Consider the astonishing number of pro and college players who have seen their careers stunted or even halted altogether by a bum ankle, all because they neglected to tape their ankles. But sure, tape’s not for everyone. It takes time, it’s uncomfortable and can irritate your skin—all of which make ankle braces a reasonable alternative. When you go shopping for basketball ankle braces, keep these tips in mind.

Bring Your Shoes, Son or Daughter
If you’re going to wear the brace, it has to fit under your shoe. So when you go shopping for an ankle brace, bring along your basketball sneakers—along with an extra pair of socks. (You’ll want to wear one pair under the braces and one over.) Most ankle braces allow for easy opening and removal from the package and can therefore be tried on under your basketball shoes for easy fitting.

Believe in Brands
If a brand is reputable, there’s probably a good reason. Don’t try to save a couple bucks by purchasing the least trustworthy product on the market. Consult with salespeople to see if they have a recommendation.

Size Matters!—and Varies.
As is the case with sneakers and even socks, braces don’t generally go by a universal size chart. Rather, individual brands can dictate size on a brand-by-brand basis. And that’s where the importance of trying them on once again comes into play. When you try them on, be sure that they aren’t too big—which, while comfy, does you no good—or too small—which, while sturdy, can cut off circulation and even lead to serious injuries. A good brace will also protect your upper ankle, which is the worst place to have a sprain, and the most likely to knock you out of action for an extended period of time.

Configuration Figuration
Figure out what kind of brace you want. There are two main types of ankle braces: old-school laced braces and non-adjustable braces made from stretchy materials. Laced braces tend to last longer but require frequent adjustment, which explains their decline in popularity.

Non-adjustable braces may be less comfortable, but they are better in terms of protecting your ankle.