Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
While intensive and tough workouts like powerlifting and olympic weightlifting, our knees are suffering from extra tension and increasing pain during squats.
For such training, you need additional support for your knees to mitigate swelling and help you perform squats without issues. Knee sleeves are a worthy solution for helping you to execute any weight-lifting exercises out of pain and injury.
See the best knee sleeves for squats we offer you to enhance your workouts with extra knee support. So, you can be sure about your knee health despite deep squats and dynamic lunges.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the
WBCM Weightlifting Knee Sleeves.
The sleeves are made if high-quality neoprene, so the material is durable and you don't need to worry about them falling apart any time soon.
Top 11 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats (Powerlifting) Reviewed
- WBCM Weightlifting Knee Sleeves - Top Pick
- IronBull Knee Sleeves for Squatting - Runner-Up
- Rogue Fitness Workout Knee Sleeves
- Gymreapers Knee Sleeves
- Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
- ProFitness Knee Sleeves
- RockTape Assassins Knee Compression Sleeves
- Element 26 Workout Knee Sleeves
- DMoose Powerlifting & Weightlifting Knee Sleeves
- RIP TONED Fitness Knee Sleeves
- 2POOD Black Magic Knee Sleeves
1. WBCM Weightlifting Knee Sleeves - Top Pick
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 11.8-18.3”
- Material: High-quality neoprene
- Sport Type: powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, bodybuilding
- Sizing: S-XXXL
- Design: black sleeves with stripes of diverse colors and front logo
- Color: black
Our top pick comes from WBCM and if you want the best on the market, this is it. They’re designed to provide unparalleled support and stability during heavy lifts, which is super important for performance and safety.
The sleeves are made if high-quality neoprene, so the material is durable and you don’t need to worry about them falling apart any time soon. One of the best features is that they can improve joint stability.
The thickness is 7 mm, so you get a substantial amount of compression, which is great for exercises that out a lot of strain on your knees, like squats and deadlifts. If you struggle with knee pain and discomfort, you’ll feel a noticeable reduction in both while wearing these.
Photo by @warmbody_coldmind
The seams are reinforced, meaning there won’t be any tearing even under intense stress, and the material stays elastic and supportive even after months of use.
So, what’s not to like? Well, hardly anything. If you like super elastic, stretchy sleeves, then these are not for you because they’re meant to be supportive. This doesn’t mean that they’re not comfortable because they are (and very much so), but their main job is supporting your joints, and you can’t expect support from something flimsy and thin.
Positives:
Longer than others
3-D design provides a perfect joint compression and warmth with optimal breathability and comfort
Double stitching offers the maximum support
Could be better:
Snug design may not fit those who prefer more muscle mobility
2. IronBull Knee Sleeves for Squatting - Runner-Up
- Thickness: 7mm
- Length: 11.5”
- Circumference: 11.8-18.3”
- Material: SCR neoprene
- Sport Type: powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, bodybuilding
- Sizing: S-XXL
- Design: black sleeves with stripes of diverse colors and front logo
- Color: black
Being apparently the best option for squatting with heavy weights, these knee sleeves are an exemplary garment for all-level athletes and gym attendees, and everyone who suffers from pain during workouts.
Thanks to 7mm thickness and high-quality durable SCR neoprene material, these sleeves will serve you long and bring comfort and safety while working out with heavy weights. Their anatomical design, double silicone gel wave, and double stitching vouch for great support for your joints, kneecaps, and surrounding muscles. These sleeves will cover your entire knee, are very comfortable in fit, so you can wear them a whole workout with no problem. They definitely improve results.
Photo by @lechoixduboucher
They are thicker and more resilient than other sleeves and allow a better range of motion even when your knees are overtrained. Your joints will stay warm during intensive lifting sessions, by facilitating blood circulation, boosting power, and lifting confidence. Our verdict is that the IronBull knee sleeves are worth their price absolutely. That will be your best investment for your knees.
Positives:
Longer than others
3-D design provides a perfect joint compression and warmth with optimal breathability and comfort
Double stitching offers the maximum support
Could be better:
Snug design may not fit those who prefer more muscle mobility
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 12.2-16.9”
- Material: SBR neoprene blend
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Design: sleeves of diverse colors with brand name on the side
- Color: black
Rogue Fitness presents a decent variant of knee support for squats that will suit athletes from regular gym goers to professional athletes. Moreover, they’re IPF and IWF-approved and fit for official competitions.
It's 7mm knee sleeves are made of reliable SBR neoprene fabric that vouches for firm compression of an athlete’s knees by mitigating discomfort and pain in knees during training.
Also, this garment limits knee movement while doing squats and facilitates recovery after tough workouts. They won’t slide down your legs much while you are training. They also do not affect your range of motion and you won't feel pain after squats or deadlifts. Due to its natural fit, Rogue knee sleeves bring joints warmth and compression by eliminating nagging swelling and tension after lifting weights.
Positives:
IPF & IWF approved
There’s an option to choose 3mm or 5mm versions of these sleeves
Could be better:
Moderate quality: can lose elasticity over time
High price
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 11.8-18.3”
- Material: neoprene
- Sport Type: powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, weight training
- Sizing: S-XXL
- Design: sleeves of diverse colors with stripes on the side and front logo
- Color: black
GymReapers well-known producer of top-quality garments and equipment for elite athletes and Olympians from professional divisions has already gained a high reputation by presenting innovative sports accessories of incredible value, design, and functionality.
With these best knee sleeves for weightlifting, you’ll forget about annoying pains and knee stiffness when performing powerful squats, lunges, or lifting weights. Their durable seamless double-stitching construction won’t constrain your movements and bring extra support for your knees to execute more powerful snatches and jerks.
Photo by @deeannasfitjourney
A specific feature of these sleeves is a thick padded design that vouches for increased compression for your knees by enabling you to compete decently at the premium powerlifting or weightlifting sessions. You don’t need to worry about swelling after intensive workouts because these knee sleeves help you to recover in a short time.
Positives:
Added orthopedic support to ensure high-level compression
IPF & USAPA approved
Gym bag included
Could be better:
Your knees may be too sweaty after taking them off
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 11.5-18.3”
- Material: neoprene
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Design: black sleeves with stripes and front logo
- Color: black
Want to increase your productivity when performing weightlifting exercises, but not suffering from soreness and weakness in the legs? Nordic knee sleeves for lifting weights are a worthy option to try to get assured that your sports performance is improving with each training.
These sleeves optimize your joints' functionality by warming and supporting them to do clear sets several times with no interruption.
Photo by @nordiclifting
Moreover, you’ll be able to recover quickly by bringing power and extra stability when pulling heavy-duty barbells or performing repetitive multiple reps of functional leg training.
With correctly selected size you’ll benefit greatly from their sufficient compression that doesn’t harm knee and joint health. Instead, you’ll get the best support that promotes muscle recovery.
Positives:
Goes with nice premium packaging
Are eligible for a return within 30 days of purchase
Could be better:
Too tight stitching on the inside back, top, and bottom
- Thickness: 7mm
- Length: front 10.5”, back 8.2”
- Circumference: 11.8-18.3”
- Material: nylon, neoprene
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: S-XXL
- Design: sleeves of diverse colors with/without stripes and front logo
- Color: black, blue, grey, red
Intense exercises are no more a challenge for your knees! Forget about weakness during squatting or deadlifting, quit sudden pain in the joints, and stiffness. With ProFitness, you’ll improve your training performance, gain better form, and support your knees' health.
Additionally, there’s no need to worry that your sleeve will slip down before the lifting or during squats - thanks to gripping technology, these sleeves will stay in place during the whole training
Photo by @mom23gals
With 7mm thickness, you’ll be able to boost your squat quality by 30%, so you’ll succeed to train with heavier weights in a short time with confidence. Another perk is that these knee sleeves can be used by people who had some injuries.
Positives:
USPA approved
Goes with a carrying bag with a drawstring
Made of extra-strong nylon thread and heavy-duty neoprene
Could be better:
Quite costly
May feel quite tight for athletes with muscular calves
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 11.5-15.5”
- Material: SBR neoprene
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Design: black/red camo sleeves with the brand name on the front
- Color: black, red camo
These high-quality durable knee sleeves for intensive training will impress you with their high compression rate, so they won’t move down when you perform deadlifts, hyperextension, or jumping.
Now you can make your squat max with your knees supported by this compression garment. Weightlifters will receive two-level support by warming the joints properly during any exercise. They also have their body stabilized to direct their entire power to execute a clear high-quality set without injuries.
Photo by @thewodlife
A great feature of these sleeves is that you can wear them after surgical interventions such as ALC reconstruction on your knees, due to extra thickness, it’ll support it well. Also, if your knees crack and make some noise when squatting, put on these garments to prevent the noise and get intense relief and support.
Positives:
Composed of several neoprene pieces that are stitched to make a rugged compression brace
Can be worn after ACL reconstruction surgery
Could be better:
May come apart by the stitching after a year of use
May bunch up in the bottom of the squat
- Thickness: 6mm
- Circumference: 16.5-19.5” - upper, 13.0-15.5” - bottom
- Material: neoprene
- Sport Type: weight training, functional fitness
- Sizing: S-XL
- Design: black/green/blue colored with side stripes and front logo
- Color: black, green, blue
Element 26 manufacturers crafted a perfect combination of 5mm and 7mm knee sleeves by presenting 6mm sleeves of exceptional quality and functionality. This feature makes them ideal for functional fitness sportsmen to perform any kind of intensive training as burpees, air squats, wall balls, and other popular Fitness exercises.
High-level compression means that these sleeves won’t slip down, bunch, or move around your knee by bringing you top protection and support. With the 6mm knee sleeves, you’ll know what a perfect balance of mobility, durability, safety, and support is. Element 26 knee sleeves will give the support you need during high reps and max lifts.
Photo by @glendale
You’ll enjoy sleeves’ prime quality: double stitching, multi-crossed thread pattern, and durable neoprene fabric guarantee they won’t wear off for a long time and will withstand the most intensive functional sessions.
Positives:
Budget-friendly price
Durable design thanks to double stitching and multi-crossed threads
Perfect balance between compression and mobility
Could be better:
Not so good for heavy lifts as other options
Bunch up a bit behind the knee
- Thickness: 7mm
- Length: 9.5-11”
- Circumference: upper - 13.3-16.5”, bottom - 11.5-15”
- Material: lightweight neoprene
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Design: sleeves of diverse colors with front logo
- Color: black/colorful
Benefit from using these 7mm knee sleeves with great features which will enhance your performance, body mobility, stability, and excellent support while executing any kind of intensive workout. You can wear them for doing some powerlifting and weightlifting exercises such as deadlifts, squats, leg press, etc.
Thanks to the premium quality and design, they can withstand any tough weightlifting workout and quick repetitive movements. DMoose knee sleeves don’t limit your movements, yet bring good compression, stable blood circulation, and keep the warmth of the joints for the whole workout. As a result, you’ll benefit from increased performance and better sports results.
Positives:
Anti-slip fabric
Nice design for all tastes
Maintain a balance between comfort and compression
Could be better:
Can’t be used by people with latex sensitivity
Not super stretchy
- Thickness: 7mm
- Circumference: 11-18.5”
- Material: neoprene
- Sport Type: olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, weight training
- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Design: black colored sleeves with red stripes and front logo
- Color: black
Considering the knee sleeve reviews on the official website, we can state that this is a worthy option for weightlifters who get used to training intensively and regularly.
RipToned knee sleeves are designed to bring enough protection and support for an athlete’s knees, and at the same time make them highly flexible and durable. Such features mean you’ll gain your sports goals easily, and boost your performance by avoiding sudden swelling and stiffness during and after lifting workouts.
You can move freely, perform deep squats, deadlifts, jerks and other exercises with no worry that these sleeves will restrict your potential. What’s more, they conform to your knee shape that guarantees a perfect fit, and these sleeves won’t slip down during the most intensive set's performance.
High-quality neoprene is durable with a reinforced stitching feature, making it flexible and long-lasting. This material provides good compression and keeps the knees warm, which increases blood flow and reduces pain. RipToned sleeves are perfect fir for optimal compression without being too restrictive, and allow a sportsman to move freely by providing a snug and secure fit that won't slide down during the workout.
Positives:
Reliable stitching
Approved by the USPA
Reasonable balance of price and quality
Could be better:
May not be the best choice for beginners because of its stiffness
- Thickness: 5mm
- Circumference: 12.2-16.9”
- Material: hybrid neoprene
- Sport Type: weight training, Fitness
- Sizing: XS-L
- Design: sleeves with sparkles on the front and logo on the side
- Color: black, with sparkles
These 5” 2POOD knee sleeves bring some fun to your intensive training routine by presenting the public classic black design with sparkles. Their universal qualities make them used for HIIT, Fitness, and gym workouts to improve your performance of squats, kettlebell swings, walking lunges, and so on.
By wearing these sleeves you won’t suffer knee swelling, or pain after injuries since they improve blood flow, and oxygen circulation in the knees that warm your joints during any training. You’ll enjoy this garment thanks to its simple design and effective influence on your training performance.
Positives:
Tight and secure fit
Flexible due to 5mm thickness
A good fit for high-intensive WODs
Could be better:
Sequins fall off when you pull them off
Bunches up behind the knees
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Why Use Knee Sleeves for Squats?
✅ Correct Movements And Alignment
Knee sleeves are useful for sensing proper knee position and alignment while squatting. Compressing knee sleeves facilitate blood circulation which reduces pain in case you want to gain more strength and improve powerlifting technique.
With the prolonged regular wearing of the compression workout knee sleeves, an athlete will recover faster from lifting weights exercises.
✅ Quick Recovery After Sessions
Powerlifting knee sleeves help to remove toxins from the muscle tissues and reduce the risk of inflammation, and lactic acid production, so no soreness will occur after powerlifting training. This will promote faster recovery and a lifter will be able to become more powerful in a shorter time.
✅ Improve Squat Technique
Knee sleeves are widely used by all-level lifters to create an additional protection layer for their knee joints. The reason is the regular lifting of heavy barbells that can not pass without a trace and this sports accessory can prevent it.
Considering the squat quality or its power, there are some controversies. But, knee support for squats and sleeve compressing effect create some kind of bounce effect to enable an athlete to make their squat max. This bouncing also can measure the squat depth before you stand up with a barbell.
How to Choose Knee Sleeves for Squats?
1. Consider Thickness Level
There are the most popular 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm knee sleeve models that suit different types of sports and have various purposes for use.
Speaking about powerlifting knee sleeves, you’d better pick a 7mm thickness level that provides better stability and enough absorption for knees when pushing a barbell. 7mm knee sleeves perfectly fit powerlifters who are serious about lifting great weight by bringing exceptional knee support for squats and compression, yet staying elastic enough to wear for workouts.
Although, they can bunch up more that can cause some discomfort for long exercises with weights.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
2. Think About Sleeve Durability
Alongside the high-quality material your knee sleeves are made of, they should be durable enough to withstand the mentioned activity performance. But, the key point is that they should serve for years with constant use. Good-quality sleeves should have well-performed stitching, even seams, and fabric with no tears and loose threads.
Also, it’s preferable that the chosen knee sleeves come with a warranty, so you can contact the service center to make the needed repair or exchange the accessory for a new one.
3. Opt for a Proper Material
The majority of knee sleeves are made of neoprene which is a synthetic fabric with waterproof features, low breathability, good elasticity, and stretch. It keeps warmth due to excellent thermal insulation and good durability. Thus, to select the best knee sleeves for powerlifting you should consider fabric properties and the time it can wear out.
4. Type of Workout And Competition Demands
First, you should define what kind of training you plan to use knee sleeves for and whether you plan to take part in some competitions. Generally, all respected competition organizations, federations, and divisions have their own list of requirements for garments which must be IPF or USAPL approved.
Second, what kind of sport you represent: powerlifting, weightlifting, Fitness, or general fitness also matters because each of these sports deals with a different range of weights.
If you’re a powerlifter, 7mm knee sleeves are perfect for your sports goals since such sleeves are stiff enough to perform squats, bench, and deadlift with extra heavy weights.
Concerning the best knee sleeves for weightlifting, 5mm sleeves are more flexible in the knee area by enabling a weightlifter to make deeper squats, snatches, and jerks.
For Fitness, 3mm or a maximum of 5mm lifting knee sleeves will be good to perform different intensive movements and transitions during the workout.
5. Compression Level
The rule “the more the better” doesn’t always work here. With more compression you feel, the less time you’ll be able to wear such knee sleeves because they cause too much pressure on your knees and can worsen blood circulation in this area.
The majority of powerlifters use several pairs of knee sleeves for squatting: one is more comfortable for regular training and the second one that is tougher is for competitions.
If you want to have the highest level of compression, consider buying a knee brace for squats. Compared to knee sleeves, braces are garments that protect the anterior knee and kneecap by providing high-level support for ligaments that knee sleeves can’t guarantee. It’s widely used after surgery or serious injuries.
Knee brace for weightlifting vouches for better squat depth perception by preventing knee overload. It controls movements more efficiently and protects joints for performing clear strong squats with no shimmy movements by improving technique.
Knee braces are also useful if an athlete returns to regular workouts after some trauma and had some surgical operations. So, this item brings sufficient compression to the vulnerable knees. Braces can increase blood flow to the knee, reduce nagging pain, and accelerate post-op recovery, as well as after training.
6. Don’t Forget to Get Enough Support for Your Knees
Knee sleeves should provide excellent support, stability, and comfort while performing diverse exercises. Also, you should get peace of mind during workouts to be confident in your muscle strength.
With proper support, you’ll have your joints and patella stabilized to get the maximum out of a particular set and to target your endeavors to train well. Perfect sleeves are those that provide the ideal amount of compression without being too restrictive and allow you to move freely while still being supported.
7. Mind Your Comfort: Choose the Proper Size, Shape, And Style
Choosing a proper size is half of the success that knee sleeves will serve right for your sports intentions. You should feel comfortable with properly sized sleeves that don’t immobilize your knees and tighten your skin and muscles.
To select your proper size, measure your kneecap in the center with a soft measure or ruler and compare it with the size chart of the chosen brand.
There are also extra features for better comfort like non-slip grips, and double stitching to keep the garment in place and bend your knees better.
Other models have anti-slip silicone lines on the top, so an athlete doesn’t need to worry about the sleeves sliding down during the squat. You can find cone-shaped sleeves for those who have large calves to avoid too much compression below the knees.
8. Value for Money
Generally, prime-quality compression knee sleeves for powerlifting can’t be cheap, meaning their cost can’t be less than $20. If so, then there are some questions concerning their quality, durability, and functionality wholly.
Durable yet flexible material, excellent seams, and stitching vouch for sleeves' long-lasting serving and that they will satisfy the expectations of a buyer.
Moreover, we speak about your knee health: it should be a thoughtful choice and a worthy investment for your sports activity that eventually won’t damage your knee health.
How to Use Knee Sleeves for Squats?
It’s better to wear weightlifting knee sleeves before your training when you’re not sweaty and warmed up. Don’t try to pull them up over your tights because you’ll find it quite tough when positioning on the knee. The simplest way to wear it is to fold it down in the half and then grab it from the middle, and just roll a sleeve up to its full length.
Also, it’s possible to wear sleeves with a single or double fold, depending on sleeve tightness. All in all, it’s recommended to fold them, but not to pull them up at once because this method can worsen their elasticity and compression effect.
The right position of the sleeves is when your knee is centered in the middle vertically, with the seams on the sides. It’s also preferable to use them for performing any lifting exercises, especially for frequent knee bend and extension that refers to squatting.
Concerning deadlifts, it’s likely you’ll catch your knee sleeves with a bar that can change their position and distract you from proper performance. So, you can simply pull them down and inside out.
FAQ
What Is the Best Thickness for a Knee Sleeve?
Is It Good to Squat With Knee Sleeves?
Is It Better to Squat Without Knee Sleeves?
Conclusion
- What Causes Knee Pain When Squatting, and How’s It Treated? // Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/knee-pain-when-squatting
- Knee Behaviour in Squatting // ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230555159_KNEE_BEHAVIOUR_IN_SQUATTING
- Are Compression Garments Effective for the Recovery of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage? // ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938415301566?via%3Dihub
- Analysis of the Load on the Knee Joint and Vertebral Column With Changes in Squatting Depth and Weight Load // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23821469/
- Should You Wear Knee Sleeves For Deadlifts? // PowerliftingTechnique: https://powerliftingtechnique.com/knee-sleeves-for-deadlifts/
- All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
- Author
- Reviewer
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.