There are a lot of passionate pickleball players out there nowadays. And this is you, then you have most likely found yourself in some intensely heated games. Those heated pickleball matches will have you twisting, turning, and sprinting around the court like its a USAPA national championship.
but the more intense the match is, the more at risk you are for an ankle injury. Of all the injuries you can suffer in a Pickleball match, injuries like an Achilles tendon rupture or even an ankle sprain are very common. Achilles tendon strains are particularly traumatic to the foot and ankle but can be prevented with a solid knee brace. If you have bad ankles, then it is very important that you protect your ankle with a quality ankle brace. If you are looking for one, you’ve found the right place. Here are the best ankle braces for Pickleball and why they are important to wear when you step out on the Pickleball court.
Best ankle braces for Pickleball – at a glance
| Name | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Z Athletics Zenith Ankle Brace | Best Overall Ankle Brace for Pickleball | See latest price |
 Modvel ankle brace for men & women | Best budget ankle brace for Pickleball | See latest price |
 Bauerfeind Rivera Sports Ankle Support | Best ankle brace for severe ankle pain, seniors, or those with arthritis | See latest price |
 Bauerfeind Sports Ankle Support Dynamic | Best ankle brace for light to moderate ankle pain | See latest price |
Why ankle braces are important for Pickleball
Ankle braces are important to wear when you play pickleball because there are a lot of tendons, bones, and ligaments in your ankle that you use every day when you walk around. When you experience an ankle injury on the court, you put yourself at risk of affecting every other part of your life. Pickleball is an important hobby for many of us, but the last thing we want to do is go so hard on the pickleball court that we injure ourselves and prevent ourselves from providing and supporting our loved ones. That’s why it is important to wrap up your ankles in a good brace before you step out on the court.
Why does Pickleball cause ankle sprains?
Pickleball courts are sprouting up across the country, but not all of them are on quality, level ground. Many pickleball courts are made from abandoned city lots where the concrete has cracks in it, there is dirt here and there and making for a surface that puts you at high risk for injury. Additionally, pickleball is a sport where there are many quick lateral and vertical movements on the court. Pickleball players have to use their ankles to twist and turn and pivot, and it puts a lot of stress on our ankles. This stress sometimes becomes too much, and if we aren’t wearing good pickleball shoes with the necessary arch support for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, then we can easily experience ankle sprains.
Where do I buy an ankle brace for pickleball?
You can go to your local pharmacy and get a cheap ankle brace if you need one right away. Walgreens or CVS should hold some that are servicable. But if you are planning to play a week or two from now, here are some options below where you can order ahead and have a brace in time for your Pickleball match with your friends.
Best Overall Ankle Brace for Pickleball – Z Athletics Zenith Ankle Brace
The Z Athletics Zenith comes with high quality at a really affordable price point, making it the best overall ankle brace we recommend for Pickleball.
The brace is made from high-quality nylon and neoprene, it provides optimal support and breathability, and the double-stitched seams ensure durability. It is proven to reduce or eliminate ankle pain caused by sprains, tendonitis, and other acute injuries, making it suitable for healing and prevention in sports and everyday activities. The side straps contour the ankle for immobilization without restricting movement. It performs well in any activity, with adjustable support levels through the lace-up front and straps.
The only downside to this brace is that it can be a bit clunky, so if you have tight-fitting tennis or pickleball shoes you wear, it might not be a good fit.
Best budget ankle brace for Pickleball – Modvel ankle brace for men & women
If you only have 20 dollars or less to spare to protect your pickleball-playing ankles, then you’ll want these Modvel ankle braces (they come in pairs!). It offers the right amount of compression to reduce pain and swelling from common foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Designed for athletes and sports enthusiasts of all ages, this ankle brace comes in various sizes and colors to suit different preferences. Suitable for various physical activities like Pickleball but also others like basketball, hiking, and more, do if you are an active person with a budget, this is a practical choice.
Best ankle brace for severe ankle pain, seniors, or those with arthritis – Bauerfeind Rivera Sports Ankle Support
Bauerfeind is a world class manufacturer of knee and ankle bracelets, and the Rivera line is one of their best especially made for ankles that suffer from arthritis and severe pain. The protective and supportive features of this brace are 2nd to none, mostly due to the quality of the compression and integrated taping strap.
The knitted fabric provides gentle massage during movement, improving circulation and triggering positive sensory-motor feedback. The lightweight and breathable Air Knit fabric contributes to the quality, comfort, and freedom of movement that the brace provides as well. Its important to note as well that Bauerfeind offers a satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects and the product is made in Germany with high-quality standards.
The one main downside for the Bauerfeind braces are the premium price you’ll pay at upwards of $70+, but this is a quality brace that will last you for years
Best ankle brace for light to moderate ankle pain – Bauerfeind Sports Ankle Support Dynamic
Those that might not have severe pain, but moderate pain in their ankles will still want to go with a Bauerfeind, but a slightly lightweight model. These ankle braces offer a premium option for those with moderately bad ankles due to several reasons: They feature a slimmer design than the previous Bauerfeind brace highlighted but still feature medical-grade compression that provides increased stabilization, comfort, and freedom of movement.
With its air knit technology, the brace maintains elasticity even after usage and cleaning. Bauerfeind ankle braces are designed to improve proprioception, allowing for improved performance and mobility without limiting movement. They are also comfortable with an enhanced sizing system and quality standards. You can’t go wrong with these as an all-around ankle bracelet as well.
Conclusion
Playing pickleball in an ankle bracelet is highly important for those who roll their ankles often, or worse are dealing with chronic pain. If you don’t have an ankle bracelet, one of the above will serve you well in your pickleball playing endeavors.