A tear to the anterior cruciate ligament typically referred to as an ACL tear, is a common knee injury that occurs in more than 200,000 people annually. I’m one of those people.
While in the midst of a competitive game of soccer, I was sharply cutting back and forth, weaving in and out of the opposing players. After hearing an audible “popping” noise at the time of injury, I soon came to find out I had a torn ACL.
If you’ve ever had a torn ACL, you’ll quickly recognize the symptoms. Severe pain and swelling. Loss of motion. A feeling that your knee will “give way” if you bear any type of weight on it.
To relieve discomfort and provide the support I need to get through my days, my doctor recommended the use of a knee brace. After doing some research, I found that the best knee brace for torn ACL has gentle compression to support the knee without interfering with mobility. The compression element is also beneficial in increasing blood flow while reducing pain.
To find the best knee brace for torn ACL, I’ve tested countless products that claim to compress, stabilize, and support an injured knee. Here’s a look at the key features that I recommend and some of the best products I’ve tried that are currently on the market.
Comparison Table
| IMAGE | BRAND | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Liberte Lifestyles 5mm Ice-Scream Skull Print Knee Sleeves (Pair) |
| Buy Product | |
 | NeoAlly Compression Knee Sleeve |
| Buy Product | |
 | EXOUS Bodygear Knee Brace |
| Buy Product | |
 | EzyFit Knee Brace Support |
| Buy Product | |
 | Neo G Medical Grade VCS Advanced Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace |
| Buy Product | |
 | Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges |
| Buy Product | |
 | DonJoy Legend Knee Support Brace |
| Buy Product |
What to Look for in a Knee Brace for Torn ACL
- Types: There are four main types of knee braces, each one providing a different function. Prophylactic braces protect the knees from injuries during contact sports, while functional braces support already injured knees. Rehabilitative braces limit harmful knee movement after an injury, and unloader/off-loader braces provide relief to arthritis patients with knee pain.
- Hinged: Some knee braces are hinged, while others are sleeve-type braces that support the knee with compression material alone. Hinged knee braces are ideal for the prevention and rehabilitation of ACL and other knee injuries.
- Adjustability: One of the main features you’ll want to look for when shopping for the best knee brace for torn ACL is adjustability. An adjustable brace will allow you to achieve the comfort and support you need while your injury is healing.
- Support: Support is amongst the most important feature if you wish to reduce pain and prevent further injury to your knee. Your knee brace should be firm enough to keep your knee well stabilized, but not so much that it limits mobility.
- Also check out our top picks for knee pads when doing home projects.
5 Best Knee Braces To Use If You Have Torn ACL And Meniscus
1. EXOUS Bodygear Knee Brace
I found this first knee brace to be impressive in terms of support and performance. The EXOUS Bodygear Knee Brace features a unique four-way compression system that literally wraps the knee at every angle for maximum support and stability. It’s two cross-over straps located above and below the knee cap also helped reduce inflammation.
Due to its anti-slip design, this knee brace remained comfortable and stayed in place all day without having to be constantly adjusted. There is also a ‘comfort gap’ at the back of the knee that prevents the stretchy neoprene material from scrunching up, which is a common issue with other knee braces.
What Users Are Saying:
- Customizable knee brace with Velcro straps
- Offers excellent support.
- Its flexibility allowed me to bend my knee easily
- Great fit and provided the wrap my knee needed
- Has worked fantastic for me!
- This brace offers more support than similar products
2. EzyFit Knee Brace Support
When I’m searching for the best knee brace for torn ACL, I seek comfort and quality above all else. The EzyFit Knee Brace Support fit the bill. With reinforced double stitching and strong Velcro enclosures, the brace stayed in place all day but still allowed for natural knee and leg movement.
What makes this knee brace really unique is the knee stabilizer, non-slip silicone straps located at both the top and bottom, and the open patella design that promotes flexibility of the joint. After recovering from my torn ACL, I continue to use this brace as exercise support during all my physical activities, from walking and running to hiking and soccer.
What Users Are Saying:
- Best brace yet, by far
- Stitching is excellent and Velcro is very strong
- Well-constructed and stays in place
- Does its job of stabilizing my knee
- Fits and feels better than more expensive options
- Such a comfortable knee brace
3. Neo G Medical Grade VCS Advanced Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace
While many knee braces have similar features, I found the Neo G Medical Grade VCS Advanced Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace to be a step above the rest. Not only does it help with sprains, strains, instability, and patellar tracking, its open patella design, stitched buttress, and two-point geared hinge system provides enhanced knee support.
What really makes this product the best knee brace for torn ACL is its heat therapeutic neoprene. As you’re wearing your brace, the comfy neoprene material helps to warm up your muscles and joints, which in turn promotes faster healing. This knee brace is unisex and a universal size, meaning one size fits most.
What Users Are Saying:
- So comfy and not too bulky
- This brace has reduced my pain a lot
- Best knee brace I’ve found so far
- Comfortable enough to wear all-day
- Quality brace at an excellent value
- Easy to put on and is adjustable
4. Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges
After developing an ACL tear, the Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges was one of the first products I tried. If you measure your knee as suggested by the manufacturer, you can find a brace that fits your knee circumference perfectly for a comfy, personalized fit.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this brace is its bilateral support hinges which added to the brace’s stability and performance. The material is N-Tex air flow vented neoprene, which has moisture-wicking properties that provide therapeutic warmth without causing skin irritation due to trapped moisture.
What Users Are Saying:
- Fits great and provides excellent support
- My knee is very stable while wearing this brace
- Maximum support!
- Does not bunch up behind the knee like other braces
- Feels good and doesn’t slip
- Overall, fantastic brace if you buy the right size
5. DonJoy Legend Knee Support Brace
If you have a moderate to severe ACL tear, this is the brace for you. After trying the DonJoy Legend Knee Support Brace, I couldn’t believe the difference it made to take away my pain, swelling and overall discomfort. Best of all, it can also be used after the healing period for all contact sports and activities to prevent further injuries.
The brace features a low-profile and is constructed of resilient, aircraft-grade aluminum that has been coated with Kraton, a material that doesn’t rust, chip, or corrode. I also loved the patented four-point dynamic leverage system that gave my knee the support it needed as I continued to work and play.
What Users Are Saying:
- This brace fits like a glove
- Allows my knee to bend while still providing adequate support
- Comfortable and lightweight
- I would recommend this brace to anyone with a torn ACL
- Works great for all activities
- Very comfortable and provides great knee stabilization
