Best Ankle Brace For Soccer

What Do Soccer Players Wear on Their Ankles?

Soccer players often wear several ankle braces on their ankles for protection and support during the game. Here are the common ones:

• Lace-up Ankle Braces: They usually have a lace-up design that can be adjusted to fit snugly around the ankle. This allows for a customized level of support, tightening the brace to limit excessive movement of the ankle joint. Lace up ankle braces are often favored by players who have had previous ankle injuries or those who need more firm support to prevent ankle rolls during quick changes in direction on the soccer field.
• Elastic Ankle Braces: These are made of stretchy materials like neoprene. They provide compression around the ankle joint, which helps reduce swelling and offers some stability. They are relatively lightweight and flexible, allowing soccer players to move freely while still getting a certain level of support. Many players choose adjustable elastic ankle support when they have minor ankle sprains or just want some extra protection during play.
• Sports Bandages: These are long, flexible strips of fabric that can be wrapped around the ankle in various ways. Athletic trainers or players themselves may apply them to provide additional support and limit unwanted movement. For example, they can be used to restrict excessive inversion (rolling inward) or eversion (rolling outward) of the ankle. Sports ankle support bandage also enhance proprioception, helping players have a better sense of where their ankles are during movement. They are often used when players have a mild ankle sprain or want an extra layer of protection during a game or training session. However, proper application is crucial to ensure they don't cut off circulation or become too loose and ineffective.

In summary, soccer players choose what to wear on their ankles based on their individual injury history, the demands of their playing position, and personal preferences for comfort and the level of support and protection they require during soccer matches and training sessions.