ACE Knee Brace

Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board

ACE Knee Brace Guide - find the best brace for you, whatever your knee problem

Ace knee braces repeatedly receive excellent reviews and are very popular products.

“ACE” stands for “All Cotton Elastic” and they has been making elastic bandages for nearly 100 years. 

ACE knee braces provide either mild support, suitable for minor injuries, or moderate support, suitable for minor to moderate knee issues. If you have a more serious injury or are suffering from a lot of instability, ACE isn't the brand for you as they don't make Elite level supports.

All ACE knee braces work well for various causes of knee pain, especially arthritis, sprains, cartilage and ligament injuries, bursitis, tendonitis and muscle weakness. They fit snugly providing some compression to the knee which helps support the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) as well as reducing swelling. Ace supports also retain heat which increases the circulation to the knee which can help to promote healing.

There are three styles of ACE brace:

  1. Pull-Up Sleeves: Simply pull them on and you're ready to go. For mild to moderate pain and instability
  2. Wrap-Around Supports: Adjustable supports for mild to moderate pain and instability. Fit well as fully adjustable
  3. Knee Straps: Simple but extremely effective band that wraps around below the knee. Perfect for tendonitis and kneecap problems

Here we will compare models and styles and then look more at the pros and cons of each to help you find the best one for you.

STAR BUY: ACE Knee Brace with Side Stabilisers 

ACE Knee Brace with side stabilizers

Overview: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers has flexible metal side stabilizers which provide medial and lateral stability, simulating the action of the knee ligaments. It is lightweight and allows full range of movement at the knee.

It helps to support the knee and reduce the risk of knee injuries, and is comfortable, even when worn for long periods. There are two versions available, one has an opening to reduce pressure on the kneecap, the other is a full sleeve.

Our Verdict: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers is one of the only pull up sleeves on the market that has side stabilizers built in, providing that extra bit of support. It a extremely comfortable, easy to put on, provides a good level of support and gets excellent reviews.  Average user rating 4.4/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $16/£18/€20)

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ACE Fitted Knee Support

ACE Knee Braces: Adjustable Fitted Knee Support

Overview: The ACE Fitted Knee Support is a pull-up sleeve with adjustable straps for controlled compression and perfect fit. It is open at the front with a support buttress to improve patella tracking whilst reducing pressure through the kneecap.

ACE knee braces are made of breathable lightweight neoprene blend, which aids circulation and helps keeps muscles pliable, reducing susceptibility to injury. Antimicrobial material inhibits growth of odor causing bacteria. Latex free.

Our Verdict: The straps on the ACE Fitted Knee Support makes it more versatile than a standard pull-up sleeve. You can ensure a perfect fit for you, particularly if your knee is prone to swelling, but the Neo-G equivalent gets better reviews. Average user rating 4/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $10/£19/€30)

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ACE Adjustable Brace with Stabilizers

acewrapstab1.jpg

Overview: The ACE Adjustable Brace With Stabilizers has flexible dual side stabilizers that provide support and medial/lateral stability when you walk, bend, run, jump or climb. It allows full range of movement whilst delivering comfortable support and protection.

It is open at the front to improve patella tracking whilst reducing pressure through the kneecap. Adjustable straps help to ensure optimum fit and prevent slipping. Comfort fit sleeve reduces irritation behind the leg, and breathable material keeps you cooler and drier. Antimicrobial treatment inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Our Verdict: On the whole the ACE Adjustable Brace With Stabilizers receives good reviews, but some people find that the middle strap behind the knee can be slightly uncomfortable. If this is the case, I would recommend the McDavid Adjustable Knee Support instead. Average user rating 4.2/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $16/£30/€44)

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Ace Knee Strap

ACE Knee Braces: Knee Strap

Overview: The ACE Knee Strap has a gel pad to deliver targeted support and compression which is perfect with tendonitis. There are two versions available, one of which is the only knee band on the market that is dual adjustable. It has a Velcro fastening with a unique additional dial that can be twisted to tighten the straps once they're Velcro'd together. 

Knee straps are perfect for use with Runners Knee, Osgood Schlatters, Patellar Tendonitis, Chondromalacia Patella, patellar tracking problems and general knee pain. They might not look like much but they can make all the difference.

Our Verdict: We love the dual adjustability of the ACE Knee Strap and the gel pad for targeted compression but it can be hard to get hold of. The simple version strap is slightly cheaper than the dual adjustable dial version. Average user review 4.4/5.

Pros and Cons of Each Style

So as you will see, there are three types of ACE Knee Brace.  Here we will look in a bit more details at the pros and cons of each style

Pull Up Sleeves

  1. Simply pull them on and you’re ready to go – no Velcro!
  2. Great value for money
  3. Available in open (hole for the kneecap) or closed version
  4. Available in a range of sizes – see the size guide below to find the right size for you

Wrap Around Knee Braces

  1. Adjustable straps so you can fit to your own unique shape. Able to respond to changing sizes of swollen knees
  2. Have inbuilt support to provide extra stability where needed
  3. Really easy to get on and off rather than having to pull them up your leg
  4. Tend to stay in place better than pull up sleeves
  5. One size fits all

Knee Straps

  1. Simple band strap that sits just below the patella to provide targeted compression to reduce the pressure through the knee and the tendons
  2. Perfect for use with runners knee, tendonitis, osgood schlatters, chondromalacia patella, patellar tracking problems and general knee pain
  3. One size fits all
  4. They don’t look like much but they work brilliantly

ACE Knee Brace Size Guide

Where braces come in more than one size, it is important to get the right one. Measure around the widest part of the knee and choose from the options below. Some people find that ACE braces come up a bit tight so if you are measuring towards the top of a range, it may be worth buying the size above.

ACE knee brace Size Guide

Other Knee Brace Options?

There are other ACE knee braces available, but they don’t all receive great feedback from users. Here we have shared with you our favourite ACE knee braces.

If you’re not sure you’ve found the perfect brace for you, visit the knee brace section to find out more about the different types of brace available and to find out about other manufacturers.

Page Last Updated: 22/05/24
Next Review Due: 22/05/26

*Prices correct as of April 2025.  All prices are subject to change.  Please note we do not stock products directly and therefore have no control over price changes.  See advertising policy for more information.