Handball ankle supports: support and strapping
With every step, every change of direction and every landing, your ankle bears the full weight of your body: an ankle brace limits twisting and provides reassurance during recovery, without replacing strengthening exercises.
Light compression, enhanced support or strapping braces, the right model depends on your needs, from prevention to returning after a sprain.
Compression, reinforced support or stirrup: three levels of support
The compression ankle support, like those from Bauerfeind, tightens around the ankle to enhance the feeling of stability. The reinforced support ankle brace from Thuasne, a CE-marked medical device, provides enhanced compressive support for mild sprains and getting back into sports. The Phantom from McDavid adds a flexible stirrup and straps, open at the back for easy slip-on: it replaces a strap.
Achilles tendon: the Sports Achilles from Bauerfeind
The Sports Achilles supports the ankle and the tendon Achilles during training and competitions. Its cushion surrounds the tendon and massages it during movement with the help of nubs, and its 3D Airknit fabric remains lightweight and breathable. It is machine washable, from XS to 2XL.
Ankle brace or strap: the choice of the player and the physio
The strap, an adhesive band applied before each match, provides a custom fit but needs to be reapplied every time. The ankle brace can be put on in a few seconds and is reusable. Some players alternate: strap for matches after a sprain, ankle brace for training.
Ankle brace and regulations: plastic and metal covered
In handball, an ankle brace is allowed if all its metal or plastic parts are covered. The textile and strap models on the page comply with this rule.
Select, McDavid, Bauerfeind: brands of the ankle
- Select with the Active 2, which is chosen by shoe size, from 37 to 43.
- McDavid with the Phantom for indoors, and the Stealth Cleat designed for cleated shoes.
- Bauerfeind, a German manufacturer of orthotics and bandages, with its Sports range.
- Thuasne with its supporting ankle braces, from neoprene to reinforced support.
- Epitact with the ErgoStrap, designed for chronic instabilities and rehabilitation after sprains.
Knee pads, sleeves, wrist guards: other protections
The knee works with the ankle: knee pads protect against falls. For the entire leg, sleeves compress the calf. The wrist and finger guards support the hand. All these families are gathered on the protection page.
End-of-line ankle braces and current offers
The end-of-line models can be found on the clearance protections page, and current offers are located in the special equipment offers.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to wear an ankle brace if you've never been injured?
It's not essential if your ankle is stable. A lightweight ankle brace can provide reassurance on a slippery surface, but balance and strengthening exercises are still the foundation of prevention.
How do you choose the size of an ankle brace?
Some are chosen by shoe size, like the Select Active 2, others by ankle circumference. Measure yourself and follow the guide on the product sheet, as an ankle brace that's too loose won't provide any support.
Does an ankle brace fit into a handball shoe?
Yes, most textile models are thin. Try your shoe with the ankle brace: if it feels too tight, loosen the lacing a bit instead of changing shoe size.
When can you return to handball after a sprain?
It's your doctor or physio who determines the timing, depending on the severity. The ankle brace supports the return, it doesn't replace it.
Can you machine wash an ankle brace?
Some, like the Sports Achilles, are machine washable, while others can be hand washed, like the reinforced ankle brace from Thuasne. Follow the label and let it dry away from a heat source.
