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McDavid ankle brace: what the 195 with straps is and who it suits
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- McDavid 195 Ankle Brace with Straps. Best for: Athletes who want a lace up brace with tape-like figure-6 straps. See options on Amazon
- Generic lace up ankle brace with figure-eight straps. Best for: People who want the same style from another maker. See options on Amazon
- Semi-rigid stirrup ankle brace. Best for: Walking in the first weeks after a sprain. See options on Amazon
- Hinged ankle brace. Best for: Players who want side shells with freer up and down motion. See options on Amazon
What McDavid says about the 195
McDavid's product page (model MD195) lists these features:
- Figure-6 strapping. The design simulates athletic tape with a figure-6 strapping pattern.
- Compression-comfort top strap for a custom-like fit.
- Adjustable without unlacing. The maker says it is fully adjustable without unlacing or removing the shoe.
- Single-layer polyester fabric for support with minimal weight; 100% polyester, and the maker says it is not made with natural rubber latex.
- Ventilated tongue and padded lining with reinforced closures.
- Fits left or right ankle.
The page also says athletes in an independent study at a major research university had 3x fewer injuries when wearing the 195. That is the maker's claim; the product page does not name or link the study.
Who it is designed for
McDavid lists the 195 as best for preventing and/or recovering from common ankle sprains and ankle instability, and names basketball, volleyball and football among suitable sports. That places it in the lace up category, which the NATA position statement says is effective, along with semi-rigid braces and tape, at reducing recurrent sprains. NATA recommends that athletes with a history of ankle sprains wear taping or bracing for all practices and games.
For the research on lace up braces in general, and how this style compares with stirrups and sleeves, see our lace up ankle brace guide.
Sizing and care
| Detail | From the maker's page |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Adult XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Fit | Left or right ankle |
| Colors | Black, with a white version listed |
| Fitting help | Fitting instructions available as a PDF |
| Care | Hand wash, air dry only |
The product page itself does not show a shoe-size chart, so check the size guide on the listing or the maker's fitting instructions before ordering.
Wearing a strapped lace up brace well
- Lace snugly from the toes up with the heel fully back in the brace.
- Pull the straps in the direction the instructions show; on figure-6 and figure-8 designs the order matters.
- Wear a thin, smooth sock underneath, then your shoe.
- Recheck straps during breaks; the maker notes you can adjust without unlacing the shoe.
- Toes should stay warm and normal in color with no tingling.
- Keep up strength and balance work. NATA recommends balance training throughout rehabilitation and a prevention program focused on balance for at least 3 months.
Is a strapped lace up the right style for you?
| Your situation | A strapped lace up like the 195 | Consider instead |
|---|---|---|
| Past sprain, back to court sport | Good fit for the style | Hinged brace if you dislike lacing |
| Fresh sprain, still limping | Too early for sport bracing | Compression wrap, then a stirrup for walking; see ankle brace for sprain |
| Mild swelling, no giving way | More than you need | Compression ankle sleeve |
| Child or teen athlete | Check the smallest size fits snugly | See ankle brace for kids |
| Ankle keeps giving way despite bracing | Not enough on its own | Assessment and a rehab plan; see orthopedic ankle brace |
Alternatives
If you want firmer side shells for walking after a fresh sprain, see stirrup ankle brace. Court athletes can compare styles on basketball ankle braces and volleyball ankle braces. Other brand explainers: ASO, Aircast and Zamst.
What to look for when you buy
McDavid 195 Ankle Brace with Straps
Best for: Athletes who want a lace up brace with tape-like figure-6 straps
McDavid lists it for preventing or recovering from common sprains and instability, with figure-6 straps and adjustment without unlacing the shoe.
Watch out: Hand wash and air dry only. Check the size guide since the product page shows no shoe-size chart.
See options on AmazonGeneric lace up ankle brace with figure-eight straps
Best for: People who want the same style from another maker
The lace up plus crossing strap design is the category NATA lists as effective against recurrent sprains.
Watch out: Strap patterns and sizing differ between makers.
See options on AmazonSemi-rigid stirrup ankle brace
Best for: Walking in the first weeks after a sprain
Plastic side shells give firmer control of rolling, and NATA lists semi-rigid braces alongside lace ups as effective.
Watch out: Bulkier in shoes.
See options on AmazonHinged ankle brace
Best for: Players who want side shells with freer up and down motion
A hinge at the ankle lets the foot flex for jumping while the shells limit rolling.
Watch out: Check that the hinge lines up with your ankle joint.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the McDavid 195 ankle brace for?
- McDavid says it is best for preventing and/or recovering from common ankle sprains and ankle instability.
- Does the McDavid 195 fit both feet?
- Yes. The maker's page says it fits the left or right ankle.
- How do you wash a McDavid ankle brace?
- For the 195, the maker says hand wash and air dry only.
- Is the McDavid ankle brace good for basketball?
- McDavid lists basketball, volleyball and football among suitable sports. We do not rate braces; NATA's guidance is that lace up braces in general are effective against repeat sprains.
- Can I adjust the McDavid 195 during a game?
- McDavid says the 195 is fully adjustable without unlacing or removing the shoe, so straps can be snugged during a break.
Sources
- Ankle Brace with Straps (mcdavidusa.com), McDavid
- National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Journal of Athletic Training, via PubMed Central (NIH)