8 Best Knee Wraps for Squats to Help You Lift More Weight

A knee wrap should always be among your gym gear if you’re a powerlifter looking to add weight to your squat. It helps you lift more and gives your knee added stability while squatting.

I've personally tested 6 of these wraps and chatted with friends and clients about the other brands.

So, what are the best knee wraps for squats? I recommend the Titan Signature Gold Knee Wraps (click for today’s price on Amazon). They are the best knee wrap on the market due to the stiffest of their material and the overall long-lasting durability. They provide a snug fit, which keeps the knee wrap in place while squatting. Additionally, these wraps are approved for competitive powerlifting.

You won't want to miss any of these options since having the right wraps can help you avoid plateaus and injury.

If you want to know more about knee wraps, what they do, and how to use them properly, keep reading! I’ll provide you with the ultimate guide to knee wraps, so you can pick the best one.

Top 3 Knee Wraps

Image	Product	Key Features
	Titan Signature Gold Knee Wraps  - Best Overall	Pro powerlifter approved, Extreme support to the knees	CHECK TODAY’S PRICE
	Mava Sports Knee Wraps - Budget Pick	Stretchable + stiffness, which helps you lift extra lbs	CHECK TODAY’S PRICE
	Inzer XT Knee Sleeves - Most Versatile	Can wear throughout the entire workout, Easily adjust the compression level	CHECK TODAY’S PRICE

Why Should You Trust PowerliftingTechnique?

Our team comprises powerlifters and coaches who have competed nationally and globally. We only recommend products we’ve used from brands we trust because we know how essential the right lifting gear is to your success.

Some of our team members like myself also engage in powerlifting for personal enjoyment, so we understand the importance of using the right tools to ensure our safety when pursuing our overall health and fitness goals. 

How We Tested These Knee Wraps

The knee wraps on this list are the same options we wear in competitions or during our regular training sessions. In some cases, we’ve been wearing these knee wraps for several years, so we’re familiar with everything that makes them great for powerlifting and general gym use.

In compiling this list, we also evaluated factors like affordability, durability, and how applicable they are to various populations.

Top 8 Knee Wraps for Squats

With all the knee wrap options on the market, you can easily get overwhelmed and confused about which one is ideal for your needs. You might want stiff knee wraps or more versatile and mildly stiff ones to lift more weight.

To help you with that, I’ve compiled a list of the best powerlifting knee wraps. By the end of this article, you can narrow down your selections and pinpoint the perfect one for you.

The 8 best knee wraps for squats are:

If you want more knee wrap options, check out TuffWraps Knee Wraps current options. Use the code POWERLIFTING to get 10% off.

1. Titan Signature Gold Knee Wraps – Best Overall Knee Wrap 

Pros

• Extreme support to the knees
• Available in various lengths
• Approved for competitive powerlifting

Cons

• Premium price tag

Kicking off the list with my recommendation for the best knee wrap overall. Titan is one of the most reputable brands that make some of the best gym and powerlifting gear.

These Signature Gold Knee Wraps are the most durable and powerful knee wraps that Titan has ever made.

In fact, a lot of professional athletes and powerlifters believe that these are the most supportive wraps money can buy. Their stiffness means they aren’t ideal knee wraps for weightlifting (the snatch and clean and jerk), but Olympic weightlifters can still wear them for back squats.

The knee wraps are made in the United States with high-quality materials, ensuring their longevity and sturdiness against abuse and wear and tear.

The wraps are made from anti-slip materials, so you won’t have to apply chalk and other irritating materials on your skin while using them.

Despite being super supportive, they’re relatively comfortable compared to other stiff knee straps on the market.

The knee wrap is sold in pairs and is available in various lengths, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs. These lengths are 2, 2.5, and 3 meters. 

However, my recommendation is the 2m wrap. This has plenty of lengths, and it’s the size all competitive powerlifters use.

2. Mava Sports Knee Wraps – Best Budget

Pros

• Ideal for buyers on a budget
• Comes with a hook and loop closure
• Available in two color

Cons

• Not approved for competition

If you’re on a strict budget, you might consider opting for their inexpensive, yet decent-quality knee wraps from Mava Sports.

They’re made of elastic polyester fabric that allows you to stretch them for high stiffness, which helps you lift extra lbs.

They’re 72 inches long (about 1.8 m), which isn’t too long but also not too short. The wraps come with a hook and loop closure, which allows for a lot more secure tightening than just tucking the wrap end within the loops.

The knee wraps are also stiff and adjustable enough to be used as knee braces, enabling you to apply compression on your knees.

The knee wrap is available in two colors, which allows you to pick the one that suits your style. However, you should keep in mind that this one isn’t approved for competition.

3. Inzer XT Knee Sleeves – Most Versatile

Pros

• A versatile option that you can wear throughout the entire workout session
• Allows you to easily adjust the compression level
• Approved for equipped lifting

Cons

• Like most sleeves, this one is pricier than most quality wraps

Last but not least, if you’re looking for the best powerlifting knee sleeves that can help you lift heavier while staying on throughout your entire training session.

The Inzer XT Knee Sleeve is a cross between knee wraps and knee sleeves. Unlike regular wraps, you can keep them on between sets.

These knee sleeves have a smart tightening system that allows you to easily shift between stiff tightening for lifting heavy and loose tightening for compression.

These US-made knee sleeves are available in various sizes, so you can pick the one that best suits your knee and thigh size!

4. Inzer Gripper Knee Wraps – Most Innovative Knee Wraps

Pros

• The wrap grips onto itself
• Pretty stiff and supportive
• Approved for competitive powerlifting

Cons

• They don’t stretch as much as some other options

One of the most daunting issues of using knee straps for squatting is that you need to pull on them as hard as possible with each cycle around your knee.

The problem is that this can hurt your fingers, and you’ll feel like you've climbed some stairs after you’re done.

If you’re hesitant to use knee wraps because putting them on is tedious, try this impressive and innovative design from Inzer.

As the name suggests, the Inzer Gripper Knee Wraps are designed to automatically grip themselves. You won’t need any kind of external help like chalk or stickum spray to keep them on.

Despite that, they are pretty stiff and offer a lot of support for the knee joint while they’re on, which helps you lift heavier weights and do more reps!

Looking for knee support for more than just squats? Check out the best knee sleeves you can also wear for deadlifts.

5. DMoose Knee Wraps – Best for Lifters Recovering From Knee Injuries

Pros

• Help reduce knee pain during squats and other lower body movements
• Available in a wide range of colors and prints
• Affordable

Cons

• Velcro is not very durable

If you’re recovering from a knee injury but don’t want to wear a full knee brace when lifting, the DMoose knee wraps are an excellent option. They are designed to help those with knee issues squat heavy and do other leg exercises like the leg press without discomfort.

Due to their soft, comfortable cotton fabric, you can wear these knee wraps for weightlifting or powerlifting workouts. They’re also good for general gym use; even casual lifters can benefit from them. One thing to watch out for is their approval for competition. According to the product listing, they are IPL- and USPA-approved.

However, DMoose is not listed as an approved brand on the most recent USPA-approved equipment list. Therefore, it’s best to double-check with your federation if you want to use the knee wraps in competition.

6. Titan THP Knee Wraps – Least Stiff

Pros

• Durable construction with anti-slipping materials
• Attaches to itself for easier use
• More comfortable than other wraps

Cons

• Not stiff enough to support super heavy lifts

Another knee wrap from Titan shows the level of quality the brand puts into its products. This one is the Titan THP, a competition-approved knee wrap.

What makes these knee wraps special is that they come with relatively less stiffness than other knee wraps and sleeves on the market.

This makes them more tolerable and comfortable for longer sessions, especially for someone who is lifting medium-heavy weights.

The wraps are durable with anti-slip materials that help them stay locked in place without stickum. They are also available in three different lengths.

7. Gymreapers Knee Wraps – Best for General Strength Training

Pros

• Affordable price
• Available in several colors
• Reinforced stitching to prevent fraying
• Strong velcro helps prevent the wraps from slipping when lifting

Cons

• Not approved for powerlifting competitions

For anyone who doesn’t plan to compete in powerlifting but is looking for more support than knee sleeves offer when squatting, I recommend the Gymreapers knee wraps.

They’re slightly shorter than other knee wraps (1.8m compared to the 2m most commonly seen), but they still provide warmth and support and help promote blood flow to the knees. In addition to using them as a knee brace for squats, you can also use them for other lower body movements like the leg press. 

Because they aren’t too constrictive, they also make good Olympic weightlifting knee wraps. You can adjust them to whatever tightness you want when squatting or performing more dynamic movements like the snatch or clean and jerk.

These knee wraps are a budget-friendly, durable option, thanks to their reinforced stitching and secure velcro.

8. Iron Bull Knee Wraps – Easiest To Get On

Pros

• Extremely easy to get on
• Available in a lot of designs and colors
• Affordable price

Cons

• Not approved for competition

These Iron Bull Knee Wraps are the best knee wraps for squatting for those who find putting on knee wraps challenging.

They come with a velcro system that makes them much easier to secure as you put them on. Additionally, they’re quite supportive, help promote blood flow to the knees, and will stand the test of time.

Another great thing about them is that the 80-inch (2-meter) wraps come in a wide selection of colors and designs to match your lifting gear.

The only downside to these affordable and easy-to-use wraps is that they’re not approved for IPF competitions. But if you don’t compete in that federation, they’re an excellent choice!

What Should You Consider Before Buying A Knee Wrap?

Knee wraps vary greatly depending on some aspects. That’s why the first thing you should do while shopping for a knee wrap is to decide on certain aspects that can dramatically change your choice.

In the following list, I’ll briefly discuss what you should know about each of these critical points, so you can decide which one to choose.

Length

Knee wraps come in various lengths. The most common one is usually the 2-meter type.

However, if you need to do more tightening around the knee, you may opt for the 2.5 and 3-meter ones. But again, the 2-meter length is plenty long for most lifters.

Stiff vs. Soft

Choosing between a stiff or soft wrapping might be one of the most critical decisions to make while picking a knee wrap for squats.

On one hand, a stiff wrap will hurt the skin and may ever leave bruises if left for long. However, they’ll allow you to lift a lot more weight due to their supportive effect on the maximal isometric force.

On the other hand, a mildly stiff or soft wrapping probably won’t let you lift as much weight when compared to a stiff wrap.

However, it gives you a more ample chance for versatility and comfort, allowing you to wear it for more than just squats.

As you can see, the choice between these depends mainly on your priority between versatility and lifting more weight.

Ease of Use

Some knee wraps are easier to put on and off when compared to others. For example, the Inzer Gripper Knee Wrap grips on itself while you’re wrapping it around your knees.

These perks are great for someone who’s having a hard time stretching the elastic material to the max while wrapping their knees.

Competition Approved

If you’re lifting competitively, it’s crucial for you to make sure that the wrap you’re going for is approved for competition.

To make things easier for you, this elaborate guide has all the powerlifting gear that are approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and abide by their regulations.

You typically wear knee sleeves while also wearing a squat suit. Check out my complete guide to Squat Suits.

Cost

Ideally, the best knee wraps will have a price range of about $20 to $50, depending on various factors.

The first one is the special features and overall quality of the wrap. For instance, knee wraps with rubber stripping usually cost more than regular, less elastic wraps.

Also, the knee wrap’s stiffness usually adds to its overall price. You’ll likely find the stiff options on the pricier side.

Lastly, it goes without saying that the longer the wrap, the more expensive it’ll be.

Benefits of Wearing Knee Wraps For Squats

Now that you know more about a knee wrap and how to pick one, you might wonder what a knee wrap can do for you.

In the following section, I’ll answer this question and provide you with all the information you need about the effect of wearing a knee wrap while squatting.

They Help You Improve Your Lifting Technique

One of the first benefits of wearing knee wraps comes from understanding how they work. First, due to their materials and design, they have stored elastic energy.

This energy gives you stronger upward propulsion as you stand up from the bottom of the squat.

While it’s easily felt while lifting, this finding was also proved through research to assess the mechanical advantage of the wraps.

Improving the technique isn’t only about the “vertical impulse.” It’s also about horizontal displacement.

In another study to assess the kinematic difference between squatting with and without knee wraps, researchers found that the barbell's horizontal movement during the eccentric (downward) phase was reduced by 39% when lifters wore knee wraps.

They Help Minimize Chances for Injuries While Lifting

While squatting, you’ll be putting a lot of stress on your kneecaps and the tendons attached to them, which are known as the “quadriceps tendons”.

This may result in a specific type of injury where the tendons detach from the kneecaps while lifting.

The problem with a detachment injury is that it’s quite severe, and surgery is usually the only solution to it if it’s completely detached.

While a knee wrap isn’t an absolute preventive measure from detached tendons, they help lower the chances of such problems happening and minimize its severity by reducing the stress on your knees.

Not only that, but they also provide your knees with warmth, which helps in speeding up recovery from minor inflammation.

However, if warmth is the only thing you’re looking for and you don’t lift heavy, you might consider a knee sleeve instead.

Stiffer Knee Wraps for Better Muscle Activation and Lifting More

You may wonder if knee wraps change your squat mechanics.

According to a study in 2011 by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, knee wraps have no effect on the characteristics of the squat and don’t alter the biomechanics.

In other words, they don’t directly contribute to joint flexion performance or directly affect muscle gains during squats.

However, as discussed above, they allow for better muscle activation by helping you improve your squat technique.

If you use knee wraps during squats, you can perform the lift with better technique while generating additional force, especially if wearing stiffer knee wraps.

Therefore, stiffer knee wraps will allow you to gain more strength indirectly by bracing you to squat more weight or do more reps.

All that while giving you extra force, keeping your knees warm, reducing knee pain, and improving your overall technique.

How To Wrap Your Knees For Squats

The only thing worse than getting injured because of not wearing a knee wrap is getting injured because you’re doing it wrong.

That’s exactly what I encountered a few years ago at a competition while I was wrapping my knee when another athlete pointed out that I’m doing it wrong.

After this incident, I had to research the best way to wrap your knees prior to squatting, whether you’re lifting heavy or light.

I’m about to explain the technique used by one of Canada's most decorated equipped powerlifters. Here’s how it goes :

1. Start by putting your finger just beneath the kneecap and look for a bony protrusion, which is known as the “tibial tuberosity.”

2. Once you find it, stretch your knee straight while pulling your toes up with quad flexing to keep both your calf and leg tight and straight.

3. Place the wrap end on the tibia to just cover it to start the wrapping process.

4. While keeping the wrap end fixed on the tibia, pull and stretch the wrap around your knee. (You don’t want to wrap it and then stretch it. Instead, you stretch it as hard as possible as you go).

5. Repeat the previous step while pulling on the wrap as hard as possible with each turn. About 3 to 5 cycles up towards the thighs should be enough.

6. Work your way up so that the other end of the wrap covers the outside of the quads (the Vastus Lateralis muscle). Once you’re there, you shouldn’t go up any higher, as it would be technically ineffective.

7. Now that you’ve got the initial wrap right, it’s time to tighten the knees using the cross pattern over the knee. This stiff wrapping style produces the highest peak torque, allowing you to lift more weight.

8. Do the X-shaped wrapping so that the last wrap is at the top of the knee again, then tuck the remainder of the wrap underneath one of the loops to secure the wrap in place while moving.

This technique prevents the wrapping from slipping or moving around while lifting. Also, due to the immense tension, it’s pretty easy to unwrap it once you’re done.

You’ll only need to untuck the end of the wrap, and it’ll unravel automatically due to the applied tension.

How To Care For Your Knee Wraps

Knee wraps come in contact with sweat, so they’ll smell if you don’t wash them. Also, the buildup of bacteria on the fabric will slowly damage it.

Although most knee wraps are washing-machine-friendly, it’s recommended that you hand wash them to keep them from tangling and getting damaged.

To do that, simply put them in a beaker with lukewarm water and mild detergent to avoid damaging them. You can rub them with your hand or a cloth to clean the wraps.

Once they’re clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to ensure you get rid of all detergent.

Don’t wring or twist the wraps to get rid of the water, as you might damage them. Instead, gently press them to let the water out, then let them air dry away from direct sunlight so they don’t shrink or get damaged.

Note: While rare, compressive gear like knee wraps can sometimes cause nosebleeds while lifting. I wrote an entire article discussing this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Differences Between Knee Wraps and Knee Sleeves?

Knee wraps and knee sleeves both offer knee support and warmth when lifting. However, the sleeves aren’t wrapped around the knees as tightly. They’re made of neoprene and increase blood flow to the muscles, enhancing performance and reducing inflammatory knee pain. Sleeves are easier to wear and more versatile than wraps.

I’ve written a comprehensive guide that compares knee wraps and knee sleeves and discusses their pros, cons, and what they’re used for. Check it out to decide which one is more suitable for you.

Are Knee Wraps Worth It?

A knee wrap is an excellent knee accessory for serious lifters who do very heavy reps. It’ll help you lift more weight or do more reps. Also, for competitive powerlifters who compete in the equipped division, IPF-approved knee wraps will give you a mechanical advantage and potentially protect you from injuries.

When Should You Wear Knee Wraps?

Unlike sleeves, knee wraps are pretty stiff on the skin, which can cause serious bruising if used as a crutch for your daily training routine. As a rule of thumb, only wear knee wraps during your heaviest lifting sessions. They should not be used as a knee accessory for light squats or your entire workout.

What Are the Drawbacks of Wearing a Knee Wrap?

The main drawback of wearing knee wraps is that they are only recommended for the experienced few who lift very heavy. The technique for wrapping them has a learning curve, and most people require assistance to put them on. Also, they’re only meant for a few exercises and shouldn’t be worn all day.

Should I Wrap My Knees for Squats?

You should wrap your knees for squats if you have very heavy squats programmed in a training session or you compete in powerlifting and want to maximize the amount of weight you lift. However, most knee wraps shouldn’t be worn for an entire training session because they can cause bruises or knee discomfort.

Are Knee Sleeves or Wraps Better for Squats?

Knee wraps are better for squats for those who can squat very heavy. They offer more stiffness and support than knee sleeves and can help prevent injuries. However, knee sleeves are better for Olympic weightlifting because they’re more flexible and don’t restrict you from squatting deep when catching a clean or snatch.

Is Squatting With Knee Wraps Cheating?

While the best powerlifting knee wraps can help you squat more weight, they aren’t considered cheating. Powerlifters can use knee wraps in competition to protect their knees and tendons during max squat attempts. Knee wraps also help reduce the barbell's horizontal movement, improving the lift's efficiency.

Do Knee Wraps Help Build Muscle?

Knee wraps do not directly help build muscle. However, they can help improve your squat technique, indirectly resulting in better muscle activation and growth. Because they also help promote blood flow and keep your knees warm, they can help you perform more reps, which can also help with muscle growth.

Do Knee Wraps Increase Your Squat?

A knee wrap can help increase your squat. The best knee brace for squats allows you to store energy in the bottom portion of the lift, thereby increasing the amount of force you can generate when standing back up. It can also help you improve your squat technique, and better technique can translate to a stronger lift.

Final Verdict: What Are the Best Knee Wraps for Squats?

That’s all you need to know about knee wraps!

As you can see, using knee wraps will give you a great edge by providing a mechanical advantage, offering knee support, and protecting you from serious injuries.

Ideally, I’d pick Titan Signature Gold Knee Wraps as the best knee wraps for squats.

They’re used by top-tier powerlifting professionals who believe these wraps offer the best knee support for squats. They’re super durable and will last a long time, justifying their premium price tag.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more versatile that can act as a cross between knee wraps and knee sleeves, opt for Inzer XT Knee Sleeves.

They combine the sleeve’s ease of use and comfort with the wrap’s support and stiffness, so you can use them for various purposes around the gym!

If you’re looking for more of a knee sleeve (not a wrap), check out my article on the Top 5 Best Knee Sleeves. If you’re confused about which type of knee sleeve to buy, I also have a guide on choosing between 5mm or 7mm knee sleeves.

About The Author

Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. Growing up in a family that loved sports, she learned the importance of staying active from a young age. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in powerlifting and weightlifting. She's passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly. When she's not training in her garage gym or working, you can find her drinking coffee, walking her dog, or indulging in one too many pieces of chocolate.