Gym Gear

Top 6 Knee compression sleeves for weight lifting

Compression sleeves for the knees don't just protect your knees, they also increase performance. If you have been lifting for a long time, or are just starting out, check out our top recommendations for knee sleeves

Weight lifter wearing knee sleeves to protect his knees.
Travis

By: Travis

Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries

For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.

With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.

According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.

This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.

If your training sessions involve weight lifting, then it is time to invest in quality knee sleeves. Typically, knee sleeves protect your knee from injury or risk of damage. They also improve the awareness of your technique and reduce the likelihood of injury when lifting.

Additionally, they provide necessary compression to your knee joint, improves blood flow, and reduce knee pain. When you wear your sleeves, your knees will warm up quicker. The heat is also retained for longer hours to enable an ultimate training experience.

There are several brands of weight lifting sleeves in the market today. And choosing the best can be such a daunting task.

Our goal is to make your shopping experience easier. Therefore, we are going to review the top 6 knee sleeves in the market today. We will include all the critical product features, pros, and cons.

This article also contains a detailed buying guide to help you make informed shopping choices. Let's get started.

Top 6 Knee sleeves Reviewed

1. Stoic Knee Sleeves

7mm Power lifting knee sleeves from Stoic

Pros

  • PR record-breaking support
  • Extra length complete coverage
  • Unbreakable construction guaranteed
  • Highest grade material
  • Highly durable
  • Heat retention and compression
  • Ultra high-density 7MM thick neoprene
  • built to hit heavier weights higher reps and more intensity
  • Dramatically reduces pains during exercise
  • Extra length 30 CM for maximum coverage and support

Cons

• A bit pricey

Key features

  • Features lightweight, stylish and ergonometric build for a better experience
  • Comfortable to wear and they are unisex
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Delivers exceptional performance, they protect and relieves pain caused by muscle sprains and strains
  • Provides stability and comfort for all kinds of workouts, athletics, and other sports

It is not hard to see why Stoic knee sleeves made to the top of our list. The work out equipment comes with a sturdy 30 cm length and 7 mm thickness that provides reliable support for memorable training experience.

Additionally, it comes with a blend of support and compression that will help you to reach training goals and break your records.

If you are a professional, then you know training is much more than lifting weights. You need to progress and beat the competition to emerge as the best. You should, therefore, invest in this quality gear if you want to realize your dreams faster.

The popular gear injects the confidence that you so much need to attack weights with a clear head and no stress. What is more, you can purchase this product with the assurance of getting value for your money; they feature sturdy threads-to-neoprene construction. They are the most robust and most durable materials available. Buy them here

2. Bear KompleX Compression knee sleeves

Compression knee sleeves from Bear KompleX

Pros

  • Provides significant physical compression and protection
  • Comes with a 7mm and 5mm thickness for optimal support and comfort
  • Increase blood flow and reduce pain
  • Suitable for a variety of exercises
  • Effective in muscle stimulation
  • Made from highest quality neoprene to make it last for long
  • 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product

Cons

  • • They are not IPF approved
  • • A little high on the price

Key features

  • Provides stability and comfort for all kinds of workouts
  • Made from waterproof materials that ensure your knees don't get wet
  • Available in two versions; 5mm and 7 mm
  • Features a sweat absorption system to keep your legs dry and odorless.
  • The product is USPA approved
  • The sleeves come in a variety of designs and colors

If you are looking for knee sleeves that provide reliable protection and high physical compression, then go for the Bear Komplex sleeves. It will give you the confidence and right mindsets to enable you to perform your best moves. Moreover, with these sleeves, you can comfortably perform more exercises, including Double Unders, running, lunges, box jumps, snatches, power cleans, and squats.

The exceptional product comes in 7 mm and 5 mm thickness. The thickness guarantees optimal support and comfort. If you wear these sleeves in your next practice, you can be assured that you won't feel pain and discomfort from your previous heavy-day leg. The sleeves fit snug to provide added support and compressions in your workouts.

Additionally, these sleeves will help increase your blood flow and keep your knees warm throughout your training session. Besides, the sleeves which eliminate any injury come with a 60-day money-back guarantee just in case it doesn't meet your expectations. Buy them here

3. Iron Bull Strength Knee sleeves

Supporting knee sleeves for lifting, made by Iron Bull

Pros

  • Comes in a modern design with several color choices
  • Built to last long and give you the results you so desire
  • It offers ultimate protection owing to the 7 mm neoprene.
  • Aids quick muscle recovery and rehabilitation
  • Increases your strength and prevent injuries
  • Features an extended length

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not IPF and USPA certified

Key features

  • 3D design that provides a contoured fit
  • Knee support that keeps joints warm and increases blood flow
  • Integrated silicon anti-slip pads
  • Features a slip-resistant material that helps hold sleeve firm
  • It is lightweight and helps heal muscular injuries faster
  • Sizing charts in listing images to help order the correct size

You will love these sleeves for their exceptional design and features. The new version comes with a unique 7 mm design that guarantees maximum safety, comfort, and durability. Besides, it will keep your joints warm, increase your blood flow, and create much-needed compression for maximum performance.

If you are in the market for a product that increases your strength and prevents injuries while helping boost your confidence levels, then go for the Iron Bull Knee Sleeves.

It is the perfect choice for a beginner, a regular trainer, or an advanced lifter looking to protect their knees under heavy load. Furthermore, the product provides compression and increases your blood flow to enable faster recovery from injuries. It also aids quick muscle recovery and rehabilitation.

They are also built to last long and give you the results you so desire. What is more, if you are not 100 percent satisfied with the product, you can always take them back for a full refund. Buy them here

4. Nordic Lifting Knee sleeves

Nordic Lifting knee sleeves, 7mm neoprene

Pros

  • Made from a robust 7 mm neoprene material
  • Comes to win a stylish black and white design
  • Available in six sizes to fit more users
  • Features a 1-year hassle-free replacement guarantee
  • Speed up recovery in case of an injury

Cons

  • Some users reported sizes don't fit accurately
  • These are expensive

Key Features

  • Provides top-notch support for both men and women
  • Compression that effectively promotes muscle recovery and injury prevention
  • Suitable for weightlifting, gym, powerlifting, and other heavy fitness workouts
  • Comes with a one-year free replacement guarantee
  • Made from a highly durable neoprene material
  • Lightweight, very soft and doesn't irritate your skin

Nordic lifting knee sleeves is arguably one of the best unisex sleeves that provide reliable support and protection for both genders. Besides, this product comes with exceptional compression that promotes faster muscle recovery and injury prevention.

They also come with extra features to help you perform at the top of your ability to achieve your training goals and objectives. Additionally, the product boosts to speed up recovery in case of an injury. It effectively relieves muscle pain and joint pain to enable faster muscle recovery and rehabilitation.

Besides, the sleeves come with a top-notch warming effect that efficiently reduces stiff muscles and joints. As a result, the heat that is retained helps to reduce the risk of injury. You can also use this top quality product for a variety of workouts, including powerlifting, CrossFit, gym, and other strenuous fitness activities.

If you are a beginner or an established fitness professional looking to improve performance and prevent injury, then Nordic lifting knees is a '' must have'' piece of training equipment. Buy them here

5. Gymreapers Knee sleeves

Front and backside of the Gymreapers knee sleeve and compression brace

Pros

  • Comes with a 60-day money guarantees and a one year warranty
  • It features a heavyweight 7mm construction that offers excellent support on heavy lifts
  • The sleeves are available in a wide variety of colors to suit your tastes and preferences
  • You will get a branded carrying bag for every purchase

Cons

  • Not IPF and USPA certified

Key features

  • 7MM neoprene compression assists in preventing knee injury and relieves joint pain
  • Neoprene material that retains heat to reduce muscle stiffness
  • Thick premium-grade performance material
  • Features slip-resistant material that helps hold sleeve firmly
  • Lightweight to reduce inflammation
  • They are made of high-quality material that is suitable for treating common knee problems

Gymreapers knee sleeves come with an added orthopedic support that helps prevent knee injury. They also come with a heavyweight duty top- round sleeve that effectively reduces joint pain. Additionally, the 7MM neoprene-made product retains heat and reduces muscle stiffness during workouts. The warming effect will help improve your mobility and keep your joints healthy.

Additionally, the sleeves efficiently reduce knee joint pain to relive you from suffering in case of an injury. Moreover, they come with a thick premium grade material for ultimate strength. The material cannot tear or stretch easily, thus making the product to last for long.

Gymreapers knee sleeves are also suitable for everyone. They can be used by a beginner or a world-class athlete looking for training equipment that provides a robust level of support and stability.

No wonder then that this brand has been a top choice for world-record-holding powerlifters, fitness trainers, IFBB, and leading athletes. It will boost your confidence to enable you to work out with a focus on breaking your records. Buy them here

6. Fitnessery Knee sleeves

Powerlifting knee sleeves from Fitnessery.

Pros

  • Very affordable and quality product
  • Features reinforced stitching around seams
  • Comes with a heavy-duty 7MM neoprene offers top-notch knee support
  • Each purchase comes with a mesh carrying bag
  • Reliable protection and exceptional comfort
  • Breathable design and ultimate protection and comfort.

Cons

  • Less durable sleeves when compared with other brands in the same category.

Key features

  • Uniquely contoured design and 360 degrees graduated compression
  • Rock-solid durability sleeves manufactured with tear-resistant fiber
  • Snug not confining design
  • Heavy-duty, durable SCR neoprene
  • Legitimate lifetime guarantee
  • Triple reinforced stitching to enhance durability
  • Compression that effectively promotes muscle recovery and injury prevention
  • Suitable for weightlifting, gym, powerlifting, and other heavy fitness workouts

Fitnessery knee sleeves come with unique quality materials that provide maximum compression for the knee area. The heavy-duty 7MM neoprene material offers top-notch knee support thanks to its contoured construction. As a result, you will get reliable protection and exceptional comfort that will enhance your training experience.

Besides, the sleeves significantly improve mobility and stability for every workout activity that you want to undertake. Although it comes with an enhance tightness, the product is soft on your skin and will not cause any irritation.

They are also durable, and you can use it regularly without the fear of wearing them out. Also, unlike other brands in this category, they don't loosen or wear with continuous use.

If you are recovering from an ACL injury or nursing arthritis, this product is the best for you. It is also a top choice for most athletes due to its superior quality, breathable design, and ultimate protection and comfort. Buy them here

Weightlifting knee sleeve Buying Guide

There are several brands of knee sleeves available in the market today. Choosing the best, therefore, cannot only be a daunting task but also confusing even to the most experienced athlete. As a result, you need to be harmed with the right information before you go shopping.

When you have all the product details to look out for in each brand, your shopping will be much easier. You will not also waste a lot of time looking for a suitable brand. Additionally, the risk of being scammed will be minimal. Before you set out for your shopping, consider the following factors:

The thickness

The right sleeves should be thick enough to offer ultimate protection and comfort. Consider buying a product that comes with a thickness of between 5MM to 7MM. Your training needs will also influence your choice. The heavy-duty 7 MM thick sleeves are suitable for strenuous workouts, whereas 3MM thick sleeves are ideal for light activities.

Material

Another factor to consider when buying knee sleeves are the material is the material of eh product. The brand you choose should be made from a highly durable yet comfortable material to guarantee continued use. Knee sleeves made from neoprene materials are the best. They are not only sturdy but are also very durable.

Length

The length of the sleeves influences the size. Variations in length ultimately change the feel of different sleeves. Choose the right length that will fit well into your knee to provide a tight and comfortable fit.

Price

The price of the sleeve varies with brands. Expensive does not mean quality. It is, therefore, prudent to compare prices of several brands before you make your purchase. Use the product's features to determine whether you are getting value for your money.

Why should I wear knee sleeves?

Knee sleeves offer protection by helping the knees to remain straight and flex harder when you are lifting weights. As a result, you get resistance that enables you to maintain proper form even as you progress to heavier weights. The sleeves will also help you avoid injuries that could be disastrous to your career.

When should I wear knee sleeves?

You should wear knee sleeves for any exercises that involve your legs. It could be low-intensity exercises such as walking or cycling. Also, you should wear your knee sleeves for strenuous activities such as cleans and squats. Knee sleeves come with a lot of benefits. They protect your joints to prevent injuries. They also help the blood to circulate faster to enhance excellent performance.

What size knee sleeve should I choose?

Typically, a knee sleeve comes in different thicknesses. The size you choose depends on the activity you are undertaking. There are lighter 3mm sleeves that are suitable for endurance sports. Other products are available in 5mm and 7 mm. They are appropriate for walking, running, squats, and other strenuous gym activities.

Will I lift better with knee sleeves?

Yes. You will surely lift better with knee sleeves. The products offer support, protection, and comfort to enhance your work out experience. They also help relieve joint pain and prevent further injuries from occurring. With knee sleeves, you will enjoy the gym experience that comes with no pain or defeat.