Experienced weight lifters know that knees tend to be the most vulnerable joints in a lower body workout. And when left without protection, a power lifting or squat routine can quickly result in knee pain or knee injury, which is often severe enough to bring your training to a screeching halt. The best weight lifting knee sleeves are designed to provide support to your knees to prevent this type of stress, and to provide protection from further strain due to a previous injury.
In addition to weight lifting gloves to protect your hands, wearing a pair of the best weight lifting knee sleeves is highly recommended by professional trainers for new and experienced lifters when engaging in aggressive leg workouts of all kinds. Top quality knee compression sleeves and wraps come in different thicknesses, colors, and sizes. They are also available as a single sleeve or a pair. Below we’ve pulled together a list of those that are most highly rated by actual users.
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves for Weight Lifting – Unisex
Take your performance to the next level with these support and compression knee sleeves from Nordic Lifting. Sold as a pair, these sleeves are made of 7mm thick neoprene, providing optimal promotion of muscle recovery and prevention of damage.
Designed to fit both male and female athletes, these sleeves come in a broad range of sizes from extra small for knees measuring less than 11.8 inches, all the way through double extra large for knees measuring up to 18.3″. Nordic Lifting includes a 1 year replacement guarantee, so you can rest assured that these sleeves will last through the rigors of your year-round training. At the time of this writing, they also offer generous discounts when purchasing 2 or more pairs.
Thickness: 7mm
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black
Bear KompleX Compression Weight Lifting Knee Sleeves – Unisex
If you’re looking for more color and pattern options, as well as a choice of thicknesses, then check out these compression weight lifting knee sleeves from Bear KompleX.
While most sleeves on our list are 7mm thick, with the Bear CompleX knee sleeves you can choose between 5mm or 7mm. After all, different people and different workout routines may call for a different level of support. Some athletes like to have a pair of each on hand for their cross training needs.
Plus, you can express your personality with a huge variety of colors, such as colorful camos or stars and stripes. Some of the designs are even reversible, so it’s like getting two pairs for the price of one.
Thickness: Choose from 5mm or 7mm
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black, Black Camo, Blue Camo, Pink Camo, Neon Yellow Camo, Red, Purple, Stars and Stripes, Lightening and Blue Reversible, and Aztec and Grey Reversible.
Smalets Women’s Sports & Weightlifting Compression Knee Sleeves
The sports therapist who designed these women’s compression knee sleeves from Smalets did so with the full understanding that female and male bodies have distinct physiological differences. As such, these weightlifting knee supports provide an optimal non slip fit for the typical feminine knee, measuring between 11.8″-15.7″.
These sleeves are made of a 5mm thick blend of soft neoprene and spandex, so that they provide stabilization and compression to the patellar ligament without the feeling of bulk or restriction. They also come in a variety of color options to add a stylish touch to your fitness wardrobe.
Thickness: 5mm
Sizes: Women’s XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Pink, Black and Red Floral, Black Camo, Stars & Stripes, Black
Smalets Men’s Sports & Weightlifting Compression Knee Sleeves
Counterpart to the women’s version above, these men’s compression knee sleeves by Smalets are specifically constructed to fit the male muscular anatomy and movement structure.
These made-for-men 7mm knee sleeves of neoprene and nylon are breathable, comfortable, and highly effective for a guy’s patellar relief and recovery. Smalets fully stands behind their product with a 100% refund or replacement guarantee.
Thickness: 7mm
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black, Blue, Black Camo, Stars & Stripes
Mava Sports Weight Lifting Knee Wraps – Unisex
True, knee wraps are not the same as traditional knee sleeves. But if you’re one of the many athletes who prefers having the flexibility of a wrap hand when you need it, then these knee wraps from Mava Sports are among the best weight lifting knee wraps you’ll find. Mava Sports delivers a highly popular line of sports compression and protection wear, and this is the first of two of their items appear on our list. Below your find their top selling traditional knee sleeve support.
Unlike knee sleeves, these knee wraps let you adjust and control your level of compression, depending on your specific needs. The simple hook and loop velcro closure mechanism prevents loose ends from hanging in the way, and make it easy to quickly tighten or loosen to the exact amount of support you choose.
This wrap is 72″ long, and is effective as a knee brace, knee sleeve, or knee band. While they are a good option for lifting, you may find that sleeves are more secure and comfortable for walking or running activities.
As this article is being written, Mava Sports is currently offering an enticing discount when you purchase 2 or more of their products.
Size: 72″
Colors: Black, Blue/Black, Yellow/Black, Red/Black, Green/Black, Orange/Black, White/Black, and more.
Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeves For Weight Lifting – Unisex
Improve your leg’s blood flow through compression with these knee compression sleeves for weightlifting from Mava Sports. These ergonomically shaped orthopedic support sleeves are built to fit comfortably and securely, keeping your knee joints warm and stable for reduced overall joint pressure, swelling, and strain.
Made of 100% neoprene that’s 7mm thick and with non-irritating seams, you’ll appreciate the support without any bunching or pinching. A superior choice for heavy squats, leg presses, cross training, and intense weight lifting.
Thickness: 7mm
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Grey
Rehband Model 7051 Knee Sleeve – Unisex
Rehband has long been a premium go-to brand dedicated to top quality joint support and protection for athletes of all ages and levels. And no list of best knee compression sleeves would be complete without including the ever popular Rehband 7051 knee sleeve.
Swedish designed with Rehband’s unique patented construction, these sleeves are carefully patterned based on the anatomical contour of the human leg. They provide gentle reinforcement all the way around the leg, allowing for optimal range of motion that won’t get in the way of your workout.
These are the most expensive compression sleeves for knees on our list. They sell individually and not in a pair as others do, yet they are priced almost as much as a pair of other brands. However, thousands of users swear by these for their uncompromising quality and superior design. So if you can afford them, they may just be the way to go. Perfect for men and women athletes of all ages and sizes with knees as small as 10.6 inches.
Thickness: 7mm
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Blue
FitXpert Cross Training Knee Compression Sleeves – Unisex
You don’t need to be on a tight budget to wear these highly economical knee compression sleeves from FitXpert. They may be the least expensive on our list, but the no-frills design doesn’t waste your money on fancy styling or colors. They simply provide straight away good quality 4 way compression, with the flexibility of an extensive range of motion while providing ultimate support and comfort. This makes them a top value pick for anyone.
These supports are machine washable, making them easy to maintain and keep clean. In addition, you have the security of knowing that FitXpert offers a 100% money back guarantee, promising “no questions asked” refund in the event that this product does not meet your needs.
Choose the best weight lifting knee sleeves above that meet your personal lifting style and needs, and you’ll be providing the best protection for your knees. Next to knees, the hands are the most injury prone body parts when working out. Painful callouses, blisters, and worse can make lifting a nightmare. It’s no wonder that weight lifting gloves are among the most popular types of sports gloves out there. So in addition to knee compression sleeves, have a look at our review of the best full finger weightlifting gloves for some optimal whole-hand protection.