Throwing a heavy bowling ball isn’t exactly a natural motion for a human body. And to be honest, it’s especially troublesome for those bowlers out there already dealing with knee issues.
A bowling alley presents a litany of potential problems for those struggling with knee problems. Injury prevention is tough when you’re whipping a 16-pound bowling ball down a lane over and over again. Lucky for you, a bowling knee brace helps with that.
The best knee braces for bowling are made of high-quality materials that promote full mobility while wicking away excess moisture thanks to anti-slip technology. Some even have a gel pad or silicone gel strips that frame your knees, soothing them from shot to shot.
While other braces may promise the best knee support imaginable, it pays to do your research. All knee compression sleeves are not created equal. That’s why we’ve decided to test dozens of bowling knee braces for you, penning our in-depth list of the 8 Best Knee Compression Sleeves For Bowling In 2022.
Let’s get rolling with option #8.
The 8 Best Knee Braces For Bowling In 2022
8) POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
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An anatomically shaped knee sleeve that protects both the top of your knee and the bottom, the POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve is perfectly suited for most active pursuits. The addition of silicone gel strips locks this sleeve into place, making it a great knee brace for bowling when you’re at the alley for hours on end. Plus, the added heat from the full-coverage design will soothe your knee and increase blood flow when you need it most.
Pros
- The aesthetics of this compression sleeve are both sleek and refined.
- The gel strips are well-placed and soothe your knee at all points of your shot.
- This sleeve offers fantastic compression without feeling constrictive.
Cons
- The smaller sizes feel a bit off.
- It’s much smaller than it appears in the stock photo.
7) RiptGear Compression Knee Sleeve
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The RiptGear Compression Knee Sleeve is a versatile knee brace option that balances a classic look with state-of-the-art knee brace support. Similar to the knee sleeves used by volleyball and football players, this bowling knee support allows for a full range of motion while compressing your joints and tendons just enough for ample protection. You can increase your blood flow and look good doing it with this RiptGear standout.
Pros
- This sleeve works with the natural movement of your knee without hampering it.
- We love the unfussy design scheme.
- If you’re looking to stabilize blood flow in your knees while bowling, this is a stylish way to do it.
Cons
- The compression might not be strong enough for some bowlers.
- It can get stretched out and lose efficacy over time.
6) SB Sox Compression Knee Sleeve
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The real selling point of the SB Sox Compression Knee Brace is its construction. Other knee compression sleeves get sweaty due to limited ventilation. This knee compression sleeve gets it right, offering fantastic support while draping your knee in a light, effortless manner. You can reduce swelling and increase your overall blood flow, all without dealing with a sticky and uncomfortable knee brace design.
Pros
- It’s available in multiple colors, so you can match it with your outfits.
- The brace is built with your comfort in mind. You won’t overheat wearing it.
- It’s a great option for those that deal with swelling during a long bowling session.
Cons
- It’s not the strongest in terms of overall compression and stabilization.
- It can get stretched out of shape with repeated use.
5) Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeves
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Shaped to work with the natural curvature of your knees, Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeves are built to reduce existing pain in your knees to an impressive degree. Other knee braces struggle with unnatural stiffness and awkward support positioning. That’s not a problem with these compression sleeve beauties. They look good, feel great, and frame your knee in a way that ensures full mobility and range at all times during your bowling approach and shot.
Pros
- Available in multiple designs, they are a great accessory and kind of look like leggings.
- We love their shape and how they bend with your knee, not against it.
- You won’t feel stiff and awkward with the way these knee sleeves fit.
Cons
- The larger sizes are a little small for our liking.
- The lettering peels off sometimes after washing or repeated use.
4) UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Support Sleeve
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If you’re not a fan of braces with hard sides that dig into your knee, UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Support Sleeves are a welcome alternative. In terms of side-to-side freedom and overall construction properties, these compression sleeves shine. And they do while offering the traditional knee brace support you need. For those with arthritic knees and preexisting knee discomfort, these sleeves get the job done and then some.
Pros
- You get fantastic knee joint support at a very low price point.
- These are a real help for those dealing with knee tendonitis or arthritis.
- The compression offered by these sleeves doesn’t feel overbearing.
Cons
- Smaller sizes feel a little too loose for smaller knees.
- Be gentle with how you wash these, or you’ll need to replace them quickly.
3) KARM Knee Brace w/ Adjustable Support
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The open patella design scheme of the KARM Knee Brace sold us right away. One complaint we regularly hear about bowling knee braces and compression sleeves is the unnatural pressure they put on your patella tendon. The cut-out hole in this knee brace fixes this problem, providing unparalleled support without crimping and digging into the soft part of your knee joints. This is knee brace technology at its most welcoming.
Pros
- The breathability offered by the patella cutout is really nice.
- For those bowlers who’ve just had knee surgery, this is in the running for the best knee brace out there.
- The velcro strap allows you to adjust compression to your liking.
Cons
- The range of motion is limited compared to knee compression sleeves.
- It might be too roomy for smaller knees.
2) Physix Knee Brace
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For those bowlers not familiar with the joys of neoprene material and nylon, you’re going to absolutely adore the Physix Knee Brace. It’s a fantastic blend of breathability and compression sleeve support, bracing your knee joints without gathering sweat or overheating your knee altogether. And thanks to the edging made of silicone, you won’t struggle with irritation and itching when wearing it for a long period of time.
Pros
- This is a great mixture of soft materials and strong knee support.
- This brace wicks away sweat to help you stay comfortable while bowling.
- The silicone edging is well-placed and works wonders.
Cons
- The velcro wears out rather quickly.
- It can feel a bit snug on wider knees.
1) UFlex Knee Brace & Support
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Low on cost and high on injury prevention, the UFLEX Knee Brace & Support provides budget-friendly knee support for bowlers of all ages! The design is pliable enough to stretch around knees of all shapes and sizes, and the material is strong enough to fully protect your joints and tendons even at its most outstretched. This item marries the best elements of knee braces and compression sleeves, all at a price point that’s extremely fair.
Pros
- This is cost-effective knee brace technology at its absolute finest.
- It’s a versatile knee brace that holds strong without crimping or cramping.
- It’s quite breathable and doesn’t make you overheat as lesser knee braces can.
Cons
- The center strap is too short for some knee sizes.
- The added ankle support isn’t the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bowling knee braces help with chronic knee pain?
While a good knee brace isn’t a cure-all solution for a preexisting knee injury, it is a fantastic way to prevent knee pain during your weekly bowling nights. The best knee brace for bowling offers support to your knee joint when you need it most, providing superior knee protection and leading to fewer injuries during play. Knee compression sleeves do all of this while limiting existing pain and promoting proper blood flow.
Whether you prefer hinged knee braces or light and breathable fabric enhanced by the best in compression technology, the extra protection offered by the best knee support braces is a godsend for your knee joints.
What kind of knee support does a knee brace provide?
Whether you use a hinged knee brace or compression sleeve, knee supports are beyond useful to those with preexisting knee injuries and those bowlers with arthritic knees. Physical exertion is part of the joy of bowling. Yet, this can be a real drag for those going through post-surgery pain or dealing with the trickiness of an injured knee.
Compression knee sleeves and braces help to prevent injuries while promoting increase blood flow in your knee joints. They can also help to stop existing pain by offering proper support as your approach the foul line. This will reduce swelling and reduce the pain that could otherwise occur after a long night at the lanes.
Increased blood flow and full protection for your knee area (from the knee cap to tendons) is a huge get for bowlers of all ages. Who wouldn’t want better blood circulation and the promise to prevent future injury?
Closing Thoughts
Many bowlers don’t realize how critical their knees are to their overall bowling game. With the help of bowling knee braces, you can prevent injury to your knee joints while enjoying the free movement and extra support that braces offer. Reduce the problem of previous injuries and reduce pain altogether with one of the eight knee brace options listed above. Your body will thank you.
