Having played my fair share of both indoor and outdoor basketball, I know ankle injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence on the basketball court - I have rolled both too many times to count! - An errant foot placed under a shooter (Bruce Bowen's trademark move) or just playing way past exhaustion and losing your stability, an ankle roll can hit you anytime. It’s best to be prepared.

I’m a long time tape user and a firm believer that it’s very hard to replicate the support and customisation of a good quality rigid tape. When done properly, there’s not a more comfortable and versatile substitute. However, I do wonder how much I spend on tape every year. Some rough calculations, if i'm taping both ankles for 5 sessions per week (training, pick up and comp) I go through at least 1 roll per week. That's over $500 per year on tape. Wow! In the interest of saving money I decided to try out the ASO ankle brace. I have tried ankle braces in the past and have not found a brace that could replace the secure feeling of the rigid strapping tape done well.

Over the first 2 weeks I wore the ASO brace 10 times during practice and pick-up games but liked the convenience and support so much that by the 3rd week I replaced my strapping tape with the brace for competition games.

I found the ASO (Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis) Ankle Brace provided a reassuring level of support and was surprisingly comfortable. I found the brace reduced my court prep time by a few minutes on each foot and I was surprised by how comfortably it fit into my basketball shoes. The stabilising straps also replicated the basketweave technique of an athletic taping application, effectively locking the heel protecting against inversion injuries, the most common ankle injury. Another advantage that separated it from other braces I’ve used in the past is the straps can be retightened at any time without removing the shoe. Very useful at half time when I’ve sometimes had to restrap as the rigid strapping tape started loosening or even tearing. 

I did notice the weight difference between the brace and strapping tape towards the end of games when my legs were fatigued. I also wasn’t used to the extra rigidity, I did notice some loss in lateral movement similar to when my ankles receive a full tape job. I also missed the customisable nature of the rigid strapping tape to target particular problems with my ankles.

Overall, the positives outweigh any negatives and I didn’t roll my ankle, not even close, in the 15 plus times I played ball over the 3 weeks, so it’s safe to say the brace was a success. The consistent bracing was great and removed the risk of dodgy strapping. 

However, I would not go so far as to say that the ASO offers better support than an experienced ankle tap job and I missed the therapeutic experience of taping before a game. But the amount of time saved putting on the brace, the consistency of application and reusable nature of a brace to save money was enough to convert me.

Also, I definitely didn’t miss the hair ripping sensation at the end of games that all hairy legged tape users would be familiar with.

If you do decide to purchase this brace, here is a link to a youtube video to show you how to put the ASO ankle brace on.

Features & Benefits:

Elastic cuff closure: decreases amount of inversion possible

Ballistic nylon straps: "figure 8" straps replicate ankle taping

Low profile: will fit in any type of shoe

Lace up closure: patient friendly application

Bilateral capability: fits either left or right foot

Ballistic nylon base: provides tremendous strength to product; increase longevity of brace

US manufacturing: higher quality control standards