I was sent the Rehband 5mm knee sleeves to try about a month ago. They came in at the perfect time because I had just started to have some knee “stuff” happening. I wouldn’t call it pain, but hill runs, leg day, speed work, etc. had all become a little too much for my knees, particularly my right one. It just so happened that the Peachtree Road Race was just a few weeks away so my running volume was steady but I played it safe on runs so as to not exacerbate the problem. When I first slipped the Rehbands on, they fit like a glove and provided almost instant relief. These particular sleeves also were branded with the Spartan logo, which gave me even more motivation for my first Spartan Sprint in October here in Atlanta.
Rehband 5mm Knee Sleeves Features
Fit- The knee sleeves contour the leg and fit the knee better than any other sleeve or brace I have used. Once I slide them on, I don’t have to adjust them. The material isn’t as breathable as I would have liked particularly when paired with the Georgia heat, but in order to get the amount of support that these bad boys offer, it is an understandable compromise.
Compression – Just the right amount of compression to provide support without feeling like you have tourniquets on each leg. I was able to run, jump, squat, hip thrust, lunge, and carry heavy buckets without feeling any strain on my knees at all. While the compression is tight, I still had optimal range of motion and never noticed wearing them.
Versatility – Most of us don’t training for races by running alone. To train for an OCR, you are running, lifting, carrying, etc. These sleeves transitioned incredibly well from runs to gym and vice versa.
Rehband 5mm Knee Sleeves Usage
I used the sleeves during runs, Crossfit style WODS, traditional bodybuilding splits, and OCR workouts. Each time I used the sleeves I was impressed at how well they transitioned from one style of workout to the next. Unlike most sports specific gear, such as a lifting belt or wrist straps, I didn’t have to constant take them off and put them back on, and despite the compression I hardly noticed they were on. The only time they were slightly annoying was in the midday Georgia heat. They got a little sweaty but didn’t retain any moisture, they just made me a tad more hot.
Rehband 5mm Knee Sleeves Durability
The durability of these sleeves aregreat. I had them on throughout workouts where I was on the floor, on ropes, etc. and they still look brand new. They also haven’t stretched at all and I haven’t washed them yet (and no they don’t smell).
Rehband 5mm Knee Sleeves Pros and Cons
Pros
- Amazing compression
- Fit anatomically around the knee for optimum comfort
- Transitioned well between sports
- Felt the benefit the first time I wore them
Cons
- In 90+ temps, they were a little hot
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Rehband 5mm Knee Sleeves Conclusion
All in all, I loved how the Rehband Knee sleeves instantly relieved the pressure when running. I had a hard time recovering in between lifts and runs and wearing these made a huge difference in recovery. I was worried that running without them would be difficult since I had gotten so use to using them, but I ran and lifted without them for a week and while I had to work harder to stabilize, wearing the sleeves doesn’t leave you dependent on them. I ran without any nagging knee tension. The technology in the sleeves has me excited to try other Rehband products, particularly their compression pants when they come out. If the sleeves have this much support and contour, I imagine their pants will be well received. These sleeves are a staple in my workouts now for both OCR training and strength training.
Jennifer Wade
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