14 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats, Lifting, CrossFit & MMA 2024

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TOP 14 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats, Lifting, CrossFit and MMA 2024

Take it to the mat! Squat down to the floor! Give it all you’ve got! Then ask for some more!

Serious athletes need serious equipment, including knee support while lifting heavy weight or taking a beating in the ring.

The best knee sleeves are a game changer, no joke.

Once you feel the added support you will wonder what you did without them.

A good quality pair of knee sleeves will help prevent knee injury and heal existing ones.

Here I will show you 14 of the best knee sleeves for squats, heavy lifting, combat sports and CrossFit. I will discuss what to look for as you decide on a pair, when to use them and more.

Let’s get into it!

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Knee Sleeves for Squats

Our Rating

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Rehband Knee Support Sleeve - 7051-7mm - Blue - Xsmall - 1 Sleeve
  • ENABLE YOUR POTENTIAL - MOVE BETTER - GET STRONGER - TRAIN HARDER - Feel more confident and secure in any activity, from weekend warrior to Powerlifting (IPF Approved), Olympic lifting (IWF Approved), Crossfit, Strongman or Elite team sports. The classic Rehband 7051 provides knee support with comfortable, flexible, knee joint compression. The 7051 acts as a mobile knee support that offers warmth, relieves pressure, and improves coordination. The top selling Rehband knee sleeve of all time.
  • PATENTED TECHNOLOGY - The Rehband knee support pattern construction is built on an anatomical fit so unique that it has been patented! Our patented design is based on the anatomical contour of the leg. Rehband’s knee sleeves are created by a dedicated R&D team working with textile engineers to offer an optimal combination of support and comfort, while designed to truly fit your body.
  • ANY ACTIVITY, ANY AGE, ANY SKILL LEVEL - The Rehband knee sleeve provides reinforcement all the way around the knee, and allowing for an optimal range of motion in any activity - whether you’re an elite athlete or just casually active. It’s perfect to help prevent strain or injury, while also ideal to use for faster recovery and rehabilitation. Our knee sleeve improves blood flow through compression and keeps knee joints warm to reduce overall joint pressure, swelling, and strain.
  • 60+ YEARS OF ELITE EXPERTISE IN DESIGN AND ANATOMY - 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.
  • CHOOSE THE BEST FOR YOURSELF - DON’T SETTLE- If you’re like us, 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. Sold as a single sleeve not as a pair.
Rehband Knee Sleeves
Rehband Knee Support Sleeve - 7051-7mm - Blue - Xsmall - 1 Sleeve
  • ENABLE YOUR POTENTIAL - MOVE BETTER - GET STRONGER - TRAIN HARDER - Feel more confident and secure in any activity, from weekend warrior to Powerlifting (IPF Approved), Olympic lifting (IWF Approved), Crossfit, Strongman or Elite team sports. The classic Rehband 7051 provides knee support with comfortable, flexible, knee joint compression. The 7051 acts as a mobile knee support that offers warmth, relieves pressure, and improves coordination. The top selling Rehband knee sleeve of all time.
  • PATENTED TECHNOLOGY - The Rehband knee support pattern construction is built on an anatomical fit so unique that it has been patented! Our patented design is based on the anatomical contour of the leg. Rehband’s knee sleeves are created by a dedicated R&D team working with textile engineers to offer an optimal combination of support and comfort, while designed to truly fit your body.
  • ANY ACTIVITY, ANY AGE, ANY SKILL LEVEL - The Rehband knee sleeve provides reinforcement all the way around the knee, and allowing for an optimal range of motion in any activity - whether you’re an elite athlete or just casually active. It’s perfect to help prevent strain or injury, while also ideal to use for faster recovery and rehabilitation. Our knee sleeve improves blood flow through compression and keeps knee joints warm to reduce overall joint pressure, swelling, and strain.
  • 60+ YEARS OF ELITE EXPERTISE IN DESIGN AND ANATOMY - 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.
  • CHOOSE THE BEST FOR YOURSELF - DON’T SETTLE- If you’re like us, 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. Sold as a single sleeve not as a pair.
Rogue 5mm Knee Sleeve Black Rogue Knee Sleeves buy from Rogue button
Fitnessery Knee Sleeves
Rehband Rx 2017 CrossFit Games Knee Sleeves Rehband Rx 2017 CrossFit Games Knee Sleeve buy from Rogue button
Knee Sleeves 7mm (1 Pair) - High Performance Knee Sleeve Support For Weight Lifting, Cross Training & Powerlifting - Best Knee Wraps & Straps Compression - For Men and Women (Black/Red, Large)
  • ✅ 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.
Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
Knee Sleeves 7mm (1 Pair) - High Performance Knee Sleeve Support For Weight Lifting, Cross Training & Powerlifting - Best Knee Wraps & Straps Compression - For Men and Women (Black/Red, Large)
  • ✅ 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.

TOP 14 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats & Lifting 2024

Rogue 5mm Knee Sleeves

Rogue 5mm Knee Sleeve Black
Buy from Rogue Large Button

Review: Protect your knees and stabilize your lifts with these 5mm thick SBR/Neoprene knee sleeves by Rogue Fitness.

They won’t slide and have a nice snug compression fit you are sure to appreciate.

Pros

  • One of the only American Made knee Sleeves.
  • Combo of Neoprene and SBR for superior abrasion resistance.
  • Competition legal.

Cons

  • Tends to run small.

Takeaway

Snug and supportive, some of the best weight lifting knee sleeves you can get.

Fitnessery Knee Sleeves for CrossFit and Weightlifting

Review: Fitnessery knee sleeves are quite the find. They are made with 7mm thick heavy duty neoprene, have a contoured design, including contoured triple stitched seams so they won’t fall apart on you, and they are reinforced at the top and bottom so they won’t tear.

Pros

  • Triple reinforced stitching.
  • Travel mesh carry bag included.
  • Contoured seams for a perfect fit.

Cons

  • Some find them quite stiff.

Takeaway

One of the best knee sleeves for lifting comfortable; well-made knee sleeves at an unbeatable price.

Rehband Rx 2017 CrossFit Games Knee Sleeve

Rehband Rx 2017 CrossFit Games Knee Sleeves

Buy from Rogue Large Button

Review: Take your lift to the next level and achieve a new PR with the support of a knee sleeve like the Rehband knee sleeve.

This limited edition knee sleeve has the same quality Rehband is known for, with contrasting navy and burgundy material and the CrossFit Games logo printed on the front.

Pros

  • Made from durable SBR / Neoprene material for superior resistance.
  • Contoured fit- super snug yet comfortable.
  • Exclusive Limited Edition CrossFit Games Logo.

Cons

  • Sold single, not in pairs.

Takeaway

Attractive, supportive, durable and well-made knee sleeve.

Spartan Strength Knee Sleeves

Sparthos Knee Sleeves Relieves ACL, MCL, Meniscus Tear, Arthritis
  • ✅ END THE PAIN! - You know what happens when your knee buckles? It hurts. A lot! Sparthos knee support dramatically reduces aches and pains caused by arthritis and tendonitis. Alleviates pain from knee injuries like ACL, MCL & meniscus tears, strains and sprains, muscle fatigue, and others.
  • ✅ END THE PAIN! - You know what happens when your knee buckles? It hurts. A lot! Sparthos knee support dramatically reduces aches and pains caused by arthritis and tendonitis. Alleviates pain from knee injuries like ACL, MCL & meniscus tears, strains and sprains, muscle fatigue, and others.
  • ✅ SUPPORT YOU BADLY NEED! Sparthos knee brace provides lateral support, keeps your kneecap in place, and still allows full range of motion. It supports underlying tendons and muscles and lets you carry out your daily tasks, including workouts. Sparthos Knee Brace protects you from further injury.
  • ✅ YOU DESERVE THE BEST - Expertly engineered with four(!) flexible springs (2 on each side) and an open patella design - a complete knee support solution! Allows you to bend your knee and enjoy a full range of motion while simultaneously making sure your muscles and tendons stay protected so you heal faster.

Review: Spartan knee sleeves offer great support at a low price.

These knee sleeves are sold in pairs, are available in three stylish colors and have comfortable contoured seams that are curved to easily adjust to bending.

Pros

  • 7 mm thick neoprene.
  • Contoured, reinforced seams.
  • Soft moisture wicking interior.

Cons

  • Some say they run small, check size chart carefully.

Takeaway

Good knee sleeves for squats, thick, supportive and won’t slide down.

Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeves

Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeve & Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting Men & Women - 7mm Neoprene for Cross Training WOD, Gym, Squats & Weightlifting
  • Designed for Performance: Featuring neoprene knee sleeve technology, our fitness sleeve is perfect for weightlifting women and men - offering support and compression. Not for all-day use!
  • Extra Support & Stability: The neoprene knee brace and powerlifting knee sleeves offer unmatched support, easing soreness. Ideal for weightlifting, they enhance performance in demanding workouts.
  • 7mm Thick Support: Our 7mm knee sleeves provide robust protection and relief. Ideal as gym knee sleeves and squat knee sleeves, they ensure extensive muscle support during use.
  • Check our sizing chart for the perfect fit of our neoprene knee support for working out. Designed for both men and women, available in various colors.
  • Top-Notch Customer Service: Wrong size or color? Contact us for quick exchanges on our weight lifting knee sleeves for men and women. Fast responses within 12 hours ensure you're fully supported!

Review: Mava Sports Compression sleeves are sold as a pair, and are great for heavy lifting because they are so thick and supportive.

They are a challenge to get on, but once they are in place you will notice the high level of support thanks to 7mm thick neoprene and strong stitching.

The 6 colors available to suit your gym style is a bonus too!

Pros

  • Good support for heavy lifting.
  • Thick 7mm 100% neoprene.
  • Very snug fit.

Cons

  • Runs small.

Takeaway

Best knee sleeves for Oly lifting at this price, supportive and snug.

Nordic Lifting Sleeves for Women

Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves (1 Pair) Support & Compression for the Best Squats, 7mm Neoprene (L, Pink)
  • KNEE SLEEVES - Provides "Next Level" Results - by Premium Weightlifting Brand Nordic Lifting™
  • THE BEST SUPPORT - 7mm Neoprene Unlocks 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, CrossFit Training, Powerlifting, Gym and other Heavy Fitness Workouts
  • 1 Pair of Knee Sleeves - With 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

Review: These high quality women’s knee sleeves by Nordic Lifting will not bunch or roll down while you are lifting.

They are designed for women and they fit snug, giving you plenty of support and protective, knee saving compression to help you power through every lift.

Pros

  • 7mm neoprene material.
  • Reinforced stitching.
  • Strong compression.

Cons

  • Can be tight over the thigh, even if they fit around the knee.

Takeaway

Best knee sleeves for weightlifting for women.

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves

Knee Sleeves 7mm (1 Pair) - High Performance Knee Sleeve Support For Weight Lifting, Cross Training & Powerlifting - Best Knee Wraps & Straps Compression - For Men and Women (Black/Red, Large)
  • ✅ 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: Iron Bull Strength knee sleeves won’t roll or slip. They are 3D contoured for a great fit and use two silicone strips to prevent slipping.

Pros

  • Double silicone strips ensure these knee sleeves will not slip.
  • 7mm neoprene material.
  • 3D contoured for the perfect balance of support and fit.

Cons

  • Very tight fit at first.

Takeaway

The support you need while you lift and squat, some of the best knee sleeves for powerlifting!

Bear KompleX Knee Sleeves

Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves, Fitness & Support for Workouts & Running. Sold in Pairs-Training, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Squats & Gym Use. 5mm&7mm Thick, Multicolor Options
  • 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 Bear KompleX knee sleeves are sold as a set or two and are half the price as the top competitor’s brand.

These quality CrossFit knee sleeves are available in 5mm and 7mm thickness, and they offer a ton of color and pattern options to express your personal style.

Pros

  • Good compression and support.
  • Sold in pairs.
  • Several fun colors and patterns available.
  • Available in 5mm and 7 mm to suit your needs.

Cons

  • They are not as durable as other brands.

Takeaway

Secure and comfortable, a great pair of CrossFit knee Sleeves.

Gymreapers Knee Sleeves

Sale
Gymreapers Knee Sleeves (Pair w/Bag) - Knee Compression Sleeve Support Squats, Weightlifting Powerlifting 7MM Neoprene Sleeves - 1 Year Warranty (Military Green/Black, Medium)
  • MAXIMIZE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE & LONGEVITY - Through strenuous product testing, research and experience our 7MM neoprene knee sleeves will provide superior knee support and protection for years into your fitness endeavors. Keeping our community strong and healthy as they achieve and surpass their health and fitness goals.
  • STOP KNEE PAIN & PREVENT INJURIES -With reinforced stitching & 7MM neoprene material, the compression effects from our knee sleeve pair are shown to assist in recovery, mobility, and injury prevention. Determine your size by referring to the photo gallery..
  • EQUIPPING ALL YOUR FITNESS NEEDS - We included a reinforced gym bag at no charge to store and carry all of your gym equipment. A perfect fix to the problem of carrying too many things at once.
  • 5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE & QUALITY- Discover why our customers rate Gymreapers #1 in customer service and product quality. Our products are backed with a 60-day hassle free return option. Try them risk free today!
  • JOIN THE MOVEMENT - Whether you're powerlifting, cross training, weightlifting, bodybuilding, or trying to figure out where to begin our knee sleeves are perfect for your chosen craft. With our 1 Year Warranty, get a free replacement if you have any issues. 100% Guaranteed.

Review: These Gym Reaper 7mm Neoprene knee sleeves feature strong reinforced stitching in a striking contrasting color so they look as sharp as they perform.

They are offered at a very reasonable price considering the quality of the pair.

Pros

  • Includes handy drawstring travel carry bag with a cool skull print logo.
  • Reinforced stitching, contoured fit.
  • Durable, perfect for CrossFit, MMA and any sport that takes you to the mat.

Cons

  • Runs large.

Takeaway

Perfect knee sleeves for heavy squats, leg days and all combat sports.

Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves

Sale
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves (1 Pair) Support & Compression for Weightlifting, Powerlifting & Cross Training - 7mm Neoprene Sleeve for The Best Squats - Both Women & Men
  • 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 friendly—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: Nordic Lifting provides functional high quality lifting equipment, unique designs and premium craftsmanship.

These knee sleeves are made of 7mm thick Neoprene material and reinforced stitching. They have excellent support and stability for your knees while squatting, you must check these out.

Pros

  • 7mm neoprene for supreme stability.
  • Two knee sleeves per order.
  • Maintains compression on your knee even after long periods of usage.

Cons

  • Absorbs sweat – not sweat wicking.

Takeaway

Beautifully packaged and sold in pairs, Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves hold up under your most strenuous leg day at the gym.

Rehband Knee Sleeves

Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve - Model 7051 Original Blue (Medium (33-36cm))
  • 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: Rehband Knee sleeves are renowned in powerlifting circles. Rehband puts extensive time and research into their products to supply their customers with premium quality accessories, and these knee sleeves are no different.

These knee sleeves are highly regarded by powerlifters. These are truly one of the best for squats.

Pros

  • 5mm or 7mm neoprene for maximal support.
  • Durable enough for the heaviest of lifters.
  • Multiple design and color options.
  • Adds bounce to your squat.

Cons

  • Only one sleeve per order.
  • Knee sleeves do not wash well.

Takeaway

Some of the strongest, heaviest squatting men in the world prefer Rehband knee sleeves over all other brands.

While you only receive one knee sleeve per order and they are a bit more expensive than other options, you can expect to get a long life out them.

If you squat heavy and squat often, Rehband Knee Sleeves might be the best option for you.

BARBELL PRO Knee Sleeves

Review: Barbell Pro specializes in providing serious lifters with top-notch gear. Barbell Pro rocks an old-school logo on their thick neoprene knee sleeves.

These sleeves have a cross stitched design that offers a better range of motion and minimizes slippage.

With premium support and stability, these knee sleeves help bring out your best performance!

Pros

  • 7mm neoprene for exceptional toughness.
  • Cross stitching for superior comfort.
  • Designed to minimize the slipping of your sleeve.
  • Added length to cover more surface area of your leg.
  • Shock absorbing.

Cons

  • Only one color option available.

Takeaway

These knee sleeves offer stability and toughness comparable to other higher priced brands.
These sleeves offer shock absorption too. The cross stitched design helps stop them from sliding down during your workouts.

The Barbell logo calls to mind the image of a tough, hard-nosed heavy lifter ready to tackle heavy weights at the gym.

Kunto Fitness Knee Sleeves

Review: Are you looking for the best knee sleeve for squats, but you prefer something a little lighter than the 7mm neoprene styles?

Don’t miss these knee sleeves from Kunto Fitness!

These sleeves are made of breathable compression fabric instead of the more common neoprene others are made from.

Kunto Fitness Knee Sleeves provide knee support while minimizing itchiness and discomfort.

Pros

  • Breathable compression sleeve with four way weave construction.
  • Thinner and lighter than classic knee sleeves.
  • Versatile enough for squats, running, tennis, combat sports and more.
  • Machine washable.

Cons

  • Only one sleeve per order.
  • Not as supportive as neoprene.

Takeaway

Kunto Fitness Knee Sleeve offers more relaxed support than neoprene.

If you are allergic to rubber or have a latex allergy, these are your knee sleeves.

These knee sleeves will be durable and supportive enough to handle squats.

Knee Sleeves by Impulse Sportz

Review: Impulse Sports knee Sleeves are some of the best knee sleeves for squats on the market. Impulse Sportz offers machine washable, lightweight sleeves at a value price.

These sleeves are well designed and have a high quality feel similar to higher priced products. Machine washable and stylish!

Pros

  • 7mm neoprene.
  • Two knee sleeves per order.
  • Machine washable.

Cons

  • Some odor when new.
  • Short length than other sleeves.

Takeaway

These knee sleeves feel like the top of the line quality and provide excellent support and stability for your knees at a bargain price.

Knee Sleeve FAQs

man with knee sleeves picks up barbell

What are the Best Knee Sleeves for Running?

Knee sleeves for running are a little different than what you use for lifting heavy.

The best knee sleeves for running will have high compression, yet be thin and flexible so you can easily move your knee.

Lifting knee sleeves are thicker and more supportive to hold your knee under a heavy load.

The best running knee sleeves are also longer than knee sleeves for squatting or heavy lifting.

Why?

Running tends to cause knee sleeves to roll, and the longer length helps prevent the knee sleeve from rolling.

Some great knee sleeves for running include Mava Sports Support Compression Knee Sleeves and CopperJoint – Copper-Infused Compression Knee Sleeve.

How do I Figure Out Knee Sleeve Sizing?

Measuring and sizing your knee for a knee sleeve fitting is pretty straight forward.

  • Stand with your legs straight.
  • Use a soft tape measure.
  • Measure the circumference of your knee at mid-knee cap.
  • Compare measurement to the manufacturer’s size chart.

What are the Best Knee Sleeves for Wrestling?

The best knee sleeves for wrestling need to be abrasion resistant, flexible, and offer some impact protection.

In fact…

The best wrestling knee sleeves are often called wrestling knee pads because they have some kind of padding you won’t find on weightlifting knee sleeves.

Asics Gel Wrestling Knee Pads or Cliff Keen Wraptor Wrestling Knee Pads are both good choices.

Are Knee Sleeves Really for Me?

man lifting barbell in gym

Make no mistake!

Knee sleeves are no replacement for proper form and technique!

But…

Having the proper equipment can really help.

Knee sleeves that are geared to assist people in squatting are usually made of supportive Neoprene or a blend of SBR and Neoprene, with different thicknesses to fit your preference and workout plan.

Check out our recent article about best knee sleeves for CrossFit.

A good pair of knee sleeves will offer compression that stabilizes your knee and surrounding ligaments in order to help prevent any minor strains.

Because tight compression promotes blood flow in your knee, it will also help to warm your knees up pre-workout and assist with recovery post-workout.

Have you ever started a workout only to discover your knees feel sore or stiff?

Or maybe you just want to add a little extra spring to your legs as you come up from a deep squat.

Some of the best knee sleeves for squats could help provide you with some extra bounce, knee support and stabilization, and keep your knees warmed up and ready to bend deep.

What Makes Good Knee Sleeves?

Now that you know that knee sleeves are for everyone, you need to know what to look for before you buy.

Many companies will yell from the rooftops that their product is superior, but, it’s difficult to find the right pair for your squat routine.

As you begin looking around for your knee sleeves, there are certain qualities you must look for!

Range of Motion

While your knee sleeves are intended to be tight to provide stability, you do not want anything to that will restrict your movements.

Look for contoured knee sleeves so you can bend your knees without cutting off circulation.

Durability

Your knee is constantly moving and bending. If you are into combat sports your knees will slam against the mat.

Your knee sleeves will be under a lot of stress and abuse.

SBR and Neoprene, What’s the Deal Here?

Hot tip: Sleeves made with a blend of SBR and Neoprene are the most abrasion resistant.

SBR is very wear and abrasion resistant while Neoprene resists weathering and assaults from the elements (water, salt) better.

Combine the two and you have powerful synergy- the best of both.

Knee sleeves made with a blend of SBR and Neoprene are usually more expensive, but they are worth it. Rogue and Rehband make SBR and neoprene blend knee sleeves.

Cost

Unless you have a money tree that you can stand under and shake for some extra cash, the cost of a product is a consideration.

Do your best to buy some knee sleeves that will last. If it costs a little extra, so be it!

Make Sure the Knee Sleeves are Designed for Your Intended Purpose

Don’t buy just any old knee sleeve and expect it to work.

Buy sleeves that offer true support and are geared towards squatting, lifting or mat work.

Thinner sleeves designed for rehab or recovery won’t offer the support or abrasion resistance you need.

Quality and functionality are also major keys to buying a great knee sleeve. For squatting and weightlifting, it is typically recommended to look for sleeves made of neoprene, or a similar material to maximize support and stability to your knee.

And, as always, if you don’t think it looks cool, don’t buy it.

If you buy them, wear them and don’t like the look of them, they’ll end up in the back of your closet.

Guess what – that’s even less cool.

Weightlifter wearing lifting shoes

Squat Away Today

Don’t wait for knee pain to start before you begin using knee sleeves.

You are probably already thinking to yourself, “Man I really need to start taking care of my knees!”

That is great because you are right!

Start protecting one of the most crucial parts of your body, especially when you squat.

Do not consider taking a shortcut here!

When to Use Your Knee Sleeves

Lifting weights, running, slamming your knees to the ground in an epic takedown and even simply walking can wear your knees over time or even straight up injure them on the spot.

If you feel any grinding, popping or discomfort you should REALLY get a pair of knee sleeves!

High quality knee sleeves will hold the interior of your knee, supporting and compressing it to help to eliminate any abnormal movements of your knee joints!

You should wear your knee sleeves during any activity that puts added stress on the knees. This especially includes squatting and lifting, but also includes activities such as running.

This also includes other sports like basketball, soccer or tennis.

Wearing your knee sleeves is not necessary for every workout in most cases. If you have a tendency to feel pain or discomfort from basic activities like walking then you may want to consider wearing your sleeve more often.

However, on leg day when you decide to load the bar with heavy weight, knee sleeves are a must!

Active young man training with barbell in gym

Stand Up and Take Charge

Protecting your knees is crucial to living a painless and fulfilling life.

The Huffington Post published a statistic suggesting that nearly one of twenty Americans over the age of 50 have artificial knees. Wow!

A statistic like that is hard to ignore.

That seems like a lot of discomfort that can be avoided by taking the necessary precautions during your workouts.

If you really want to take your squats up a notch, you have to take charge today and protect your knees from future injury.

Add some spring to your squats, protect yourself from injury and increase your recovery times with some of the best squatting knee sleeves on the market.

Before you know it, you could be squatting big time weight with no fear of harming your body!

Why Wait?

While I wholeheartedly recommend Rogue and Rehband brand knee sleeves due to their strong abrasion resistance and long life, I understand not everyone is ready or willing to make that large of an investment.

There are other brands with comparable quality.

Fitnessery and Iron Bull strength are two lesser known, yet high quality competitors that make excellent knee sleeves.

Whatever you decide, don’t wait to start protecting your knees and adding weight to your squat and deadlift PR’s.

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