The Steph Curry ankle brace of choice is the Zamst A-DX. Steph Curry’s use of the Zamst A2-D2 has been well documented since he started to wear it in the 2012/2013 NBA season to protect his injury prone ankles.
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1. i-Fit and a-Fit technology
The Steph Curry ankle brace is made with i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an anatomically (right & left) correct fit. Open panel design with adjustable fasteners provides individualized fit, enhanced comfort and variable compression levels. The brace gives you the ability to either tighten or loosen the straps and compression for the ideal pain relief and support.
Why Fans Love Steph Curry
2. Exo-Grid (Xternal)
The Exo-Grid (Xternal) is a dual exterior molded support structure with Grip Tech (anti-migration), that prevents the ankle from rolling inward (Inversion) and outward (Eversion). The Exo-Grid (Xternal), along with the anchor strap, assists in preventing high ankle sprains by reducing the separation of the two lower leg bones where the ankle meets. Dual molded exterior support structures provide enhanced, anatomically correct medial and lateral (eversion/inversion) stability. These lateral and medial structures are similar to plastic stays, but even more structural and supportive. They provide the optimal stability, alignment, and support for your ankle movements.
3. The X- Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech
Provides 3-way anterior, lateral and medial support. The X- Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech located underneath prevents the foot from shifting forward. Stephen Curry, Pro Basketball, All Star Point Guard, wears the A2-DX in practice and games. Similar to the figure-8 strap system, these straps provide support and structure for the anterior, lateral, and medial part of the ankle.
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“I’ve used a lot of different braces to help reinforce my right ankle, but since my surgery I have only been wearing the Zamst A2-DX, it has provided the support I need to keep me on the court” Curry said. “The ZAMST A2-DX is the only product that has given me the full confidence to play without the fear of re-injuring my ankle.”
– Steph Curry (Quoted from Article on Sportstechie.com)
Demonstration of the Steph Curry Ankle Brace (Zamst A2 Dx)
Why The Zamst A2 DX is Right for Steph Curry
Steph Curry set out to solve his ankle issues and began using the Zamst A2 DX ankle brace, (he has used on both ankles). The Steph Curry ankle brace is designed for a precise fit and prevents the ankle from rolling and his foot from sliding forward. With Curry’s unique brand of basketball, his numerous sharp cuts throughout a given game proved taxing and the use of the anatomically precise brace has shifted the pressure from the ankle to the brace’s resistance technology
Design and Usage
Zamst refers to the dual-molded exterior as “Exo-Grid.” What this means is that it uses both solid and malleable material in construction.
There are three layers to the construction.
- On the bottom, you’ve got a sock like sleeve that slips over your ankle. This portion only provides a low level of support, and is used primarily for comfort.
- Above, you’ll find the elastic wrap. This acts like tape, distributing unwanted pressure across a large surface area.
- The third layer is the plastic portion of the brace. This is the component that separates a sports brace from a simple ergonomic model. Unlike the fabric portion, this plastic brace is extremely rigid and taut. It does have some flexibility for comfort purposes, but it can still take a great deal of force.
When you make that awkward step or come down on someone’s foot after a rebound or jumper and twist your ankle, this brace will take the weight off the joint and hopefully prevent injury.
Reviews indicate the The Steph Curry ankle brace takes a couple minutes to put on before a game and requires only a few views of the instructional video provided by Zamst. It’s shape is awkward and can make fitting it into a gym bag or a suitcase a little challenging. It doesn’t fold up and the primary strap can get bent or twisted. Hand washing is suggested over machine washing which is pretty normal for any brace with more intricate plastic or velcro components.
Comfort
Ankle braces normally force you to choose between one of two options. Soft models, which are the more comfortable, and the least restrictive. Of course, this can come at the expense of support.
Then you have the hard-plastic models. Your ankle may be restricted to a lower range of motion. Their rigidness may be welcome as you are less likely to hurt yourself, but they may be more restrictive than you would like.
The Steph Curry ankle brace A2-DX gives you the best of both worlds. Reviews report you really don’t feel the plastic brace. You may notice the supportive nature of the fabric banding, but the plastic brace is almost loose.
Reviews report they can run full court for hours and experience no pain, discomfort, or hot spots. Also that the weight isn’t very noticeable and the plastic pieces never dig in. Of course, everyone’s feet and ankles are different. The fabric banding is very supportive, yet the plastic brace is almost loose.
The stainless-steel joint allows it to move with the natural range of motion of your foot. When you start to move your ankle in an unnatural way, the plastic part of of the brace applies force. Your ankle is being gripped, providing support at just the right time.
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Support
The design of the A2-DX is quite unique. It tries to mimic the ergonomics of your own natural joints. Your ankle feels as if it can move freely. When you cross a certain threshold you begin to feel pressure, and this brace operates the same way.
There is one small downside to something that tries to closely replicate an ergonomic process. Everyone is different. No two ankles behave the same way. Zamst made this brace very adaptable to accommodate that fact.
There are three different sizes available. It is also adjustable within a certain range. You can change the tightness of the bands, providing additional support anywhere you feel you need it.
The brace also has “anti-migration” features to keep everything in place while you jump, run and cut during a basketball game. The same Grip Tech material is used on the bottom of the foot for slip-protection. In addition, the anchor strap at the top of the brace helps reduce the chances of a noon ball ending high ankle sprain where the ankle and leg meet. If not career ending it can sideline a player for weeks.
It is largely used for moderate and even severe ankle sprains. The Steph Curry ankle brace (A2 DX) has unique technology that enables it to automatically adjust to fit either the right or left foot. Additionally, it is furnished with Grip-Tech that prevents the ankle from rolling inwards and outwards. It is a highly trusted brand and used by many professional basketball athletes including Steph Curry.
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Performance
The Zamst AX-DX is a more expensive brace, but the price paid to ensure comfort and security may be well worth the benefit of not injuring your ankle again. The Steph Curry ankle brace was made to protect against a high ankle injury. If that is not the nature of your injury then you are definitely better off with a different brace (Zamst has plenty of different options!).
The brace features two straps at the back, one at the heel and one around the ankle bone to pull your foot into place. It also features the two straps that cross over each other to provide some support and lockdown over the bridge of the foot. Then, there is the primary strap that pulls the plastic support features together for the main functionality of the design.
Reviews indicate the brace performs the way it was intended, and most basketball shoes have more than made up for its lack of tightness and lockdown through the lower ankle and arch.
Customer Support and Warranty
The Zamst website itself is very helpful and user-friendly. The company clearly wants to help its consumers feel pain relief with the most supportive products.
Regarding returns, you can send your product back within 30 days, but need to also fill out a form. Please refer to the Zamst website for more detail.
Consumer Ratings
Amazon shows 4.2 out 5 stars for the Zamst A2 DX Steph Curry ankle brace. We thought this review was particularly detailed and loved that they came back their final opinion after some time had passed:
“I’ve purchased 5 different ankle braces and will post this same review for each one.
I was looking for ankle brace the would give the most lateral support. I’ve injured both my ankles while playing ultimate Frisbee. I love the game and will continue playing no matter what.
Wearing support is now a must for me otherwise I easily roll my ankle on a sharp turn or at a stop during the game. So again, my intent is to use ankle support for already injured ankle while playing active sports. Brace that only helps to “prevent” injury is useless, I’m already injured.
Here is my list.
1. Best support and price
#1 Laced Ankle Brace With Stabilizing Strap For Flexible Support. Breathable Neoprene Braces Made By Product Stop. (Large)
Plastic on both sides makes all the difference. I can tighten it with the straps as tight as I want. Foot stays flexible. I’ve played Frisbee at full strength and didn’t have any pain from my injured right ankle.
2. Best support as well, but expensive Zamst A2-DX Left Ankle Brace, Black, Large
When I read in one of negative reviews for this product that it is too complicated to put on, that was a selling point for me. Brace that is easy to put on cannot give good support. A good brace would mold into your foot, it shouldn’t be easy to put it on.
So I got it, played at full speed and it was most of the time very safe.
The only thing I didn’t like is that material of the boot and the straps can stretch, that’s what makes it quite flexible. But that also means there is no hard stop there, it may let the ankle roll in some really extreme twist. I guess they could improve design by adding non-stretching strap on top of the stretching one. But that may make everything bulky.
3. These 3 braces have the same design, good basic support, but not good for ultimate game
ASO Ankle Stabilizer, Black, X-Large
Best price, design and durability
McDavid 195 Deluxe Ankle Brace with Strap (Black, Large)
More expensive than ASO, nicer look, good durability, but I don’t like design of the straps (crossing straps should start from the back of the foot)
Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Lace Ankle Support (Black, Large,9-9.5)
Price is OK, but not very durable. 7-10 games destroyed it quickly.
UPDATE 10/18/2017
After 1 year of extensive use I’d rank Zamst A2-DX as #1 for its’ outstanding durability.
#1 Laced Ankle Brace With Stabilizing Strap For Flexible Support. Breathable Neoprene Braces Made By Product Stop. (Large) teared apart after 2-3 month of active use (3-4 games a week). Zamst, however, is still in a very good condition.”
Sizing Chart
The sizing is based on the size shoe you wear. You may consider that the size of the brace is directly related to the size of the plastic support features. Try and go true to size to realize the full benefits. The Steph Curry Ankle Brace (Zamst A2 DX) is left/right specific so be aware of that when purchasing. It will fit in high and low basketball shoes. There are some reviews and reports noting that the plastic components could tear apart your ankle collar on a low top and some high tops are tougher to fit over the brace.
Sizes: Available in small to x-large (measurements with the suggested size are provided when choosing a size)
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About Zamst
Zamst, a protective equipment manufacturer, has been in the brace business since 1992. The company knows how to engineer brace and support products that are light and subtle enough to not interfere with performance. Each is built with high performance materials, superior construction and an anatomically oriented design. The Steph Curry ankle brace is the result of a time consuming development process. The Zamst team consulted with medical professionals, Physical Therapists, Orthopedic Surgeons and athletes to build the Steph Curry ankle brace.
According to the Zamst website they were created in 1992 by Nippon Sigmax Corporation, a leader in the Japanese orthopedics market, Zamst leverages its strong medical expertise to build products that maximize anatomical functionality and performance. We work closely with physicians, athletic trainers and professional athletes to focus on the needs of individual athletes and the unique physical demands of their sport.
Created in 1992 by Nippon Sigmax Corporation, a leader in the Japanese orthopedics market, Zamst leverages its strong medical expertise to build products that maximize anatomical functionality and performance. We work closely with physicians, athletic trainers and professional athletes to focus on the needs of individual athletes and the unique physical demands of their sport.
Trusted for over 25 years by elite athletes, Zamst continuously evolves to become the most authentic sports medicine and wellness brand in the industry.
For reviews of other basketball ankle braces check out this article.
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Troy Wright
I am a lifetime basketball enthusiast and loved playing basketball competitively through high school. I still try and play at least 3 times a week and explore all kinds of equipment and training to keep myself on the court and continually getting better. I am a college basketball fanatic and move onto the NBA when March Madness ends.
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