This week I’ve been writing about the different gear you will see others in the gym wearing. With the gift-giving and receiving season just around the corner, I’m hoping to give you additional insight before buying some of your workout gear.

When it comes to knee sleeves, you really only need to consider one thing: thickness.

Thickness

Choose your knee sleeve like you would a shoe: are you going to use these primarily for lifting or for metcons?

If you need a knee sleeve to help you just lift heavier weight, go with a 7mm thickness. These are tougher to put on and are a little uncomfortable when just wearing around. The purpose of these are simple: provide additional support to the knee joint while giving you extra bounce out of the bottom of a squat.

If you need a knee sleeve for metcons, choose a 5mm thickness. These are easier to slide on and off in a workout but still provide the additional support most want. You will have no problem going for a run in these and feeling comfortable.

Rogue Fitness also sells 3mm sleeves, but I would only buy these if you plan on wearing them outside of the gym. These are a better option to wear all day, or when rehabbing an injury. They don’t provide much bounce out of a squat.

And I suppose I should add something about a 9mm for our strongmen and women. Many brands don’t even carry this option, but if you need a durable knee sleeve that will help you lift record breaking weights–choose this one. (PS-these are typically only for competitive powerlifters and strongmen.)

Brand

The top brands are Rehband and Rogue. You can’t go wrong with either of these brands.

I have two pairs of knee sleeves: Rehband and a different pair. I only wear the Rehband because the sizing on the other one rolls, bunches, and takes my focus off of a workout.

Takeaway

Choose a 5mm thickness if you need a knee sleeve for metcons. Choose a 7mm thickness if you need one only for lifting.

And go with Rehband and Rogue. A sizing guide is at the bottom of every page on the Rogue website, or you can watch this video here.

Tyler

Daily Directive

I’m challenging you right now to workout 50 days in-a-row. Here is your workout today.

Day 8 (of 50)
5 Rounds:
20 Push-Ups
40 Sit-Ups
60 Lunges

Other Articles In This Series:
Workout Gear: What Do You Need?
Workout Gear: Shoes
Workout Gear: Weight Lifting Belt
Workout Gear: Gymnastic Grips
Workout Gear: Wrist Wraps