Knee Sleeves 101: Do You Actually Need Them?

What knee sleeves actually do vs. the hype

 

Knee sleeves are one of those pieces of gear that stir up opinions. Some lifters won’t squat without them. Others say they’re just for show.

So what’s the truth?

They’re not magic. They won’t fix bad technique or turn you into a PR machine overnight.

But when used right, they can boost performance, protect your knees, and keep you lifting longer.

Let’s break down when you need them, which thickness to go for, and why Mammal’s sleeves are built for serious lifters who don’t mess around.

 

Who should wear knee sleeves and when

Not everyone needs knee sleeves. But if you’re doing any of the following regularly, you’ll want them in your kit:

• 🔁 High-rep WODs with lots of squats or lunges

• 🏋️♀️ Heavy Olympic lifting or powerlifting

• 🧊 Training in cold garages or early mornings

• 💥 Coming back from knee tweaks and looking for support

Sleeves keep your knees warm, add light compression, and give a bit of rebound out of the hole (especially useful when you’re grinding through front squats or cleans).

Bottom line? If your training includes heavy squats, cleans, snatches or metcons that destroy your joints - sleeves are a smart move.

 

 

5mm vs. 7mm Knee Sleeves: What’s the difference?

Let’s keep it simple:

Thickness	Use Case	Feel	Ideal For
5mm	Versatile, flexible	More mobility	WODs, functional fitness
7mm	More support	Rigid, stable	Heavy lifting, low bar squats, max effort days

 

Choose 5mm if: you’re after all-day wear, faster transitions, or dynamic movements.

Choose 7mm if: you’re chasing big numbers, need joint warmth, and want support under heavy loads.

Mammal Strength sleeves only come in 7mm for a reason — because they’re built for lifters who go hard, not halfway.

 

How Mammal’s sleeves are designed for serious lifters

Our 7mm neoprene sleeves are the real deal:

• Durable stitching that won’t split mid-set

• Snug, contour-fit design that doesn’t slide or bunch up

• Compression that supports but doesn’t suffocate

• Approved by everyday athletes and elite lifters alike

 

We don’t do gimmicks. No flashiness. Just sleeves that get the job done - rep after rep, squat after squat.

 

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Sizing tips to avoid returns (and get the perfect fit)

 

Here’s how to get it right the first time:

1. Measure around the knee joint (in a standing position)

2. Use our updated size chart [insert internal link here]

3. If you’re between sizes, size down for more compression, up for comfort

 

Pro tip: New sleeves will feel snug at first — they break in slightly after 2–3 sessions.