Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury, but the TayCo AthleticX Brace offers a revolutionary solution. We put this over-the-shoe ankle brace to the test against a popular competitor to see if its premium price is worth the superior support, comfort, and performance it promises for athletes and active individuals.
Why Ankle Support Matters
If you’ve ever felt the sharp twist of a rolled ankle mid-game, you know how fast momentum can vanish. According to IU Health, “Ankle ligament sprains specifically account for 15% of all reported injuries,” with lateral sprains making up over 75% of acute cases. Whether you’re sprinting downfield or navigating rocky trails, ankle stability is non-negotiable.
Traditional braces either cram inside your shoe or feel like mini torture devices. The Tayco AthleticX Brace flips the script with an over-the-shoe design that promises rigid support without sacrificing mobility. But does it deliver?
From Frustration to Functionality
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started prioritizing ankle support more seriously—not because of past injuries, but to stay ahead of them. Lacrosse takes a toll on your body, and I wanted something that could keep up. The ARYSE IFAST Ankle Brace caught my eye with its clean design and solid price point. But once I put it to the test, things didn’t go quite as expected:
- The plastic rubbed my heel raw
- It shredded the backs of my cleats/shoes
- Post-workout removal was a sweaty struggle
- The inner sleeve deteriorated after just a few months
Ironically, I was recovering from brace-induced irritation—not an actual injury. That’s when I found the TayCo AthleticX Brace.
AthleticX Brace: The Over-the-Shoe Difference
The TayCo AthleticX Brace isn’t your average ankle support. Its genius lies in its simplicity and innovative design. Unlike traditional braces that must be squeezed inside a shoe, the TayCo brace slips on over your athletic shoe or cleat.
This revolutionary approach eliminates a host of common problems, from discomfort to damaged footwear. It’s engineered for athletes who demand both protection and peak performance.
Features & Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | What It Is | How It Helps You |
| Over-the-Shoe Design | Fits directly over your athletic shoe. | Saves time & prevents friction. No more removing footwear to put on your brace. It also eliminates skin irritation and damage to your shoes. |
| Dynamic Joint System | Maintains flexibility for dorsi/plantar flexion movements. | Preserves athletic mobility. Allows for unrestricted running and walking, making it ideal for high-intensity sports. |
| Enhanced Support | Provides 2.4x better lateral support than previous models. | Superior sprain protection. The rigid shell and Kevlar-reinforced strap prevent inversion and eversion movements, the primary causes of ankle sprains. |
| Lightweight Build | 51% lighter than earlier versions. | Feels less noticeable. Won’t weigh you down during a game, allowing you to focus on your performance, not your brace. |
| Neoprene Padding | Quarter-inch thick padding on the inside. | Maximum comfort. Cushions your ankle against the rigid plastic, preventing the rubbing and chafing I experienced with other braces. |
TayCo AthleticX vs. The ARYSE IFAST
| Category | TayCo AthleticX Brace | ARYSE IFAST Ankle Brace |
| Price | $$$ (Approx. $180) | $$ (Approx. $90) |
| Support | High-rise, rigid support. Much broader and more secure lateral protection. | Low-profile, moderate support. Limited lateral coverage, relies more on a snug fit inside the shoe. |
| Comfort | Superior. The over-the-shoe design and neoprene padding prevent any rubbing or discomfort. | Poor. Caused heel irritation and shoe damage due to the plastic rubbing against the skin. |
| Ease of Use | Excellent. Fast on-and-off with only three straps. Can be removed in under 30 seconds. | Fair. Hard to put on and take off, especially after a workout. |
| Durability | Poor: Strap is about to break with a few months of use (pictured below). | Poor. Inner sleeve began to fall apart after only a few months of use (pictured above). |
My Only Issue and Honest Opinion
The AthleticX Brace performs well overall, but the strap durability is a letdown. After just a month of moderate use—with no intense activity—the strap began to tear. For a premium-priced ankle brace, you’d expect the straps to hold up through an entire season of play, not start failing after a few weeks.
Replacement straps are available ($3.49 for the over-shoe strap or $19.95 for a full set), but needing them so soon was disappointing. I would defiantly recommend buying an extra set in advance if you do go with this option.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy It
Best For:
- Athletes in high-impact sports (lacrosse, football, soccer, basketball)
- Individuals recovering from ankle sprains or syndesmotic injuries
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing ankle stability on uneven terrain
- Rehab patients seeking an AFO alternative
Not Ideal For:
- Casual users needing light compression
- Budget-conscious buyers needing bilateral support
- Those prioritizing aesthetics over function
Final Verdict: Is it a game-changer?
The TayCo AthleticX Brace isn’t the cheapest or most aesthetically pleasing ankle brace on the market, but it is undoubtedly one of the most effective. It’s a premium piece of equipment that delivers on its promise of clinical-grade support without compromising the mobility and comfort essential for athletic performance and daily life.
The Tayco AthleticX Brace is a high-performance, over-the-shoe ankle support designed for athletes and active individuals recovering from sprains or instability. Engineered with a rigid shell, Kevlar-reinforced strap, and dynamic joint system, it delivers clinical-grade lateral protection without restricting mobility. Lightweight, durable, and compatible with cleats, running shoes, and hiking boots, the AthleticX offers fast application, personalized fit, and unmatched comfort for high-impact movement.
- Unmatched Protection: The best option for preventing sprains and re-injuries.
- Over-the-Shoe Convenience: A revolutionary design that saves time and hassle.
- Exceptional Comfort: The neoprene padding and unique fit prevent common issues like chafing.
- Maintains Mobility: Stabilizes the ankle without restricting the natural movements of sports.
- Highly Durable: A long-term investment that is built to last.
- High Price Point: The cost is a major barrier, especially for those needing a pair.
- Sold Individually: You must purchase two separate braces if you need bilateral support.
- Strap Sensitivity: Can cause discomfort if the straps are overtightened, requiring careful adjustment.
- Poor Quality Straps: Strap started to rip after a month of use.
TayCo AthleticX Coupon Code
Get $20 off your purchase when you use the code STRINGERS20 at checkout. Whether you’re upgrading your gear or grabbing something new, this deal makes it even sweeter.
Conclusion
Based on my personal experience and the data-backed performance, the TayCo AthleticX Brace is a top-tier choice for any athlete serious about injury prevention and recovery. For casual users or those on a strict budget, there are other options. But for performance and protection, this brace is an investment that will keep you on the field, active, and confident in every step.
