Note: I am not affiliated with Stoko in any way.
I have 2 bad knees (Damaged ACL, MCL, meniscus) and a bad hip (Displaysia) and I have been wearing rigid-style knee braces (Donjoy Defiant) for 20 years. I recently discovered and purchased a new style of brace and it is going to be a game changer for me.
Stōkō Designs:
The Stōkō Designs brave is a Class-1 medical brace system built into compression tights with high strength tension cables (think Boa) that are adjusted to stabilize either or both knees. It provides full support, is very svelte and compact and generally more comfortable. You can think of it as a heavy compression tight that fits like a wet suit, with 2 dials on the back that cinch the cables around your knees to align them and provide support.
I have been testing it for 3 weeks I use it for body-weight strength training, walking, XC skiing and I will try to go out snowboarding this season. It is working for me.
I’d say the main advantage for me is that it is 90% smaller and low profile compared to a rigid brace since it is basically just a pair of tights. It takes me 5 minutes to put on and I can wear it under any of my sports gear. Basically, I USE it all the time, so it’s more valuable than my other rigid braces, and it never interferes with movement.
Cost is $500.00 and it is approved as a Class-1 medical support devices so it is (probably) covered by medical insurance (you might need a new prescription). The company has a 30-day money back, no-questions guarantee. 1-year warranty. (Also available on Expert Voice if you are affiliated)
Worth a look if you have knee braces.