Ankle sprains are the most common injury in volleyball, usually from landing on someone's foot under the net. Research suggests that ankle braces lower the risk of a sprain, especially for players who have sprained an ankle before, and that balance and landing training also helps. A brace is a personal choice; if you've had a sprain, talk to a doctor, physiotherapist (physical therapist) or athletic trainer about it.
Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.
- Clearest benefit
- After a previous sprain
- Main types
- Lace-up, rigid/hinged
- Also helps
- Balance & landing training
- Rules
- Braces allowed
Quick comparison
| Model |
Best for |
Type |
Price tier |
Notes |
| ASO EVO Ankle Stabilizer |
Everyday use; returning from a sprain |
Lace-up |
Mid-range |
Contains latex; fits either foot |
| McDavid 195 |
Lightweight lace-up support |
Lace-up |
Mid-range |
Latex-free; fits either foot |
| Active Ankle T2 |
A quick, rigid brace |
Rigid/hinged |
Mid-range |
Sized by shoe size; wear it over a sock |
| Zamst A2-DX |
Players with unstable ankles |
Hybrid |
Premium |
Left and right versions |
| Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Lace |
Maximum lace-up support |
Lace-up |
Mid-range |
Contains latex |
What the research shows
- In a large study of US high-school basketball players, those randomly assigned to wear lace-up ankle braces had about a third as many acute ankle injuries as those who didn't. The benefit showed up both in players with and without a previous ankle injury. The braces didn't make the injuries that still happened less severe.
- A similar study in high-school football found fewer ankle injuries with braces and no increase in knee injuries. That's a common worry, but this study doesn't support it.
- Reviews of the research find the strongest evidence for players who have sprained an ankle before. For first-time prevention the evidence is weaker but still points toward a benefit.
- In volleyball, a Dutch study found a balance-board program reduced ankle sprains, but mainly in players who had sprained an ankle before. A Norwegian program that taught safer take-off and landing for blocking and attacking was followed by fewer sprains.
Braces and training work together: a brace supports the joint, and balance and landing practice train it.
Types of brace
- Lace-up with straps (figure-6 or figure-8): like a tape job you can put on yourself. Common in volleyball.
- Rigid or hinged shell: hard side guards that resist rolling while the ankle still bends up and down. Quick to strap on.
- Hybrid: rigid side guards plus crossing straps, for the most support.
How to choose and fit
- Sizing differs by brand: some go by ankle circumference (measured just above the ankle bone), others by shoe size. Use the brand's own chart.
- Try it on with your volleyball shoes and socks, because braces add bulk.
- Most fit either foot; some (e.g. Zamst A2-DX) are left- or right-specific.
- If you have a latex allergy, check the label: some lace-up braces contain latex.
- Braces are legal in volleyball unless the referee thinks one could injure someone.
Our picks
ASO EVO Ankle Stabilizer
Best for: everyday volleyball use; returning from a sprain.
What stands out
- Lace-up body with tape-style stirrup and heel-lock straps
- Fits either foot, wide size range
Watch out for: contains latex; lacing takes time.
McDavid 195
Best for: lightweight lace-up support.
What stands out
- Figure-6 straps you can retighten without removing the shoe
- Latex-free; fits either foot
Active Ankle T2
Best for: players who want a quick, rigid brace.
What stands out
- Hinged shell, foam lining, single strap
- Works in low or high shoes; sized by shoe size
Watch out for: the hard shell can rub, so wear it over a sock.
Zamst A2-DX
Best for: players with unstable ankles.
What stands out
- Rigid side guards plus X-straps; left and right versions
Watch out for: order the correct side; the brand says to size up if you're between sizes.
Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Lace
Best for: maximum lace-up support.
What stands out
- Lace-up plus figure-8 wrap straps
Watch out for: contains latex.
Lower your risk with or without a brace
- Land on your own side of the center line, on both feet with bent knees.
- Do balance training, such as single-leg balance and hopping drills.
- Warm up before every session (Warm-up).
- After a sprain, return gradually with guidance from a professional (Common injuries).
Videos
Frequently asked questions
Should volleyball players wear ankle braces?
Research suggests braces lower the risk of ankle sprains, with the clearest benefit for players who have sprained an ankle before. Whether you need one is a personal decision; talk to a doctor, physiotherapist (physical therapist) or athletic trainer.
Do ankle braces weaken your ankles or cause knee injuries?
A large study in high-school football found no increase in knee injuries with braces. Combining a brace with balance training keeps the ankle strong.
Lace-up or rigid ankle brace?
Lace-up braces with straps feel like a tape job and are common in volleyball. Rigid hinged braces are quicker to put on and strongly resist rolling. Try both with your volleyball shoes.
Are ankle braces legal in volleyball?
Yes. Braces are allowed unless the referee thinks one could injure the player or others.
