Everything about knee sleeves

Knee sleeves are compression sleeves worn around the knees during strength training, CrossFit, weightlifting, and other demanding workouts. They provide compression around the knee joint, help keep the area warm, and can offer additional support and confidence during heavy movements.

At WODgear, our current range mainly consists of Rehband knee sleeves, available in different thicknesses for different training goals.

Why use knee sleeves?

Knee sleeves are mainly worn during exercises that place significant load on the knees.

For example:

• Back squats
• Front squats
• Olympic lifts
• Lunges
• Wall balls
• Thrusters
• CrossFit workouts with high-volume squatting

The compression provided by a knee sleeve creates a secure feeling around the knee and can help increase awareness of your position during movement.

The neoprene material also helps keep the area around the knee warm throughout your training session.

The main benefits of knee sleeves include:

• Compression around the knee joint
• An increased feeling of stability during heavy lifts
• Warmth around the knee during training
• More confidence during squats and Olympic lifts
• Support without completely restricting movement

Knee sleeves are not a replacement for proper technique, mobility, or strength, but they can be a useful addition during demanding training sessions.

What thickness knee sleeves do you need?

One of the most important decisions when choosing knee sleeves is thickness.

Generally, the thicker the sleeve, the firmer and more supportive it will feel. At the same time, thicker sleeves usually provide slightly less freedom of movement.

3 mm knee sleeves

Thinner knee sleeves offer light compression and plenty of freedom of movement.

They are particularly suitable for longer workouts and training sessions where you move a lot and only want light support.

5 mm knee sleeves

For many CrossFit athletes, 5 mm is the most versatile choice.

A 5 mm knee sleeve offers a good balance between support, warmth, and freedom of movement. This makes it suitable for squats and weightlifting as well as workouts involving running, jumping, and other dynamic movements.

7 mm knee sleeves

A 7 mm knee sleeve feels firmer and provides more compression.

This thickness is mainly used for heavy squats, weightlifting, and strength training where maximum support is more important than freedom of movement.

For longer conditioning workouts, a 7 mm sleeve can therefore be less practical.

5 mm or 7 mm knee sleeves?

Not sure whether to choose 5 mm or 7 mm? Base your decision primarily on the type of training you do.

Choose 5 mm when:

• You mainly train CrossFit
• You want to use your knee sleeves for different types of workouts
• Freedom of movement remains important
• You want a versatile knee sleeve

Choose 7 mm when:

• You mainly perform heavy squats
• You do a lot of Olympic weightlifting
• You want maximum compression
• You mainly use your sleeves during strength work

For most CrossFit athletes, 5 mm is therefore the most versatile option.

Why choose Rehband knee sleeves?

Rehband is one of the best-known brands in knee sleeves and strength support.

The RX series is widely used in CrossFit, weightlifting, and strength training and is designed to combine compression and support with sufficient freedom of movement.

Within our range, the Rehband RX 5 mm Knee Sleeve and Rehband 7 mm Knee Sleeve are among the most popular choices.

How should knee sleeves fit?

A knee sleeve should fit tightly around your knee without completely restricting your movement.

If the sleeve is too loose, you will get less compression and it may slide down during training.

A sleeve that is too small can become uncomfortable and create unnecessary pressure.

Always use the size chart for the specific model before choosing your size.

How do you wear knee sleeves?

Pull the knee sleeve up until the centre of the sleeve sits approximately over your kneecap.

The sleeve should fit evenly around your upper and lower leg without folds or twisting.

Many athletes put their knee sleeves on during the warm-up and continue wearing them through the heaviest part of their training session.

During very long conditioning workouts, you may choose to take them off when you no longer need the additional support.

Are knee sleeves sold individually or as a pair?

This differs between brands and products.

The Rehband knee sleeves in our range are sold individually.

If you want support for both knees, order two sleeves.

Always check the product description to confirm whether a specific knee sleeve is sold individually or as a pair.

Which knee sleeves should you choose?

The right knee sleeves mainly depend on your type of training.

For CrossFit and mixed workouts, a 5 mm knee sleeve is generally the best all-round option. It provides support and compression without sacrificing too much freedom of movement.

For heavy squats, Olympic weightlifting, and strength work, a 7 mm knee sleeve is often more suitable because of its firmer support.

Explore our complete knee sleeve collection and choose the thickness and size that best suit your training.