The BetterGuard 1.0
Basketball ankle brace
- The best ankle brace for basketball
- Designed in partnership with NBA Launchpad
- Ultra-lightweight and durable
The ultimate ankle brace for basketball
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 in the game without holding you back.
Experience basketball ankle support that's made to move
Whether you’re a dunk contest contestant or a weekend warrior roaming the baseline — feel fast, agile, and assured in The BetterGuard ankle brace. We specifically tailored it to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced game so you can stay ahead of the opposition with your speed in all directions.
Why we made this
Ankle sprains are the #1 most common injury in basketball
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society estimates 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day.
25% NBA
Approximately 25% of NBA players sustain at least one ankle injury per season
53.7%
An estimated 53.7% of all NBA games missed are missed due to ankle injuries
73%
One study showed 73% of all athletes suffered from recurrent ankle sprains
HOW IT WORKS
We built a brace based on science, not tradition
Built for the demands of basketball, The BetterGuard goes beyond a simple ankle brace. 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 court during explosive cuts and quick changes of direction, all while maintaining a natural range of motion for optimal performance.
BEHIND THE DESIGNDiscover basketball ankle support that works like magic
Here's why The BetterGuard is the best ankle brace for basketball
On-court performance
Designed to move with you, The BetterGuard offers a flexible fit that adapts to your foot's natural movements.
Adaptive support
The BetterGuard's innovative mini-stabilizer, with its sleek, minimalist design, reacts faster than your reflexes and actively stabilizes your ankle during sudden and unexpected inversion or supination movements.
Faster recovery
The BetterGuard empowers your return to the court with a high range of motion to re-build mobility, and targeted support to minimize re-injury risk throughout recovery.*
Ultra-lightweight
Made with breathable, lightweight compression, The BetterGuard is remarkably lighter than traditional braces, allowing for explosive movement without excess weight.
The perfect fit
The BetterGuard delivers exceptional ankle support that fits seamlessly into your game, eliminating the need for high-top basketball shoes.
Pros use The BetterGaurd
Trusted by top athletes across the NBA, NCAA, and Euro League Basketball, The BetterGuard ankle brace is a proven choice for injury prevention and accelerated recovery.
Created by science — loved by athletes
Thousands of pro, college, and amateur basketball players worldwide trust The BetterGuard to help them stay in the game.
Franz Wagner
F, Orlando Magic
Matas Buzelis
F, Chicago Bulls
Mo Wagner
C, Orlando Magic
Luisa Geiselsöder
F, Basket Landes
Lina Sontag
UCLA Women's Basketball
Team Germany
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the best basketball shoes for ankle support?
The best basketball shoes for ankle support prioritize a secure fit and good court feel. However, even the best shoes can't fully prevent ankle sprains. While many players used to wear high-top shoes, more recent evidence suggests high-tops have little or no protective effect.
For comprehensive ankle protection, consider pairing a pair of mid or low-top basketball shoes with a performance-driven ankle brace like The BetterGuard. Unlike bulky braces that restrict movement, The BetterGuard's innovative design offers reactive support and stability on impact. It's the perfect solution for players who want to recover faster and reduce their risk of injury, without sacrificing performance.
Are ankle braces good for basketball?
If you've ever suffered from a sprained ankle, you might wonder, " Should basketball players wear ankle braces?" Several studies point to the efficacy of ankle braces in treating and preventing ankle injuries. A good ankle brace can help you recover faster, prevent future ankle injuries, and give you added confidence, knowing your landing is protected.
What's the best ankle brace for basketball?
Choosing the "best" ankle brace for basketball depends on your needs. Still, The BetterGuard consistently rises to the top for one simple reason: it combines unwavering support with unmatched freedom of movement. Unlike bulky rigid ankle braces and lace-up braces that hold you back, The BetterGuard is ultra-lightweight and breathable, letting you fly past defenders with explosive agility. During risky maneuvers where your ankle begins to turn or twist, The BetterGuard instantly stabilizes your ankle joint to reduce the amount of inversion and or supination and aid in injury prevention. Designed in partnership with NBA Launchpad, The BetterGuard is the only ankle support designed specifically for basketball players.
How to prevent ankle sprains in basketball?
Ankle sprains can be complicated, but preventing them doesn't have to be. Strengthening your ankles and working on your range of motion can help provide resiliency in your ankle joint against most injuries. Consider wearing braces to treat and prevent ankle sprains when normal strength and flexibility training is insufficient. The BetterGuard is the only ankle support for basketball designed in partnership with NBA Launchpad. Unlike traditional lace-up ankle braces, The BetterGuard offers freedom of movement without sacrificing strong and reliable ankle support.
Can you play basketball with a sprained ankle?
Playing basketball with a sprained ankle is not recommended immediately following the injury. While some mild low and high ankle sprains may feel okay, pushing them can worsen the injury, leading to longer recovery times and even chronic ankle instability. Instead of risking further pain and jeopardizing your season, prioritize healing. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are your best friends. Plus, consider using The BetterGuard for its dynamic support and stabilization. It helps protect your ankle from re-injury during recovery, letting you focus on returning to the court healthy and strong. Remember, a short break now can mean a faster return and a dominant season later.
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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