I get this question asked many times by customers or variations of this question.  So many fabric braces, metal framed, neoprene styles.  What is the difference?  How do you choose one over the other?  Is there a brace that is better for me? 

So many questions about knee braces!

I have not seen or made any kind of study as to how many knee braces that are listed online by Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, private websites, but I am sure it is in the tens of thousands.

I have been in the business since the late 90's when there were about a dozen companies to choose from. Since then, it seems everyone wants to manufacturer, sell or write blogs about their knee braces.

Over these many years, I have had the unique opportunity to work with hundreds of these manufacturers and receive samples for examination and possible resale.

Please stay away from sites or links that say they have examined and determined "these are the best 20 knee braces", or their choice for the "best", "the greatest" based on their findings.  These sites usually rank very high in google because they know how to market their sites and use the correct keywords and phrases.  I have been their before.

I can tell you that they have not spent 25 years dispensing, fitting and working with patients, athletes, military etc. to make such claims.

Many of the "best" knee braces they come up with are usually made in China for $1.50 and can be bought on Alibaba.  Then they are sold for $30.00 to you.

Of course they are the best, but for who?  Many overseas fabric braces have poor elastic material that pill when Velcro touches it.  Many last 2-3 days and stretch out, making them useless.  Many neoprene braces create skin reactions due to the chemicals that were mixed with them.

The old adage, "let the buyer beware" certainly applies to this niche that I have work in most of my adult life.

So you ask yourself, "why should I trust your opinion"?

The answer is, you don't have to. 

But I have dispensed over 1 million braces of all types, based on one simple premise.  What would I give my wife, my children or my parents if they had the same problem you have.

I have listed several of the manufacturers that you should concentrate on when searching for a knee brace.  Instead of searching for the type of brace or by sport, stick with these manufacturers.  Most have everything you need. Many of these companies have a proven track record for research, quality, workmanship and create benchmarks that many smaller companies try to emulate.

This is not a complete list, but these are my choices for the companies you should purchase your knee brace from or the brand you should choose.  If you don't see what you need, just email me at sales@kneeshop.com.

Kenneth Shapiro

 

1) DonJoy

This is the largest brace manufacturer in the USA.  All you have to do is check out the knee braces on professional football players or college athletes to know this company.

In 1978, Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line captain Mark Nordquist and lawyer Ken Reed founded a small company in a Carlsbad, California garage. They named the new company DonJoy® after their wives, Donna and Joy.

Today, DJO continues to grow its product offerings with strategic acquisitions, including Bell-Horn, Elastic Therapy, and Dr. Comfort shoes. In the first quarter of 2019, Colfax Corporation, a publicly-traded, diversified technology company, acquired DJO as the foundation of their new strategic growth platform in the healthcare space.

2) Ossur

Ossur is the largest brace manufacturer in the world. They are the pioneers of advanced technology and believe passionately in “Life Without Limitations”. Their reputation has been built on innovative and scientifically-proven designs that deliver effective clinical outcomes.

3) Breg

Founded in 1989 as a sports medicine company specializing in bracing and cold therapy, Breg built its reputation on 360° customer care, a cornerstone of the company today. Over the past few years, Breg has transformed from a products business into a total solutions provider leveraging the company’s industry-leading strengths in consulting, technology and services.

4) McDavid

Their story began in 1969 when Dr. Robert F. McDavid Jr., the company's namesake and founder emeritus, created the first widely used protective knee brace for football. After a period of grass-roots growth, a company incorporated as McDavid Knee Guard Inc. in 1980.

Today, McDavid products top the recommendation lists of pro athletes, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers. From our research-backed ankle braces to compression shorts with patented technology, McDavid products address both the broad range and the specific needs of professional - and every day - athletes across a variety of sports.

5) Mueller

Mueller is an international corporation providing sports medicine solutions to athletes at all skill levels. Their approach has never changed over the years. They get personal. Mueller sports medicine work closely with athletes to understand the demands placed on their bodies.

6) Bioskin

BioSkin is both a family-owned company and a world leader in the design of orthopedic braces and sports medicine products. For 25 years, we have designed premium sports medicine products for professional sports teams, orthopedic clinics, and active people all over the world. Even as our business has expanded, we’ve remained committed to improving people’s lives by helping them overcome pain and injury to stay active in every stage of life.

7) FLA Orthopedics

FLA Orthopedics can be seen in thousands of drug stores with knee braces for reducing pain and bringing relief of arthritis. ...  aiding in recovery from injury, and improving overall comfort with orthopedic products. Helping to prevent injuries and add safety and comfort for playing sports.

8) Hely & Weber

John Hely and Jim Weber have over 80 years combined experience in the orthopedic and sports medicine industry.  They started their partnership in 1992 with their main goal, “To Develop, Manufacture, and Distribute quality braces". The company evolved from a local Southern California distribution company to an international manufacturing and distribution corporation. Throughout Hely & Weber's history we have proudly been family owned & operated.

9) Baurfeind USA

Bauerfeind USA was founded in 1985 in Kennesaw, GA as a subsidiary of Bauerfeind AG. Now headquartered in Midtown Atlanta, Bauerfeind USA shares the same corporate vision of Bauerfeind Germany: to provide superior products to help people live fulfilling, active lives at any age. Their supports, orthoses, medical compression stockings and orthopedic supports help you to maintain and regain health, increase well being and ensure greater quality of life. Tradition of excellence and unrivaled commitment to quality are the driving forces behind everything Bauerfeind does.

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This is not a complete list, but choosing among these premier manufacturers will definitely help you select which knee brace and company will provide the highest quality, workmanship and success.

If you need any more information about these companies go to kneeshop.com