Anklets and ankle guards for football

What is a football ankle support or ankle guard?

An ankle support or ankle guard is a textile or reinforced accessory that fits around the ankle to support the joint during activity. It is usually worn under the sock, under the shin guard if you use one, and remains in direct contact with the skin to keep the foot and lower leg in place. In the catalogue, you will find both flexible models made of stretchy fabric and more structured versions with straps or side reinforcements.

Support ankle support or rigid ankle guard: how to choose?

The choice mainly depends on how you use it on the pitch. A support ankle support, like those from the McDavid Phantom range, offers a compressive fabric that supports the ankle without overly restricting movement, which is suitable for a player who simply wants to secure a fragile or sensitive joint. A more enveloping ankle guard, like the G-Form Pro-X models, adds reinforced areas designed to absorb shocks and contacts, an option often sought after experiencing discomfort or for positions highly exposed to tackles. Some thinner ankle supports, like the Select or Softee models, focus mainly on lightweight design and are intended for everyday preventive use.

Brands of ankle supports and ankle guards available

Several brands feature in this selection, each with its own approach to ankle support.

• McDavid, a brand specialised in sports support accessories, offers various levels of support depending on the model.
• G-Form designs ankle guards intended to absorb shocks during gameplay contacts.
• Nike offers knitted ankle guards designed for light use under the sock.
• Select rounds out the offerings with simple ankle supports suited for regular use in training as well as matches.
• Softee notably offers ankle supports designed for aquatics activities like aquafitness.

Knees, legs, shins: other protections for football

The ankle is not the only joint to protect on the pitch, and the site has other pages dedicated to protections.

• The knee supports, to support or protect the knee joint.
• The leg guards, which cover a larger area of the leg.
• The shoulder pads, intended for the upper body, especially for goalkeepers.
• The elbow supports, for bracing and falling.
• The shin guards, to be worn in addition to the ankle support to protect the front of the leg.

All these pages, as well as this one, depend on the Protection category, which groups all safety equipment for football.

When to take advantage of the best deals on ankle supports and ankle guards

Prices and availability of items change regularly, but some periods are better for watching for price drops. The Black Friday remains the first big event of the year for football protections, followed by the year-end holidays. Next come the winter sales, which can be found on the Sale Equipment page, followed by the French Days in spring. The site also offers a clearance equipment page for end-of-line items, a 24h dispatch page for urgent needs before a match, as well as the general sections Sales, Clearance, Good Deals, and Special Offers. To discover the latest models added to the site, the New Equipment page showcases recent catalogue additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the ankle support be worn under or over the sock?

The ankle support is usually worn directly on the skin, before putting on the sock, for optimal support and direct contact with the joint. If you also wear a shin guard, that goes on over the sock or in a pocket designed for it.

Does an ankle support completely prevent sprains?

No, no ankle support completely eliminates the risk of sprains, it mostly limits the range of certain dangerous movements for the joint. It supports the ankle during bracing and direction changes, but it does not replace a proper warm-up or medical advice in case of known fragility.

Can you wear an ankle support after a sprain has occurred?

An ankle support can be used during the recovery phase after a sprain, often with a more enveloping or reinforced model depending on recommendations received. In this case, it is best to seek the opinion of a healthcare professional to choose the appropriate level of support for the injury.

How do you know which size ankle support to choose?

The size of an ankle support is generally determined by measuring the ankle circumference just above the malleolus. Each brand may have its own sizing guide, so it's helpful to check the specific indications of the model before making your choice.

Can you combine an ankle support and a shin guard on the same foot?

Yes, both protections are complementary and can be worn together without issue: the ankle support on the joint, the shin guard higher up on the front of the leg. This is a common combination for players who want to protect both their ankle and shin during a match or training.