DonJoy Velocity Ankle Brace reviews
I play soccer at the collegiate level, and this brace is outstanding. Not only is it comfortable, but it prevents any chance of your ankle rolling. It is a little bit bulky, but it's light and still lets you move regularly. - Nick
-Alex
i Purchased the DonJoy Velocity ES version ankle support and all i can say is wow. very comfortable and absolutely no way of rolling your ankle. like the review above it is a bit bulky but not to bad. still have free range of movement (with exception of side to side to prevent ankle roll overs) and very comfortable. 5 Stars. -
-Alex
Ali
My son was injured playing AAU basketball and was told to wear an ankle brace. We bought an off the shelf brace and he reinjured himself 2 weeks later. Finally went to an orthopedist who recommended the Velocity ES brace. It has been great. No more injuries because you cannot roll the ankle wearing it. -
Ali
Mom of student-athletes
My 16 year old son plays competitive high school basketball and volleyball. He has rolled his right ankle a couple of times playing basketball, with the latest sprain sitting him out for six weeks. After much resistance to even trying the Velocity Brace on inititially (he thought it would be too bulky and restrictive), it is now his go-to support brace of choice. Recently during his last basketball game, he tweaked his left ankle (his right ankle was protected with the Velocity Brace). After a few bags of ice on the previously uninjured left ankle, he asked me to purchase a left foot Velocity Brace. That's the best kind of review I could ever post!
And, by the way, I'm buying this second brace from Better Braces because of their great customer service. Experienced some trouble during their transition to a new system a few months ago, but other than that, they've been great to work with. -
Mom of student-athletes
Steph
Injured both ankles years ago playing basketball. I don't play much anymore because I don't want to risk re-injuring them. Ordered a DonJoy Velocity ES and played last night with it on. I can attest that it would be very difficult to sprain an ankle with this on. It offers great protection. It's very comfortable too. I forgot I even had it on while I was playing. Very impressed, I just ordered another one for the other ankle now. Highly recommended. -
Steph
Ben
Admittedly you can't really review the effectiveness of a brace until you roll your ankle in it, but I have worn a lot of braces and rolled my ankles a million times playing basketball and I can say that this is the best brace I have worn. It is a little odd at first because the brace is so light weight and you have so much range of motion front to back that you don't feel that it is substantial enough. But once you get on the court, you can tell the hard plastic sides provide maximum support right to left and the free range of motion straight ahead feels great. I would say you definitely have to wear high socks with them because the ankle clip will dig into your skin. If you have ankle problems playing basketball buy these. I got the max support versions for my right ankle after I rolled it badly (while wearing the standard laceup brace from the local sporting goods store). I then rolled my other ankle (again while wearing a brace but luckily not as badly) two weeks later so I went back and got another one for my left ankle. Highly recommend. -
Ben
Bobbie
I had a stroke in September 2011, and that caused weakness on the left side of my body. When I started Physical Therapy one of the therapist suggested I get an AFO because my foot would roll outward due to weakness in the ankle when I tried to walk. My insurance would not pay for any kind of braces for adults so I tried several different ones until I found this one. It was absolutely perfect, It kept my ankle stable so it would not roll to the outside and still left me with the plantar point and the flexing movement needed to walk properly. I love this brace and I would reccomend it to anyone needing ankle stability from having a stroke. -
Bobbie
DC
I recently broke my fibula and caused a class 4 sprain while playing basketball. It has taken almost two months to get where I could even walk again. I ordered the A60 hoping that it would help me but I needed more support. The A60 is very comfortable, while giving good support for someone playing an active sport that causes the to make sharp turns on the move. I needed more stability while I am in rehab.
Today, I got my velocity brace and was surprised how easy it was to install and it did not take much time. I decided to test it out after I put on my shoes and went for a walk. When I walk with the A60 I needed to take my time and be cautious but with the velocity there are no worries. I am not able to run yet but I know that I wont injure my ankle walking. However, I am a little concerned to what the limitations are for this brace, when it comes to which sports that can be played while wearing it. It felt if I were to run and have to stop quickly (in a lateral movement) that the stiffness of the brace may hurt my leg below my knee. Other than that, this brace is great for rehab and getting back to good physical condition. -
DC
lecodecivil
Over about a year and a half in college I repeatedly sprained my right ankle playing basketball, eventually resulting in two torn ligaments. I tried several other braces, but they either completely immobilized my foot (so basketball wasn't possible) or they were too flimsy (resulting in another sprain). Once I recovered from the torn ligaments I found this brace and have been using the same one for 5 years now. ZERO sprained ankles. I have tweaked it a couple of times, but this brace kept what could have been a catastrophic injury from being anything more than a little bit sore the next day. It is truly protective, but allows the mobility I need for basketball. Just fantastic. I'm leaving this review as I order a second one - five years has put some miles on the original. -
lecodecivil
Reverend Deb
I have a rare and extremely painful nerve disorder in my lower left leg called Complex Regional Pain Disorder, the result of a relatively minor sprain to my left ankle. I needed to find an ankle brace that would allow me to walk on the leg, while at the same time prevent strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures which would be hard to detect without an x-rays or an MRI, as the symptoms would be the same as the nerve disorder. Another requirement was that the brace fit firmly to avoid extreme pain from even the slightest slippage. Another requirement is that the materials of the brace not cause skin breakdown. I also wanted the brace to be able to fit under clothing and inside normal footwear. Add to all this was the need to be very affordable since I am now disabled and cannot work until someone comes up with a way to cure the problem.
It took months to find the right brace that met all my needs. Finally, a physical therapist recommended the Velocity, and it tuned out to be precisely what I had been searching for. I use it to prevent lateral rolling and rotation, while allowing flexion-extension so I can exercise to prevent contractures. As CRPS/RDS is an extremely painful disorder of the sympathetic nerves, I was happy to find that the brace can easily and quickly be put on or removed, while at the same time it stays put without any slippage (even light rubbing from slippage feels like a red hot belt sander, even with the softest material using the lightest touch).
The velcro fasteners seam to wear out pretty quickly, and the leather-velcro portion of the ratchet straps splits at the point where they are sewn onto the plastic portion of the straps. The first problem I solved by simply wearing an additional sock over the brace, to hold the velcro fasteners in place. Once the ratchet fastener splits completely, I use bandage tape to hold it in the correct setting until I can order a replacement brace (about every 6-9 months).
However, I wear the brace for normal ADL level activities (walking, standing, driving, physical therapy, etc), and about 18-20 hours a day, every day, which is likely far more than most others. With the relatively low cost of the Velocity ES, the problems with the fasteners I encountered are no big deal, especially since the Velocity is thus far the ONLY brace that meets my unusual needs.
The brace fits firmly in my footwear, without the need to wear two different sized shoes or boots. I can wear my work boots over the brace on bad days when added support is needed, and can even wear my knee high dress boots that zip up the side. Slip-on style boots won't go over the brace.
Using a cane, I can now walk well enough to get around my home and perform most household chores and walk short distances outdoors. I can also exercise the left leg to keep the strength in the upper leg and stretch the lower leg. My doctors have finally stopped ordering x-rays and MRI's every time they see me (to make sure what they are seeing is the CRPS, not another injury). This is definitely preferable to using crutches or a wheelchair, both of which are very expensive alternatives which would further hinder my ability to take care of myself without assistance from others.
If your lower leg is disabled to the point where you cannot move your foot, or prevent it from rolling or rotating to the point of injury, this is the brace to get. I use the extra support model, as well as the ankle strap from the moderate support model for maximum support. On occasion I will wear my heavy work boots for absolute support for extended periods outdoors on uneven surfaces. On the boots, I wear a full size larger than I previously did to accommodate the brace, and will wear a heavy sock on the good foot so that boot isn't too loose. As mentioned, I have to replace the brace about every 6-9 months due to constant use, but even with my now much lower income, this is still a very affordable solution, especially when compared to the alternatives. -
Reverend Deb
Katie
I broke my ankle playing volleyball earlier this year. I had a plate and six screws put in a few days later. My doctor recommended this brace to me after I was done with my walking boot. I absolutely love this brace. It is amazingly comfortable and it doesn't rub against the screws like other braces I have tried. It feels very sturdy and I feel like it protects my ankle very well. I'm going in for a second surgery in a couple of weeks and I'm glad I have this brace to wear after. Eventually, when I get back to volleyball, I will be purchasing one for my other ankle as well. -
Katie
John R.
This is one of the best ankle braces I've worn, very comfortable and great ankle protection! -
John R.
Gena
I broke my ankle (left) and after getting out of my cast my physician suggested I wear this brace. It is amazing!! It is so comfortable. I also had surgery on my right foot (accessory navicular removal) several years ago. I have a very bad habit of rolling my ankles, always have. I am wanting to get back in shape but am concerned about walking and exercising too much because I don't want to damage my ankles again. I am going to get another brace for my right ankle. I know then I will be all set!!!! This is the #1 brace ever! I have tried other ones, and they are so tight, they hurt my ankle. -
Gena
Debbie
I have never written a review of a product before, but this brace is so exceptional I had to take a moment to tell others! My son is a 6'5, 205 lb Freshman. He is a three sport athlete, so no break in activity for us! During basketball season, he severely sprained his ankle 2 times...bad enough to warrant a cast. 8 weeks out of the cast, he rolled it again. He's a "big" in basketball, so coming down on others' feet happen frequently. We were so frustrated and concerned, as 2/3 of his sprains happened while wearing a brace!! I conducted research, asked collegiate athletes for their advice, and kept getting referred to the velocity brace. Although costly, it has been worth EVERY penny! The third time he sprained his ankle, he was told to not play sports for another 8 weeks. That weekend, he had a tourney in WA. We ordered the brace...got it on time...and he played the entire weekend!! Oh, forgot to mention, he has a completely torn front ligament, and a stage 2 tear on the side. With this brace, you would NEVER know. He has FULL mobility, and the necessary protection. He's played in a total of 4 tourneys in 8 weeks....landed on multiple feet...and hasn't incurred a single roll/sprain! No swelling, either. It really does seem impossible with this brace. It is a little bulky, and finding a football cleat to fit it will be a challenge, but I will take that challenge for the protection. Hope this review helps! -
Debbie
Step
1: Unfasten and loosen all straps. Place ankle in the brace and
position at 90o.
Step
2: Wrap and secure calf liner.
Step
3: Insert calf ratchet strap end through opening on the opposite
calf ratchet strap. 
Step
4: Pull, wrap, and lock both calf ratchet straps snugly into place
without impairing circulation.
Step
5: Align tongue with the center of the forefoot. 
Step
6: Pull and wrap ankle strap(s) snugly into place without impairing
circulation.
