Knee braces are an important piece of protective gear for many athletes and active individuals. Two popular knee brace models from Shock Doctor are the 872 and 875.
While both offer stability and support, there are some key differences between the two. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of the Shock Doctor 872 and 875 knee braces.
Brief Comparison Table
| Aspect | 872 | 875 |
| Type | Hinged knee brace | Sleeve with bilateral hinges and adjustable straps |
| Main Materials | Neoprene, latex-free Lycra | N-Tex air flow neoprene, bilateral hinges, Lycra power mesh |
| Sizing | XS-XL | XS-XL |
| Primary Use | ACL/PCL, MCL/LCL, patella stability | ACL/PCL, MCL/LCL, patella stabilization, minor knee instabilities |
| Adjustability | Velcro straps | Velcro straps and dial hinges |
| Weight | Lightweight | Ultra lightweight |
| Breathability | Ventilated neoprene | Air flow neoprene and power mesh |
| Compression | Medium compression | Medium-high compression |
| Coverage Area | Patella, sides, back of knee | Full knee coverage with opening behind knee |
| Other Features | Bilateral support, tempered aluminum stays | Bilateral dial hinges, anatomical design, gripTech binding |
Overview of Shock Doctor 872
The Shock Doctor 872 knee brace is designed to provide stability and support for the ACL/PCL, MCL/LCL, patella, and other common knee injuries. Here are some key features:
- Hinged design – It has tempered aluminum hinges that follow the natural bending motion of the knee. This provides medial and lateral support.
- Neoprene construction – The 872 brace is made of lightweight neoprene material that is ventilated for breathability. It has a four-way stretch material around the back of the knee.
- Adjustable straps – The 872 has upper and lower velcro straps that can be adjusted for a custom and secure fit.
- Patella support – The brace provides compression around the patella to help stabilize and protect it.
- Stays – There are bilateral tempered aluminum support stays that reinforce the hinges and improve stability.
- Sizing – Available in XS-XL sizing to fit a wide range of users. Measure circumference around the mid-patella area.
- Medium compression – It applies a medium level of compression to assist with swelling reduction and provide a comfortable fit.
- Lightweight – Weighs only 14 oz, making it comfortable for prolonged wear and sports.
- Latex-free – Constructed with latex-free materials.
Overview of Shock Doctor 875
The Shock Doctor 875 knee sleeve provides flexible support with stability. Here are some of its notable features:
- Adjustable bilateral hinges – The 875 has wrap-around dial hinges that you can adjust to your desired level of medial/lateral support and range of motion.
- Neoprene and mesh construction – It combines N-Tex air flow neoprene for comfort and compression with Lycra power mesh for breathability.
- Anatomical design – The 875 knee sleeve has an anatomical shape and bend that matches the natural knee movement.
- Full knee coverage – It provides complete wrap-around coverage and protection for the entire knee area with an opening at the back of the knee.
- Adjustable straps – Upper and lower Velcro straps allow you to customize the tightness and fit.
- GripTech binding – Silicone binding ensures the 875 stays put without sliding or slipping.
- Medium-high compression – Applies targeted compression around the patella, joint, and surrounding muscles for stability and swelling relief.
- Ultra lightweight – Only 7.4 oz for a barely-there feel during wear.
- Latex-free – Constructed of latex-free, non-irritating materials.
- XS-XL sizing – Fits a wide range of knee measurements. Measure around the middle of the kneecap.
Also Read: Is GenuTrain Better Than Sports Knee Supports?
Key Differences Between 872 and 875
While both provide knee support, here are 7 major differences between the Shock Doctor 872 and 875:
1. Type
The 872 and the 875 are both knee braces made by Shock Doctor, but they are different types. The 872 is a basic hinged knee brace.
This means it has hinges on the sides to allow the knee to move in a controlled way. It’s like having little doors on the sides of your knee that help control how much it can bend.
On the other hand, the 875 is a sleeve with integrated bilateral hinges. This design is like a snug sock with built-in support on both sides.
The sleeve wraps around your knee, giving it a snug feel, and the hinges are there to guide your knee’s movement, making it a good fit for different activities.
2. Coverage
Coverage refers to the area of the knee that the brace protects. The 872 focuses more on the sides and back of the knee. Imagine wearing a shield that primarily guards the sides and the back part of your knee, leaving the front more open and free.
In contrast, the 875 offers full wrap-around coverage, meaning it covers the entire knee area, front, and back, like a full armor.
This feature makes it suitable for those who might need more protection around the whole knee, especially during more strenuous activities where the knee is more vulnerable.
3. Hinges
The type of hinges in a knee brace is crucial because they determine how the knee can move. The 872 has basic tempered aluminum hinges. These are like simple door hinges, allowing the knee to bend back and forth in a controlled manner, offering stability and support.
The 875, however, comes with adjustable dial hinges. These are more advanced, like having customizable door hinges that you can adjust to decide how much you want the door (or in this case, your knee) to move.
This feature can be especially useful for people with specific knee conditions or those who are recovering from injuries and need to limit the knee’s range of motion.
4. Compression
Compression is like a gentle hug to your knee. The 872 offers medium compression, which is like a friendly, reassuring squeeze. This level of compression is suitable for everyday activities and helps in reducing minor pain and swelling.
On the other hand, the 875 provides medium-high compression, which is a firmer hug around your knee. This added pressure can be beneficial for those who experience more severe discomfort or swelling, helping to keep the knee stable and supported during movement.
5. Breathability
Breathability is all about how much air can flow through the brace, keeping your knee cool and comfortable. The 875 has a leg up in this department as it uses air flow neoprene and power mesh.
This combination is like wearing a knee brace made of a breathable fabric that lets the cool air in and the warm air out, making it comfy to wear for longer periods.
The 872, though not explicitly mentioned, might not have the same level of breathability as the 875, which might make it less comfortable for extended wear or during intense activities where you might sweat more.
6. Weight
The weight of a knee brace is like how heavy your backpack is. The lighter it is, the easier it is to move around. The 875 is pretty lightweight, weighing only 7.4 oz. This means it’s less bulky and can be more comfortable to wear during various activities.
In comparison, the 872 is almost double the weight at 14 oz. While it is more substantial, this added weight might offer more stability and support, especially for those who might need it due to specific knee conditions or injuries.
7. Versatility
Versatility is how well the knee brace can adapt to different needs and activities. The 875 is like a Swiss Army Knife in this aspect.
Its wrap-around sleeve design and adjustable dial hinges make it adaptable to different knee instabilities, allowing users to customize it according to their needs.
The 872, being a basic hinged knee brace, might not offer the same level of adaptability. It’s more like a standard tool that gets the job done but doesn’t have the extra features that make it adaptable to different situations.
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Pros and Cons of Shock Doctor 872
Pros
- Provides good stability for ACL/PCL and MCL/LCL injuries
- Tempered aluminum hinges match knee movement
- Adjustable straps allow custom and secure fit
- Ventilated neoprene construction
- Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged wear
- Easy to slip on and off
- Can be worn under clothing
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- Not as breathable as sleeve style braces
- Some users find sizing runs small
- Less versatile than dial-hinge braces
- Can shift during high intensity activities
- Lacks anterior knee coverage
- Not suitable for minor or complex knee instabilities
Pros and Cons of Shock Doctor 875
Pros
- Wrap-around sleeve provides total knee coverage
- Integrated bilateral dial hinges are highly adjustable
- Anatomical shape and bend matches knee movement
- Air flow neoprene and power mesh for cool comfort
- Ultra lightweight and flexible
- GripTech binding prevents sliding
- Customizable compression and support
- Good for minor to moderate knee instabilities
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- More expensive than basic knee braces
- Sizing can run small
- Limited color options
- Straps may need occasional re-adjusting
- Not ideal for major knee injuries requiring rigid support
- Opening at back of knee may not provide enough coverage for some
- Dial hinges add bulk
Also Read: Comparison Between Lotrimin Ultra For Athlete’s Foot And Jock Itch
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll want to measure the circumference of your leg around the center of your kneecap. This is the midpoint measurement that Shock Doctor uses for sizing their knee braces. Make sure to measure your leg while standing with your knee slightly bent.
First loosen all the straps. Step into the brace and pull it up your leg until the patella opening aligns with your kneecap. Sit down and position your knee in the center of the brace. Lightly tighten the top strap first, then the lower strap. Finally, adjust the dial hinges to your desired support level. Make sure it feels snug but not too tight.
Consult the sizing chart for the specific brace brand and model. Measure the circumference of your leg around the middle of your kneecap, with your knee slightly bent. This is your patella measurement that you’ll match to the brace sizes. It’s best to select the suggested size range for your measurement to allow room for compression.
Some main types are: Sleeves – Slip-on sleeves that offer light compression and warmth. Straps – Braces with velcro straps above and below the knee for adjustable support. Hinged – Braces with medial and lateral hinges that support ACL/PCL or MCL/LCL injuries. Custom – Custom made rigid braces for severe knee injuries. Knee pads – Light padding that slips over the knee for impact protection. Rehabilitative – Post-surgery braces to immobilize the knee during recovery.
Final Thoughts
For knee support during athletic activities or rehabilitation, both the Shock Doctor 872 and 875 are excellent options. The 872 hinged knee brace provides targeted medial/lateral support and stability for moderate knee injuries.
For those needing an anatomical brace with greater adjustability and full knee coverage, the 875 dial-hinge sleeve is an excellent choice. Consider your specific needs in terms of knee coverage, adjustability, and lightweight comfort when deciding between these two quality knee braces from Shock Doctor.