Top 10 Knee Sleeves for Squats in 2025: Boost Your Workout Performance

Knee sleeves are supportive accessories worn around your knees to help protect and stabilize them during weightlifting. They provide compression, improve blood flow, and reduce the strain on your knees, making them ideal for exercises like squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts. When lifting heavy weights, knee support isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. Knee sleeves help you squat by providing warmth, stability, and increased blood flow to the knees, which can enhance stability, performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

Benefits of Using Knee Sleeves for Squats

• Compression: Knee sleeves have compression to thank for most of their benefits. The compression knee sleeves provide improves blood flow around the knee, which can help prevent pain and swelling. This also boosts responsiveness in the knees, helping you perform with better control.
• Injury Prevention: Knee sleeves help align the knee joint, which is particularly useful when performing loaded squats and deadlifts. The compression also provides the knee joint with extra support when working out which can help prevent future injury.
• Support: Speaking of support, the best knee sleeves help alleviate the stress and pressure we put on our joints during workouts. Many people wear knee sleeves because of the structural support they offer; partially unloading the patellar tendon in the bent knee position and assisting in moving back to a straight leg.
• Enhanced Stability: Thanks to the continuous coverage of the joint, closed compression sleeves may provide a more snug fit for superior reinforcement during high-force movements and lateral or twisting exercises.
• Increased Compression: The added compression might be better for people who are looking to gain a bit of assistance out of the bottom of a squat. It may also be helpful for people who are trying to alleviate mild swelling, tendonitis pain, and inflammation.

Top 10 Knee Sleeves for Squats in 2025

1. SBD Knee Sleeves

The SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves are designed for competitive powerlifters looking for the maximum support from their sleeves. They allow for significantly greater compression throughout knee flexion to maximize support and confidence during maximal attempts, increasing top end performance. Sold as a pair. IPF approved and USAPL and IWF compliant with the maximum allowable 30cm length. High grade, high density 7mm neoprene offers maximal compression and surface contact area throughout knee flexion. Enhanced four-way stretch allows the neoprene to stretch during fitting and maintain compression all around the knee joint throughout the lift with no gapping. Heavyweight linings, edging and seams designed to hold up to even the most aggressive fitting. Antimicrobial treatment minimizes the build up in bacteria and reduces odor. Patented design. Made in Sheffield, Great Britain.

• Pros: IPF and IWF approved, ultra-tight fit, high compression, durable with reinforced stitching, provides significant stability and bounce out of squat.
• Cons: Expensive at $125 per pair, difficult to put on due to grippy material, may be too stiff for long workouts.

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2. Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves

Gymreapers has become one of the top names in quality, budget-friendly lifting accessories. They make some of my favorite wraps, straps, and belts, and their sleeves are another great option. At 7mm, the Gymreapers knee sleeves are ideal for powerlifting. Their thick neoprene construction provides plenty of support for heavy squats, and they have a classic 3-panel design with reinforced stitching. They’re also IPF-approved, which is a big benefit for competitive powerlifters.

• Pros: Affordable, IPF-approved, durable with reinforced stitching, contoured design for snug fit, 1-year warranty.
• Cons: Mixed feedback on build quality, some report wear after 6 weeks.

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3. Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves

Iron Bull Strength knee sleeves are designed for lifers who demand the best. Made from premium, high-quality materials, our knee sleeves provide the perfect combination of support, durability, and comfort, allowing you to tackle your toughest workouts with confidence. We stand by the quality of our knee sleeves with a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects, ensuring every pair is built to last. Trusted by thousands of lifters worldwide, our knee sleeves deliver consistent support so you can focus on your form and crush your strength goals.

• Pros: IWF-approved, durable neoprene, lifetime warranty, excellent compression and support, unisex minimalist design.
• Cons: Slightly above-average price, limited color options.

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4. Element 26 Knee Sleeves

Element 26 knee sleeves stand out with their unique 6mm thickness, intentionally chosen to fit between the comfort of 5mm and the robust support of 7mm. This makes them an excellent choice for cross-training and WOD-style workouts. If you’ve used either of those and found them unfitting, give Element 26 a try. They’re highly stretchable and easy to put on and off. The sleeves have a contoured, anatomical design that allows for unrestricted movement. They also feature a 25-degree offset at the back to prevent the material from bunching during deep squats, box jumps, and other exercises with high knee bends. Made from 100% premium Neoprene, they offer impressive stretch and compression while remaining gentle on the skin.

• Pros: Innovative 6mm thickness, contoured design, stretchable, prevents bunching, versatile for CrossFit.
• Cons: Not IPF-approved, less support for maximal lifts compared to 7mm sleeves.

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5. Stoic Knee Sleeves

Stoic Knee Sleeves are excellent for powerlifting thanks to their 7mm thickness, extra length, and strong durability. They’re also IPF-approved. The Stoic knee sleeves are easily my favorite for powerlifting. I’ve been using these sleeves heavily since 2020, and they’ve performed brilliantly while offering excellent durability. They’re approved for use in the IPF, USAPL, USPA, and others. These sleeves are specifically designed with the powerlifter in mind. Their 11.8¡å length gives you more coverage above and below the knee. One notable difference about these sleeves is that they’re built with a single reinforced seam on the side.

• Pros: IPF-approved, durable, extra length for coverage, single seam design, excellent for powerlifting.
• Cons: Limited color options, may be too long for some users.

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6. 1KILO 2-Ply Knee Sleeves

The 2 Ply knee sleeves from 1Kilo provide excellent support and mobility thanks to the unique 2-ply design using a proprietary elastic/Spandex blend that’s springy enough without feeling too cumbersome. Plus, getting into these sleeves is more convenient thanks to the addition of two pull tabs at each side. Some athletes have said the energy return is so impressive that it feels near illegal, but it’s critical you ensure your measurements are correct when choosing your desired size of these premium fitness accessories.

• Pros: Unique 2-ply design, excellent mobility, pull tabs for easy wear, great energy return.
• Cons: No free exchanges for incorrect sizing, premium price.

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7. Rehband 7084 Knee Sleeves

In terms of price, the Rehband 7084 sleeves are more expensive than most. You should expect to pay over $90 after shipping. However, given their performance and durability, they’re a great option for serious/competitive weightlifters. The premium neoprene retains warmth while providing great protection to your joints, they slip on easily and give an even spread of compression.

• Pros: Durable, excellent warmth retention, easy to slip on, even compression.
• Cons: Expensive, not IPF-approved.

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8. DMoose Knee Sleeves

The best-rated knee sleeves are the DMOOSE Knee Sleeves due to their supportive 7mm thick neoprene material, high build quality, and 30-day money-back guarantee. DMoose knee sleeves don’t limit your movements, yet bring good compression, stable blood circulation, and keep the warmth of the joints for the whole workout. As a result, you’ll benefit from increased performance and better sports results.

• Pros: Supportive 7mm neoprene, high build quality, 30-day money-back guarantee, good compression.
• Cons: Limited federation approvals, may not suit competitive powerlifters.

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9. Bearhug Compression Knee Sleeves

Looking for a breathable knee sleeve to keep you cool on the move? We’re big fans of Bearhug compression knee sleeves, which are made from non-irritating bamboo fibres and stretchy nylon and spandex for a supreme fit. Bamboo charcoal, said to help increase blood flow, is also in the mix, and they’re generally just incredibly comfortable. Ideal for sports, skiing and running, or lighter lifting.

• Pros: Breathable bamboo fibers, comfortable, ideal for lighter activities, enhances blood flow.
• Cons: Not suitable for heavy lifting, less support than neoprene sleeves.

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10. Neenca Knee Sleeve With Gel Pad

The first thing to note about these sleeves is the gel pad that covers the patella like a donut. With a hollow center, the knee rests nicely inside the pad and is in better alignment during movement. I was concerned at first that it would be obstructive, but I found it quite comfortable. However, if the sleeves slide up or down, it could shift the pad, which feels awkward. The second thing to note is the side stabilizers on both sides of the leg. Measuring 9¡å long, they bend with your movement to further stabilize the area.

• Pros: Gel pad for patella alignment, side stabilizers, breathable fabric, good for recovery.
• Cons: Gel pad may shift, not ideal for heavy squats, mixed reviews on fit.

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Comparison Table of Top Knee Sleeves

Product	Thickness	Material	Federation Approval	Price Range	Best For
SBD Knee Sleeves	7mm	Neoprene	IPF, IWF, USAPL, USPA	$125	Competitive Powerlifting
Gymreapers Knee Sleeves	7mm	Neoprene	IPF	$40-$60	Powerlifting, Budget
Iron Bull Strength	7mm	Neoprene	IWF	$60-$80	Weightlifting, General
Element 26	6mm	Neoprene	None	$50-$70	CrossFit, WODs
Stoic Knee Sleeves	7mm	Neoprene	IPF, USAPL, USPA	$50-$70	Powerlifting
1KILO 2-Ply	Variable	Elastic/Spandex	None	$70-$90	Olympic Lifting
Rehband 7084	7mm	Neoprene	None	$90+	Weightlifting
DMoose Knee Sleeves	7mm	Neoprene	None	$40-$60	General Lifting
Bearhug Sleeves	Variable	Bamboo/Nylon	None	$30-$50	Light Activities
Neenca Knee Sleeve	Variable	Fabric/Gel	None	$20-$40	Recovery, Daily Use

Test Scenarios and Performance

Test Scenario 1: Heavy Squat Session

I prefer to lift in a powerlifting style, so I tested these sleeves heavily with low-bar back squats, high-bar back squats, and to add variety, the power clean. These knee sleeves hugged my knee extremely tight and provided a lot of stability when standing or at the bottom of the squat. Stability is possibly one of the first things you’ll notice that makes these sleeves a little different. There’s a taper on the calf and quad that help squeeze the leg in the right areas. This taper helped provide a little pop out of the hole of the squat, which is a feature that most look for in a stable knee sleeve.

Test Scenario 2: CrossFit WOD

Due to the unique 6-millimeter design, these sleeves are ideal for people looking for something with similar support to a 7-millimeter sleeve but with more versatility and mobility. The Element 26 Knee Sleeves are comfortable enough that they can be worn during those longer workouts without cutting off your circulation, yet durable enough that they’ll support your joints during your heavier sets. We know this because Caine Wilkes, a professional weightlifter and GGR staff writer who placed 9th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has tried multiple Element 26 knee wraps and sleeves while training, and they’re his go-to pair.

Test Scenario 3: Recovery and Daily Use

Reviews of Neenca gel pad knee sleeves are mixed. If you can achieve a solid fit without the top rolling down, you’ll have a solid sleeve for daily use. If you give these a shot and they start to roll down, return them within Amazon’s return window for a full refund. The Neenca Knee Sleeve With Gel Pad is a full-on brace, says Kate, GGR Head of Content, who tested this sleeve. There is a gel circle that goes around your knee cap and metal inserts on either side of the sleeve.

Buying Guide for Knee Sleeves

• Thickness: The optimal thickness of your workout knee sleeves largely depends on the type of activity you’ll be engaging in. Thinner knee sleeves (3-5 mm) are well-suited for dynamic exercises such as walking and running, as they’re less restrictive. On the other hand, thicker knee sleeves (6-7mm) can provide greater compression and warmth, making a noticeable difference in weightlifting.
• Material: The best knee sleeves are made from durable materials like Neoprene, offering both compression and long-lasting performance. For lighter activities, consider bamboo or nylon blends for breathability.
• Sizing: To find the right size, measure around the center of your kneecap while your leg is extended. Compare your measurement to the sizing chart provided for the knee sleeves. Getting the correct size ensures proper support and comfort.
• Federation Approval: If you’re a competitive lifter, ensure the sleeves are approved by federations like IPF, IWF, USAPL, or USPA.
• Price vs. Value: They’re not the most expensive, but they’re also not the least. That said, they offer strong value considering their durability and reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do knee sleeves really help with squats?

Yes, knee sleeves provide compression, warmth, and stability, which can enhance performance and reduce discomfort during squats. They may add 10-45 lbs to your squat, depending on thickness and quality.

How do I choose the right thickness for knee sleeves?

For heavy squats or powerlifting, opt for 7mm sleeves for maximum support. For CrossFit or dynamic workouts, 5-6mm sleeves offer a balance of support and mobility. Lighter activities like running may only need 3mm sleeves.

Can I wear knee sleeves all day?

While knee sleeves are comfortable for workouts, wearing them all day may cause discomfort or restrict blood flow. For daily use, consider lighter compression sleeves like Neenca or Bearhug.

How do I clean knee sleeves?

Wash them in warm water with mild detergent and air dry. Avoid using a dryer to maintain their shape and elasticity.

Are knee sleeves the same as knee wraps?

No, knee sleeves provide compression and warmth for general support, while knee wraps are tighter, used for maximal lifts, and can significantly boost squat weight. Wraps are less versatile and typically removed between sets.

Conclusion

Knee sleeves are an essential tool for lifters looking to enhance their squat performance, protect their joints, and boost confidence in the gym. From the competition-ready SBD Knee Sleeves to the budget-friendly Gymreapers, there’s a pair for every lifter in 2025. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the best fit for your needs, and always prioritize proper sizing and material for optimal results. For more fitness gear insights, check out Men’s Health or Garage Gym Reviews.