Are you on the lookout for the best knee brace for hikers?
I know the selection online can be overwhelming, with each knee brace touting the same features and benefits.
You must be wondering which knee brace really offers the best support without limiting your range of motion too much?
I know you are thinking this, because I have dodgy knees too 🙁 Back in the day, I ran marathons which ended up grinding my knees down.
My party trick is to drop it like its hot and let everyone hear the loud crunching sound as I make my way back up. O_O
Anyway, I digress. My point is, we need to protect our faulty knees from popping out while hiking but which knee brace is comfortable enough to wear on a long hike and can help to relieve your knee pain?
I’ve tested LOADS, and honestly some are totally useless, just a hindrance, but some are really good!
So based on my dodgy knee testing results, here is a list of 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 neighborhood, you’ve probably experienced some pressure on your knees, especially on your descent.
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 Best Knee Brace For Hikers in 2023
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.
21 Best Knee Brace 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 odor-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 helps 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 the Neenca knee brace is mainly made of provides a double anti-slip technology.
It will leave 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 pressure on the patella tendon.
This will make you more confident and help you regain that bounce to your step in this 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 favorite feature about this product is the new Omega+ pads that protect 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 hiking 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 patella
- High-low knitted fabric for breathability
What We Dislike:
- Expensive but worth it
5. Bracoo Full Support Knee Brace with Stabilizers
Bracoo Full Support Knee Brace with Stabilizers 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.
To give knee support for walking downhill, 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 favorite 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 on 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 odor 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.
This makes 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.
These knee sleeves for hiking are easy to pop on, and you will feel instant relief on your knees, and any stiffness will be gone.
The power support in these knee sleeves heats your muscles and lessens 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 favorite among seasoned hikers, the McDavid Knee Brace is built to support your knees and prevent any injuries for years now.
This hiking knee brace is a game-changer when it comes to injury prevention and recovery acceleration.
Not only does the open 360 degrees padded buttress isolates and support the patella, but the perforated back panel and bound edges also make wearing it comfy, airy, and not steamy at the very slightest.
If you’re looking for knee support for long-distance walking, this is it.
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 a better grip
12. Bracoo Adjustable Compression Knee Support
The Bracoo Adjustable Compressions Knee Support is one of the more affordable knee braces on the market.
It 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. It gives great knee support for walking.
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. It’s what makes this one of the best knee braces for hiking.
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 hiking knee braces that look 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 you with a snug perfect fit
What We Dislike:
- Not as sturdy
16. Mueller Self-Adjusting Knee Stabilizer
The Mueller Self-Adjusting Knee Stabilizer is a knee brace for hiking that is meant to provide advanced support even to hikers with arthritic knee conditions.
It’s considered one of the best knee support for elderly.
Material: Soft neoprene blend
What We Love:
- Easy to take on and off with its wraparound design
- Great support from the self-adjusting criss-cross straps
- Comfortable enough to be worn the whole day
What We Dislike:
- Can be tricky to adjust to stay in place
17. Bodyprox Knee Brace With Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads
The Bodyprox Knee Brace With Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads can relieve any pain on long hikes with its patella gel pads and adjustable straps.
You’ll find that the added knee pads for hiking make this one of the best knee support for walking and hiking.
Material: Breathable Neoprene blend
What We Love:
- Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. Great for long summer hikes.
- Reduces knee pain and gives great support.
- Easy to put on and take off.
What We Dislike:
- Velcro can wear off easily.
18. Modvel Compression Knee Braces
The Modvel Compression Knee Braces offer relief from knee pain and give knee support for hill walking with its compression technology.
You can wear it for long hikes without having to worry about sweat and odor.
Material: Nylon and latex blend
What We Love:
- Relieves knee pain while walking and hiking
- Good support for the knees without being too tight
- Stays in place the whole day
- Machine-washable, so just dump it in after your hikes
What We Dislike:
- The sizing can be inconsistent, so make sure you measure properly or contact customer support.
19. Sparthos Knee Compression Sleeves
These Sparthos Knee Compression Sleeves provide just the right balance of support and range of motion so that you hike on all sorts of terrain and not feel any pain.
It’s really one of the best hiking knee brace out there.
Material: Breathable yarn
What We Love:
- Good compression and support without limiting your movement
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Easy to put on and stays in place
What We Dislike:
- Might not be enough support for more severe pain
20. Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace With Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads
The Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace With Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads is what you’re looking for if you’re suffering from knee pain but would still like to be actively hiking and enjoying nature.
It offers great support and a good range of motion, making it one of the best knee brace for running and hiking.
Materials: Not specified
What We Love:
- The patella gel pads really help to reduce knee pain
- Side stabilizers give a lot of support
- You still get a good range of motion
- Easy to put on and take off, and feels comfortable for long wear
What We Dislike:
- Takes some adjustments to get all four straps to fit right
21. Techware Pro Knee Brace Support
The Techware Pro Knee Brace Support is adjustable with three bi-directional straps and four spring stabilizers so you can have knee support for downhill hiking.
Materials: Neoprene
What We Love:
- Provides firm support and helps to reduce knee pain while walking and hiking
- Adjustable straps help to give a snug fit
- Durable and stays in place throughout the day
What We Dislike:
- Can be thick and bulky
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. They give great knee support for long distance walking.
There are just good things that can come from wearing a knee brace hiking, 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 for the best knee brace hiking:
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 two 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 two 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. If it’s too loose, it won’t give your knee support hiking.
How Do I Stop My Knees From Hurting When Hiking Downhill?
We know that it helps to wear some of the best knee brace for 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
FAQ On Best Knee Brace For Hikers
Should I Wear Knee Braces While Hiking?
Yes, you should wear knee braces while hiking. They offer extra support and stability to your knee joints which have to undergo stress from the repetitive motion of a long hike, extra backpack weight, and uneven terrain. A knee brace can also help prevent injuries and is very useful in relieving any existing pain.
How Do I Protect My Knees When Hiking?
Here are some tips to protect your knees when hiking:
- Wear proper footwear that has good support and cushioning.
- Use a knee brace to stabilize and protect your knees.
- Use trekking poles to reduce the impact on your knees and help you balance.
- Maintain a steady pace.
- Do some light stretches before and after the hike.
Why Do Knees Hurt When Hiking?
Knees hurt when hiking for many reasons, including:
- Increased pressure on the knees when going downhill.
- Weak leg muscles that cannot support your weight when hiking.
- Overuse and repetitive strain on the knees can lead to tendinitis or bursitis
- Extra weight from the backpack or being overweight adds stress to the knees
What Is Hiker Knee?
Hiker’s knee, or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is a common overuse injury affecting the kneecap. It is especially painful when walking downhill and can make it difficult to hike or even walk. It is caused by weak quadriceps, improper body positioning, or repeated stress on the kneecap, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
Is Knee Cap Good For Trekking?
Yes, knee caps can be good for trekking if you have weak or injured knees. They help to provide support and stability to the knee joints, reduce the risk of injuries and relieve any existing pain. However, if you have healthy knees, knee caps may restrict your movement and make your hike uncomfortable.
How To Strengthen Knees For Downhill Hiking?
Do some of these resistance training exercises to strengthen your knees for downhill hiking:
- Lunges: Walking and reverse lunges strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Squats: They strengthen the knees and make your balance better.
- Deadlifts: Increases mobility and strengthen the hamstrings.
- Calf raises: Strengthening the calves help to absorb shock when going downhill.
How To Tape Knees For Downhill Hiking?
To tape your knees with KT tape for support during downhill hiking:
- Start with clean, dry skin.
- Cut two tapes the length from below your kneecap to mid-thigh.
- With the knee bent, tape around the inner knee with 40% stretch.
- Repeat with the second tape around the outer knee, forming an X.
- Wrap a third strip of tape under the kneecap.
Knee Pain When Hiking Downhill?
Knee pain when hiking downhill is a common problem due to the extra stress on the knee joints. It can be caused by weak leg muscles, improper form, poor footwear, or existing injuries. To prevent knee pain on hikes, use knee braces, hiking poles, and proper hiking shoes, and strengthen your leg muscles.
How To Keep Knee Immobilizer From Slipping?
To keep your knee immobilizer from slipping, try these tips:
- Make sure it is the right size
- Adjust the straps so that it fits snugly
- Wear a layer underneath, such as compression pants or leggings
- Use self-adhesive bandages to secure the straps in place
- Make sure the brace and your knee are dry before putting it on
How Tight Should A Patella Strap Be?
A patella strap should be snug but not too tight. Tighten the strap until you feel enough compression to support the kneecap. Avoid the temptation to over-tighten, as it can cut off circulation or cause pain. It should sit as close to your skin as possible and not slip around or off your knee easily.
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 guard for hiking 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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