If you’re a powerlifter, you know how important it is to have proper support, especially on exercises like squats. Investing in a pair of quality knee sleeves and wraps can be beneficial in a number of ways.
The best knee sleeves and wraps serve the same purpose, but work in slightly different ways. Compression sleeves simply slide up your leg to form a tight, stable fit around the knee and nearby muscles and joints. Wraps do just what the name suggests; you wrap them around your knee to get your custom fit. Using sleeves and wraps have plenty of advantages. In addition to providing support in the knee area, they also promote muscle and joint health, help prevent injury, relieve pain and stiffness, and aid in post-workout muscle recovery.
The first part of the list will focus on knee sleeves, then we’ll talk about wraps for the final few options.
And if you’re looking for a complement to your new set of knee sleeves or wraps, check out our post on the best weight lifting wrist straps for grip and support.
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1. Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
Pros:- Helps prevent injury and recover faster
- Unisex, available in sizes extra small through 2XL
- 1-year free replacement guarantee
Cons:- Sleeves sometimes do not get a consistent tight fit like wraps do
- Some users said the seam ripped apart after only a few uses
- On the pricey side
The first set of sleeves on the list are from Nordic Lifting. They are 7mm thick neoprene and are compression, which helps prevent injury and promote quick muscle recovery. The pair of sleeves are unisex and come in sizes extra small to 2XL with 1-year replacement guarantee.
Ideal for squats and leg presses, Nordic Lifting sleeves retain heat to aid in reducing muscle and joint stiffness and pain. They slide on easily for a secure, yet comfortable, fit and will allow a full range of motion so there will be no limitations on any of your lifts. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran lifter, the sleeves will help bring your performance to the next level.
Find more Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves information and reviews here.
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2. Bear Komplex Knee Sleeves
Pros:- Made of durable, high-quality neoprene
- Designed to keep muscles warm and stable
- Available in 10 different colors and different sizes (5mm or 7mm thick)
Cons:- Some users experienced durability issues; tearing and fraying after a few months
- Some users felt they didn’t run true to size
- On the pricey side
The Bear Komplex Knee Sleeves can be used for a variety of activities and are very effective for weightlifting. Made of durable neoprene, they are available in 2 thicknesses — 5mm and 7mm. The compression sleeves offer maximum support and comfort and are perfect for the athlete who squats, power cleans, and leg presses.
The sleeves will retain heat to get your muscles warmed up quicker while helping to prevent injury. Flexible and comfortable, the Bear Komplex Knee Sleeves come in a variety of stylish color schemes (Star & Stripe pictured above) and sizes, and are unisex. If you’re into cool designs and don’t mind paying a little extra for top quality, these are some of the best knee sleeves for squats on the market today.
Find more Bear Komplex Knee Sleeves information and reviews here.
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3. ProFitness Knee Sleeves
Pros:- 7mm thick neoprene compression sleeves
- Includes carrying bag
- Ergonomic design and solid construction for long-lasting durability
Cons:- Some users felt the stitching ripped too easily
- Some users felt the size runs small
- All sizes not available in every color
Protect and support your knees while maximizing your lifting performance with the compression sleeves from ProFitness. Constructed of 7mm thick durable and comfortable neoprene with reinforced stitching, ProFitness designed their sleeves to provide excellent comfort and full range of motion on all your lifts, including squats.
Available in 4 colors — Black, Blue, Red, and Gray — they are available in sizes medium through XXL and are suitable for both men and women. They come in a pair and include a 1-year warranty upon purchase and a convenient carrying bag.
Find more ProFitness Knee Sleeves information and reviews here.
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4. Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeves
Pros:- Anatomically and ergonomically shaped for better performance
- Helps promote muscle and joint health, while preventing injury
- Relieves muscle stiffness and soreness
Cons:- Some users felt the sleeves weren’t breathable
- Some users felt they were too thick
- On the pricey side
Maximize performance, stay safe and supported, and recover quicker with the Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeves. Made of durable, yet comfortable, neoprene, the knee sleeves provide ample support and help promote muscle recovery, injury prevention, and excellent support during the heaviest lifts.
The sleeves are made of 7mm thick neoprene and are ergonomically shaped to help you reach peak performance in all your workouts as they offer full range of motion with no restrictions. They are unisex and available in multiple colors (Black, Gray, Blue, and Red) and sizes (small through XXL).
Find more Mava Sports Knee Compression Sleeves information and reviews here.
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5. Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
Pros:- Made with reinforced stitching and 7mm neoprene
- Provides excellent knee support and helps prevent injury
- Unisex and available in sizes small through XXL
Cons:- Some users felt the stitching ripped too easily
- Some users felt the skull graphic wore away too quickly
- On the pricey side
Not only do you get a quality pair of knee sleeves from Gymkeepers, but you purchase includes a number of other nice perks. You’ll receive a free gym bag for your gear, as well as a 60-day money back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. Not much risk involved at all.
As for the sleeves themselves, they have reinforced stitching and are made of 7mm neoprene, which is thick enough to provide ample support yet flexible to allow full range of motion on all lifts. They are available in 3 different color schemes — Black/White, Black/Red, and Military Green/Black — and each feature Gymreapers’ unique skull logo printed graphic. Sizes range from small to XXL, so they’re suitable for most, including both men and women.
Find more Gymreapers Knee Sleeves information and reviews here.
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6. RockTape Knee Sleeves Assassins
Pros:- 4-way lycra liner provides comfort and breathability
- Made of competition grade materials and construction
- These are the official knee sleeve of CrossFit
Cons:- Some users felt didn’t run true to size
- Depending on style and size, can be on the expensive side
- Some users felt the stitching ripped too easily
The knee sleeves from RockTape are available in two different thicknesses — 5mm and 7mm. They are each made of extra durable SBR neoprene with reinforced stitching. Another highlight is the 4-ply lycra lining, which adds softness and breathability so you stay comfortable and stable during your entire workout, regardless of its intensity.
The unisex knee sleeves are available 9 different color schemes and each features a unique design, which include USA Flag, Camo, and Skulls, to name a few. And there’s basically no risk as they come with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. These are the official knee sleeve of CrossFit and were worn during the 2018 Reebok CrossFit Games.
Find more RockTape Knee SleevesX information and reviews here.
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7. Mava Sports Knee Wraps
Pros:- Features an adjustable hook and loop closure for secure fit
- Made of stretchable elastic fabric (72 inches long)
- Hook and loop closure helps get a tight yet flexible fit
Cons:- On the pricey side for wraps
- Some users felt they were too flexible for powerlifting
- Wraps can be difficult to get a secure fit sometimes
The knee wraps from Mava Sports are quite popular and come highly-rated. The elastic and compression wraps come in a pair and offer maximum flexibility and stretch. They measure 72 inches long but don’t worry if you think they’ll be too big. The wraps feature a hook and loop closure so there will be no annoying loose ends, while providing a secure, comfortable fit so you can concentrate fully on your lift.
Available in 9 different colors (Black is pictured above), the wraps are unisex and are suitable for people of all sizes. The material make-up also helps make them usable for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Find more Mava Sports Knee Wraps information and reviews here.
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8. CAP Barbell Elastic Knee Wraps
Pros:- Users felt they offered excellent support
- Made of elastic for maximum flexibility
- Extra long at 72 inches and 3 inches wide
Cons:- There is no velcro to hold loose ends in place
- Some users felt they took some time to break in
- Only available in 1 color
The Elastic Knee Wraps from CAP Barbell are designed to help relieve pain and offer extra support when doing squats and leg presses, among other lifts. The wraps come in a pair and cost less than $15.
Made of elastic, the wraps provide maximum flexibility and range of motion so you’ll have no restrictions even on your heaviest lifts. They measure 72 inches long and 3 inches wide (and .15 inches thick), meaning they’re big enough to fit most. CAP Barbell also provides a 30 day warranty if you’re not satisfied.
Find more CAP Barbell Elastic Knee Wraps information and reviews here.
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9. Harbinger Red Line 78-Inch Knee Wraps
Pros:- 3-inch wide competition-grade elastic
- Extra long 78 inches in length
- Very helpful in protecting knee joints when lifting heavy
Cons:- Some users felt they came unraveled too easily
- Some might find wraps take too long to put on between sets
- Only available in 1 color
The Red Line Knee Wraps from Harbinger are designed to provide performance and comfort during your heaviest lifts. Made of competition-grade elastic, you can expect maximum stability and flexibility, must-haves during intense lifting sessions.
The elastic wraps each measure a generous 78 inches in length, long enough for most users. The extra length also allows you to use different wrap styles as well as sufficient overlaying, if you choose. Each wrap is 3 inches wide so you can expect complete and adequate coverage. The purchase includes a 90-day warranty.
Find more Harbinger Red Line 78-Inch Knee Wraps information and reviews here.