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Best Knee Supports for Swimming 2024

20 February 2024

If you suffer from chronic knee pain or injury, you should consider taking up swimming, as it is a low-impact activity that can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees. Before you get in the pool, it is important to consider whether a knee brace or support should be use to make sure that you're not doing yourself more harm than good.

At KneeSupports.com, our priority is providing you with reliable braces that will help protect your knee and our guide on the Best Knee Supports for Swimming 2024 can help you find what you need. Whether you're looking for a compressive knee sleeve to aid your arthritis during swimming or want a robust brace that will support your knee while playing high-impact water sports, we've got options you can consider.

What Does This Guide Cover?

Looking for something in particular? Click on your issue below to see our recommendation of suitable knee braces for swimming or for playing water sports:


Best Overall Waterproof Knee Brace for Swimming

Winner: LP Elasticated Knee Support Stocking

LP Elasticated Knee Support Stocking

Why We Love It...

 Provides compression and support to the knee and shin
 Reduces pain and instability during the recovery process
 Provides pain relief conditions including arthritis
 Designed to adjust to the contours of the knee and shin

Perfect For...

 Use during recovery process of an injury
 Weak and stressed knees

Not the Best For...

 Playing water sports (See our solution)
 Swimming with a torn meniscus (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: One issue often faced while swimming with a knee brace is the absorption of extra water. The LP Elasticated Knee Support Stocking is a lightweight and flexible option designed to be worn even in wet conditions, as it allows you to have maximum movement without carrying extra weight. Featuring elasticated compression, this knee sleeve provides pain relief and stability without causing discomfort, allowing you to make the most of your time in the water.

We Asked LP, Who Said: "The LP Elasticated Knee Support Stocking is a brilliant option for swimmers. Its flexible design makes for a lighter option in the water and allows for freedom of movement while providing healing rehabilitation."


Best Knee Brace for Playing Water Sports (High-Impact)

Winner: Ossur CTi OTS Pro Sport Ligament Knee Brace

Ossur CTi Pro Sport Ligament Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Slim and low profile design is ideal for high impact sports
 Built with corrosion resistant materials for a safe use in water
 Flexible subshell and adjustable tibial strap for customised fit
 Carbon frame provides a firm exoskeleton for added stability

Perfect For...

 Supporting ligament instabilities
 Preventing unnatural knee movements
 Playing watersports including wakeboarding and waterskiing

Not the Best For...

 Extended periods of submergence (See our solution)
 Arthritis support (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: It takes one chaotic hit or fall during a water skiing session to end up severely injured. Why go through that hassle when you could protect your knees against unnatural movements? The Ossur CTi Pro Sport Ligament Knee Brace is a brilliant choice, featuring a robust, non-corrosive carbon fibre frame to support joint instability and protect you during your favourite high-impact water sports. 

We Asked Ossur, Who Said: "CTi braces provide the ultimate combination of stabilization and protection of the knee joint. CTi uses Accutrac hinges with extension stops to glide with the knee. In addition, breathable liners coated with Sensil silicone ensure the CTi remains properly positioned on the leg for optimal functional benefit. Outfitted with flexible cuffs and D-rings, the carbon frame provides a rigid exoskeleton that stabilises the knee joint."


Best Support for Swimming with Knee Injury

Winner: LP Elastic Knee Support

LP Elastic Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Excellent support for injured and unstable knees
 Includes pain relieving properties
 Helps with knee recovery and injury prevention
 Made from surgical elastic for effective compression

Perfect For...

 Wear during recovery process of an injury
 Injury prevention
 Use during physical activity

Not the Best For...

 Arthritis support (See our solution)
 Meniscus injury support (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict:  We've established that swimming is a superb exercise for weak and injured knees. However, the last thing we want is going for a dive unprotected, as we risk further harm and strain that could place us back in the first stage of recovery. Luckily the LP Elastic Knee Support makes for a great solution. The compressive feature of this knee sleeve helps to relieve pain from minor injuries while stabilising the area to prevent further damage.

We Asked LP, Who Said:  "This knee support is particularly beneficial for patients who have suffered mild injuries and want to protect their knees during activities such as swimming. The elastic material is extremely lightweight and stretchy to allow freedom of movement needed while practicing any sport."


Best Knee Support for Swimming with Arthritis

Winner: Oppo Pull-On Elastic Knee Support

Oppo Pull-On Elastic Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Provides gentle kneecap compression to reduce pain
 Elasticated design allows for freedom of movement
 Featured high-quality materials for long-term support
 Tight-fitting design ensures the brace stays in place

Perfect For...

 Supporting arthritic knees
 Providing pain relief
 Use on strained knees

Not the Best For...

 Meniscus injury support (See our solution)
 Practicing high impact water sports (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Swimming with arthritis shouldn't be a problem with the Oppo Pull-On Elastic Knee Support. This knee support uses targeted compression to effectively relieve the soreness and pain often brought on by arthritis and other conditions. Featuring a lightweight four-way stretchable material that almost feels like a second skin, this knee sleeve allows maximum freedom of movement required while practising your daily laps in the pool.

Customer Verdict: "Very Supportive and comfortable" - Valerie 5/5


Best Waterproof Knee Brace Supporting a Torn Meniscus

Winner: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge

Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge

Why We Love It...

 "Four Point of Leverage" system provides extra support
 Offers adjustable resistance for different recovery stages
 Gradual soft stop allows for comfortable movement
 Features a mouldable, medial swooping frame for custom fit

Perfect For...

 Providing support during recovery of injuries
 Preventing knee hyperextension
 Helping against knee instability

Not the Best For...

 Water submergence (See our solution)
 Arthritis support (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If you love playing water sports but suffer from a torn meniscus, then the Donjoy Armour Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge is the solution you're seeking. Featuring a "Four Points of Leverage System", this knee brace provides reliable support, while the adjustable hinges allow you to set your flexion levels depending on the stage of recovery in which you find yourself. Lightweight yet sturdy, the Donjoy Armour brace is also anti-corrosive and resistant to salt water, and therefore an ideal option to protect and stabilise your ACL during wakeboarding or water skiing sessions.


Enjoy Your Time in the Water 

Swimming with a knee injury should not pose limitations. Hence why, in this blog, we've gathered our best knee braces and sleeves to support you during your time in the water. We hope that our suggestions encourage you to practice this dynamic sport free from the worry of further injury or sprain. No matter what stage of recovery you find yourself in, a knee support will provide the extra protection you need to maintain healthy and happy knees.

Have any specific questions about any of our knee supports? Let us know in the comments and we'd be more than happy to help.