In the realm of product innovation, progress often reaches a standstill until new materials or manufacturing techniques break the mold. This is especially true for medical and sports equipment, like ankle braces. Ultra Ankle® has pushed boundaries with the creation of the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, an example of how innovation can completely transform a product category. The technological advances behind this game-changing ankle brace didn’t exist until Ultra Ankle® developed, tested, and refined them to provide superior protection against ankle injuries, and superior capacity to aid in ankle injury recovery.

Unlike any other brace on the market, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace features patented materials and a forward-thinking design, making it a leader in injury prevention. Let’s explore how this brace’s advanced technology, including the Performathane® flexible shell and PerformaFit® 3D padding, sets it apart.

The Ultra Zoom® Advantage: Technology Meets Design

The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace is a result of years of meticulous research and development aimed at creating a brace that delivers unparalleled comfort, protection, and durability. This revolutionary product includes three proprietary technologies you won’t find in other braces: the Performathane® soft shell, the PerformaFit® padding system, and a hinged-cuff design that ensures optimal support and range of motion.

How Does It Work?

For an ankle brace to perform effectively, it must closely mimic the anatomy of the joint it’s protecting. This requires a custom-fit design—one that adapts to the wearer’s unique anatomy, delivering maximum comfort and support. However, achieving this level of custom fit requires innovation in both materials and design, which Ultra Ankle® tackled head-on.

After a five-year research process, the company engineered the materials that would become the foundation of the Ultra Zoom® brace. These materials provide unmatched flexibility, durability, and adaptability, giving athletes and active individuals superior protection season after season.

The Technology Behind the Custom Fit: Performathane® and PerformaFit®

So, what makes Performathane® and PerformaFit® special?

• Performathane® Flexible Soft Shell
  The external shell of the Ultra Zoom® brace is made from Performathane®, a patented material that reacts to the wearer’s body heat to create a custom fit. Within just a few practice sessions, the brace molds to the shape of your ankle for a snug, secure fit. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a regular hair dryer to speed up this process. The best part? Performathane® is incredibly durable, engineered to withstand cracks and tears, providing multi-season longevity that few braces can match.
• PerformaFit® 3D Padding System
  The inside of the Ultra Zoom® brace is lined with the PerformaFit® padding system, another proprietary feature designed for ultimate comfort. This specially formulated foam adapts to the contours of your ankle, providing cushioning that retains its shape and protective properties over the course of an entire sports season. The result is a brace that not only feels great but performs at a high-level day in and day out.

Superior Ankle Injury Recovery and Prevention: Why the Ultra Zoom® Stands Out

By combining the adaptive Performathane® shell and the responsive PerformaFit® padding, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace delivers an unparalleled level of injury recovery and prevention. The hinged-cuff design allows for natural ankle range of motion to enhance performance and keep the muscles strong. The Ultra Zoom helps to restrict excessive ankle turning (inversion) and twisting (rotation) that cause both low and high ankle injuries. Most other ankle braces are only designed to help restrict low ankle injuries.  To learn more about the Ultra Zoom product features, click here. Unlike traditional braces, which can feel stiff or bulky, the Ultra Zoom® forms a low-profile custom fit that is on your ankle in seconds, protects for hours and lasts for years. To learn more about fitting the Ultra Zoom ankle brace, click here.

The Future of Ankle Bracing

If you’re an athlete or someone prone to ankle injuries, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace offers a level of comfort and security that traditional braces simply cannot match. Whether you’re playing basketball, volleyball, or just staying active, the Ultra Zoom® provides the support you need without sacrificing comfort or durability. With its cutting-edge materials and design, it represents the future of ankle protection and ankle injury recovery.

Interested in learning more about the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace? Our team of certified athletic trainers is here to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through selecting the right ankle brace for your needs. Reach out today to discover how Ultra Ankle® can support you in staying active, injury-free, and at the top of your game.

Ankle Injury? Recover Faster – Get Back in the Game Sooner

If you’ve just suffered a second-degree (grade 2) ankle sprain, you’re likely dealing with swelling, bruising, and significant pain with every step. A sprain of this severity involves a partial tear in at least one of the ligaments that stabilize your ankle, making it difficult to walk or bear weight (MGB). Your medical team may have recommended a walking boot to immobilize your ankle, providing some relief from weight bearing pain. However, recent research suggests that even severe ankle sprains recover better and faster when exposed to protected movement. Regardless of your treatment plan, your main question remains: When can I start practicing and playing again?

The Road to Recovery

After a week of therapy, your swelling and pain may have decreased enough to transition out of the boot. At this stage, introducing protected movement is key to optimizing your recovery. Movement improves circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the injured joint, while also strengthening the muscles and tendons. This, in turn, helps you regain lost agility and gets you back to your sport faster (SIP).

Protected movement is made possible by wearing an ankle brace that allows your ankle and foot to move freely in all the natural ways-but restricts excessive movement to the already injured ligaments, muscles, and joint surfaces (SIP). Because your ankle is now unstable, you’ll need to stabilize it with a brace when you return to practice, allowing your ligaments to fully heal and protect against reinjury.

There are two types of ankle braces that can provide this stabilization: lace-up ankle braces and hinged (or semi-rigid) ankle braces. Lace-up braces, such as Ultra Ankle’s Ultra 360, offer support through a combination of laces and figure-8 straps, providing some flexibility while bracing the ankle. However, lace-up braces can lose their effectiveness as the fabric stretches and loosens over time, putting you at risk of re-injuring your ankle.

On the other hand, hinged ankle braces like the Ultra Zoom® help prevent your ankle from rolling side to side while still allowing the up-and-down movement needed to promote healing. This not only keeps you protected but also facilitates a quicker recovery (MVH). The Ultra Zoom’s patented hinge-cuff design offers an additional benefit: it helps prevent high ankle sprains, which are typically more painful and have a longer recovery period.

Recover Faster with the Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace

The key to a quick and effective recovery is restoring your ankle’s range of motion and strength. The Ultra Zoom’s hinged-cuff design allows your ankle to move naturally, aiding rehabilitation while your ligaments heal. By maintaining normal ankle movement, the Ultra Zoom accelerates healing and rebuilds muscle strength, putting you on the fastest path to recovery. For more information you can watch our Ultra Zoom Product Features video.

Play Sooner – With Confidence

When you’re ready to return to practice or games, protecting your ankle from reinjury is critical. Your ankle is now more susceptible to twists and turns, increasing the risk of another sprain. The Ultra Zoom’s hinged-cuff design limits excessive inversion and rotation—movements that lead to ankle injuries. Its Performathane® soft, flexible shell forms a custom fit to your ankle using body heat, providing a secure, comfortable fit for all-day protection during every practice and game.

Ankle injuries are common in sports, but recurring injuries don’t have to be. By taking the right precautions with the Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace, you can stop the cycle of ankle injuries, and protect your pre-existing injury and play with confidence all season long.

The great outdoors offers individuals the opportunity to improve their fitness while enjoying the beautiful surroundings that nature has provided. Sometimes, however, those beautiful surroundings can offer unintended consequences – like twisting or spraining your ankle. It’s happened to almost everyone at some point in time – you didn’t see that hole underneath those leaves and now you have a grade 2 ankle sprain preventing you from enjoying the activity you love. And if you turn your ankle while hiking more than a few times you are even more susceptible to yet another ankle injury, and even worse, chronic ankle instability.

Even though foot orienteering is dramatically different from hiking, the way you’re injuring your ankle is usually similar between the two. Most often, participants are walking or running on uneven terrain when they accidentally turn their ankle excessively inward causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. This stretching/tearing of the ankle ligaments is what results in an ankle injury that is measured on a scale of 1-3 to diagnose severity.

Grades of ankle sprains

RECOVERING FROM A HIKING ANKLE INJURY

After seeking medical attention to evaluate and treat your ankle injury, there will come a time when you’re healthy enough to resume normal activity. Unfortunately, once ankle ligaments have been stretched during an injury, they do not bounce back to their original state causing the ankle joint to become loose and unstable. This can potentially begin a cycle of injury where each time you twist your ankle the ligament stretches more and more until you develop chronic ankle issues.

So, how do you stop this cycle of ankle injuries? Better shoes? Taping your ankles? Medication? There are numerous solutions available, but one of the best ways to prevent further ankle injuries, or lessen the severity of an ankle injury, is to seek out a good ankle brace. When it comes to researching ankle braces it may seem like most are geared for high intensity team sports such as football, volleyball or basketball – but which ankle brace is the best for hiking?

The best ankle braces for hiking require the following characteristics:

Comfort – It seems obvious that you would want a comfortable ankle brace if you’re trekking through hills and valleys for extended periods of time. When it comes to any type of brace, comfort is directly related to how the product is designed and what materials it’s made of. In the case of ankle braces, the most comfortable designs are the ones that take the shape of, and move with, your ankle joint.

Cheaper designs may be made of fabric, while advanced ankle braces designed for both comfort and support will use modern materials such as the molded Performathane® technology used in Ultra Ankle® braces. Performathane® is a thermoplastic material that uses body heat to form a custom-fit to the ankle and is known for its flexible, yet durable, properties that will never break or crack.

Long-Lasting Ankle Support – Because of the constant movement of the ankle joint, all ankle braces loosen a bit the longer you wear them. Some ankle braces, however, loosen significantly quicker than others due to the way they are designed and the materials they are made of. Any ankle brace made of cloth that laces up or wraps around your ankle will lose support rapidly because they restrict natural up and down ankle movement. Unlike lace-up ankle braces, hinged braces move with natural ankle range of motion keeping the components of the brace, like the straps, firmly in place maintaining long-lasting ankle support.

Durability – Just like your other gear, you need to consider how the outdoor elements will impact your ankle brace. Rain, mud and sweat have a way of accelerating the deterioration of all materials, especially fabrics. Not only will the material deteriorate and tear faster than usual, ankle braces made of fabric will also absorb bacteria that often results in a foul odor.

What about hiking shoes/boots? – Shoes/boots play a vital role in how an ankle brace fits and feels. Some ankle braces might fit better in a low top trail shoe while a hiking boot may require a different type of ankle brace which fits better in a taller boot. Our Hiking Page explains all the details of trail shoes versus hiking boots and which ankle brace works best with each.

If you’re a hiker and you have a history of twisting your ankle during activity, then wearing a preventative ankle brace might be right for you. Our athletic trainers are always available to answer any specific questions you might have so please send us a message!

Do Ankle Braces Work?

It’s an age-old question and there are a myriad of opinions out there. What we do know is our ankles bear a lot of weight and are often subject to sharp and awkward movements. It is no surprise that injuries are common, so, when it comes to ankle injury prevention, support, pain management, and healing, do ankle braces actually help?

In short, yes. The long answer, however, is a little more complicated.

The Functionality of Ankle Braces:

Ankle braces have gained popularity as an aid in injury management and prevention. They are designed to provide stability, limit excessive movement, and offer support to the ankle joint. By minimizing the risk of unnatural twists and turns, ankle braces can significantly reduce the likelihood of sprains and strains during physical activities. However, not all ankle braces are alike. When considering buying an ankle brace, take the following into consideration:

1. The brace must be made of quality materials and meet medical standards.
2. Your ankle brace needs to fit you perfectly. That means any fabric should not be loose or too tight. Any splints should be anatomically contoured and all padding needs to be well placed.
3. The brace must suit your specific condition. Are you wearing it for ankle injury prevention or recovery? Do you already have unstable ankles? Have you incurred a high ankle sprain or an acute ankle sprain?

For example, a neoprene “brace” won’t be the best choice for helping prevent an ankle injury and a neoprene “brace” certainly won’t help you recover from an ankle injury. That’s because there are no medical compression standards for neoprene. Additionally, cheap cost means mass production, which makes it very difficult to find a perfectly sized brace for your ankle. Remember, your brace must properly support and compress your ankle in key areas, because if it doesn’t, you risk ineffective injury prevention. If recovering from an injury you’ll likely have little to no relief from pain and swelling, at best, and re-injury at worst.

Also not recommended for ankle injury prevention or recovery are compression sleeves. The primary function of compression sleeves is to support your muscles by providing slight pressure and compression to promote optimal blood flow to the area the sleeve surrounds. Studies have shown that wearing compression sleeves dilates your arteries, resulting in increased blood flow, or vasodilation. Vasodilation is the widening of the blood vessels as a response to low oxygen in the blood, which happens during exercise and triggers an increased blood flow. Increasing blood flow improves the levels of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the body, which enables you to power through your workouts. What this means is compression ankle sleeves do nothing to actually support your ankle joint.

Lastly, in a study done by the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, it was determined that with the right ankle brace or stabilizer, athletes wearing ankle braces had a 64% reduced risk of ankle sprains compared to those with no ankle brace.

So, what braces do you want to buy that will provide you with the support, comfort and recovery benefits you may need?

Introducing Ultra Ankle® Products:

Among the leading brands in the ankle support industry, Ultra Ankle stands out for its advanced and scientifically engineered solutions. Ultra Ankle products combine cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design to offer unparalleled protection and comfort.

1. Ultra 360® Lace-Up Ankle Brace:

The Ultra 360 Lace-Up is a game-changer in the world of ankle support. Its innovative design incorporates adjustable figure-8 straps provide 360º of ankle support to help prevent excessive ankle rolling. The multi-adjustable design allows you to customize your level of support. The Ultra 360 is recommended for individuals who require mild ankle support and have a minimal history of ankle injuries.

2. Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace:

Specifically tailored for athletes, the Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace offers a perfect blend of flexibility and support. Its sleek, low-profile design fits comfortably in sports shoes (traditional tongue and laces), making it an ideal choice for basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and other high-impact sports. The Ultra Zoom’s Performathane® soft shell conforms to the ankle’s natural shape, through body heat, ensuring maximum comfort while providing maximum support. The patented Hinged-Cuff design allows the ankle to move in all its natural motions, and none of the bad ones, while still keeping all the tendons and muscles fully engaged as the brace does not bind the ankle and foot in the Neutral Position. The hinged-cuff design also helps to prevent high ankle sprains, which are much more painful and take much longer to recover from.

3. Ultra High-5® Ankle Brace:

Have a history of ankle injuries? Are your ankles chronically unstable? Then the Ultra High-5 may be the ankle brace for you. With its feather-light but incredibly strong materials, the Ultra High-5 reinforces unstable ankles and can handle even the toughest twists and turns. The Ultra High-5 is also a great ankle brace for athletes and individuals who have recurring joint pain due to excessive pounding unforgiving surfaces.

4. Ultra CTS® Ankle Brace:

When it comes to high ankle sprains, acute ankle injuries, or even Ankle Osteoarthritis, the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace shines. Engineered with the patented PerformaFit® upright technology, this brace mimics the anatomical contours of the ankle, delivering personalized support and stabilization.

• High-Ankle Injuries: A high ankle injury occurs when the ankle is excessively externally rotated. The Ultra CTS has a hinged-cuff design which restricts excessive ankle inversion and ROTATION to treat both LOW and HIGH ankle injuries allowing the injured soft tissue to quickly heal.
• Acute Ankle Injury: With an acute ankle injury you will most likely have weight bearing pain. The Ultra CTS will “unload” the ankle. Ankle unloading means the brace will absorb some of the impact from standing or walking that would normally be transferred into the ankle causing pain. Maximum lower leg and ankle support and stabilization will take stress off the injured ligaments allowing them to heal much quicker.
• Osteoarthritis: With bone-on-bone joint irritation, or osteoarthritis (OA) you will need an ankle brace that will “unload” the ankle. Ankle unloading means the brace will absorb some of the impact from standing or walking that would normally be transferred into the ankle causing joint irritation and pain. For more details on how the Ultra CTS works for Osteoarthritis please visit our Osteoarthritis Page

The Verdict:

Do ankle braces actually help? The answer is a resounding yes, especially when armed with the right information and equipped with superior products like those offered by Ultra Ankle. Ankle braces serve as vital tools in both preventing and managing ankle injuries. With Ultra Ankle’s range of advanced solutions, individuals can confidently pursue their active lifestyles with reduced worry about potential ankle-related setbacks.

Conclusion:

In the realm of ankle support, Ultra Ankle products have truly elevated the game. Their commitment to blending science, comfort, and innovation has resulted in a lineup of braces that not only provide exceptional support but also contribute to the overall well-being of athletes and individuals. So, if you’re considering investing in ankle braces to safeguard your ankles, don’t overlook the transformative offerings brought forth by Ultra Ankle. Your ankles will thank you for the reliable protection and support these products provide.