Article Last Updated: March 1, 2024
Choosing the best ankle brace after a broken ankle is one of the most important aspects of the recovery of function and mobility in the ankle joint.
There are several key features to look for when deciding which brace is right for your ankle and injury.
Related:Best compression sleeve to wear under your ankle brace.
In this guide, we’ll review several of our favorite ankle braces and discuss some important determining factors, like rigidity, breathability, and fit.
#1 Velpeau Ankle Brace with Adjustable Rigid Ankle Stabilizer
The rigid plastic splint is ergonomically designed to tightly cover ankle joints and provide uniform compressure and good fixation.
#2 Mueller Sports Medicine Stirrup Ankle Brace
Provides rigid stabilizing support for moderate to severe ankle injuries.
#3 Zamst Ankle Brace Support Stabilizer
Made with i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an anatomically (right & left) correct fit.
How to Choose theBest Ankle Brace After Broken Ankle
Rigid Stabilization
Ankle injuries weaken the joint, and are easily exacerbated by inversion and eversion, which is the inward or outward movement of an unstable joint.
Broken or fractured ankles need to be partially immobilized to prevent this movement during healing and recovery. Rigid stabilization offers that immobilization, usually with two obvious support structures on either side of the brace.
Breathability
Breathability is key in preventing sweating that can cause dangerous slippage and uncomfortable rubbing.
Non-washable braces made with non-breathable materials will often stink after just a few uses, and the inner padding material will become stiff and uncomfortable.
Adjustability
A good brace has to be adjustable, so that the wearer can secure a firm fit with no gaps. No two ankles are exactly alike, and even one injured ankle may be a different size from one day to the next.
The ability to tighten and loosen straps is the difference between and effective brace and a waste of money.
Fitting
When a brace fits poorly, there will either be gaps or pressure points.
Gaps lessen the stability of the brace by allowing the ankle to shift inside the support structure, and pressure points cause discomfort, sores, and could even lead to reinjury if they’re pushing on a vulnerable area of the ankle.
Be sure that your brace has adequate padding to fill gaps and create a good fit.
Compression
If you’ve ever had excessive swelling, you might know the importance of compression. Compression helps to relieve swelling and the associated pain, while adding an additional lay of support to the ankle joint.
Related:Best compression sleeve to wear under your ankle brace.
If you choose a brace without included compression materials, consider purchasing a compression sleeve to go underneath the brace. This can also provide additional comfort and a better fit.
Quality
A brace should be made with good enough materials and craftsmanship to last the duration of the recovery period.
A brace that falls apart too soon is dangerous and unreliable, so be sure the brace you choose is made with quality materials that will finish the job.
Top 5 Best Ankle Brace After Broken Ankle
1. VelpeauAnkle Brace with Adjustable Rigid Ankle Stabilizer
PROS
- Breathable
- Quality materials and craftsmanship
- Rigid stabilization
- Form-fitting
- Washable
- Adjustable
- Attractive design
- Slippage
CONS
A good fit is essential for any brace to be effective. Each side of this brace is specially designed to form-fit the corresponding side of the ankle, with sponge padding to prevent any hazardous gaps.
Adjustable straps provide custom support and pain relief caused by instability and injury.
Quality materials and workmanship ensure that this brace will last throughout the recovery period.
2. Mueller Sports Medicine Stirrup Ankle Brace
PROS
- Left or right foot
- Rigid stabilization
- Adjustable
- Inflatable cells
CONS
- It can be a little to flexible for very recent injuries
This ambidextrous model inhibits lateral movement, which is critical for an ankle break to heal properly, and features inflatable compression cells that can help to reduce swelling and prevent slippage.
These cells offer custom, gapless comfort. An adjustable strap allows for proper sizing and fit.
3. Zamst Ankle Brace Support Stabilizer
PROS
- Contoured
- Hinged
- Mimics taping
- Adjustable
- No arch support
CONS
Patented Exo-Grid with Grip-Tech stabilizes the ankle joint with a molded structure that inhibits slippage.
The rigid support prevents inversion and eversion with an adjustable strap that reduce the separation between the fibula and tibia at the joint to help secure and prevent high ankle injuries.
A lower strap prevents forward shift of the foot within the brace.
This Zamst brace is made with high-quality materials and a physiologically appropriate design.
It’s definitely one of our favorites on this list.
4. Orthomen Ankle Brace
PROS
- Hypoallergenic
- Compression
- Arch support
- Rigid stabilization
- Adjustable
- Sleek
- Quality materials
- Inaccurate size guide
CONS
A hinged, contoured brace allows for easier ambulation while preventing inversion and eversion of the ankle joint.
Adjustable, figure-eight straps mimic ankle taping for additional support, and can be tightened as swelling decreases.
Molded, anatomically-designed supports are made specifically for left or right foot to ensure a better fit and more effective hold on the ankle.
5. Trilok Ankle Brace
PROS
- Hypoallergenic
- Compression
- Arch support
- Rigid stabilization
- Adjustable
- Sleek
- Quality materials
CONS
- Inaccurate size guide
This Trilok model includes superior arch support and compression under a sturdy, rigid stirrup structure.
Medical-grade hook-and-loop tape provides an accurate fitting for better stabilization of injured ankles.
This brace is sleeker than others, and made with quality, hypoallergenic materials.
Conclusion
Choosing the right brace to support a compromised bone is a critical to the recovery of the bone and joint.
Consider your needs carefully, and use this buyer’s guide to direct you through some key features of each brace. That way, you’re sure to find the best ankle brace after broken ankle.
