Looking to take your squats to the next level? Check out our list of the best knee sleeves for squats!
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced lifter, finding the right pair of knee sleeves can make all the difference in your squat performance.
I have listed a variety of different brands and styles, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs. Don’t miss out – order yours today!
What Are The Best Knee Sleeves For Squats?
Here are my top picks for the best knee sleeves:
- Best Overall – Rehband 7751 Knee Sleeves
- Best for Heavy Lifting – INZER ErgoPro
- Best for Squats – A7 CONE Knee Sleeves
- Best for Powerlifting – SBD Knee Sleeves
- Best for Crossfit – Rogue 5mm Knee Sleeves
- Best on Amazon – Gymreaper Knee Sleeves
Rehband 7751 Knee Sleeves
Rehband’s 7751 knee compression sleeves are made 5mm thick, delivering consistent support with a unique level of flexibility. This allows any type of athlete– from gymnasts to Strongman competitors–to tear through a regimen without discomfort or a restriction of movement.
Whether you’re dealing with regular knee pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to prevent one, Rehband knee sleeves supply joint compression and warmth to promote better blood flow and reduce the direct strain on the knees during squats, Oly lifts, etc.
Highlights
- Sold as Singles!
- Made from Neoprene
- 3-D design for comfortable, contoured fit
- IPF and IWF approved!
- Multipurpose
Size Chart
Inzer Knee Sleeves
Inzer Knee Sleeves are designed to provide maximal support and stability while squatting. They are probably the most stiff and robust sleeves in the world.
They are allowed by all the major powerlifting federations, but since they are so stiff, they might actually do you more harm than good, especially if you’re a beginner whose technique isn’t very solidified.
Highlights
- Sold as Pairs!
- Made from Neoprene
- Heaviest and toughest sleeves you can find
- Quite expensive!
Size Chart
A7 CONE Knee Sleeves
The A7 CONE Knee Sleeves are designed to provide superior support and stability for your squats. They feature a unique four-way stretch fabric that is reinforced with extra stitching for added durability. The sleeves also have a special design that helps keep your knees warm during exercise, promoting maximum performance and flexibility.
Additionally, the sleeves are easy to take on and off thanks to their adjustable compression fit. With their lightweight construction and breathable material, these knee sleeves will help you get the best out of your squat workout!
Highlights
- Sold as Pairs!
- Made from Neoprene
- IPF and USPA approved!
- Unique four-way stretch fabric
- Tapered design – greater tension at the knee joint
Size Chart
SBD Knee Sleeves
Relied on by strength athletes around the world, the SBD 7mm knee sleeves are ideal for powerlifting and heavy training.
They are a heavy favorite amongst powerlifters. Their high-quality construction and longevity sets them apart from other knee sleeves. However, because the standard is so high, so is the price.
Highlights
- Sold as Pairs!
- IPF and IWF approved!
- Reinforced seam construction to maximise longevity.
Size Chart
Rogue 5mm Knee Sleeves
These thick and durable knee sleeves feature reinforced stitching for extra durability. They provide stabilizing support for your squats while also helping to protect against abrasion and injuries. They also offer 3mm and 7mm variants, which can be useful when you need more mobility or stiffness.
Highlights
- Sold as Pairs!
- Natural contoured fit
- Made from SBR/Neoprene blend
- Very pricy!
- IPF and IWF approved!
Size Chart
Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
Featuring reinforced stitching and flexible neoprene material, the GymRreaper 7mm knee sleeves are made to endure. These neoprene compression sleeves can help reduce knee strain, and discomfort without restricting your range of motion, making them very good powerlifting knee sleeves. There’s nothing to worry about, as the sleeve acts as a sort of knee brace for your knee cap.
Highlights
- Sold as Pairs!
- IPF and IWF approved!
- Free Gymreapers carrying bag included
- 1-year warranty!
Size Chart
What Are Knee Sleeves?
Sleeves provide extra knee support and stability for your knee joints to help you lift heavy weights more safely.
They help to prevent knee injuries by adding compression and keeping your knees warm. The best knee sleeves will be made from durable, breathable materials such as neoprene or nylon.
They should fit snugly around your knees and provide ample support without being too tight or restrictive and preventing proper blood flow.
The Benefits Of Wearing Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves are an essential piece of equipment for any serious weight-lifter.
The main reason people wear knee sleeves is because they provide support and compression to your knees, but they also help to keep your knee joints warm during long training sessions.
Additionally, wearing knee sleeves can help you train through an injury. This can be useful in a situation where you might have a little knee pain, but by putting on a knee sleeve you can avoid the pain but still train.
It’s a high-risk/medium-reward transaction. The total load on your knees will be higher with sleeves because it allows you to lift more weights. This will increase your risk of injury as the room for error decreases.
When working with clients, I always tell them not to take such risks unless they are competitive athletes, especially professional.
What To Consider Before Buying Knee Sleeves
When shopping for knee sleeves, there are a few factors to consider.
First, make sure you choose a pair that provides maximum support and stabilization to meet your needs.
It’s also important to find a pair that fits well – they should be snug but not too tight or restrictive. Additionally, look for knee sleeves that are made from a breathable, durable material such as neoprene or nylon.
If you are a powerlifter, then you also need to consider the rules of the federation you’ll be competing in. For example, the IPF requires the lifter’s knee sleeves to be no more than 7mm in thickness and 30 cm in length.
They also only allow you to wear certain brands that have been approved by the federation. A list of brands, that will be valid as of the 1st of January 2023 can be found here.
Finally, make sure to consider the price of the knee sleeves you are looking to buy. While they can range in price, investing in a quality pair of knee sleeves is worth it in the long run.
Knee Sleeves VS Knee Wraps
Knee sleeves provide extra stability for your knee joints, but they do not offer the same level of support and compression as knee wraps.
The latter are used in equipped powerlifting competitions due to their heavy-duty construction and ability to offer more support and compression than knee sleeves.
Knee sleeves, on the other hand, are best suited for everyday training and are more comfortable and easier to put on. You can also use knee sleeves for RAW powerlifting training.
Overall, knee sleeves offer more comfort and mobility while allowing you to lift heavier weights, making them the best choice for most lifters.
You should only consider using knee wraps if you want to:
- Compete in equipped powerlifting
- Lift the absolute maximum weight you can
How To Put On A Knee Sleeve
When working with people new to powerlifting, I often get a question about how to put on a knee sleeve.
There are a few variations, but the most popular goes like this:
- Put the knee sleeve around your shin
- Fold it over from top to bottom
- Hook your fingers around the bottom of the knee sleeve
- Pull the sleeve and extend your leg to get it up to your knee
- Adjust so that it’s in the center of your knee joint
- Move on to the other leg
Another option would be to fold both ends of the knee sleeve to meet in the middle of the sleeve.
Then again, hook your fingers around the bottom of the sleeve and pull it up to your knee.
There’s no wrong way to do it, everyone just prefers different variations. Try both and see which suits you best!
Conclusion
The right knee sleeve will provide you with the support, stability, and protection you need to safely perform your workouts. With so many brands and styles available on the market, you can find a pair that suits your needs and budget.
Take time to consider each of the factors mentioned above before making your purchase. Investing in a quality pair of knee sleeves can help to ensure your squats are done safely and effectively. With the right pair of knee sleeves, you can feel confident that your workouts will be more successful.
It can also be worth to look into elbow sleeves as they can help you lift more and pain free when doing upper body movements.
FAQ
Are knee sleeves good for squatting?
Yes, knee sleeves are a great addition to any squatting program as they provide extra support and stability for your knee joint, therefore helping to prevent injuries. They can also help you to lift heavier weights more safely.
Which knee sleeves are the best for squatting?
There are many different brands, styles, and materials available on the market so it is best to do some research before making your purchase. We recommend looking for a pair that is at least 5mm thick, provides ample support and is made from a durable, breathable material such as neoprene or nylon.
How thick should knee sleeves be for squats?
Anything between 5-7mm should do the job. However, there are other brands and styles available that have a thicker material which can provide even more support, but they might restrict your knee mobility.
When should you start using knee sleeves for squats?
If you are a beginner to squatting, then it might be best to wait until your form is more established before using knee sleeves. However, if you’re an experienced lifter or a powerlifter, then knee sleeves can help to provide extra support and stability for heavy lifts.
