Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace vs Sports Ankle Support
Buy the MalleoLoc if you have a real sprain or unstable ankle and want rigid, heat-moldable support that still allows full plantar and dorsiflexion. Buy the Sports Ankle Support if you want breathable compression and a figure-8 strap for prevention, shin splints or mild instability at lower cost. On November 3, 2026 the MalleoLoc's best new price was $98.87 at AllegroMedical.com and the Sports Ankle Support's was $62.80 at SupremeMed, a gap of about $36.
Today the Sports Ankle Support costs $36.07 less at its best price.
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Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace
5Choose the MalleoLoc if you are recovering from a sprain or have a chronically unstable ankle and need a rigid shell that blocks outward rolling.
- Rigid shell resists outward ankle rolling
- Heat-moldable for a custom fit
- Full plantar and dorsiflexion preserved
- Figure-8 straps stay secure in vigorous activity
- About $36 more than the Sports Ankle Support
- Hand wash only
- Only two sizes
What separates them
| Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace | Sports Ankle Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Support type | Rigid thermoplastic shell with figure-8 straps | Compression knit with figure-8 straps |
| Custom fit | Shell can be heat-molded to the ankle | Sized by ankle circumference, XS to XXL |
| Compression | Not graded; support comes from the shell | Graded 8–30 mmHg |
| Breathability | Microfiber, nylon and spandex, hand wash only | AirKnit fabric, moisture-wicking |
| Range of motion | Leaves heel and forefoot free for full plantar and dorsiflexion | Slim sleeve, less rigid restriction |
| Shoe fit | Streamlined, fits in most shoes | Slim profile fits inside most athletic shoes |
| Price, November 3, 2026 | $98.87 at AllegroMedical.com | $62.80 at SupremeMed |
Price history
- Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace: lowest $76.07 on Nov 3 at CIA Medical.
- Sports Ankle Support: lowest $62.80 on Nov 3 at SupremeMed.
Prices at every store
Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace
- Robert Jacobson Surgical PharmacyNew
In stock
$115.00Observed at 10:33 PM - SupremeMedNew
In stock
$118.88Free shippingObserved at 9:33 PM - AllegroMedical.comNew
Availability unknown
$98.87Observed at 10:34 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$123.39Free shippingObserved at 9:33 PM
Also available at
- CIA MedicalCheck price at CIA Medical
- Performance HealthCheck price at Performance Health
- Rehab StoreCheck price at Rehab Store
Specs compared
| Spec | Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Stirrup Ankle Brace | Sports Ankle Support |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ankle, Foot, Leg | — |
| Color | Gray | — |
| Use | Sprain | — |
| Included | The package contains 1 piece. | — |
| Intended Use | Support | — |
| Body Part | Ankle | — |
| Targeted Body Part | Ankle | — |
| Latex Free | Yes | — |
| Material | microfiber, nylon, spandex | — |
| Material Type | Synthetic | — |
| Closure Type | Velcro |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a sprained ankle?
- The MalleoLoc. Its thermoplastic shell and figure-8 straps are built to stop the ankle rolling outward, which a compression sleeve does not do.
- Which is better for shin splints?
- The Sports Ankle Support. Bauerfeind lists medial tibial stress syndrome among its indications, and its graded 8–30 mmHg compression targets that use.
- Can I wear either during basketball or volleyball?
- Yes. Both are slim enough for athletic shoes, and the MalleoLoc is designed for basketball and volleyball while keeping full plantar and dorsiflexion.
- Is the MalleoLoc worth about $36 more?
- If you have an actual sprain or ankle instability, yes. For prevention or mild discomfort, the Sports Ankle Support covers it for less.
- Which is easier to wash?
- The Sports Ankle Support. Its AirKnit fabric is moisture-wicking and machine-friendly in most cases, while the MalleoLoc is hand wash only.
- How do I size each one?
- The MalleoLoc comes in numeric sizes 1 and 2. The Sports Ankle Support is sized by ankle circumference, from 17–19 cm in XS to 27–29 cm in XXL.