Ossur Formfit Ankle (Figure 8, Medium)

The Ossur Form Fit Ankle Brace with Figure 8 Straps has an integrated stirrup that secures your foot and ankle just by lacing up. It acts like a light, thin, plastic exo-skeleton for support. The Ossur laces-up through four lower eyelets, then three quick-lace plastic cleats, then cross and wrap the support straps onto the sides. In addition to the lacing, the amount of tension you apply on this final wrap will contribute to lateral and overall support. If you need roll-out support, Figure 8 Straps are the way to go. According to my orthotist, the figure 8 straps add 30% more support. My athletic shoe slides on easily over it. I've also been able to fit my foot, with Ossur brace, into a hiking boot (a spot of Moleskin on the lateral Malleolus keeps the pressure from the side stays at bay; I got a nice friction burn once). Sizing -- Medium is a good fit on my Mens 11.5 D foot. Use the measurement chart provided to help you determine the size that's best for you (especially if you have swelling from trauma or surgery); they aren't styled to stretch to fit, and should be close fitting to provide the best support. This Ossur brace is very breathable; no sweaty, clammy feet from wearing it. It can go on either ankle and definitely should be worn over socks. *** Further history for those who might find it helpful *** I've gone through LOTS of different types/styles of braces due to bilateral chronic ankle instability, and surgical tendon repair to one ankle; some braces work on one foot or the other, but it's rare that one type works on both. And sometimes my post-surgical ankle will not tolerate a brace that worked just fine the week before. Trying different support braces can be challenging or downright vexing, but if it helps avoid further injury or surgery, it's worth it. A year after using the "Mueller Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer, Black, One Size" with good immediate results to help support my overworked Left ankle (while completely off my Rt ankle post surgery), an MRI revealed a high-grade chronic ATL sprain. I was directed to get braced to help avoid further damage. My podiatrist ordered a DonJoy Velocity -- it was awful, so painful I couldn't walk 80 feet. My orthotist tried a different make and model on me, the DeRoyal Element Sport Powered by Boa. There was no immediate discomfort. I found them online for about $72.00 each (would have cost about $400 through the orthotist), and ordered one for each ankle: you must order R or L ankle. When I got them and put one on to test it out, the support frame seemed overbuilt and after adjusting, it lacked good support to my ankle, worst of all, I was in pain within two hours. Back they went. I then tried this Ossur brand/style my orthotist introduced [Ossur Form Fit Ankle Brace - Medium with Figure 8 Straps]. Note: Had I purchased it from the orthotist, it would have cost $150, versus $19 on Amazon at the time! My troublesome, post-op rt foot/ankle initially wouldn't tolerate it due to the semi-rigid side support system, but it worked like a charm to support my left ankle (with high-grade chronic ATL sprain). If I couldn't wear them bilaterally, since they're universal for the right or left ankle, I could just save the extra one to use later. I noticed that the one I wore on my left ankle had assumed the shape of the foot. So I tried to form the extra brace to reduce the pressure on my surgical site, stuffing it with a rigid insole to push against the stirrup, plus a tennis ball and rolled up Ace bandage to fill the brace much as a foot might. After leaving it like that for a couple weeks, I was finally able to wear it on my post-op rt foot! That came in handy over the winter -- when we had record snowfall and footing was iffy. When all else fails, the Mueller Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer is still my "go to" brace for the right ankle. And when the Stabilizer's soft support stays are too much for my foot to tolerate, I use the Mueller Adjustable Ankle Support, which has no stays but is better than nothing as far as supporting that ankle.

I was given one of these by the orthopedic specialist who saw me - and to be honest, I hated the thing for a long time. It takes getting used to. It broke 3 months and a few days later; the velcro strap just snapped. When I complained, I was told to expect a lifespan of 3 months. To get a replacement, I looked on Amazon, and I ordered a few different, similar braces - Ossur, as well as a few other brands. They all have advantages and disadvantages, but this is the most stabilizing. Along with the firm side pieces and laces, the criss-crossing velcro really hugs the ankle and holds it steady. You can wear it under a sneaker or boot, and you'll still be able to function. It's a nuisance to put on and take off, and you might want to replace the laces with slightly longer ones. But it does what it's supposed to, and it IS better than the alternatives which offer less support. This is the best product of its kind, and I really have tried them all. I keep coming back to order more.

This brace was recommended to me by my doctor to help with a really bad sprain. It provides a little stability, but you can still move your foot. I have been wearing it for over a month. It's pretty comfortable. The stabilizers make it bulky enough to only fit in my widest (women's) sneakers and boots with the laces pretty loose. I'm pretty happy with it. My only complaint is that it can be time consuming to take off, especially if your foot is really sore.

Currently, in my right ankle, I have six 3.5 inch titanium screws attached to an "L" shaped titanium plate starting from my fibula and continuing down my ankle/foot at intervals of about 0.5 inches. Also, in my right ankle, my Achilles tendon is attached to a titanium anchor on my calcaneus. Once I began walking without crutches and was ready to transition out of a solid AFO, my Doctor recommended I wear a soft support brace to give some added security and stability without sacrificing too much motion. This brace is in fact the exact one he recommended. I could not be happier because this brace does the job perfectly! Also, this brace fits easily in most shoes so I did not need to buy special shoes. My only complaint is that if you walk in this brace without wearing shoes (I do because this brace is so light and comfortable I often forget I'm wearing it), you will eventually tear the cross straps. Luckily, this brace is inexpensive enough to replace.

This is the 3rd set of this type of brace I have ordered. I love to play volleyball outdoors (grass and sand), and always played without shoes. Due to many sprained ankles over the years, I now need to wear something anytime I play. I've found these braces work great without shoes, and the double wrap gives me the confidence to still play without worry. I do eventually wear through the bottom of the brace, but that's not their fault, as again, no shoes! I would rate the support these provide on the high side of intermediate, as the straps do help "lock" your ankle in place. That said, I go for max support (full hard plastic from foot bottom to above the ankle, with multiple wraps around) when playing indoors with shoes. These would likely be fine for indoors with shoes for someone that is looking for intermediate support.

Soccer player with serious, chronic instability. I have tried dozens of ankle braces of all types and this is the best. The plastic exoskeleton conforms to the shape of your ankle as you wear it. The lace up system is not fast, but not overly cumbersome. The lace up also allows you to tighten as needed. The figure 8 straps add a layer of protection. I wear this with 2 pairs of socks and still fit into my cleats comfortably. This is the second time I purchase this brace. I tried several others after the first time and ended up coming back to this one. It truly is the best. Fantastic brace. I wear it playing 90 minutes of soccer twice a week and it stands up to the abuse.

I'm recovering from posterior tibial tendonitis, and I need a good ankle brace for support during some types of physical therapy and for whenever I can't avoid spending an extended time on my feet. Based on the description in this listing and some of the comments, I was hopeful this would be the one; unfortunately, I was wrong. The brace has a hard rubber component, about 1 inch wide and perhaps 3/16 thick, running under the arch of the foot. Putting any amount of weight on that foot is very painful, more or less like stepping on a rock bare-footed. I couldn't take more than a few steps wearing it and certainly could not have walked any distance with it on. So I decided to return the brace, only to find that the seller does not accept returns. The listing (at least as of today) does not mention this, and when I called Amazon to ask for help, they said there was nothing they could do for me. I'll keep fighting this and will post an update if I get anywhere, but please beware if you're considering trying this brace. It's quite uncomfortable, even painful, to walk on, and if you buy it, you own it -- no returns accepted.

I want to start by saying that although I like this brace I am not sure if its going to help or not. I tried it on and honestly frustrated me a bit I wish it wasn't laced and that it was just stretch straps I feel that would of helped and then after I have it on and I cross the strap and bring them on each side I dont feel it doing anything. My ankle was still feeling the pain of the tendonitis and walking with or without it made no difference. I tried to put my shoes on and that didn't go well at all. Overall i don't really like it and I bought this as my surgeon recommended but its a flop I have better braces that are less complicated.

This splint was advised to me by ankle specialist and it worked very well. The only thing I would say is it is really on only for a sprain of the ankle. I have since found out I’ve fractured mine.

I can’t recommend this product enough! I suffered a trimalleolor fracture 2 years ago and still get pain and swelling. I work outdoors so need something that gives a lot of support and that will last and this brace does this plus more! This company made the aircast boot I was in after my surgery and their ankle brace is the best one I’ve tried (there have been a lot!) These benefits tied in the price make this more than a 5 star rating! So far I’ve bought 2!

I have bought these braces before, and design wise they are excellent. However, I have worn this particular one 4 times and today there are holes in the straps. Not fit for purpose.

Excellent support for ankle although uncomfortable if ankle pinned but worth it for confidence in standing & peace of mind which helps enable physio & standing/walking.

A1