Best Arm Sleeves for Basketball (2021)

One of the basketball accessories that has grown in popularity in recent years is arm sleeves (along with basketball socks).

Arm sleeves, also called shooting sleeves, are used by many of the best players in the game because it allows them to get the most out of their shot.

It has been proven that compression helps muscles explode more violently, letting you get your shot off just that little bit faster, swipe at the ball more quickly, or release a pass more fluidly.

Additionally, compression gear has been shown to allow for faster recovery after injury.

But it’s not just functional, there are of course aesthetic reasons too – some of the best players in the game wear arm sleeves, and with the variety of colours on options it can look dope when matched with your uniform.

What Are Arm Sleeves for In Basketball?

Here are a few different reasons why players wear an arm sleeve in basketball games:

• To get an advantage over the competition
• For faster, more controlled movement
• To help with chronic elbow pain
• For improved stability within movements
• To aid recovery
• Protect from bruises, scratches and cuts in game
• For aesthetic reasons

Best Arm Sleeves for Basketball

We go into more details below, but here are our quickfire answers to the best arm sleeve for basketball:

Best Arm Sleeve Overall: Under Armour Hex Arm Sleeve
Best Premium Arm Sleeve: Nike Pro Elite Shooting Sleeve
Best Budget Arm Sleeve: KMMIN Arm Sleeves
Best Arm Sleeve for Kids: Nike Pro Youth Elite Sleeve

Let’s get into it…

Under Armour Shooting Sleeve – Best Sleeve Overall

This Under Armour arm sleeve comes complete with hex padding (via McDavid), giving you the best protection available.

Hex technology is lightweight, moving freely with your body for the best protection, and is the preferred choice for elite athletes around the world.

It has a moisture transport system to get rid of sweat and dry fast, and is super comfortable.

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Nike Pro Elite Shooting Sleeve – Best Premium Sleeve

With the signature style of a Nike Pro Elite series of product, you know you are going to be getting something that will last for a long time, and is going to treat you well.

Though it doesn’t have the hex padding like the UA sleeve, it has made from 80% polyester with 15% spandex to ensure it fits tight on your arm and has the elastic stretch needed for freedom of movement.

This is probably the sleeve you see most often on the circuit, and arguably the most popular basketball arm sleeve on the market.

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KMMIN Arm Sleeves – Best Budget Shooting Sleeve

If you are on a tigher budget this is absolutely the sleeve for you.

With a very affordable price, this might not be the flashiest sleeve on the market right now or the most well known brand but it absolutely gets the job done.

Even more than that there are multiple colours to choose from and they sell them in pairs to give you more value for money – and if you aren’t convinced, they come with a 100% lifetime warranty.

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Nike Pro Youth Elite Sleeve – Best Sleeve for Kids

This sleeve, while more expensive than some other products on this list, is a great shooting sleeve for kids.

For the younger player that’s still getting comfortable with the game or maybe is playing for their first team, it is a great option – same quality as the Nike adult sleeve, just sized appropriately for children.

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Bonus: Spalding Padded Shooting Sleeve

A bonus option that is worth you checking out, is the Spalding padded shooting sleeve.

Like the Under Armour option, it comes with elbow padding for extra protection, is super affordable and has consistent compression across the entire arm due to its anatomical shape.

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Arm Shooting Sleeve Sizing Guide

Image Source: Power Energy Sports

Here is an example of a potential sizing chart for you to determine what size you might need for your sleeve. As you can see it is measured for its whole length and the circumference of the bicep. In order for your sleeve to work the best possible and not become a hindrance you need to get one that fits snugly but not too tightly.

Shooting Sleeve Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has made it easier for you to find an arm sleeve to protect and support you in all of your basketball endeavours.

Whether you are looking at elbow and arm coverings for a purely functional purpose, or more of an aesthetic reason, at least one of the eleven different products here will be sure to serve your needs.

With that taken care of, why not consider a new indoor basketball, outdoor basketball, or even better, a portable basketball hoop?

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