LP 704 Ankle Support

Only got to use this once, and I think it's premature to review something this quickly. The one time I used it was for a basketball game, and it work perfectly! I didn't even feel my usual pain after I took it off. That itself was a game changer.

I bought this for my husband and he loves it. The only issue is that it cuts into the skin on on side, but it might be because his ankles aren't shaped like they should be, however, wearing it over another, lighter ankle brace (the kind that laces up) solved this issue. Within a few days he went from feeling like he could never walk again to wanting to run in this bad boy.

Good

This ankle brace is a great option for peace of mind, while maintaining mobility with the hinged design! Playing basketball has been the biggest issue for my ankles, mostly mild to moderate sprains over the years like a lot of people. I had a severe left ankle sprain and fibular avulsion in 2021, that I didn't get medical treatment on, and since then, my left ankle has been somewhat unstable and has less range of motion. Reluctantly, I tried lace-up ASO ankle braces, and found they slightly reduced my agility, but continued to use periodically. after suffering a sprain while wearing the braces, I resolved that I would only ever wear them when currently rehabbing an injury, as they affected my play and didn't adequately protect from injury. I eventually went to foot/ankle specialist in physical therapy, and he recommended that I needed a stiffer product to protect my ankles, and recommended the Ultra CTS brace. I purchased two and found them inconveniently bulky, not good looking, and somewhat reduced my agility as well, BUT, they were effective at stopping injuries when I had stepped on another player's foot. I determined that I do need that level of support to continue playing basketball, but that this may be overkill for my other love, flag football. That's when I doubled down and got a pair of Ultra Zoom braces, and these are similar in construction, but with softer material, preserving a more mobility. I had once incidence where coming down from a jump ball attempt, got my feet angled up with a defender and mildly sprained my bad left ankle in the Zoom braces, but I stayed in the game, and missed no time afterward, so while certainly less still, it still can be effective. I have never sprained in the Ultra CTS while playing either basketball or flag football. I've played one flag football game in the Ultra CTS braces just to try it, and really did not notice a difference from the Zoom, just for the record. Overall, I'd recommend both braces, and I'm glad I bought both. I understand the price may dissuade a lot of people from having a pair of each, so if debating between the two, here's what I'd say. Both help protect the ankles, and the hinge design does make it easier to run compared to a lace up. I like the CTS for basketball because of the high risk of stepping on feet, and given my situation, I need some actual stiffness, not just proprioceptive feedback in ankle braces to avoids injuries, given my already compromised joints. I don't like that the top part of that brace easily starts to unclip from the bottom. This has happened several times in games, and it starts clicking and gets uncomfortable, and probably is less supportive in that case. It requires taking off your shoe and braces to reinsert. But I've had zero injuries in over a year playing in them. I like the Zoom for flag football because it allows less inhibited movement, while still adding a little bit of structural integrity. However, the straps did start to come unglued within about 6 months of owning them. I still use the braces, but at the price point, I think they could be built more sturdily. I also think that given 230lb frame and athletic play style, I am vulnerable to basketball landing injuries more than most, so for people who don't have x-rays showing an abnormal joint, this is the better one to use for basketball- I just needed something stronger than most of us will to stay in the game. I have played basketball in the Zoom braces a few times, and it is more comfortable and easier to play in them than the CTS, and offers plenty of protection while "on the floor". Coming down from above the rim? Again, at my weight, I wouldn't totally trust it. If you're reading this, you're probably considering a better option because you don't like or haven't had success with lace up ankle braces. I'd say for larger/more powerful bodies with a significant history of ankle injuries, Ultra CTS is the best option for you. For smaller athletes, or those who have only had more mild sprains, Ultra Zoom is rigid enough for you, looks better, and is easier to play in. Before trying Ultra Ankle, I purchased the Zamst A2-DX braces worn by Stephen Curry, and I do think that's probably a good option for a smaller body who's game is predicated on shiftiness, it's not nearly rigid enough for someone like me. Ultra Zoom is probably the best option for most people. If it's not stiff enough for you, go CTS. Zamst A2-DX is more expensive, and less supportive, but is more comfortable than Ultra Zoom, amp; perhaps a better fit for soccer (I don't play soccer). Hope this helps.

Works great, very comfortable.

Product says that it is for Large/X-large, however, it is not. Maybe a large child, but for my large adult foot, I am barely able to get the Velcro to connect across the bridge/ankle.