Best Ankle Brace for Soccer Players to Buy in 2024
Having one of the best ankle braces for soccer players can come in handy under certain circumstances, but they are not a tool that players should rely on. Ankle injuries are some of the most common types of soccer injuries and contrary to popular belief, injuries are not bad luck and you have much more control than you think when it comes to injury prevention.
If you have ever been to a doctor, a physical therapist, or a podiatrist and the only things they tell you to do to fix your foot issues are to wear insoles, wear ankle braces, and take their pain pills, then that is not good advice. These “fixes” will never truly help fix your issues because they are not targeting the root cause, which are the feet , the fascia system, and mitochondrial function, they are only masking the symptoms.
You may get temporary relief but over time you will only rely more and more on these “fixes” making your problems even worse. In this blog I will discuss some common ankle injuries, the pros and cons of wearing an ankle brace, the only ankle brace that you need, as well as discuss the only times you should use an external ankle brace.
Best Ankle Braces for Soccer Players
Techware Pro Ankle Brace
Techware pro Ankle Brace
$16.99
Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace
Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace
$18.95
Empower band Ankle Brace
Common Ankle Injuries
Injuries are more common than ever in the beautiful game and here are some of the most common ankle injuries.
- Ankle Sprains
- High ankle sprains
- Lateral ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Chronic Ankle Instability
- Ankle fractures
- Plantar Fasciitis
The Pros and Cons of Wearing an Ankle Brace
When soccer players get ankle injuries the most logical thing to do would be to go ahead and buy an ankle brace to make your ankle strong again, right? No. When people wear ankle braces they only think about the pros and sometimes they don’t even think about the consequences.
Pros:
- Protection:
- Ankle braces offer a layer of protection by providing your ankle support and stabilization which can be beneficial if your ankle feels weak from a recent injury
- Comfort:
- Many modern ankle braces are designed for a comfortable fit, allowing players to wear them during games without harming performance.
Cons:
- Dependence:
- If you wear ankle braces for too long you will eventually start to rely on them and not be able to function properly without it. This is a result of ankle braces potentially weakening natural ankle stability over time.
- Limited Range of Motion:
- Some braces restrict the natural range of motion, affecting agility and performance on the field.
- Masking Symptoms:
- Ankle braces may provide temporary relief, but if not addressing the root cause of the issue, they will only keep masking the symptoms without ever promoting real recovery.
The Retinaculum: Your Natural Ankle Brace
What if I told you that you already have an internal ankle brace made of strong connective tissue? Well, it is true. Everyone has an internal ankle brace called the retinaculum and there are ways to train this anatomical structure.
An external brace does what the retinaculum is supposed to do naturally. Regaining full foot function and strengthening your retinaculum will teach you to better lock your ankle, also known as ankle stiffness.
When you feel the need to wear an ankle brace that means your ankles are weak, unstable, and/or you do not have the subconscious control of the retinaculum.
The Only Times you should wear an Ankle Brace
If you have been dealing with ankle problems for a while then you have to fix the root cause which is your fascia and how much control you have of your feet, toes, and the arch of the foot. The only times I would recommend wearing an ankle brace is if you absolutely need to to play a very important game.
For example, if during the warm-up of an important game you get a slight tweak in your ankle then yes, I would recommend taping the ankle or getting a brace to help you get through the game. However, this should only be a one time thing.
If you feel the need to wear an ankle brace during every single game then I recommend you stop doing that and fix your feet and your fascia first. Wearing an ankle brace without fixing what is causing your issues will never help you get rid of your issues and will only cause you to rely more on the ankle brace.
Summary
To summarize, an ankle brace is a special piece of equipment that can be helpful for certain situations, but it’s not something you want to rely on. Although it is best to train correctly and improve every aspect of your life that impacts performance, it is smart to invest money in a reliable ankle brace that can easily fit in your bag for unexpected events.
In this blog I covered the most common ankle injuries, the pros and cons of wearing an ankle brace, the role of the retinaculum, as well as provided you with a great option for the best soccer ankle brace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you help heal a soccer ankle injury fast?
The best way to help heal an ankle injury is to use natural recovery techniques. Also, make sure to train your fascia and regain full control and sensations of your feet, toes, and the arches of your feet.
What is the best brace for soccer players?
One of the best braces for soccer players, that should only be used if you absolutely need it, is the Techware pro ankle brace from Amazon.
How can I begin improving my soccer skills right now?
To begin improving your soccer skills right now, check out our post on the best soccer training drills. If you are looking to accelerate your progress, contact us or sign an interest form for our private training program.
