Knee Sleeves

Buying Knee Sleeves? Here's What You Need to Consider!

The knee sleeve is an important tool when you are ready for the next level and want to set the bar higher for yourself. It is suitable for people lifting heavy weights, as the risk of injury is higher. There are a few things to consider when buying the knee sleeves from Matchu Sports. Here you will find all the important factors that will help you avoid surprises.

Why Should You Use a Knee Sleeve?

A knee sleeve (7mm) provides your knees with extra compression and support. The additional knee support is designed to prevent and reduce injuries. In the world of cross-training and powerlifting, knee sleeves are also commonly used to lift slightly heavier weights or do a few more reps. A knee sleeve is not a knee brace. The purpose of a knee brace is to protect a previous injury during training, while a knee sleeve aims to prevent injuries. Knee sleeves are mainly used for exercises like squats and deadlifts, where your knees are easily strained when lifting heavy. Although you can wear the knee sleeve throughout the entire training session, in many cases it is not necessary. The pressure may also make you want to take them off occasionally.

What Thickness Should a Knee Sleeve Have?

Knee sleeves come in various thicknesses. A typical cross-training knee sleeve is 7mm thick. In other sports like cycling or running, 7mm thickness may restrict movements. 7mm thick sleeves are mostly used to deliver maximum power output. If the knee sleeve is thinner than 5mm, they are suitable for endurance and long-distance training.

What Size Should I Get?

The sleeves should fit tight to provide support and compression. Therefore, it is important to know the correct size. If the circumference of your leg 10cm below the knee cap is between 29-33 centimeters, you will need size S. Size M is for a circumference of 33-37 centimeters. Our largest size is size L, for a circumference of 37-40 centimeters.

Materials Used for a Knee Sleeve

The best knee sleeves are mostly made of neoprene. This material has a good balance between elasticity, compression, and washability. Sometimes other materials are used, but neoprene is by far the most common choice.

Knee Sleeves or Knee Wraps?

Knee wraps, similar to knee sleeves, provide knee compression and support. While knee sleeves can help increase weight or reps slightly, knee wraps excel at this. When you perform an exercise with knee wraps, extra elastic energy is stored around your knees. If you are a serious powerlifter aiming to lift maximum weight, knee wraps are the way to go. Knee sleeves are mainly used in the cross-training community, as there is less risk of knee issues with prolonged use.