Are you on the lookout for the best knee brace for hikers?
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast who’s embarking on a hiking trip around the world or a casual hiker who just so happens to have beautiful hikes in your neighbourhood, you’ve probably experienced some pressure on your knees, especially on your descent.
No worries, it’s common to overexert your knees when hiking or to injure your knee joints from a slip. All you need is the best knee brace for hikers to give your knees the support it needs on your next hiking adventure.
Hiking braces come in different shapes and sizes, and ultimately, it depends on how strenuous your hikes are and how much support you need from a knee guard.
The good thing is that I’ve done the research for you, and detailed the best knee brace for hikers below.
The Best Knee Brace For Hikers in 2022
Here’s a round-up of the best knee support for hiking:
Best Knee Brace For Hikers (All-Rounder): POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
Most Affordable Knee Brace For Hikers: NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
Best Mid-Range Knee Brace For Hikers: Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap
Best Support Knee Brace For Hikers: Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support
Disclosure: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thank you.
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15 Best Knee Braces for Hikers
1. Powerlix Knee Compression Sleeve
The Powerlix Knee Compression Sleeve provides good knee support for hiking, especially if you’ve been feeling pressure on your knees for a while.
Not only does it provide 4-way stretch support to your knees, but the stable pressure across your knee joint also helps with healing any injuries that you might have.
You’ll be able to push yourself to the limit with this brace, without compromising your mobility. Made with breathable compression fabric, it’s quick to absorb sweat and keeps your leg dry and odour-free! Making this one of the best knee brace for hikers.
Material: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex
What We Love:
- Good moisture wicking so that it won’t soak up all your sweat while you’re hiking
- Comfy with less sweat which will help you hike comfortably for a longer distance
- 4-way stretch mobility helping you hike without discomfort
- 100% money-back guarantee
What We Dislike:
- Might be too tight if you’ve got the wrong size
2. NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
The NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is the best choice for hiking, vigorous movement, sports protection and pain recovery.
Supported by the spring knee technology which features an anatomically contoured patella gel pad around the kneecap, this brace effectively disperses pressure while lubricating your joints.
The air knit fabric that it’s mainly made of provides a double anti-slip technology, leaving you free to hike on any terrain without allergies and itchiness creeping up on your leg to give you the best knee brace for hikers.
Material: Nylon
What We Love:
- Patella gel pads and side spring stabilizers for extra support
- High elastic, breathable fabric
- Double anti-slip technology, giving you one less thing to worry about on your hike
What We Dislike:
- Slip-in access instead of a strap-on
- Might not fit larger people
3. Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap
If you’re looking for good quality and straight-forward knee strap that supports above and below the kneecap, go with the Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap for maximum support. Don’t let the simple design fool you, it’s one of the lightest and most effective hiking knee support straps on the market.
Without being restrictive, this knee strap provides additional strengthening by applying pressure on the tendon above the kneecap and reducing pressures on the patella tendon. This will make you more confident and help you regain that bounce to your step for the best knee brace for hikers.
Material: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Easy to wear
- Improves knee performance with additional strengthening
- Support on crucial spots like the patella tendon, to prevent sprains
- Less bulky, allowing maximum movement
What We Dislike:
- Needs more water-resistance
4. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support
Like all Bauerfeind products, the Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support is one of the most recommended knee braces for hiking and sports. Manufactured in Germany with the highest standards to ensure superior quality, you can rest assured that it’s the epitome of fit, comfort, support and performance.
My favourite feature about this product is the new Omega+ pads that protest and encases the kneecap for maximum patellar support and stabilization. This aids in relieving pain and pressure from your knees when you’re descending on your hike, making it the best knee support for hiking downhill.
Of course, the best knee brace for hikers quality comes with a high cost, but it’s a good investment if you have encountered severe knee injuries in the past. Imagine the knee surgical costs that you get to avoid!
Material: Neoprene, Plastic
What We Love:
- Good quality which can last you years
- Omega + pads for extra support on the patela
- High-low knitted fabric for breathability
What We Dislike:
- Expensive, but worth it
5. Bracoo Full Support Knee Brace with Stabilizers
With Bracoo Full Support Knee Brace with Stabilizers, it provides hikers dynamic support and boosts blood circulation around the joints.
Hiking can be a very strenuous outdoor activity, depending on the terrain that you hike on. And, if not done properly with proper warm-ups before, it’s easy to injure your knees and joints.
This knee brace comes with customizable lateral stabilizer springs that secure your joints under flexion loading. So, you can customize the amount of motion resistance you prefer during various points of your hike. This might be one of them, large people, best knee brace for hikers.
The Bracoo Full Support Knee Brace is also versatile and effective for alleviating chronic pain and acute injuries. Its better-designed brace that comes with extra-long straps allows you to fully customize for more reliable support.
Material: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Prevents minor injuries and improves joint stability
- Adjustable and customizable to make sure of a snug fit
- Removable stabilizers to support joints
What We Dislike:
- Needs better moisture-wicking capabilities
- Need to constantly readjust
6. Exous Bodygear Knee Brace Support
Another favourite among hikers, the Exous Bodygear Knee Brace is a lightweight all-around stabilizing knee brace that enables you to hike for long distances without agitation.
Only 6oz and with a slimline profile, this non-restrictive knee brace is easy to put on and breathable, providing you with all-day comfort. Unlike a lot of the other knee braces in the market, this open patella neoprene design prevents it from sliding down your knee when you sweat. Get it while stocks last!
Material: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Non-slip open-patella design that prevents your knee brace from slipping
- Has MCL and LCL support which minimizes injuries
- Lightweight, giving you full freedom of movement
- All-day comfort design
What We Dislike:
- Only hand wash
- Could have stronger velcro straps
7. Shock Doctor Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace
If you need a maximum support compression knee brace to last your multi-day hike, Shock Doctor Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace is what you need. This robotic-like knee brace boosts heavy-duty bilateral hinges to provide that maximum support while allowing you to hike comfortably without straining your knee. It’s the best knee brace for downhill hiking.
Although it looks a little bulky, rest assured that the airflow vented tech in this knee brace reduces odour and moisture, leaving you dry and comfortable during your hiking adventure. Say bye-bye to sweaty knees!
Material: Spandex, Aluminum
What We Love:
- Heavy-duty hinges for max support
- Snug 4-way Lycra mesh for maximum moveability
- Moisture and odour prevention, no more sweaty knees!
What We Dislike:
- Might be too bulky for petite people
- Steep price but worth it
8. Doufort Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers
What’s unique about the Doufort Knee Brace is its ergonomic design which includes spring support on each side of your kneecap to support memory rebound and relieve the pressure on the knee, making it a good contender for the best knee sleeve for hiking.
Available in 4 sizes for all ages, the Doufort Knee Brace is a good choice to prevent knee injuries and to relieve any existing pain you might have from previous injuries.
It also provides a flexible yet stable grip for your long-distance hikes and daily activities, leaving you feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Material: Neoprene 63%, Nylon 32%, Spandex 5%
What We Love:
- Supports memory rebound to lower impact on knees
- Prevents ligament and knee injuries
- Stable grip for long-distance hikes
What We Dislike:
- Could have better elastic bands
- Awkward criss-cross design
9. Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve
Looking forward to a big trail hike in a few weeks or looking to go on a spontaneous morning hike? Don’t forget to have the Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve with you at all times.
This knee sleeve is easy to pop on, and you will feel an instant relief on your knees and any stiffness will be gone. The power support in these knee sleeves heats your muscles and lessen the risk of cramping so you can hike longer and more effectively.
The other secret to this knee brace is that you don’t have to stop and pull your knee braces up again. With its “No-Slip” double grip, you’re free to enjoy your hike uninterrupted by frustrating fabric bunching behind the knees.
Material: Nylon
What We Love:
- No-slip double grip for an uninterrupted hike
- Easy to wear, without fussy buckles or straps
- Lightweight, no extra weight on knees
What We Dislike:
- Could use adjustable straps
- Moderate support
10. McDavid Knee Brace Support
A favourite among seasoned hikers, the McDavid Knee Brace is built to support your knees and prevent any injuries for years now. It’s a game-changer when it comes to injury prevention and recovery acceleration.
Not only does the open 360 degrees padded buttress isolates and supports the patella, but the perforated back panel and bound edges also make wearing it comfy, airy and not steamy at the very slightest.
Although it’s very ventilated, we recommended sizing up for extra comfort.
Material: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Good reputation for injury prevention
- Flexible cross straps for a snug fit and extra support
- Well-ventilated and breathable on the knees
What We Dislike:
- Pricey
11. UFlex Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
If you’re looking for an athletic compression knee brace that creates a snug fit on your knee, try out the UFlex Knee Brace Compression Sleeve. It’s the best knee brace for hikers downhill for hikers, athletes and people who are always active alike.
With its 3D knitting technology, it boasts being the only fabric knee sleeve in the market with customizable compression levels by easy-to-use elastic straps. Imagine a snug knee brace that’s also breathable, allowing your skin to breathe while going on hours of continuous use – worth it!
Material: Nylon
What We Love:
- Customizable compression levels for extra support you need
- Designed for hiking and sports
- Breathable, leaving your knee sweat-free and itch-free
What We Dislike:
- Could have better grip
12. Bracoo Adjustable Compression Knee Support
The Bracoo Adjustable Compressions Knee Support is one of the more affordable knee braces which features a customizable open-patella design that relieves pressure and stress on the knee joint during long-distance hikes and outdoor activities.
The secret is the reinforced stabilizer ring that’s strategically placed to ensure the knee cap remains in the proper position at all times. From heavy-duty intense hiking to leisure walks, this is in the running for the best knee braces for walking as it increases stability and helps improve leg alignment as you take a stroll.
Material: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Reinforced stabilizer, improving leg alignment on a hike
- Customizable compression for maximum grip
- Breathable, leaving your leg sweat-free and rash-free
What We Dislike:
- Could have better elasticity
13. IPOW Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap
Get ready to be impressed by the IPOW Knee Pain Relief Knee Strap that’s made specifically to stabilize the patella. Don’t let the simple and low-key design mislead you, this adjustable one-size-fits-all design makes all the difference!
If you’re not feeling like wearing a full-blown knee brace, opt for this patella knee strap for more focused support and shock absorption. Plus, it’s washable. No more icky, smelly used knee braces anymore!
Material: Unspecified
What We Love:
- Focused stabilizer for patella support
- Adjustable strap for the perfect fit
- Washable
What We Dislike:
- Only made for patella support
14. ABYON Knee Braces
Highly recommended on Amazon by reviews from multiple walks of life, the ABYON Knee Brace is a popular choice among novice hikers, everyday walkers and those going through knee recovery. It’s also deemed to be the best knee brace for elderly people too!
With its smooth silica gel pad, this medical-grade brace is breathable and helps bend the knee with minimal stress. You don’t need to worry about pressure on the knee joints and let the double stabilizers on each side do their magic.
We recommend this if you have existing chronic pain around the patella, acute knee injuries or other injuries like Tendinitis, ACL and MCL. It’s available in sizes S through 5XL, so grab yours now!
Material: Unspecified
What We Love:
- Double stabilizers for everyday and seasoned hikers alike
- Ideal for chronic knee injuries
- Available in different sizes
What We Dislike:
- Could have better moisture-wicking capabilities
15. SB SOX Compression Knee Brace
Haven’t found a knee brace that looks cool at the same time? Introducing the SB SOX Compression Knee Brace. Not only does it come in several designs, but it is also a lightweight, breathable and snug knee brace for your hiking escapades.
Recommended by doctors and fitness trainers, this knee brace provides unmatched comfort and a no-slip top and bottom cuff to ensure stability and grip. It’s a great investment for flexibility and style in a good quality knee brace.
Material: Unspecified
What We Love:
- Stylish comes in several colors
- Ultra-lightweight and snug fit
- No-slip top and bottom, leaving with you a snug perfect fit
What We Dislike:
- Not as sturdy
Do I Need A Knee Brace For Hiking?
We’d recommend it! A knee brace will prevent any deterioration of the knee joints and keep your knees protected and supported on every hike.
If you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned hiker, you will notice that a lot of pressure is put on your knees and joints when you go hiking. And over time, our knees will become sorer and sorer due to the wear and tear of muscles and ligaments around the area.
So, better be safe than sorry!
Are Knee Braces Good For Knee Pain?
Absolutely! Have you ever felt like you have jelly legs after a huge workout or a long hike? That’s because you’ve overworked your leg and knee muscles and they need time and compression to heal.
A knee brace is a great tool to aid and support your knees on a hiking trip especially when your leg muscles and knee joints are constantly exerted. Knee braces for working out or for intense hiking help to alleviate some pressure off the patella and your knee joints, promoting less exertion and weight on your knees.
Wearing a brace can help you walk farther, hike longer and climb higher. There are just good things that can come from wearing a knee brace, so go grab one now!
How To Choose The Best Knee Brace for Hikers?
To choose the best knee brace for you – you have to identify what your priorities are and which brace gives you the best knee support. Take into consideration the type and frequency of your hikes as well, as the more your hike, the sturdier the knee brace you might need.
Here are some levers to take into consideration:
1.Size
There is nothing more important than buying a knee brace that fits you snugly. A bad fitting can result in a lot of discomfort and injuries when not taken seriously.
Make sure you check the measurements of the knee brace before making your purchase and it’s always a good gauge to use 2 fingers to slip under the brace for a quick measure.
2.Support And Comfort
Most knee braces in the market provide sufficient support and compression on your knees to keep them stabilized and your patella in place.
This is important especially if you have existing conditions, it’s recommended to get a knee brace that supports your needs either through an open patella design, side hinges for stability or one with an adjustable elastic strap.
3.Material
Can’t stand sweaty knees when you’re on a hike?
Most good quality knee braces are made of moisture-wicking, breathable material like Nylon, Neoprene or a Nylon-Spandex mix. You would want one that dries quickly and is water-resistant so that you don’t risk your knee brace slipping down your leg as you are hiking.
How Tight Should A Knee Brace Be?
Ideally, it should feel snug! The common rule is that you should be able to fit 2 fingers between your knee and brace and make sure it isn’t eating on your flesh. If you’re still not sure, it’s always safest to whip out the measuring tape.
How Do I Stop My Knees From Hurting When Hiking Downhill?
We know that wearing a knee brace will help stop your knees from hurting when hiking downhill, but there are also some other tips to alleviate some pressure on your knees:
- Hike downhill slowly and adjust your weights accordingly
- Lean slightly forward for stability
- Switch to face the incline when going downhill
- Get hiking poles to aid weight distribution when going downhill
- Strengthen your knees and legs before your hikes
- Warm-up properly to get your joints and muscles ready
Final Recommendation – Best Knee Brace For Hikers
We’ve laid down a list of the best knee brace for hikers and what to look for in a good quality knee brace. Whether you are a novice hiker, or a seasoned hiker looking for some pain relief solutions to your existing knee injuries, give some of these good-quality knee braces a try.
Here are our top picks:
Best Knee Brace For Hikers (All-Rounder): POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
Most Affordable Knee Brace For Hikers: NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
Best Mid-Range Knee Brace For Hikers: Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap
Best Support Knee Brace For Hikers: Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Support
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