Best Knee Sleeves For Squats 2023 [Maximize Performance]

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. This list is also updated to include the newest A7 Hourglass sleeves which are the stiffest sleeves ever made.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through the links on this site we may earn a commission.

What Are The Best Knee Sleeves For Squats?

Here are my top picks for the best knee sleeves:

• Rehband RX Knee Sleeves
• A7 Hourglass Knee Sleeves
• A7 CONE Knee Sleeves
• Inzer ErgoPros
• SBD Knee Sleeves
• GymReapers Knee Sleeves
• Rogue Fitness Knee Sleeves 

The Rehband knee sleeves are endorsed by world-class athletes, such as Josh Bridges, and trusted by both elite athletes and weekend warriors alike.

These knee sleeves are perfect for a range of activities, including CrossFit WODs, Olympic weightlifting, and other high-intensity workouts. The tight fit and lightweight design of the Rehband knee sleeves provide a perfect blend of support and range of motion, making them both platform and WOD ready.

In summary, the Rehband knee sleeves are a top-quality knee support product designed to help you perform at your best while keeping your knees safe and supported. Whether you are a pro or a recreational lifter, Rehband knee sleeves are a reliable and effective choice to help you achieve your fitness goals

Features

Thickness: 5mm (~0.2in)

Length: 25,4cm (10in)

Material: Neoprene

Colors: Navy, Red, Carbon Black, Black, Camo, Burgundy, Black/Pink

Sizing: XS – XXL (31 – 46cm)(12.2 – 18.1in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Size Chart

They are 30cm in length, which is also the maximum allowable length in most powerlifting federations. The hourglass-shaped center taper fit applies greater tension and compression at the knee joint.

If looking for the most rigid knee sleeves, then keep in mind that there are 3 stiffness options. Flexi, Stiff and Rigor Mortis. The first two options are the same as you see in their CONE knee sleeves.

The latter is the option you want to go with if you’re looking for the most stiffness, density, and support possible. The downside is that there will be a significant increase in cost.

As expected, they are also approved by all the major powerlifting federations such as the IPF, USAPL, USPA and IPL.

Features

Thickness: 7mm

Length: 11.8” (30cm)

Material: Neoprene

Colors: Black/Grey, Black/Red 

Sizing: Depends on Stiffness (See below)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Sizing Chart

The sizing chart differs slightly depending on the stiffness option you decide to go with.

Flexi and Stiff:

Rigor Mortis:

They are approved for use in all USPA and IPL Competitions and meet the technical specs of USAPL and are allowed in IPF competitions. The A7 CONE knee sleeves feature double seams along the back to keep greater tension on the knee joint and come in a 7mm thickness. 

The tapered design applies greater tension at the knee joint and allows ease of putting the sleeve on while maximizing the amount of tension on the knee joint without overly compressing the calf and keeping the knees warm.

Features

Thickness: 7mm

Material: Neoprene

Colors: Black, Pink, Blue, Stealth

Sizing: 2XS – 6XL (24.50 – 54.75cm)(9.75 – 21.5in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Size Chart

The ErgoPro™ Knee Sleeves are patented and ergonomically designed to fit your knees and stay in place throughout a competition or training session, making them a comfortable option. 

They snap back to their original form for long-lasting use, ensuring that they will last through multiple workouts. The sleeves are easy to use, making them a convenient option for powerlifters of all levels.

A feature that backs up the previous claim and separates them from other knee sleeves is the range of sizes that they offer. Their smallest sleeves are 11” – 12.5” (28 – 32cm) and their biggest sleeves are 20”+ (51cm+).

The Inzer ErgoPro Knee Sleeves are manufactured in Texas, USA, ensuring that they are made to the highest quality and durability standards. They are approved by all powerlifting organizations worldwide, including the IPF. 

Sizing is important for proper fit, and customers are advised to measure around the knee cap while the leg is straight. If you really want to maximize your squat performance, going a size down might be beneficial.

Overall, the Inzer ErgoPro Knee Sleeves are an excellent option for powerlifters who want durable, comfortable, and safe knee sleeves for their training and competition needs.

Features

Thickness: 7mm

Material: Neoprene

Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Red

Sizing: XS – 4XL (28 – 51cm)(12.2 – 18.1in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Sizing Chart

At this point, I think there are better knee sleeves out there like the ones by A7. It’s hard to differentiate between the two in terms of the compression and support they provide, but because SBDs are more expensive, they are behind A7 knee sleeves on this list.

All in all I think they are still one of the best knee sleeves for squats.

They also offer 5mm knee sleeves which are a good choice for weightlifting and activities that require more mobility and movement.

Features

Thickness: 7mm and 5mm

Length: 30cm

Material: Neoprene

Colors: Black/Red (Classic), Grey/Navy (Storm), Black/Beige (Defy), Dark Red/White (Phoenix), Black/Black (Phantom), Olive Green/Black (Endure), Black/White (Eclipse)

Sizing: 3XS – 5XL (23 – 51.5cm)(9 – 20.3in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Sizing Chart

In addition to the Knee Sleeves, Gymreapers also offers a Sleeve Kit on their website that includes Knee Sleeves, Elbow Sleeves, and Wrist Wraps. The Knee and Elbow Sleeves are made with the same neoprene material and are designed to improve blood flow and reduce strain on joints. The kit is available in various sizes to fit a range of users.

Gymreapers Knee Sleeves have received positive customer reviews on Amazon, with many users praising their effectiveness. The sleeves come with a gym bag for easy transport and storage.

According to Barbend, the Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves are “designed with the strength athlete in mind” and are “versatile” enough for a range of exercises and workouts. 

Overall, Gymreapers Knee Sleeves offer compression, warmth, and support during workouts, making them a great option for powerlifters, weightlifters, and other strength athletes.

Features

Thickness: 7mm

Length: 25.4cm (10in)

Material: Neoprene

Color: Black/White, Black/Red, Ranger Green/Black

Sizing: S – XXL (30 – 47cm)(11.8 – 18.3in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Sizing Chart

A great thing about rogue knee sleeves is that they also offer 3mm and 7mm variants with all the color variants, which can be useful depending on the activity you plan on partaking in. 

They take the 7th spot because they don’t offer as big of a size range as other knee sleeves and they are also more expensive. 

Features

Thickness: 5mm, 3mm, and 7mm

Length: 30cm

Material: Neoprene

Color: Black, Navy, Red, Royal, Camo

Sizing: XS – XL (31 – 43cm)(12.2 – 16.9in)

Approval from IPF: Yes

Sizing Chart

How The Items Were Ranked

Color Options

While not affecting the effectiveness of the knee sleeves, multiple color options are good for variability.

Availability

The reason why some of the otherwise great knee sleeves were pushed down the list was their unavailability on big retailers like Amazon.

Material

Knee sleeves can be made from various materials, including neoprene, spandex, and polyester. The best material for squat is undoubtedly neoprene.

Support

Knee sleeves should provide adequate support to the knee joint. The level of support provided by each knee sleeve and its ability to prevent injury and aid in recovery is a massive factor in its usefulness.

Comfort

Since knee sleeves are something a person would be using on a regular basis, they should also be comfortable to wear during training sessions. When ranking the items, I assessed the level of comfort provided by each knee sleeve, including the fit, thickness, and ease of movement.

Customer reviews

A big part of differentiating between the knee sleeves was looking at customer reviews to gauge the overall performance of each knee sleeve and consider the opinions and experiences of other users.

What Are Knee Sleeves?

Knee 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 that 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.

Now 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 VS Knee Braces

Knee sleeves provide extra stability for your knee joints, but they do not offer the same level of support and compression as knee wraps.

Knee wraps 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.

One other thing to keep in mind is that with knee pain, using knee wraps might not be a good idea because the compression from the knee wraps will be so high that it might cause even more pain.

There are also these thing called knee braces. They are devices worn on the knee to provide support and stability to the joint. They are commonly used by people who suffer from knee injuries or conditions such as arthritis, ligament or meniscus tears, or patellar instability. 

They come in different types, such as prophylactic, functional, and rehabilitative braces, each designed to address different knee problems and provide varying levels of support. 

It is important to note that knee braces should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and are not a substitute for medical treatment or rehabilitation.

You should only consider using knee wraps in training when you want to

1. Prepare for an equipped powerlifting competition or;
2. Lift the absolute maximum weight you possibly can

How To Wear Knee Sleeves

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 knee sleeve and pull it up to your knee cap.

There’s no wrong way to do it, everyone just prefers different variations. Try both and see which suits you best!

Here’s a video demonstrating the second variation:

Conclusion

The right knee sleeve will provide you with the support, stability, and protection you need to safely perform your workouts. I hope that this list of the best knee sleeves helps you make an informed decision when choosing the right knee sleeves for your training needs. 

Take time to consider each of the factors mentioned above before making your purchase. Investing in a quality pair of knee sleeves can boost your confidence and help to ensure your squats are done more safely and effectively.

But remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before deciding on wearing knee sleeves, especially if you have an existing knee injury or a condition.

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