Looking to purchase the best MMA ankle support in 2022? There are a number of different options available on the market, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Here we will discuss some of the most popular choices and their benefits.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Wear Ankle Supports
Ankle supports are a great way to prevent ankle injuries in MMA. Ankle supports can help you avoid sprains, strains, and fractures. They also keep your ankles stable so that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort when you move around.
Ankle supports come in different shapes and sizes, so it is important to find the right one for your needs. You should also make sure that the support fits well and is comfortable to wear.
Injury Prevention
The most important benefit of ankle supports is the extra stability they provide that can prevent injuries. Think of it as a safety net that holds your ankles in a natural position when you misstep or check a hard kick. The tight fabric envelops your ankles, reducing the chances of unwanted twists and turns of your joints.
By the same mechanic, ankle supports can give previously injured ankles extra protection against repeated damage. To remind, ankle supports for MMA are different that ankle braces. Ankle supports are designed for training and allowing more flexibility and limited motion of the joint. Ankle braces are designed to protect already injured ankles and they are more rigid without allowing any motion of the joint.
Stability And Protection
Keeping the correct angle of your joints while kicking or grappling is crucial for martial arts. With the proper alignment of ankle and foot, you can perform better kicks and checks. Ankle supports provide extra stability for you, making it easier to maintain proper technique.
Beginners can especially benefit from this support while practicing the fundamentals. Moreover, damage to the skin of the insteps of your feet is quite common among heavy kickers. Ankle supports can prevent such damage by simply providing a contact barrier between your feet and the bag. Some ankle supports come with extra padding, which can partially absorb the impact on your feet.
Movement
Mobility and fast feet are often-overlooked skills in mixed martial arts. But, when you watch the elite fighters closely, you see that they are always moving around the ring. To be dynamic on the balls of your feet, you have to maintain a rigid foot and ankle positioning, resembling the steady reaction of a spring.
However, as you get tired, your ankles become laxer, losing that springy step. By the compression they provide, ankle supports help you keep your ankles and feet steady. So that you can still be quick on your feet while you are fighting through fatigue.
Traction
Some MMA enthusiasts prefer a style that is focused on ground-fighting. While you wrestle and grapple with your opponent, the last thing you need is to lose your footing. To prevent possible slips, some ankle supports come with silicone pads or treads on the soles. That extra bit of material gives you better traction on the floor.
The Best MMA Ankle Supports To Buy In 2022
The advantages of wearing an MMA ankle support are undeniable. But there are so many brands and models that it is difficult to decide which one to buy. Don’t worry, we have researched and listed the best ankle supports you can buy.
VENUM KONTACT ANKLE SUPPORT GUARD
Venum is an established brand in martial arts apparel and equipment, known for its stylish designs. They offer a great variety of products for various disciplines. These ankle supports are their basic model and they are very popular among MMA enthusiasts.
- Good-looking design with eight different colors to choose from.
- Made from breathable cotton material.
- Provides firm support with its thick fabric.
- They come in only one size, making it difficult to have a comfortable fit.
RDX is one of the leading brands in MMA equipment, offering a vast array. Its ankle support is a no-gimmick, budget-friendly choice made of polyester, coming in three different colors with a classic design.
- Four different sizes afford a better fit.
- Most users liked their durability.
- Affordable price for all.
- Tend to have a little loose compression.
- Brand lettering on them can peel off quickly.
- Might cause sweaty feet because of the polyester material.
SANABUL ESSENTIAL STRIKING GEL ANKLE GUARD
Sanabul is a rising brand known for its wide range of products that are both high quality and affordable. These supports have an innovative design with a combination of gel padding and grip pads.
- Durable material that lasts through many workouts.
- Grip pads on the sole for better traction.
- Extra gel padding on top provides moderate protection against impacts.
- Not very elastic and can be difficult to put on.
MEISTER MMA ANKLE SUPPORT WRAPS
Although it may not be as popular as some brands in this list, Meister is an established producer. They offer a combination of good design and affordability. Their ankle supports offer good stability for a decent price.
- A go-to choice if you are on a budget.
- Most users liked their firmness around the ankles.
- Offers a size option for youths.
- One size for adults and only one color choice.
- Some users noted that these supports may get loose over time.
Hayabusa is a brand that combines cutting-edge innovation and durability. Thanks to their distinctive design, Hayabusa ankle supports are a popular choice among MMA practitioners that are focused on grappling and wrestling.
- Strong traction with the silicone treads and elongated design covering most of the foot.
- The extensive stitching provides firm support.
- Very durable with top-quality material.
- Some users found that extra traction makes it harder to pivot while kicking.
- Comes only in black color.
How To Pick The Right Ankle Support
There are a few things to consider when purchasing ankle support for MMA. The type of material the support is made out of, how comfortable it is, and whether or not it has straps that can be tightened if needed are all important factors.
Ankle supports come in different materials such as neoprene, mesh, and leather. Leather supports tend to be more expensive but they also last longer due to their durability. Mesh anklets are cheaper but may not provide enough padding or protection against impact injuries. Neoprene supports offer good comfort and flexibility while still providing adequate protection from impacts.
Know Your Ankle Size
It might be a little confusing to choose the appropriate size for your ankle support. To be sure about your size, you must first measure the circumference of your ankles. Take a tape measure and wrap it around the thickest part of your ankles, just above the ankle bone. If you get different measurements on each ankle, use the larger measurement.
Sizes can vary among different brands of ankle supports, and some brands offer only one size. But three basic sizes and rough measurements work for most brands: small (20cm), medium (24cm), large (28cm). You don’t have to be too strict about sizing, since ankle supports are made of elastic material, allowing for slight differences in size.
How Tight Should Ankle Supports Be?
Ideally, ankle supports should be tight enough to limit the motion of your joint. But they must not be too tight that it reduces blood flow. Some fighters prefer a tighter fit for maximum stability, while others enjoy more flexibility.
No matter your preference, ankle supports should provide uniform support around your feet and ankles. Supports that are too tight at some point and too loose at another should be avoided. So, if you have a chance to try them on before buying, you better go for it.
When To Wear Ankle Supports?
To protect yourself from injuries, wear ankle supports for all workouts that are MMA specific, such as kickboxing, grappling, and wrestling. You don’t want to risk a sprained ankle while kicking the heavy bag or checking a kick in sparring.
Some people also wear them while doing strength and conditioning work, to get used to the barefoot nature of MMA fights. Speaking of fights, some organizations don’t allow fighters to wear ankle supports in fights, while others allow it. So, if you are competitive in MMA and planning to wear ankle supports in a fight, you must consult with the relevant regulators first.
How To Wash MMA Ankle Support?
MMA ankle supports can be made from a variety of materials, including neoprene, mesh, and rubber. Washing them is important to keep them in good condition and free from bacteria and other contaminants. Follow these tips to wash your MMA ankle support:
- Wash it in warm water using a mild soap or detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach because they will damage the material.
- Hang it dry immediately after washing it.
- Do not use a dryer, as it will heat up the material and cause it to deteriorate faster.
Conclusion
Having listed a carefully selected array of ankle supports, we are sure that you will find the one that suits best for your needs. If you are a beginner looking for a basic design with affordable prices, RDX and Meister will not disappoint you. If looks are important to you, then you should check Venum’s ankle supports, as they have a stylish design and come in many colors.
Before we finish, we would like to remind you of some important things about ankle supports. First, you must wash your product according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Most products are to be hand-washed since high temperatures might damage the elasticity. Similarly, you should avoid tumble-drying or blow-drying. Washing them in warm water and air-drying is the best way to make sure your ankle supports last for a long time.