We are reader supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Also, as an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
All sports can be tough on the body’s joints. One of the most weathered joints on a baseball player’s body is the shoulder. Through proper care and training, the shoulder can remain healthy, but some players still may feel more comfortable with some extra protection.
In this product review, we will discuss some brands of shoulder braces for those players who are concerned about the health of their shoulders over the course of a season.
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: EVS Sports SB03 Shoulder Brace
- Most Comfortable: Vital Salveo Shoulder Brace Compression Sleeve
- Most Affordable: Alpha Genial Shoulder Brace
- Best for Recovery: NatraCure Hot or Cold and Compression Shoulder Support 6032
- Best for Play/Mobility: EVS Sports SB03 Shoulder Brace
- Most Versatile: Sparthos Shoulder Brace
There are many different products when it comes to shoulder braces that offer similar but very different experiences. Some of them provide support and stabilization for a shoulder joint that has recently experienced some trauma.
Others offer compression to regulate blood flow and treat inflammation. Some provide both. It is important for players to know what they are looking to accomplish when purchasing a shoulder brace.
For example, anyone coming off an injury should probably consider the EVS Sports SBO3 Shoulder Brace or the Vital Salveo Shoulder Brace Compression Sleeve.
Any player looking to use the brace to aid in recovery should set their eyes on the Alpha Genial Shoulder Brace, the Sparthos Shoulder Brace, or the NatraCure Hot or Cold and Compression Shoulder Support 6032.
As stated previously, the Sparthos Shoulder Brace is the most versatile as it is designed to offer support for the joint while also allowing for hot and cold compression.
Now let’s dive into these products in more detail.
Who Should Get This?
A shoulder brace is not for everyone. This is not a piece of equipment that players like to wear just because it makes them feel safer. Most of the time, they are prescribed by a doctor or athletic trainer after an injury.
Any player coming off of an injury such as a rotator cuff tear/strain, a dislocation, or a separation should consider wearing a shoulder brace for a period of time after returning to play.
Also, shoulder braces can be valuable to anyone who may not have had a serious injury but may experience frequent discomfort in the shoulder joint. People who fall into this category may opt to wear the brace during workouts that add stress to the shoulder.
Since shoulder braces are a lot bulkier than ankle, knee, and wrist braces, it is only recommended to wear one if prescribed to do so by a sports doctor or another certified medical professional. If told to do so, take a look at these five products:
Best Shoulder Braces: 5 Picks
1. EVS Sports SB03 Shoulder Brace
This is a high-quality product great for anyone recovering from a serious or recurring shoulder injury.
What we like:
- It fits tight to the body and is not as bulky as some other brands.
- It is made of mesh material making it more breathable. Also, the areas around the chest, armpit, and back are open to allow for more ventilation.
- The X-Strap fits over the shoulder to help keep it in place.
- This shoulder brace is built to endure over multiple seasons.
- It comes in youth sizes all the way up to 2XL
What we don’t like:
- The price is higher than some other brands.
- The X-Strap is an added strap that can be a little more difficult to attach.
2. Vital Salveo Shoulder Brace Compression Sleeve
This shoulder brace made of innovative fiber offers both support and compression.
What we like:
- The sleeve portion is the least bulky of all the brands we reviewed. It fits mostly like an arm sleeve.
- It is versatile offering some support for previously injured shoulders and some compression to help with inflammation.
- It is pretty easy to slide on and off.
- It can be worn underneath and on the outside of a shirt.
What we don’t like:
- It is not as tight-fitting as some other brands.
- Some product reviews have complained about the comfort and how wearing this brace can lead to chafing of the armpit.
3. Alpha Genial Shoulder Brace
This affordable shoulder brace is designed for compression and rotator cuff relief.
What we like:
- The price is low.
- It is small and not very bulky.
- There are minimal straps making it convenient to take on and off.
- It has a Pressure Pad that can be used for hot or cold compression therapy. This is great for recovery after a game or workout.
What we don’t like:
- It doesn’t fit as snug on the shoulder as most other brands offering less support.
- The shoulder pad does not stay in the right place all the time.
4. Sparthos Shoulder Brace
This brace made of neoprene is slender and affordable.
What we like:
- The price is low.
- The chest, back, and armpit areas are open for more ventilation.
- It has a pocket on the top that can be used for ice to help with recovery.
What we don’t like:
- Some reviews complain that the size chart is off and that the bicep strap does not fit around the biceps.
- It can be difficult to adjust on your own.
- The strap around the chest tends to ride up into the other armpit.
5. NatraCure Hot or Cold and Compression Shoulder Support 6032
This shoulder brace is designed for recovery and compression.
What we like:
- It can be used for both hot, cold, and compression therapies in recovery.
- There are only two straps making it easy to put on by yourself.
- It comes with a compression pump to compress the shoulder to your liking.
- It comes with a hot and cold gel pack.
What we don’t like:
- It is the bulkiest of all the brands we have reviewed.
- It is not designed for mobility, so players should not play or work out in it.
Final Word
Shoulder braces are not for everyone. If you have never had shoulder problems, it is probably best to avoid wearing them because it is unlikely that they will prevent shoulder issues. Instead, their purpose is to make existing issues more tolerable.
With that being said, anyone who has experienced torn or damaged ligaments in the shoulder, dislocation, or separation should consider these five products in order to alleviate the pain and offer stability for the joint.
See Also:
4 Best Knee Pads for Baseball
Are Baseball Contracts Fully Guaranteed?
EvoShield Batting Helmet Review: The XVT for Head Safety
ATEC M3 Baseball Pitching Machine Review
