BG x US FOOTBALL
Shop the best American football ankle brace
Get the ankle braces used by NFL and college athletes
The BetterGuard 1.0
U.S. football ankle brace
- The best ankle brace for American football
- Trusted by NFL and NCAA FB athletes
- Designed in partnership with NBA Launchpad
- Ultra-lightweight and durable
The ultimate ankle protection for American football
Designed for players who are constantly cutting, stopping on a dime, and changing the game. The BetterGuard is ultra-lightweight, versatile, and sleekly designed to help you stay on the field without holding you back.
Trusted by NFL players
Discover why Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions and his brother Equanimeous St. Brown trust The BetterGuard to help them avoid injury and stay in the game.
BUY NOWExperience ankle support that's made to move
The BetterGaurd is the world's first adaptive ankle brace, offering football players complete mobility and responsive stability that reacts 3x faster than your body in critical situations.
SHOP BETTERGUARDSWhy we made this
Don't let ankle injuries sideline your season
One of the worst American football injuries is a sprained ankle. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society estimates 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day.
1/5
20% of all injuries in American football, are to the ankle joint
72%
72% of all American football players will experience ankle injuries
10%
One study concluded that 1/10 ankle injuries in the NFL are career-ending
HOW IT WORKS
We built a brace based on science, not tradition
Designed in partnership with the NBA Launchpad, The BetterGuard is built for today's fast-paced game. Its secret weapon lies in the innovative mini ankle stabilizer beneath the surface. This technology adapts to your movements, providing dynamic ankle support on the field during explosive cuts and quick changes of direction, all while maintaining a high range of motion for optimal performance.
BEHIND THE DESIGNAnkle support that works like magic
Here's why The BetterGuard is the best ankle brace for American football
Foot and ankle mobility
Tackle quick turns, sprints, and clean cuts confidently in the world's most advanced ankle protection system.
Adaptive support
The BetterGuard mini ankle stabilizer reacts 3x faster than your body to stabilize the ankle joint and aid in injury prevention.
Accelerate recovery
The BetterGuard helps you get back on the field faster and prevent re-injury during recovery.
Ultra-lightweight
Made with breathable, lightweight compression, The BetterGuard is remarkably lighter than traditional American football ankle braces, allowing for explosive movement without excess weight.
The perfect fit
The BetterGuard slides perfectly inside your mid- and low-top football cleats and molds to your movements, giving you the perfect fit.
Pros use The BetterGaurd
Trusted by top athletes across the NFL and NCAA, The BetterGuard helps the pros recover faster and stay on the field.
Ankle protection created by science — loved by athletes
Thousands of pro, college, and high school players trust The BetterGuard to help them stay in the game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
WR, Detroit Lions
Equanimeous St. Brown
WR, New Orleans Saints
Jojo Phillips
WR, BYU
Jack Bech
WR, TCU
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the most common ankle injury in American football?
Lateral ankle sprains are the most common ankle injury in American football, affecting both professional and recreational players. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint overstretch or tear due to a sudden twisting motion. Constant cutting, changing direction, and potential falls make ankle sprains difficult to avoid without proper ankle support. Differences in firm ground vs. soft turf surfaces are also some of American football injuries worst contributors. Sprains can range in severity, and depending on the grade, recovery times can vary from a few weeks to several months.
How long does it take for an ankle injury to heal?
Ankle injuries in American football can vary greatly in healing time depending on the severity of the sprain (grades 1, 2, or 3) and other factors. Generally, minor sprains heal within a few weeks, while severe sprains or ligament tears could take months to fully recover.
In a clinical trial, athletes who wore The BetterGuard were able to recover and return to sport faster compared to those who relied on conventional recovery methods.*
How do you treat an ankle injury from American football?
Treating an ankle injury in American football includes minimizing activity, applying ice packs, using a compression bandage or ankle brace, and keeping your ankle elevated, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. For more severe sprains or ligament tears, a doctor might recommend additional treatments like physical therapy or a walking boot. Regardless of the severity, consulting a healthcare professional or athletic trainer is always recommended for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
What are the worst NFL injuries?
Non-contact knee injuries and ankle injuries, like ACL tears, ligament tears in the knee, and severe ankle sprains, are some of the worst injuries in the NFL. These can sideline players for a long time and even threaten careers. Fractures and head injuries are also serious concerns.
Why not wear ankle tape in football?
While ankle tape can provide some support and proprioception (body awareness), evidence shows it rapidly loses its effectiveness when you exercise. According to the latest sports science, it loses its protective effect within 5 to 10 minutes of active practice or gameplay. The tape's effectiveness also depends heavily on the taping technique used.
The BetterGuard offers several advantages over tape:
- Adaptive: The BetterGuard's design can be adapted during gameplay or training.
- Long-lasting: The BetterGuard can be worn for up to 8 hours, giving you long-lasting ankle protection.
- Ease of use: The BetterGuard is easy to put on and adjust without taping expertise.
- Dynamic support: The BetterGuard adapts to your movements, providing support when needed.
Get inspired
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*Comparison of an adaptive ankle brace to conventional taping for rehabilitation of acute ankle injury in young sub-elite soccer players: a pilot study, Krobholz D et al. Accepted for publication by JSR