair. You have two knees, so you deserve two sleeves! Don't get fooled by other knee sleeves that are just repurposed medical supports sold at a drug store!
- ONE YEAR WARRANTY RockTape Assassins carry an industry-exclusive 1-year warranty against defects in craftsmanship that cause seams to tear or materials to fail. Work out with confidence!
Review: Go stronger and longer with this thick, stiff rocktape knee sleeve with 4 panel construction, double stitching which has been improved from the 3rd gen onward.
Pros
- Choose between 5mm and 7mm thickness.
- Longer than the average knee sleeve.
- Very stiff and supportive.
- SBR neoprene.
Cons
- Some people found them to be bulky.
Takeaway
When you need support, these RockTape sleeves are there for you and your knees with extended length for just a little bit extra. Some of the best knee support for CrossFit available.
Sling Shot Mark Bell Strong Knee Sleeves
- 7mm thick level 3 neoprene to support max effort
- Provides "Sling Shot" effect at the bottom adding pounds to your squat
- Use during heavy sets for maximum support
- Stiff and secure, prevents sleeve movement once on your knee
- Patent pending design creates comfortable fit by removing seams from front and back of knee
Review: These STrong Knee sleeves are stiff and supportive. They are rigid enough for serious lifting, and athletes like how long they are.
Pros
- Seams are on the side, not the front and back, so they are more comfortable.
- Stiff, rigid and supportive.
- 7mm level 3 neoprene.
- Sleeves do not stretch or warp.
Cons
- Tend to run large, if you are between sizes, try the smaller size.
Takeaway
Get yourself some “Good Good” and get these STRONG knee sleeves by Mark Bell.
Exous Bodygear Knee Sleeves
![Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting [Pair] 7mm Neoprene Compression Support - Squat - Powerlifting Gym Fitness Men & Women - Black (Small)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U5ERbnOfL.jpg)
Review: These Exous 7mm neoprene sleeves are longer than most knee sleeves available. They are also very supportive and don’t roll up like shorter knee sleeve tend to.
Pros
- Dense high quality neoprene.
- High-quality stitching.
- Tag on the outside so it won’t irritate the skin.
- Great all around sleeves can be worn thru the entire workout.
Cons
- Not contoured so material bunches up at the back of the knee.
Takeaway
These neoprene sleeves are excellent quality at an accessible price. Plus, they are so comfortable; you will forget you are wearing them.
Knee Sleeve Buying Guide 2024
Why Use a Knee Sleeve?
Why use a knee sleeve? Here are several reasons!
Stability
They keep your knees warmed up in between reps and different exercises, which make squats and lifts feel more fluid.
Let’s Bounce!
The best knee sleeve for CrossFit will give a small amount of bounce or rebound at the end of a squat which may help you lift more weight.
The benefit of the bounce is the added confidence the sleeves give to go deep on a squat and reap the maximum benefit while building your gluteus maximus.
It’s All about Form
Knee sleeves help keep your knees pointed out and improve your form. The importance of correct form while lifting, squatting or virtually any exercise cannot be understated.
Injury and Wear Prevention
Look!
Knee sleeves are a form of “prehab” because you wear them before wearing or damage occurs and prevent the pain in the first place.
You may believe that you are OK with your current routine, but as many athletes will tell you, the injury can show up later or occur over time.
Many advocates of the knee sleeve say they did not realize how much wearing a knee sleeve during their workout would reduce post-workout aches and pains.
Speaking of “prehab” stretching is an important way to prevent injury. Check out our list of recommended stretch mats before you hit the gym.
Lift More Weight!
If you are trying to increase your squat weight, knee sleeves are a must. The added weight on a knee that has not lifted a higher weight is just begging for an injury.
Knee sleeves will give you the confidence to take your weight to the next level.
Sleeves provide the bounce needed to actually lift heavier, and they protect your knee from injury on heavy lifts. Click here for more info on the best knee sleeves for squats.
How are CrossFit Knee Sleeves Different From Knee Sleeves for Lifting?
CrossFit Sleeves are built to support and stabilize, just like sleeves for lifting.
The difference is that lifting sleeves are often much tighter and stiffer, made specifically for support while lifting.
Weight lifting sleeves are very hard to get on. If a sleeve is too easy to get on, it will not have the support needed for serious lifting. If the sleeve is not too stiff, it is probably designed for functional fitness or CrossFit.
In fact, many weight lifters use knee wraps instead of sleeves, because they can get the wraps tighter than a sleeve.
CrossFit knee sleeves are not as intense, they are designed to support and stabilize, but they better range of movement and can be worn for agility movements plus you can wear them for the entire workout if you want.
CrossFit knee sleeves are great for high repetition lifting.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit
Stiffness/Stability
The stiffer or more ridged the sleeve the more likely they will be useful for heavy lifting. In our experience there are three classes of knee sleeve:
- Very stiff, SBD neoprene. The type that is hard to get on and offer maximum support. They feel tight and do not bend easily. These are the type of sleeve powerlifters wear.
- Sleeves that offer a mix of support and flexibility. They are OK for lifting and agility movements. These are the most common type worn for CrossFit. They can be worn during the entire workout.
- Light and flexible sleeves. These can be worn all day, every day for virtually any activity. They are sometimes worn just to cover the knees and protect it from the bar. They offer minimal support, but do keep the knee joint warmed up. They have compression, and are good for recovery too.
Length
This is a preference issue. Some find that longer sleeves offer more support while others find the long sleeves have too much fabric and feel bulky.
Longer sleeves are less likely to roll and bunch up, but they may be harder to get on.
MM 5 or 7mm
These are measures of thickness and apply to neoprene sleeves.
7mm thickness is stiffer and more supportive.
5mm thickness is more flexible and can be used for jogging, agility exercises or recovery and warm-up.
Stitching
One common failure point in knee sleeves is the stitching, which is why it is important to check the stitching.
The seams should be smooth, evenly sewed, straight and neat. Look for sleeves that are double stitched and check reviews for those that tend to fall apart or develop holes.
Knee Sleeve FAQs
Should I Wear Knee Sleeves for CrossFit? Do Knee Sleeves Help CrossFit?
While they are not an absolute requirement for CrossFit, knee sleeves do have many benefits. They keep your knees warmed up and loose, so you can squat deep.
The stiffer knee sleeves can add a few lbs to your PR by the spring back they offer. Many CrossFit athletes like sleeves simply because they add confidence when lifting, and improve the mental aspect of lifting heavy.
Also, one big reason many CrossFit athletes wear knee sleeves is to protect a previous knee injury or heal faster from a current one.
Why do My Knees Hurt After CrossFit?
There are many reasons your knees may hurt from CrossFit, and it’s hard to say why your knees might hurt.
Squatting too heavy, or too often is one possible cause. Bad lifting form or poor mobility are other causes.
Knee pain can even come from issues with your feet and ankles, like pronated feet.
Have your coach check your form while you lift to look for advice.
A good knee sleeve can offer support and keep your knees warmed up, lessening pain, but if knee pain is constant, see a Sports Medicine Doctor.
How Tight Should Compression Knee Sleeves be?
It depends.
There are two types of knee sleeves with compression. Knee sleeves that have recovery compression and knee sleeves that are designed for lifting heavy weight.
If you are using the knee sleeves for recover or just keeping your knees warmed up, the compression should be tight enough that they are a challenge to get on, but not so tight that they restrict movement or cut off circulation. Recovery knee sleeves should be comfortable enough to wear the entire workout.
Lifting knee sleeves are another story. Lifting knee sleeves are really tight, so tight some athletes ONLY wear them during the lift. You may see lifters who roll the sleeves down or take them off between sets. Lifting sleeves are not normally worn during the entire CrossFit WOD.
Speaking of compression…
Compression gear has been shown to help you recover faster.
Check out my list of the best compression tights and the best compression elbow sleeves and start gaining the recovery benefits of compression gear.
Should I get 5mm or 7mm Knee Sleeves?
It depends on the level of support you want. The thicker the neoprene, the more supportive, stiff and tight the sleeves will be.
5 mm sleeves are ideal for metcons and agility work, or recover and keeping knees warm.
7mm sleeves are better suited for heavy lifting WODs.
Summary
I hope you were able to find the best knee sleeves for CrossFit for you.
Choosing the best knee sleeves for CrossFit may not be an easy task.
But one thing is for sure:
You need them to protect your knees now and in the future. So pick up a pair and we will see YOU at the box!
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One last thing…
If you love CrossFit and want to bring the sport you love to your home or garage gym, take a look at this list of CrossFit gear I curated for my fellow CrossFit fans here.