If you’re interested in purchasing knee braces but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you! Hinged knee braces offer excellent support for preventing and rehabilitating injuries, which is why I’m going to talk you through the best-hinged knee braces on the market today.
This article is designed to help you find out whether hinged knee braces could positively impact your life and how to choose the right ones for you based on honest, authentic reviews.
I’ll cover the pros and cons of different products, including how much they cost and how well they perform so that you can shop with confidence.
If you’re looking for ways to give your body better support, take a look at our Futuro Wrist Brace Review Guide.
At a Glance: 5 Best Hinged Knee Braces
- Shock Doctor Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace– Our #1 Top Pick
- Vive Hinged Knee Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
- Athledict Hinged Knee Brace Support
- Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace
- DonJoy Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Wraparound
What are Hinged Knee Braces?
Knee braces are commonly worn when the knee is vulnerable to damage or unstable, for example, after surgery, after an injury, or due to osteoarthritis. Other common conditions which a knee brace can ease are patella tendonitis, knee ligament injuries, and cartilage tears.
Knee braces ultimately work by restricting specific movements, thus preventing the knee from overextending and becoming more damaged. Hinged braces perform exceptionally well in this respect because of the hinges at each side of the knee help with stability.
It’s important to note that there are two types of hinged knee brace: soft and rigid. The former provides moderate support, while the rigid version offers better stability and protection, which could be better for certain contact sports.
The Benefits of Hinged Knee Braces
There are many benefits to using a knee brace if you are recovering from an injury or ongoing condition which makes your knee joint more vulnerable.
Injury Prevention
The most important benefit of a hinged knee brace is that it can prevent further damage. The hinges at each side of the brace will stop your knee from hyperextending, protecting you from ligament injuries.
That being said, it can even be beneficial to use knee braces when you are in perfect health. The additional support will stop you from getting injured in the first place, particularly if you tend to play intense sports or participate in strenuous physical activity like running long distances.
Pain Reduction
One lesser-known benefit is that knee braces can reduce pain. If you find the right compression level, there will be less pressure on your knee joint, which means that you will experience considerably less pain and discomfort.
Freedom of Movement
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences when you want to continue exercising as usual, but an unfortunate injury limits you. Knee braces can get you back up and running sooner by offering the support and stability that your knee joint has lost.
Selection Criteria
This section will cover the key considerations I took into account when reviewing the knee braces I have chosen to feature.
Comfort
Different injuries and lifestyles will require other knee braces, and shopping online presents a particular challenge since you’re unable to determine with any accuracy how comfortable the product will be.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to evaluate the comfort of each product for a range of different purposes, so you know you’re choosing the right hinged knee brace for you.
Style
I know that appearance isn’t usually the primary consideration for people when purchasing knee braces, but that’s not to say that appearance doesn’t matter.
I’ve assessed the appearance and style of each brace, so whether you want a sleek and discreet product or one that’s pure performance-based, your decision will be that much easier after reading this article.
Features
Believe it or not, not all hinged knee braces are the same. Some have additional features such as temperature regulation which can make a big difference if used for sports. I have taken these features into account to determine which knee braces have the most to offer.
Budget
Hinged knee braces can vary in price, but just because one product is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. That’s why choosing a knee brace can sometimes be such a challenge. Therefore, I’ve weighed up the cost of each product against its features and overall performance to give a more complete picture of which knee braces are the best.
Reviews
Verified reviews are one of the most important things I have looked at while compiling this product analysis. No matter how good certain knee braces claim to be, customer experiences will always clarify the real strengths and weaknesses of products.
5 Best Hinged Knee Braces
| Shock Doctor Maximum Support Knee Brace – Our #1 Top Pick
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Find it Here. |
| Vive Hinged Knee Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
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Find it Here |
| Athledict Hinged Knee Brace Support
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Find it Here |
| DonJoy Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Wraparound
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Find it Here |
| Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace
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Find it Here |
Shock Doctor Maximum Support Knee Brace
The Shock Doctor Maximum Support Knee Brace is one of the best on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from verified customers and a whole host of features that make it more comfortable, supportive, and better value than many of its competitors.
Although this is a mid-range product in terms of price, it certainly outperforms many top-of-the-range knee braces, which are more expensive. Likewise, it offers better features than most budget knee braces, which is why it’s earned its place as my top-rated product.
Some of these features include heavy-duty bilateral hinges, which offer excellent support while allowing a range of movements; aluminum stays in Hypalon sleeves, boosting stability; an X-fit strap system that’s easy to adjust; and N-Tex vented neoprene, which enhances airflow and removes excess moisture.
I found the material of this product and its overall build to be extremely sturdy without compromising on comfort. It’s rare to say this, but I felt like I could wear the brace all day without any problems.
The sizing runs a little small, so it’s best to order slightly larger than you think you’ll need. However, that doesn’t impact the overall quality and high performance of the product.
Pros
- Comfortable material that is moisture controlling and breathable.
- Removable support hinges keep you in control.
- Extremely adjustable.
- Stays in place all day.
- Performs well, even for injured athletes.
- Fairly affordable price.
- Easy to adjust.
- Heavy-duty stitches make the product durable.
- Carefully designed with knee anatomy in mind.
Cons
- Sizing runs small.
- Slightly bulky appearance.
- If you wear it on your right leg, the straps can sometimes rub against your left leg.
Vive Hinged Knee Brace
The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is an excellent budget choice offering high quality at an affordable price. In addition, it’s a versatile product that can be used for sports, healing injuries, or arthritis.
One of the most unexpected features of this brace is its retention of therapeutic heat which promotes better healing for injuries. It has clearly been designed with stability and support in mind, boasting four strong fastener straps, an open patella design, and removable hinges made from tempered aluminum.
Delivery was free and fast – certainly an added bonus – and the product also arrived with a guaranteed free return. Thankfully, that wasn’t necessary as I was happy with the product.
I was pleased to find that the material lives up to expectations, removing excess moisture and staying cool even during extended periods of use.
The style could be improved on, and the design made a little sleeker, but ultimately the product’s functionality outshines any doubts about its appearance, and considering the price, it’s definitely good value for money.
Thousands of other customers agree, too. This is one of the most positively reviewed hinged knee braces on the market.
Pros
- Excellent at reducing pain by alleviating joint pressure.
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Affordable price without compromising on quality and effectiveness.
- Fast delivery.
- Lightweight and breathable material.
Cons
- Over time the velcro straps wear out.
- It needs to be replaced more often than some other braces on the market.
- One size only – doesn’t fit larger knees.
Athledict Hinged Knee Brace Support
With a slightly higher price point than the previous brace, the Athledict Hinged Knee Brace Support still provides stability and compression, but it is sometimes let down by defective products which need to be returned.
Although it is rare, the hinges sometimes break with wear and tear, meaning that this Athledict product is less durable than some of its competitors.
That being said, this is a sporty and stylish knee brace that comes with a lifetime warranty and multiple ways of being worn, which is why it has taken the position of the third-best product on this list.
The Athledict Knee Brace offers a range of features that make it an attractive product, such as removable hinges and highly adjustable strap. It is designed for the users’ comfort in mind and largely seems to have achieved success judging by the positive reviews.
Pros
- Lightweight but robust design.
- It is developed with athletes in mind, allowing for high performance.
- An attractive design that is discrete and can easily be hidden beneath clothes.
- It can be worn in multiple ways.
- Highly adjustable.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Hinges can break over time if used for regular strenuous activity.
- Velcro loses grip.
- The returns process can be difficult.
DonJoy Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Wraparound
Compared to most other knee braces in my list, the DonJoy Drytex Sport Wraparound is more of an expensive option, but it’s certainly a worthwhile investment if you are an injured athlete who is willing to invest more money to get your performance back on track.
This knee brace comes with three sizing options, which are all accurate, and a whole host of positive features that make it stand out. Its durable bilateral hinges are sturdy enough to withstand strenuous exercise, which was initially one of my concerns.
However, in some cases, the elastic can begin to stretch over time, requiring you to purchase a replacement. This, in combination with the slightly higher price point, is what has led me to place this product in fourth place.
Nevertheless, this is a comfortable hinged knee brace with thousands of positive reviews. It works just as well as the braces that are usually prescribed by doctors, but it ultimately comes at a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Sturdy enough for strenuous activity.
- Comfortable.
- Range of size options.
- Neoprene alternative fabric for increased airflow.
Cons
- Elastic stretches over time.
- Velcro loses stick over time.
Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace
The Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace is a great low-cost choice for people who are recovering from injuries or who wish to get back into physical activity but need additional support to do so.
I was disappointed by the lengthy shipping time for this product, though when it arrived, I could immediately tell that the material was of high quality, and the design appeared to have been created with both style and functionality in mind.
The product claims to offer perforated fabric for extra breathability, but this only lasts for a while; I found that after several hours I needed to take the knee brace off. Still, for shorter periods of use, this product performs very well. In addition, the open back eliminates bunching, which is always one of my key concerns.
The crisscross straps provide plenty of support for weak or injured knees, but I found the ‘one size fits most’ approach, unfortunately, meant that the product was a little too big for me. This is a common problem with Mueller’s sizing, which is divided between small/medium and large/xlarge.
However, if you fit into either of these size categories, the Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace will suit you well, especially if you are looking for a budget product.
If this product has called your attention, check our Mueller Knee Brace Review and Guide [2021] for further read.
Pros
- Perforated fabric.
- Open back eliminates bunching.
- Affordable price.
- Crisscross straps offer greater stability.
Cons
- Long shipping time.
- Uncomfortable during extended use.
- Sizing is difficult to gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: The majority of hinged knee braces on the market will need replacing after a year or so, although this depends entirely on how much they are used, what type of activity they are used for, and the original quality of the product.
While low-quality knee braces sometimes only last a month or two, high-quality ones can last years if they are looked after properly.
Answer: This depends on your own level of comfort when you wear the braces. There’s no medical reason why you can’t wear two at once, but some people tend to find this uncomfortable when going about their day-to-day lives.
If you think that both of your knees would benefit from the extra support, you should invest in hinged knee braces that are less bulky and designed for comfort.
Answer: Hinged knee braces are for anyone who feels that their knees are weak and need additional support. This could include injured athletes, old people with joint problems, or someone who has recently damaged their knee.
In fact, hinged knee braces can even be used for preventative purposes.
Answer: One of the most common knee injuries by far is knee fractures. The knee cap, or patella, has a protective function for the joint, so it’s often the first thing to become injured during a fall. Other common injuries include dislocations, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and posterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Answer: Usually, knee instability is caused by ligament injuries. This includes ACL, MCL, and PCL injuries (all of which refer to different types of the ligament). Instability also occurs when the patella, or kneecap, has been pushed out of place due to traumatic injury or something chronic like a deformity.
Answer: Absolutely! Knee braces can give runners extra support – along with physiotherapy – to help with the healing process.
Answer: Knee sleeves slide on easily, providing compression, which minimizes pain and reduces swelling. Athletes commonly wear them as they are more discrete and easier to move in. On the other hand, knee braces are primarily used to protect prior injuries from further damage. In addition, they provide limited, slow movement.
Best Hinged Knee Braces – My Verdict
Overall, I found that the Shock Doctor Maximum Support Knee Brace performed the best all-around, offering unparalleled support, extra features, and an affordable price. There’s no need to spend large amounts of money on top-of-the-range products when this brace does everything that it needs to.
The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is one of the most affordable products out there, but what I really loved about it is that you don’t have to compromise on quality. Although it doesn’t look as stylish as some other braces out there, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance – and there are thousands of positive reviews to prove it.
I was impressed by the Athledict Hinged Knee Brace Support’s lifetime warranty as well as its sleek and sporty design. If you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance after injury, and you don’t mind having to purchase a replacement every so often, this is the product for you.
Similarly, the DonJoy Drytex Sport Wraparound is built with strenuous activity in mind, and it also suffers from wear and tear over time. Because this is a slightly more expensive product that could benefit from added durability, it ranks fourth, but I still found it to be pleasing both in terms of comfort and design.
The final knee brace on my list is the Mueller 6455 Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace, a budget product that is comfortable to wear for short periods at a time and offers support through features like crisscrossed straps. This is the ideal product if you want to test out whether knee braces are for you, but you don’t want to spend a fortune.
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