DonJoy Performance Bionic Drytex Hinged Knee Sleeve – Patella Support, Knee Sprains, Hyperextension, Meniscus and Arthritis

I’ve been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, but am trying to hold off on having surgery. I am an avid pickleball player (3-4 sessions a week for a total of 9-11 hours of playing time) and at the onset of the problem I was lucky if I could play one session for a couple of hours a week. While I am not pain-free, this brace has enabled me to mostly get back to the level of activity I was at before the pain began. I had tried a number of drug store braces with minimal success and found the lifespan of those braces tended to be fairly limited before they started coming apart. This brace is built much sturdier and sure seems likely to last much longer than those less expensive braces. I like the Drytex as it is lighter and cooler than the neoprene of other braces I had used. The sizing does run on the small size. According to the sizing guide I was a clear Medium. The braces (I’m wearing one on each knee) are very, very snug. They do seem to stretch out a bit with use, but remain snug. Not uncomfortably snug, but enough so that it takes some work putting them on and especially taking them off when I’ve been sweating. Personally, I feel like the tightness of fit gives me an extra feeling of stability for the knee, but I’m sure some people would find the fit bothersome. If you think you would be so inclined then you may want to order a size larger than the sizing chart indicates.

Quality product, which restored my mobility with comfortable support, and will now promote healing. The higher price (than other brands) is definitely justified, and is recommended if you are serious about your health. An exceptional product. A high-value purchase. Materials and construction look like product will last a long time. Product quickly slips on your leg, and is secured easily and simply. Received product in only 2 days, and it was 3 days early. Note that, with this slip-on tubular design, ordering the correct size is very important, since range of fit is limited for each size by the amount it can stretch. For older/weakened knees, recommend purchasing one for each knee to avoid injuries during high-risk activities. With this streamlined design, most pants will easily fit over the product. If already injured, don't leave home without it.

Background: Multiple lateral M trims and cleans. 2 weeks post op on latest. Doing great but increased lateral slipping (hopefully transient). Large was WAY too tight and XL has a lot of extra material. I got a "new in used box" for way cheap so I think I'll keep it, but for the fun amount it would be going back. I came in right down the middle of the L in both thigh and knee measurements and right in middle of XL for calf. The L was tight EVERYWHERE. In fact I only managed to get it on once, and only for a couple minutes. (im new to this type of brace and should have realized right away). Returned and got XL at 1/4 the price "like new in broken box". It was indeed brand new. It fits much better but there is extra material everywhere. Patella pocket lifts up when extended and the whole things looks like a diver in a wet suit 3 sizes too big. HOWEVER the hinges stay tight to my knee, lateral slipping has decreased greatly, and it's comfortable. I really feel like they need a size inbtween L and XL. Thanks!

Full disclosure, I use these when Training BJJ, so there's more contact/friction than a lot of potential uses. The design is great, it keeps the knee really stable, allowing for a full range of movement, and it's comfortable. Problem appeared quickly which was that the stitching on the fabric which covers the metal hinge started to wear away. It finally got to the point where I felt I needed to return iot, but that was more than 30 days, so the company won't replace it. Worth noting that they said they wouldn't do that anyway for Amazon orders.

Fits well and comfy to wear

Overall this seems very well made and durable but the sizes just don’t line up. We got the small for my kid for football based on the measurements in the size chart. It was a little too small and rubbed on his calf. We returned it and went with the medium and that was too big and slid down on his leg. They need to overlap the sizes some more or put a size between the small and medium.

If this brace lasted longer I'd have given it five stars. As it is now, I can't recommend this product for anyone looking for a running knee brace. The good: I ordered this brace on June 27th and received it quickly. The fit was good and the support it provided was great. I had my ACL replaced years ago and wanted to get back into running and this gave me the confidence to get back out on the trail. The bad: One Velcro strap on the top of the brace no longer holds while I run. It doesn't hold if tight or loose (defeats the purpose) and it just baffles me that the Velcro would die in just a few months. I run 2 - 4 times a week anywhere from 3.5 - 7 miles a run so nothing extreme. So this brace lasted somewhere around 70 miles before failing costing me more than $1/mile. Conclusion: I just went on a run this morning and no matter what spot I tried to fasten the Velcro tab to it would disconnect withing a couple of steps. I was able to finish the run but the brace is no longer providing the lateral support I need it to. Almost a great product but the longevity of it makes it not worth the cost. If you're looking for a knee brace to run with that will last you more than a few months I'd look somewhere else.

I have to admit, I am pleasantly surprised with how well this brace worked out for me. I originally had a custom made brace after knee surgery several years ago and still have lingering issues. That original brace no longer fits and has deteriorated severely. I purchased two of these braces for support and to protect my other knee from damage due to compensating for the knee that had the surgery. With both braces on, I have been up and down ladders hanging Xmas decorations with little to no issues. I would highly recommend these braces.