Skateboarding has always been an exhilarating sport, full of tricks that test the limits of balance, agility, and courage. But as thrilling as it is, it also poses a risk of injury, especially to the ankles. A lot of us who enjoy skateboarding know the feeling of a rolled ankle after landing a trick wrong. It’s like a rite of passage…but one that’s painful and unwelcome. That’s why many skaters turn to ankle braces to offer some level of protection and support.
When we talk numbers, about 35% of all skateboarding injuries involve the ankle. That’s a huge chunk if you think about it! The unpredictable terrain of skate parks and the constant jumping puts skaters at risk. This frequency has led many of my friends and I to explore solutions that can keep us doing what we love while minimizing possible downtime. Hence, we look at ankle braces as a viable option.
But here’s the burning question: can these braces really hold up during all those kickflips, ollies, and other challenging maneuvers? Ankle braces come in various designs, but they generally aim to provide stabilization. For instance, a lace-up brace with adjustable straps allows for support while still permitting a range of movement. The snugness prevents excessive movement that leads to sprains. Some braces boast features like compression sleeves that enhance blood circulation around the ankle area, something I found particularly comforting during long sessions at the park.
My buddy Jake, a fellow skater with years of experience, once landed awkwardly from an ollie off a five-stair set. Had it not been for his brace, the doctor said he would have been out for months. The brace gave him enough support to avoid a severe injury while still letting him move freely enough to stick the landing on most of his tricks.
The consensus seems to be that while ankle braces aren’t magic shields that make you invulnerable on the board, they do provide that crucial extra layer of safety. Flexibility is key, after all. The market offers various options, from compression-only sleeves to more rigid braces catering to those who want added protection. A good model doesn’t overly restrict movement at the joint but stabilizes it just enough to prevent harmful torsions.
A crucial feature to consider is durability. During intense skateboarding sessions where you’re pulling tricks at speeds sometimes exceeding 15 mph, the brace material needs to withstand significant impact and abrasion. Many skaters, myself included, have found neoprene braces to be ideal – they’re durable, flexible, and can fit comfortably inside most skate shoes.
For reference, a Skateboarding Ankle Brace from a reputable source can cost anywhere between $20 to $50. It seems like a small price to pay for potentially saving yourself from months of recovery.
Now, is it worth it? Surely, that’s a very individual opinion, but if you ask me or Jake, absolutely. When you’ve spent time nursing a sprained ankle and are desperate to get back on your board, you learn to value these small investments. It isn’t just amateur skaters, either. Even some pros, who broadcast their sessions live on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, have begun to endorse ankle braces for their utility. These endorsements don’t come lightly, given the reputation at stake, which adds another point in favor of these supportive devices.
Our boards are a part of us, yes, but taking measures to safeguard the body that propels them is just smart skating. Riding with a brace feels more secure, and it lets one push boundaries just that little bit more with less worry about the repercussions if things go sideways. It’s all about a balance—quite literally—between protection and performance. Just as we pick the right deck for a certain trick style, choosing the right brace can make all the difference between a stellar day at the skate park and hobbling home earlier than planned.