I’ll try and keep the context short, but I’ve sprained / rolled my ankle three times in the last 3 months. It’s not good. I’m now in a position where I feel I need to really look after myself. Enter, the BioSkin AFTR DC ankle brace.

I’m fortunate that the sprains weren’t too severe. I can run still (after 2-weeks of recovery each time), but at the time of writing this intro I’ve only done two runs (after approval from a Physio!) since the last sprain, which was also the worst in terms of bruising and swelling.

However, the BioSkin AFTR brace was so good in a 5 mile test run that I felt confident to use it on a 50 mile ultra marathon (the hilly North Downs Way 50). Yes I agree it wasn’t sensible, but I was chasing a 10th consecutive finish and it was important enough for me to at least toe the starting line and see what would happen.

The brace is surprisngly comfortable

Using the BioSkin AFTR for running an ultra-marathon

  • Incredibly comfortable – only once did I adjust the tension on the straps and it took literally seconds
  • No movement or bunching – I was expecting to have to remove the brace at some point because it would be slipping and getting uncomfortable, but no nothing
  • Wasn’t hot – I ran the ultra in 20 – 25 degree weather and I didn’t have breathability concerns (and I have hot feet…)
  • I did cut to fit – I cut some of the material of (as they recommend) on the sock bit to give my toes more space, and I did reduce the length of the wrap (that’s attached to the ‘sock) at the top too. Both are highly recommended to reduce excess material and to get a snugger fit
  • I did remove the gel packs – for my testing, I wore the brace with the gel packs for a day around my home, but I didn’t get on with the gel packs. It was hard to get them perfectly aligned for all movement. So for the big run I dropped them
  • Supportive – Twice I felt my ankle ‘go’ over rough ground, but I didn’t roll the ankle. I could feel a level of support there that made me extremely happy to be wearing it

Are there any down sides?

No, nothing that would have affected by decision to buy and use the brace.

  • The gel inserts weren’t needed, so in hindsight I could have got the cheaper brace. You may fair differently with them
  • I ran in good weather, but I wonder if it was in heavy rain with wet feet would I have been so comfortable (but that may be true of socks too)
  • The brace does extend to your calf, so if you run in tights of trousers, then the strong velcro on the brace may snag

As you can see, I’m really reaching for reasons to find anything wrong or unsuitable for the brace.

Would I recommend the BioSkin AFTR?

Whole-heartedly, yes. The cost may seem unexpectedly high, if compared to generic options from pharmacies, but the attention to detail of the design and materials elevates the brace to a level that allows you to continue your training and events. And as I was able to run a 50-mile ultra-marathon 2 weeks after a considerable sprain, with confidence, is testament to the quality and support of the brace. Plus, for me, it was absolutely worth the cost.

I bought my BioSkin AFTR from Beagle Orthopaedic, but you can also of course buy them on Amazon and other places too.

There are alternatives. I was recommend the Aircast A60 (by my Physio) and had heard that “It’s the one that Andy Murray (Tennis Player) uses”, but reviews did say that was more bulky.

It’s also fair to say this brace wasn’t a fix to all of my ankle problems:

  • I also paid and visited a Physio
  • I bought a Bosu Pod for balance and mobility work
  • I spent 7 days doing a tonne of balance and mobility work (active recovery as recommended by the Physio)
  • I tested my ankle and the brace before the ultra
  • If my ankle had hurt or been swollen before the run, I may have made the call to not start

So, a lot of things went well for me to even allow me to start the ultra, but the brace certainly gave me confidence during the run and did its job well.

Hope this helps.