Last updated on October 24th, 2021 at 01:30 pm
For runners, it’s devastating to be sidelined by chronic lower back pain or injury. And, lower back pain is one of the most common running-related ailments, especially for those of us jogging hard paths. The good news is, you may be able to get back to the trail by sporting a back brace, a tool which can even help prevent another incident. However, it is essential that you, before choosing the best back brace for running, consult your doctor or physical therapist about getting back into your workout routine.
What Makes A Great Back Brace for Running?
After speaking to your physician, there are a few things to consider when choosing a brace. It is essential to consider the following points as these will help you to determine the perfect back brace that meets your needs.
- Stays in Place: One of the most important features to consider is the movement associated with different activities. And some braces are superior in this department. However, sacroiliac hip belts will inherently ride up based on where they land on the hips. Choosing the correct sizing is also important to achieving a snug fit.
- Balance of flexibility and stability: While back braces need to be structured, ones used for running should offer a good level of flexibility for bending, moving and breathing.
- Breathable: Especially for runners, breathable materials are a must. Not only will this help wick moisture and keep you cool, but most braces are not machine washable. So, if you’re working up a sweat, a breathable brace will help extend the time between hand washings.
- Support Type: Depending on where your back pain originates (posture, hip and joints, or low back), there are options for different ailments.
Our Favorite Back Braces for Runners Are...
We know that finding the right running brace can be the difference between kicking butt on the trail and painful frustration. So, to get you back out there on the track, we’ve put them to the test. We found the following back braces deserved special attention.
Our favorite for lower back pain: Venom Lumbar Back Brace
Best brace for stability performance: BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace
Our favorite for posture: ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
Best for sacroiliac joint pain: PlayActive Sacroiliac SI Joint Hip Belt
We go over each of our favorites below in more detail to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Comparison Table of Back Braces for Runners
Below we’ve collected all of our contenders into the following table for easy reference.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Venom Lumbar Back Brace | $ |
 
|
BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace | $ |
 
|
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector | $ |
 
|
PlayActive Sacroiliac SI Joint Hip Belt | $ |
 
|
Sparthos Back Brace | $ |
 
|
ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace | $$ |
As you can see from above, many of the best braces for running and jogging share similar designs that hug your lower back. However, we found several to be more functional for specific ailments. Below we’ll review each of these to help you find the brace that stands up to your support needs.
1. Venom Lumbar Back Brace
First, the Venom Lumbar Brace is our favorite for pain radiating from in lower back. This brace offers an incredible, heavy duty, and durable design, but feels supportive, secure and comfortable when worn. Runners find it ideal for where intense support is needed.
Secure Fit
During mile splits, one of the most common problems is a brace that slips down or shimmies up your torso. Not only is this annoying and uncomfortable, but the support you need is eliminated as the brace shifts.
However, the strap design of this brace is ideal for a custom fit that molds to your contours, thus providing a secure support. The Venom brace features double straps for added security as well as a fully adjustable velcro closure.
With this brace, runners are supported both in the abdomen and the waist, so it reduces its ability to twist and ride up. What’s more, the Venom Lumbar Brace comes in a wide range of sizes, so you can always get the best fit for your body shape.
Improves Posture
If you have lower back pain or are recovering from injury, there is a risk that your posture will exacerbate the problem. Additionally, posture can be further affected by a hurt back. Fret not, we found the Venom Lumbar Brace greatly improves posture during and after therapy and exercise.
Thanks to an ergonomic design that hugs the body, the Venom back brace supports the spine and surrounding ligaments and muscles while remaining comfortable and not restrictive.
Flexible and Comfortable
Another excellent attribute that landed this brace on our list is its outstanding flexibility. While it does offer superior comfort, it does not restrict your movement. And, where this level of support usually feels unnatural during activity, the Venom brace performs well during inclines and turns.
No matter how you move, the support does not fail for runners while it grants superior freedom. That being said, there have been consumer reports that this flexibility does allow its support to give a little when you engage in slightly more vigorous workouts or after a lot of bending.
Venom Lumbar Back Brace Pros and Cons
Venom Lumbar Brace PROS
- Great Fit
- Flexible support
- Promotes Natural Posture
Venom Lumbar Brace CONS
- Sizes run small
- Feels a little bulky
Who is The Venom Lumbar Back Brace Perfect For?
Those of us who are prone to lower back pain will love the Venom Brace for its incredible balance of support and comfort. If the Venom Lumbar Brace seems like a great fit to keep you on the trail and track, check out more information, including sizing and styles here: Vemon Lumbar Back Brace
2. BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace
Our favorite for stability is the BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace. Upon first use, you will notice how its incredibly adjustable design will cater to every runners unique needs.
Stabilization is an ideal answer for many sports related back pains. Whether you suffer from sore back muscles or you’re recovering from a herniated disc, this brace can help realign and stabilize the spine while aiding the abdominal muscles during your run.
Excellent Support
Firstly, the BraceUp back brace has been designed for maximum support. In fact, the brace features a series of eight support stays which remain secure as you move.
The support is firm but does not put too much pressure on the back to exacerbate any remaining pain.
Furthermore, the wrap’s design offers a great degree of flexibility, so runners won’t feel restricted or compressed. In fact, if you are looking for something that will allow for full range of movement, this is one of the best choices.
Great For Various Conditions
With the repeated shock from running, your body can experience many different lower back injuries and ailments. However, a lot of back braces are designed with a specific purpose in mind. The great thing about the BraceUp brace is that it will work for many different conditions.
Got pain just above your rump in your lowest lower back? You could be experiencing SI Joint Pain or even Sciatica pain. Regardless of your ailment, this brace helps keep things in place to continue their healing process and avoid further damage.
We found it especially helpful for those of us that forget to work out our core during the week. While our core muscles do much to hold our running posture, a lack of strength here results in a weak back and a vulnerable spine.
Finally, the dual adjustment system is ideal for altering the brace according to your personal problems. Whether you have issues with sciatica, scoliosis, or are prone to injuries from much heavy lifting, this brace will serve you well. In addition, now matter how you secure it, this waist belt is one of the best at staying in place as you move.
Breathable Materials
When you are running, sweating is inevitable, but overheating doesn’t need to be. Braces with heavy construction cause a build up of moisture that leads to discomfort and distraction. However, the BraceUp Stabilizing Brace is made with a mesh panel that allows for better air circulation and comfortable materials that wick moisture away.
Furthermore, you will notice that these materials are exceptionally lightweight for all that it offers.
Additionally, its materials are easy to clean after post workout, but we found that it still doesn’t get it super stinky if you wait 2-3 runs to clean. However, if you want to wear your brace during everyday activities for added support, and you will, you may want to pick up an extra one.
Pros and Cons of the BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace
BraceUp Stabilizing Brace PROS
- Lightweight
- Suitable for various back problems
- Secure Fit
- Breathable construction
BraceUp Stabilizing Brace CONS
Large size may not be suitable for smaller frames
Interior anti-slip, silicone straps may irritate the skin
Who Will Love The BraceUp Stabilizing Brace?
Runners that want a great range of motion, who need minimal yet secure support, the BraceUp Back Brace would be a perfect option. It will also suit people who are trying to address more than one issue. View more information, including sizing and current pricing, here: BraceUp Stabilizing Back Brace
3. ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
Next up is our go-to brace for posture, the ComfyBrace Posture Corrector is a great option if you feel your body slumping mid race. Because back problems can stem poor posture, addressing them early can lead to a huge reduction in time off your feet.
For those of us with office jobs during the day, poor posture at the desk can affect your running posture. And towards the end of your run, when you begin to tire and sag, the ComfyBrace will save the day for your upper back.
Durable Construction
While many back braces will not stand up to heavy duty use, we found ComfyBrace to handle day-to-day use and hold up to many miles of abuse. While other posture braces might twist or rip with repeated arm stretching or manuevering, this brace stays put and holds strong.
Owing to its neoprene construction and excellent stitching you can feel confident that this brace won’t begin falling apart from the first use.
Comfortable
Comfort is obviously key when adding any gear to your regimen. Not only does the Postre Corrector feature breathable materials to prevent sweat build up, its comfortable over or under your running short or sports bra.
However, it has to be noted that those with sensitive skin may want to apply an anti-chaffing balm to their underarms where your arms swing against the brace during motion.
Additionally, the material feels super soft on the skin and will not cause irritation on low abrasion areas. This is a common problem with back braces that has been perfectly addressed here. The brace is also designed to fit a wide range of chest sizes so you will be able to achieve a snug and comfortable fit.
Corrects Posture
While many braces are worn around the middle or bottom of the back, this one is designed to be worn around the chest and shoulder to keep your upper back in alignment. In doing so, posture issues are efficiently corrected during activity. Since these issues are often the catalyst of upper, middle and lower back pain, you will be well on your way to a pain-free exercise routine while wearing a ComfyBrace.
Finally, depending on how tightly you adjust the brace, you will notice serious support around the shoulder that helps keep your traps extended and supported. Many runners note that, around the shoulders, when tightened enough, this brace offers intense and firm support the keeps shoulders squared.
This orthopedic design offers a lasting affect on your posture, training your body to feel this muscle memory of better alignment.
So, you can feel confident that this isn’t simply a glorified set of straps but rather something that will have a lasting healthy effect on your lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of the ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector PROS
Posture improving
Breathable and lightweight
Adjustable fit
Comfortable
Feels great when you start to sag late in the race.
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector CONS
Some people notice that the brace chafes their underarms
Straps could be wider
- Somewhat difficult to remove
Who Will Love The ComfyBrace Posture Corrector?
For those of us that crave the freedom of a run after our passive office jobs, the ComfyBrace fortifies our posture for a strength that you can feel mile after mile. This back brace could be the perfect solution for runners with mild to moderate pain that results from poor posture. View more information, sizing and current pricing, here: ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
4. PlayActive Sacroiliac SI Joint Hip Belt
Next is our favorite for runners suffering from Sacroiliac Joint Pain. The PlayActive SI Joint Hip Belt is the ideal solution for those of us hobbling along the track from pain in our lowest part of the back where spine meets pelvis.
This hip belt is ideal for an active lifestyle as it is extremely lightweight and very effective in aiding the muscles surrounding the joint as well as the joint itself from moving out of rhythm.
Supports The Lower Spine
Some of the most common ailments runners may experience are from conditions lower down the spine and yet a lot of braces do not specifically target this area. Most, likely because it is difficult to make a product that stays put with the constant jostling of the hips.
The PlayActive belt is designed to adequately support the lower spine, the hip area, and most importantly the SI Joint within the sacral area.
This stabilization also makes it a great option for those with sciatica pain. Runners have found that this added support and compression greatly reduces hip and back pain caused by an uneven stride.
Stays In Place
Looking at the design of the PlayActive Sacroiliac SI Joint Hip Belt, you could be forgiven for thinking that it would very easily slip around. However, this is indeed a surprisingly stable and secure brace that reduces slippage with its anti-slip design.
Given its targeted location, it’s impossible to wear this while in the buff, unless of course you run nude on your personal treadmill or a nude beach. However, the PlayActive Hip Belt offers a surprisingly snug fit over jogging shorts or pants.
Additionally, this belt is particularly useful for longer periods of time. Keeping this on around the house or as your run errands is perfectly viable with its effortless comfort.
Highly Adjustable
As with most braces, adjustability is the key to a comfortable and useful fit. Here, the PlayActive belt offers a fully adjustable system that allows you to keep it fitting snug and comfortable. This works through the use of two elasticated straps that are incredibly easy to use; no fiddling to try and get the belt secure.
Moreover, the hip belt features a hook and loop closure which is not only very easy and quick to fasten, but comes with tabs for easy undoing.
PlayActive SI Joint Hip Belt Pros and Cons
PlayActive SI Joint Hip Belt PROS
Secure fit
Lightweight and minimal
Works well for lower back and hip pain
PlayActive SI Joint Hip Belt CONS
- One size might not fit everyone
- Some may find the fit too tight
- Some found issues with velcro weakening over time
Who Would The PlayActive SI Joint Hip Belt be Perfect For?
For runners suffering pain in their hips or sacrum area, from an uneven gait or an injury, the PlayActive SI Joint Hip Band would be the perfect running tool. View more information, sizing, and current pricing here: PlayActive SI Joint Hip Band
5. Sparthos Back Brace
Another amazing option to fortify a runner’s posture and strength is the Sparthos Back Brace. We love this option for its breathable mesh design in warm weather, its firm support, and its versatility for multiple ailments.
Runners love the structure support, the lumbar pad during stretching, and that it resists rolling up from the bottom.
Comfortable
We’ve noted that back braces for running, above anything else, need to fit seamlessly into your routine without being noticed and they must be comfortable. Fortunately, Sparthos has put a lot of consideration into creating an extremely comfortable brace that doesn’t get in the way of your training.
Primarily, runners appreciate this brace’s breathability. No matter how hard the workout, this breathable and lightweight fabric keeps the air circulating and doesn’t cling or build up sweat. Additionally, we found this brace is slim enough to be easily worn under your workout gear or day to day clothing for a much more discreet form of support.
Most notably for us, the Sparthos brace features a removeable lumbar pad that comfortably adds extra compression like a lower back pillow. We found all of the features of this brace to promote healthy movement and prevent further injury. Plus, almost immediate pain relief.
Firm Support
If there is anything that would let a back brace down, it would be that the support is lacking. However, the Sparthos brace offers rigid support stays to ensure solid support that doesn’t restrict movement for any activity level. We found this brace is ideally suited to people who want freedom of movement and the ability to work out in a variety of situations whether that be running, going to the gym, and more.
What’s more, runners note that this brace offers secure support that won’t slide around once you have it in position.
Comes In A Range Of Sizes
If you have tried a one size fits all brace in the past only to find that it is either too tight or too loose, then the Sparthos back brace might be the answer. It comes in a good selection of sizes from small all the way through to two XL. The smallest belt will fit those with a waist as small as 26 inches while the largest size goes up to 72 inches.
Furthermore, since each belt can be adjusted, you get an even more personal secure fit. The velcro fastening and elastic design greatly helps to keep the brace in place.
Sparthos Back Brace Pros and Cons
Sparthos Back Brace PROS
- Breathable
- Helps to relieve pain quickly
- Durable fastenings
Sparthos Back Brace CONS
- Some durability issues with stitching
- Closure could be wider
Who Would The Sparthos Back Brace be Perfect For?
We would recommend this back brace for people who may need to support for more than running. However, with its lightweight and breathable design, it is ideal for putting in many miles of pain-free runs. View more information, including sizing and current pricing, here: Sparthos Back Brace
6. ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace
Finally, we found the ComfyMed Premium Back Brace to not only provide fantastic lower back relief, but a great range of easy adjustability. Runners will love that it features two grab handles that make tightening it much simpler along the route.
Removable Lumbar Pad
You could invest in several back braces that are designed to tackle different problems, but that seems unnecessary when using the ComfyMed. Conversely, this brace is designed to provide more or less support and pain relief, as you need it. This is primarily done with an ingenious removable lumbar pad.
When attached, the added pad gives greater support to the lumbar spine. This is particularly useful for people who regularly experience muscle spasms, or for those recovering from a herniated lower disc. But, for times when the pain is less intense, you may wear the brace without this extra padding.
Easy To Adjust
Additionally, this is a great back brace for people who might find this type of product difficult to put on. The ComfyMed features a superior elasticated design that gives a superior amount of stretch. As a result, the back brace suitable for varying sizes and is easy to adorn.
Additionally, if you suffer back pain and a weak core or are just starting out as a runner, they offer a great variability in sizing. Whether you’re a size 26”-37” belly or you need a 38”-50”, this brace can accommodate.
And as previously mentioned, The two d-ring pulls allow you to get a good grip on the back brace making it much easier to adjust when needed. However, you’ll also notice how this feature also makes the brace much easier to take off.
Comfortable Design
Finally, comfort is a must with any back brace and the ComfyMed pro certainly lives up to its name. We found this brace to be made from high-quality and durable materials that stand the test of time. The brace is soft and comfortable when worn against the skin.
Moreover, you may want to sleep in this brace, and its comfort level will aid this. However, we should point out that this isn’t the most breathable back brace. We’ve found that this can be helped by wearing your brace over athletic clothing.
ComfyMed Premium Back Brace Pros and Cons
ComfyMed Premium Back Brace PROS
- Easy to put on
- Simple to adjust
- Allows for freedom of movement
- Additional lumbar support
ComfyMed Premium Back Brace CONS
- Not the best for breathability
- Waist sizes could be larger
Who Would The ComfyMed Premium Back Brace be Perfect For?
For runners that experience muscle spasms in the lower back, the removable lumbar support will be a welcome addition when needed. View more information, including current pricing and sizing, here: ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace
Before Picking Your Back Brace
We can’t stress this enough, always make an appointment to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any new pain that affects activity, especially those that are nagging in the spine are or if you experience numbness, and before running with back pain. However, if you have an ache that shows up after running, a good back brace can grant relief and prevent further injury.
Before choosing your back brace, keep the following points in mind and look for a back brace that:
- Stays in place. Back braces are often designed to be utilitarian, to be worn while resting and may not feature anti-slip designs to keep it from riding up while you exercise. For runners, look for a brace that has silicone stays for the best reliability. Additionally, choose the correct size as measured by the manufacturer to achieve a snug fit.
- Balance flexibility and stability. Runners will enjoy a good level of flexibility for bending, moving and breathing throughout the workout. Most back braces use either a system of vertical boning or compression to add stability to the back while remaining flexible. The best braces will have both incredible support and flexibility.
- Is breathable. An ideal brace will wick away moisture and keep you cool. In this way, breathability also extends the time between hand washings.
- Supports where you need it. Not all braces will help your specific back pain issue. However, choosing a brace has become increasingly simple as most brands are eager to note where their braces can help.
Regardless of which brace you choose, be sure to first wear it around the house to assess your relief or additional pain. We can’t stress enough, talk with your doctor before starting back into a workout routine after any injuries to vertebrae, discs, or nerves.
Get Up, Brace Yourself, and Go
I’ve found that there is a secret to longevity on the track and it’s multifaceted. Where we can tack years onto our lives through the vigorous cardo of running; warming up, stretching, core strengthening and lifestyle modifications have to be considered as part of the recipe for continuing your running career/hobby well into your golden years. Especially for those of us sitting at a desk, heaving weighty boxes, or leaning over patients to earn a living.
The fundamentals for success are simple, stretch everything out properly to avoid a misbalanced gait or muscle pull, lift with your legs while keeping your core activated, and practice good posture. Additionally, as I am sure it has been hammered into your brain as it has mine, practicing yoga can promote back health and balance. Adding poses like downward-facing dog, cat-cow, extended-triangle, and sphinx pose into your daily routine can greatly improve your back health and prevent injury.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a runner, we need to be tough, our bodies tend to take a beating. Regardless of the terrain, we have to listen to our body, and take special care of our feet, joints and back. And, for being one of the healthiest and most doctor recommended exercises for longevity, we sure do face an awful lot of obstacles. So, while you should always speak to your doctor before exercising with or after a back injury, employing a back brace can help alleviate pain and make running accessible again. Because, let’s face it, no one can keep us from the trails.
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Image Credit: Associazione Quelli di Erbusco | (source) | Public Domain Mark 1.0 –reduced file size