The best knee sleeves can greatly enhance compression and support for all those big lifts.
Our knees may be tough joints, as they do support our large frames all day after all, from standing up and sitting down, to walking to and from our cars, the knees are responsible for everything. But even the strongest things start to wear down and that loss of stamina could lead to imbalances and poor support ultimately leading to injury. Knee sleeves are incredibly useful tools when it comes to weightlifting, powerlifting, and Strongman, where so much load is compressed onto your poor knee joints.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Knee Sleeves for 2024 to help with your powerlifting, bodybuilding, and other lifting needs. The right sleeves can help you feel less vulnerable and stronger to tackle all of those big lifts.
Best Knee Sleeves For 2024
- Best Overall Knee Sleeve: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeve For Squats: SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
- Best Bodybuilding Knee Sleeve: SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
- Best Knee Sleeve For Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeve For Warmth & Compression: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves
- Best Knee Sleeve For Mobility: SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
Best Overall Knee Sleeve
The best overall knee sleeve will work to offer great compression and support and allow for functional movements and more endurance based workouts, while still being useful for heavy lifts.
Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves
Premium 7mm knee sleeves, meticulously crafted for the discerning athlete who demands only the finest in support and quality.
Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves are known for their thick neoprene material, which provides a good amount of extra support and compression to the knee joint. The contoured design of the sleeves ensures a snug fit, preventing them from slipping or sliding during heavy lifts, such as squats. These knee sleeves are made with durable neoprene material, making them suitable for heavy use.
They are versatile and can be used for powerlifting, weightlifting, crossfit, and other heavy lifts, as they are also approved by organizations like USPA, USAPL, IPF, and IWF. Iron Bull knee sleeves are available in various sizes, providing options for lifters of all body types.
Pros
- Great support
- Increased weight and reps
- Comfortable
- Once on you do not even notice them
Cons
- Stiff at first
- Can be difficult to get on/off
Price: $95.00
See our full Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves review.
Best Knee Sleeve For Squats
Squatting can cause real discomfort at times, especially with your knees responsible for holding and moving so much weight while you are in that power rack. The best knee sleeves for squats will help with pain and swelling so you never have to halt those PRs.
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve is great for joint support and reducing injury out of this high grade neoprene sleeve.
SBD is a popular brand for knee sleeves, as they offer a truly great compression sleeve with their 7mm knee sleeve. Sold as a pair, these are the market leading knee joint support products for strength sports and strength training by top athletes in powerlifting and Strongman. Designed to minimize the risk of injury while also aiding in performance, this registered and patented design is developed by elite athletes and other health and fitness professionals. The 7mm high grade neoprene knee sleeve is approved by USAPL, IPF, and USPA, and is compliant with IWF.
Pros
- Top-tier product in terms of quality and longevity
- Very effective design from elite athletes and other professionals
- Fully approved for competitive use is a huge plus
Cons
- This sleeve is on the expensive side
- Only available through their website
Price: $82.50
See our full SBD Knee Sleeves review.
Best Bodybuilding Knee Sleeve
The best bodybuilding knee sleeves will work to provide support for those movements essential to sculpting and toning without the fear of injury or unwanted knee pain.
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve is great for joint support and reducing injury out of this high grade neoprene sleeve.
SBD is making the list again as they offer a truly great compression sleeve with their 7mm knee sleeve. These are the market leading knee joint support products for strength sports and strength training by top athletes. Designed to minimize the risk of injury while also aiding in performance, helping you to get those few extra reps in and get a little closer to muscular failure, these knee sleeves are perfect for bodybuilding. This is why SBD’s registered and patented design is developed by elite athletes and other health and fitness professionals. The 7mm high grade neoprene knee sleeve is perfect for building up those tree trunk legs.
Pros
- Top-tier product in terms of quality and longevity
- Very effective design from elite athletes and other professionals
- Fully approved for competitive use is a huge plus
Cons
- This sleeve is on the expensive side
- Only available through their website
Price: $82.50
See our full SBD Knee Sleeves review.
Best Knee Sleeve For Powerlifting
Powerlifters are always putting their bodies under immense amount of stress with massive weight and the same movements. The best knee sleeves for powerlifting will provide comfort, support, and durability for all of those massive lifts.
Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves
Premium 7mm knee sleeves, meticulously crafted for the discerning athlete who demands only the finest in support and quality.
Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves make the list again, as they are well known for their thick neoprene material, which provides extra support and compression to the knee joint. When you are powerlifting, there is a lot of pressure on the knee joints, and that means finding the right pair of knee sleeves is absolutely crucial. The contoured design of the sleeves ensures a snug fit, preventing them from slipping or sliding during heavy lifts, such as squats, and part of the reason they were chosen for the best knee sleeves for powerlifting.
Iron Bull Strength 7mm knee sleeves are made with durable neoprene material, making them suitable for heavy use, so you can PR no problem. Iron Bull knee sleeves are available in various sizes, providing options for lifters of all body types, whether you are a 400lb powerlifter or a 100lb powerlifter, there is a size for you. They are also approved by organizations like USPA, USAPL, IPF, and IWF, so you can use these sleeves during competition.
Pros
- Great support
- Increased weight and reps
- Comfortable
- Once on you do not even notice them
Cons
- Stiff at first
- Can be difficult to get on/off
Price: $95.00
Check out our full Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves.
Best Knee Sleeve For Warmth & Compression
The right knee sleeve for warmth and compression will be comfortable and make you feel as though you are getting everything you want and more out of a great knee sleeve to aid in all things exercise related for better support, blood flow, and protection.
Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves
Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves are comfortable and versatile great for compression, comfort, warmth, and overall support.
Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves make the list again as they are perfect for those seeking comfort, compression, and warmth after a workout. Working to reduce knee strain and pain, what you will find are that these sleeves don’t sacrifice any range of motion for those big lifts. Reinforced stitching and flexible neoprene material allow for increased blood flow and better mobility perfect for lifting, recovery, injury prevention, and a host of strength sports.
Pros
- Great for compression and comfort
- Reinforced stitching works well for quality and durability
- Flexible neoprene material allows for ease and versatility
Cons
- A little pricey compared to others
- Sizing chart may be a little off
Price: $49.99
Best Knee Sleeves for Mobility
When it comes to finding the right knee sleeves, sometimes you may find them to be too stiff, inhibiting mobility and really making it hard to achieve a full range of motion.
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeve is great for joint support and reducing injury out of this high grade neoprene sleeve.
SBD is a popular brand for knee sleeves, as they offer a truly great compression sleeve with their 7mm knee sleeve. Sold as a pair, these are the market leading knee joint support products for strength sports and strength training by top athletes in powerlifting and Strongman. Designed to minimize the risk of injury while also aiding in performance, this registered and patented design is developed by elite athletes and other health and fitness professionals. The 7mm high grade neoprene knee sleeve is approved by USAPL, IPF, and USPA, and is compliant with IWF.
Pros
- Top-tier product in terms of quality and longevity
- Very effective design from elite athletes and other professionals
- Fully approved for competitive use is a huge plus
Cons
- This sleeve is on the expensive side
- Only available through their website
Price: $82.50
Check out our full SBD Knee Sleeves review.
Benefits
Knee sleeves have the potential to greatly influence your lifts and give you confidence in knowing you are protecting those vulnerable joints. Benefits of knee sleeves include:
- Add nice compression: By adding compression, you work to reduce pain and decrease swelling.
- Increase blood flow: This will boost blood circulation for better movements and less pain in those vulnerable joints by preventing lactic acid build up (1).
- Ensure efficient recovery: More healthy blood and oxygen flow, with less lactic acid build up, leads to better recovery for faster bounce back (2).
- Support muscles: Knee sleeves support the muscles and decrease the number of muscular vibrations to assist in muscle fatigue and improve athletic performance (3).
- Prevents future injury: By protecting those vulnerable spots, you preemptively work to prevent future injuries.
Choosing The Right Ones
When looking at the right knee sleeve, you want to look at a number of factors including:
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Fit
Your knee sleeve should fit just right and be snug. You don’t want it to be too tight so that it restricts movement and blood flow, but you also don’t want it to be too loose so it doesn’t give you the most in terms of intended use. The right fit will be snug and comfortable while also feeling supportive.
-
Material
Looking for comfortable material is vital because you are moving and working out in this sleeve constantly. You don’t want to suffer through some uncomfortable and hard to use material. Finding the best option may require trial and error for comfort but the right one is out there.
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Padding
Depending on the knee sleeve, the right amount of padding can ensure comfort and fit, and while some may be bulky, there are those more sleek looks that still provide great padding and support. This can affect your mobility and overall movement.
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Size
Knee sleeves typically come in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm and knowing which one will work for you is important when looking to choose. A 3mm sleeve is great for those endurance athletes since it is lighter and helps with the necessary movements. For those all around fitness folks, a 5mm sleeve works great for it is thick but still allows for proper movements with physical activity. Finally, the 7mm sleeve offers additional support and is used by heavy lifters who rely on their knees to hold a lot of weight.
| Category | Product | Price |
| Best Overall Knee Sleeves | Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves | $95.00 |
| Best Knee Sleeves for Squats | SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves | $82.50 |
| Best Bodybuilding Knee Sleeves | SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves | $82.50 |
| Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting | Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves | $95.00 |
| Best Knee Sleeves for Warmth and Compression | Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves | $49.99 |
| Best Knee Sleeves for Mobility | SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves | $82.50 |
Knee Sleeves vs. Knee Braces vs. Knee Wraps
Now, there is a lot of confusion over knee sleeves, knee wraps, and knee sleeves. All three different knee protection devices, and people get them mixed up. However, they are very different, so let’s take a look at each of them and dispel any confusion.
Knee Sleeves
- Slip on/off
- Good compression for lifting
Knee Braces
- Can be slip on or velcro typically
- Good for holding knee joint in place and providing compression for daily tasks
- Not good under heavy loads
Knee Wraps
- Wrap around the knee joint
- Good compression for lifting, can be adjusted to be tighter/looser
- Can take awhile to get on/off in between sets
How We Choose
When looking at the best knee sleeves, we first made sure the overall quality of the sleeve was there. You deserve to have the best quality knee sleeve possible and the material and durability are what matter most, especially with the wear and tear brought on by exercise. We then look at the additional features like padding, overall fit and feel, and any other additional bonuses that come with the respective knee sleeve. We finally look at price. We know fitness equipment can get expensive but it is important to find the right knee sleeve at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What is the best option?
SBD 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeve. This amazing weightlifting piece of equipment is designed to minimize the risk of injury while working to maximize performance. Sold as a pair, this 5mm high grade neoprene and four-way stretch fabric has a reinforced seam constructed to last a long time with continuous use.
Is a sleeve the same as a brace?
Knee sleeves are not knee braces as sleeves work to provide compression and support to the knee and surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments during exercise or everyday activities to protect this vulnerable joint.
How tight should my sleeves be?
You want your knee sleeve to be a firm fit while not totally limiting and restricting blood flow. Too tight can be uncomfortable and too loose just won’t do what it is supposed to.
Wrap Up
The best knee sleeves will work wonders on your knee pain by offering support and stabilization all while boosting confidence and promoting more weight in your lifts. Don’t let vulnerable joints or imbalanced muscles take away from what could be a quality lift. Check out these best knee sleeves for maximum comfort and support and keep yourself as safe as possible while still seeing big gains.
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References
- Vaile, Joanna; Stefanovic, Brad; Askew, Christopher D. (2016). “Effect of lower limb compression on blood flow and performance in elite wheelchair rugby athletes”. (source)
- Husmann, Florian; Mittlmeier, Thomas; Bruhn, Sven; Zschorlich, Volker; Behrens, Martin (2018). “Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Muscle Fatigue Development and Recovery”. (source)
- Raabe, Margaret E.; McNally, Michael P.; Chaudhari, Ajit M. W. (2017). “The Effect Of Compression Tights On Muscle Vibration And Fatigue From A High-Intensity Run”. (source)
