From explosive cutting to vertical power, basketball is the ultimate sport of movement. There is no question when you’re playing this game you are largely depending on your leg strength and joint stability to get you up and down the court and effectively run your plays.
That’s why it’s not surprising that approximately 70% of varsity basketball players suffer from at least one ankle sprain, making ankle sprains the number one basketball injury. In fact, 22% of all male basketball players sustained at least one time-loss injury each year and 42% of those injuries were to the ankle/foot, far outnumbering other injured body categories such as hip/thigh (11%) and knee (9%). The same holds true for female basketball players where 22% of all injuries were ankle injuries, the second most common, and, were responsible for more games missed due to injury (33%). If preventative measures like high top basketball shoes or tape were effective that number would be significantly lower.
While sudden stopping and cutting can cause some injuries, most basketball ankle sprains occur by jumping and landing on another player’s foot. No amount of ankle strength or conditioning can protect players from an injury in these uncontrollable conditions, and once you sprain your ankle, you’re five times more likely to re-sprain it in the future, especially in the first 6 – 12 months after the initial injury.
While most basketball players realize that keeping their ankles healthy is important, they aren’t willing to sacrifice their performance or become reliable on an ankle brace. And, they should never have to. However, even professional leagues recommend ankle braces for ankle injury protection:
Injury Prevention:
An athlete who has had an ankle sprain is more likely to injure it again, especially for about 6-12 months after the injury. However, there are several ways to protect against injuring the ankle. Supporting the ankle while playing sports by wearing an ankle brace is a good way to help protect it. Exercise training focusing on balance and good muscle control is also helpful (jr.nba).
If a basketball player wants to help prevent ankle injuries but doesn’t want to limit their performance, there is one product on the market that was designed to do just that. The Ultra Zoom® by Ultra Ankle®. The Ultra Zoom is the best ankle brace in basketball because it uses your body heat to custom form-fit you. It allows you to move in all the natural ways and helps to restrict excessive movement that may result in an ankle sprain. It will never restrict your vertical ability or your on-court performance.
You’ll play better and play more, losing less time to injuries.
If you’ve been reluctant to wear ankle braces because you don’t want anything to limit your performance, Ultra Ankle braces are different. They were developed so that you don’t have to choose between sacrificing performance and protecting your ankles. Our braces were designed with the most advanced materials that protect like a shield but fit you like a glove. We’ve been protecting high caliber athletes for over a decade now, keeping them in the game when it matters most.
Unlike old school lace-up ankle supports that bind your ankle in place like a reusable tape job and lose support rapidly, you’ll never even know you have your Ultra Ankle brace on. You’ll experience long-lasting protection that allows you to maintain a high level of performance all day long. Your ankle brace should never restrict your natural range of motion, only prevent any excessive movement that can result in an injury.
Say goodbye to bulky, outdated ankle braces of the past. The Ultra Zoom Performathane soft shell absorbs body heat to form fit to your ankle. The closer to the ankle joint you can get, the lower profile the brace can be and the more protection it will provide. No other ankle brace can provide this level of protection from low and high ankle sprains while allowing you to maintain a high level of performance.
Recommended for
Prevention/Sports
0-1 Previous Ankle Injury
Support Level
⚫⚫
Restriction VS Mobility
Restricts excessive ankle turning while maintaining moderate mobility
Reduces Weight Bearing Pain
No
Design
Lace-up with Figure-8 Straps
Shell
Nylon Fabric
Form-Fitting
Yes
Price
$31.95
Recommended for
Prevention/Sports
0-4 Previous Ankle Injuries
Support Level
⚫⚫⚫⚫
Restriction VS Mobility
Restricts excessive ankle turning and twisting while maintaining maximum mobility
Reduces Weight Bearing Pain
No
Design
Hinged-Cuff
Shell
Flexible Performathane
Form-Fitting
Yes
Price
$61.95
“My daughter plays forward for her high school basketball team. After several ankle injuries wearing a lace up brace we needed something more professional. After researching we found your website and purchased the Ultra Zoom brace for both ankles. She felt the braces were comfortable right away – no need for breaking them in, which was great. And she loves the extra mobility. We’re happy with the fit and quality, and feel we’re doing our best to help her prevent another ankle injury!”
Joan D.
“My son had multiple rolled ankles playing basketball and he wanted to go with ASO lace up braces, but there were too many reviews of reinjured ankles after wearing those, so we purchased the Ultra Zoom. After 6 weeks of rehab, (and wearing the braces every time he plays) we’ve had no more problems. They are easy to put on, break in period was almost zero and he says they are very comfortable. We are a firm believer in them.”
Robert H.
“I am an athletic trainer from Texas who used the Ultra Zoom on one of our basketball players. She has a history of ankle sprains even while wearing lace up braces. When I got the Zoom’s, I asked if she would like to try them. She really likes them. She said they are lightweight and very supportive, and she can move without feeling hampered by the brace.”
Mike O.
My senior year of high school, I rolled my ankle over and broke my foot which caused me to miss the second half of my season. Because of this, I did research on the best ankle braces and stumbled upon Ultra Ankle braces. I have gone the last two years injury free and played my entire college freshman season completely healthy for the first time since 9th grade. They are also the only ankle braces that I feel allow me to play with no restrictions as they are light-weight and feel like I am not even wearing them.
Peter H.
About Basketball Ankle Braces
In theory, the only braces that could potentially weaken the ankle are those that limit the joint’s natural range of motion, such as wraparound or fabric lace-up ankle braces. Lace up braces bind up the joint and restricts the ankles natural movement needed to keep the muscles strong.
Basketball shoes are designed primarily to cushion the foot while providing the traction necessary to reach high levels of agility during play. While some shoes may have a higher upper, they are not structurally effective at controlling excessive ankle twisting and turning. The right basketball ankle brace will work with your shoe, to provide complete foot and ankle support.
Like lace-up ankle braces, tape will lose about 70% of it’s support within the first 25 minutes of activity. If you tape your ankle joint in place and you are trying to run and jump, you’re working extra hard to move how you’re supposed to all because of the brace. Since you’re forcing the tape to stretch out over your ankle, you not only reduce your level of performance but you also loosen up the tape job at the same time. Unlike taping, you can easily apply an ankle brace in seconds yourself. You don’t need a medical professional, rolls of tape and pre-wrap, or scissors to cut it off later.
Do you still have questions about basketball ankle braces or which brace would be the best to wear after twisting your ankle? Our certified athletic trainers are here to answer your specific questions and make custom recommendations based on your ankle injury history and performance needs.