Ultra Ankle is receiving much attention from pickleball players. We are receiving questions from those who are taking up the sport for the first time to the seasoned veteran, because pickleball can tear up ankles. Playing on a tacky surface with grippy shoes all that stress is placed on the ankle, and sometimes that stress is too much for the ankle to tolerate.
Pickleball is a unique sport and during normal play incredible stress is placed on your ankle joint. Despite the smaller courts and less running pickleball players, still have high incidence of ankle injuries (UC For Feet). With explosive movements forward, backward, and side-to-side, everything depends on the ankle ligaments to hold your joint together. Often times, after repetitive use or over exertion, the stress on your ligaments can be too great, causing stretching or even tearing. This stretching of the ligaments is what leads to ankle sprains and possible chronic ankle instability or recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle (TGH).
The most common ankle injury in pickleball, and single most common injury in all of sports, is the inversion ankle sprain. It makes up about 40% of all sports injuries, and 25% of all missed practice or playing time (CFAS). The inversion ankle sprain involves the ankle excessively rolling inward, causing your ligaments on the outside of your ankle to be damaged. Once the ligaments are stretched from excessively rolling inward, they stay stretched causing the ankle to become loose and sometimes unstable, making you more susceptible to suffering from yet another ankle injury. The only way to stop this cycle of ankle sprains is with a proper rehabilitation program and a functional ankle brace that provides sufficient ankle support to help protect you from injuries.
Our Ultra 360® Lace-Up ankle brace is a good option for pickleball players. The Ultra 360 locks your ankle in place while the figure-8 straps provide 360º of ankle support to help prevent excessive ankle rolling. The multi-adjustable design allows you to customize your level of support.
Our Ultra Zoom® ankle brace is the ONLY ankle brace built for performance. The soft shell form-fits to your foot and ankle, making it extremely comfortable. It also features a hinged-cuff design allowing your ankle to move in all the natural ways while helping to prevent excessive movements that might cause an ankle injury.
The Ultra Zoom is on in seconds, protects for hours, and lasts for years.
You’ll play better and play more, losing less time to injuries.
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 rolled her ankle at a tennis tournament. We had tie up ankle braces and she threw them out after wearing the Ultra Zooms. She plays tennis year round and uses them every practice and game. I love how it allows the ankle to move naturally without letting it roll.”
Liz B.
“My daughter has a genetic collagen defect that makes all her joints very loose – but she LOVES tennis and is playing on the varsity team. She’s had these for just over a week and she loves them. They are much easier to put on than the lace-up type, more comfortable and best of all she does not get any rolling of her ankles. Without these, she could not play her favorite sport!”
Judy H.
“I absolutely love the Ultra Zoom! I love how low and light the brace is. I also love the part that wraps around my foot just at the arch. They truly give my feet and ankles the support they need. I have played competitive tennis for over 30 years and I have worn my share of ankle braces and have found the Ultra Zoom is the very best! I recommend them to everyone. Thanks for creating an amazing product!”
Randall H.
about pickleball ankle braces
In theory, the only braces that could potentially weaken your ankle are those that limit your joint’s natural range of motion, such as a wraparound or fabric lace-up ankle brace. Lace-up braces bind up your joint and restrict the natural movement your ankles need to keep your muscles strong.
No. The best way to choose the appropriate ankle brace size is by measuring the circumference of your ankle. You might wear a larger shoe size, but have a small ankle circumference which is why using your shoe size is not an accurate way to determine your brace size.
Yes. The first few times you wear your brace you may have to loosen the laces enough so the brace can fit in your shoe. Remember, the Ultra Zoom requires a break-in period of approximately two to four hours of activity before its soft shell will form-fit to your ankle. After this period, your Ultra Zoom brace will fit more easily into your shoe and be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Do you still have questions about tennis ankle braces? Wondering what you need to wear after twisting your ankle? Our certified athletic trainers are available to answer specific questions about your ankle injury and make a personalized recommendation on which ankle brace or treatment route might be best for you.