Ultra High-5 Rigid Ankle Brace – Reinforcement for Chronic Ankle Instability – Fits Work Boots & Hiking Boots – Durable Everyday Stability for Active Aging Adults

Full disclosure - I bought these myself, and am getting zero compensation from Ultra Ankle for this review. I'm not a marketer, just a teacher who loves to hike. I want give my honest thoughts about the High-5, and give this company some love since I think they make a fantastic product. I have total garbage ankles. I injured them badly in my late teens, then again and again afterwards, and now it's way too easy to roll them if I'm on uneven ground. That's a real shame since I'm lucky enough to live right near the White Mountains of New Hampshire and I love to hike. For years now, I'd love every minute of heading up these mountains, and my time at the top, and then hate every second of coming back down... fearful of getting an injury and having to then limp off the mountain, which has happened more than once. I tried high-top boots, stability poles, and ankle wraps, and nothing really helped. I saw these and though they were pricey, I figured I'd give them a shot. When I first tried them on, I thought they were kind of uncomfortable, and bulged out my shoes so badly it looked like I had clown feet. I almost returned them! But I checked out the instructions and saw that they needed a break-in period to mold to your ankles. So, I wore them around the house, around the neighborhood, and on my treadmill for a few days. It really wasn't long at all before they were very comfortable and I could pretty easily forget they were there. Score! Now it was time for the real test. I picked a moderate level hike up Stinson Mountain, and geared up. These braces, a pair of comfy boots, a good pair of stability poles, and I was good to go. Almost immediately, I noted the High-5's as a big improvement over the ankle wraps I'd tried before in how much mobility I still had on the way up. I really was able to forget they were there. I had a nice hike up, spent a bit of time at the summit, and then started my way back down. I was about a third of the way down a fairly steep trail with lots of rocks and roots when I realized that 1 - I wasn't afraid, and 2 - I was actually enjoying myself! These braces kept my ankles from rolling, and though I could probably still injure myself with a bad fall or something, I felt a LOT safer, and a ton more confident. I made it down the mountain without any pain at all, and now I'm a total convert. These are more expensive than wraps, but I really believe they're worth every penny, and I'm very glad I gave them a try! You just need to make sure you take the time to BREAK THEM IN, or you're going to end up hating them. Wear them around a few days and let them mold to you. Once they do, they're like comfortable armor for your ankles. I even got over the "clown shoes" feeling about them. Heck, they could be neon and sparkly and I'd still love them. These braces have given me back my hiking! :-)

Update I am back to buy another set because my first set felt like they were getting weaker after 2 1/2 years. I love these. For 2 1/2 years I have not once turned my ankle .i hike all around in and out of woods with no issue. Having 2 avulsion fractures that is like a miracle to me!! After having avulsion fractures on both ankles my ankles were very unstable. Ortho gave me a lace up which was uncomfortable and didn’t offer much support. I tried the donjoy pod which I liked but didn’t feel it was as supportive as I needed for walking my dogs. We walk my dogs in the woods where there are tons of tree roots leaves and pine needles (which is how I got the avulsions in the first place). So I ordered these. Honestly at first they were super uncomfortable especially on the inside of my ankles. I used my blow drier to heat them up (as recommended on their website) and wore 2 pairs of socks. I wore them for a few days before they started to feel comfortable. Now I have no discomfort and can wear one sock. The breaking in was so worth it. My right ankle is still in recovery from the avulsion fracture and my balance is horrible. I can go to work and walk around with my dogs and no issues. From the beginning I could feel how much more supportive they were which is why I gave them time to break in. So happy that I gave them time.

It protects a weak twisted ankle and gives the wearer confidence until healing is accomplished

Bought this ankle braces because their description an more updated proposal /material than the Active Ankle braces that I would like to replace after decades wearing it. It tuns out this ankle braces are difficult to put them on , since ankle braces are supposedly to be keep it on the volleyball shoes under the insole. THIS THING Material is too HARD, Shell Shape didn't provide a good fit ( I ordered based on their fit chart) and padding not effective to prevent discomfort. (My malleolus bones diameter is 10 inches). THIS THINK HAS CREATED BLISTERS ON MY medial and posterior malleolus (ankle side bony protrusions ).Manufacturer should suggest the fit chart based on the diameter above the malleolus side bones and NOT shoes sizes> Went back and bought new pair of Active Ankle braces

I like that they fit with my current shoes. Ankle support is good as long as you are at a level of walking on your own. If limping I would probably get the next one up that’s for full support. Using this for my Achilles Tendonitis / Plantar Fasciitis. Inflammation is down and can kinda walk while this adds extra support. I use it during nighttime as well so I don’t accidentally twist my ankle. I like it at this point that I may buy another just not to deal with the hassle of taking in and off on my shoe.

I received this item quickly. I bought these due to laxity and history of sprains in both of my ankles. My left ankle, especially, is very unstable and painful to be on my feet for any length of time. I recently had surgery, requiring crutches and relying on my left leg to get around. I wanted a brace to provide support to my overused and now angry ankle. Disclaimer, I have a difficult time finding ankle braces that properly fit my puny ankles. Unfortunately, this brace did not work for me either. Given my ankle measurement of 11”, I bought a size small. Like many ankle braces, I couldn’t get the brace tight enough around my lower ankle, where I needed the support the most. I tried different socks and support sleeves under the brace to fill the gap. While those likely would have helped, it made it difficult to get my foot in my sneakers due to the bulk. Having tried many other ankle braces and supports, I also feel these braces are pricey when compared to other similar braces. If you have small ankles, I probably wouldn’t recommend these braces, as I think there are more effective, less expensive, options.

Unfortunately this brace is very uncomfortable, doesn't provide stable support, and doesn't fit in a shoe well. I broke my ankle and had a cast for 5 weeks. Afterwards, the Dr said to keep wearing a brace for stability. I ordered 6 different braces, all different kinds (lace up, velcro, hinged, unhinged, sock, ect...) in a variety of price ranges. This one fell short. First, there isn't enough padding around the ankle l. Even with my ankle still a little puffy, the minimal padding pressed painfully against my bone. I had to wrap extra cloth around the bone to make it comfortable. The brace only has one strap, so its hard to keep the brace secure without cutting off circulation. It still twists around on my ankle. It also doesn't fit well even in low cut sneakers. The top of my shoe kept shifting the brace around, and the hinge bulged the shoe out, so my shoe didn't fit securely on my foot. All of this makes it more dangerous to attempt walking. For the price point, I didn't think this brace was worth it. Not secure or stabilizing enough, not enough padding, didn't fit well in shoes, very uncomfortable.

Honestly the Ultra High-5 did not work for me. My "jacked-up, mangled, giant, cankle" did not allow a good fit for this product. However after reaching out to Mr. Peters via email - he sent me an ultra zoom too try (its more flexible and forms better to my franken-ankle). This thing is great. Tremendously helps my heel and lateral foot pain. I wore this several hours while carrying heavy loads and plenty of PT during a GORUCK event - gave me the support I needed! I have been able to completely stop taking OTC pain meds due to heel / lateral foot pain thanks to the Ultra Zoom _ I feel the High-5 would work as well provided it fit better. The company could not have been better to work with.

Great product!

This does the trick for elderly person with stroke - helps her to be able to stand. Easy to get in and off and provides enough support. No issues with wear and tear or any pressure points.

Good

Piece of junk. Painful to wear and no support. Must of had a small ankle model wear it. Not as tall as looks in picture. Needs 2 straps in my opinion for support. The plastic heal piece is useless. Would send it back but probably cost me just as much in shipping. You get what you pay for I guess.

It just doesn’t help at all. Especially not for high ankle injury. Sent mine back because this is way too much money to spend on something so ineffective.