WearTesters WearTesters WearTesters
  • Best Basketball Shoes
  • Reviews
    • All Performance Reviews
    • Basketball Shoe Reviews
    • Running Shoe Reviews
    • Cross Training Shoe Reviews
    • Casual Shoe Reviews
    • Apparel Reviews
    • Sporting Goods Reviews
    • Tech Reviews
    • Best Basketball Gifts 2020
    • Best Fitness Gifts 2020
    • Best Gifts for Runners 2020
    • Best Gifts for Athletes 2020
    • Scoring
  • Bball Shoe Reviews
  • Brands
    • Nike
      • Nike Basketball Shoes
      • LeBron James Shoes
      • Kevin Durant Shoes
      • Kyrie Irving Shoes
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Shoes
      • Paul George Shoes
      • Nike Running Shoes
      • Nike Training Shoes
    • Jordan
    • adidas
      • Adidas Basketball Shoes
      • James Harden Shoes
      • Damian Lillard Shoes
      • Derrick Rose Shoes
      • Donovan Mitchell Shoes
    • Yeezy
    • Under Armour
      • Under Armour Basketball Shoes
      • Steph Curry Shoes
      • Joel Embiid Shoes
      • Under Armour Training Shoes
    • Puma
      • Puma Basketball
    • Reebok
    • New Balance
    • Converse
    • Brooks
    • Saucony
    • ON
    • Other Brands
  • Deals
  • Join
  • Shop
WearTesters WearTesters WearTesters

WearTesters is reader-supported. When you make purchases using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kicks On CourtPerformance ReviewsSporting Goods Reviews

Performance Review: The Ankle Roll Guard May Be the Answer to Your Ankle Problems

June 14, 2017October 8, 2019

If you have recurring ankle problems or if you’re having a hard time finding an ankle brace that you like, the Ankle Roll Guard might just be a solution for you.

Buy the Ankle Roll Guard here for $34.99

The Ankle Roll Guard is a product that can be used as an alternative to traditional ankle braces and wraps. There are several benefits that the Ankle Roll Guard offers over traditional braces and wraps — the main one being that it provides the same protection against sprains as a traditional brace while retaining ankle mobility.

This product is currently being independently tested at Boise State University and so far studies have shown that the Roll Guard provides “equivalent inversion protection to an external brace and closed basket weave (standard) ankle tape.”

We took a minute to talk to the owner and inventor of the Ankle Roll Guard, Chris Dean, to give us a little insight into how he came up with the product and what inspired him to make it a reality.

Can you tell us how this idea came about, what inspired you, and how you made an idea become reality?

I love playing and watching basketball and over the past 20 years, I’ve probably sprained each ankle over a dozen times…mostly from “rolling” it. So in 2006, I came up with the idea to prevent or limit the rolling action while watching an NBA game. I can’t remember the player, but he rolled his ankle and I thought, “why can’t there be a product that cushions the ankle as it starts to invert?” After that, I started to draw up designs and make prototypes in my garage. I tried several prototypes out on the court and was happy with the results.

From there I investigated if there were any similar products on the market or an existing patent but found nothing. So I applied for a patent in 2007 and it was issued in 2010 (U.S. Patent No. 7,849,611). Once I had a patent, I hired a professional sports medicine designer and we had the first marketable product in 2011. After getting customer feedback on that design, we went back to the drawing board and developed the current design we are selling today. We had lots of feedback that went into making the current Armor1 Ankle Roll Guard…make it less bulky, sleeker, more durable, etc.

I’m proud of the product we sell now as it has helped so many people in sports and in the medical space (chronic ankle instability, stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, ankle surgery, etc.).  

For those who have only been using traditional ankle braces, how would you explain to them, using an elevator pitch, why your product is better?  

The Armor1 Ankle Roll Guard is a patented, brace-less ankle support that prevents sprains by cushioning the ankle from an inversion or “roll.” Unlike conventional ankle braces, the Armor1 wraps securely around the outside of any shoe type and allows you to retain full ankle mobility & comfort. It provides ankle stability, balance, and protection if you have weak ankles, tend to frequently roll your ankles, or have a neuromuscular disorder.

What was the hardest aspect of designing/producing the Ankle Roll Guard? What was your biggest obstacle?

Making a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Our early designs were always described as “bulky” and ugly but I was always concerned with providing enough protection. So we finally designed the perfect compliment of both in the Armor1 Ankle Roll Guard.

As mentioned in the review, we think the Roll Guard is a great product that works extremely well. In what ways do you think it can improve for future iterations? 

We receive feedback from customers that they want different colors so that is on the horizon. Also, we are always looking at the under sole strap material and different types of materials that are both extremely thin and abrasive resistant. We have tried Kevlar, “Super Fabric,” nylon, etc. but nothing lasts as long as what we use now…tarpaulin (yes Kevlar can stop a bullet but is not very abrasive resistant!). We are also working on new designs as part of our Idaho State grant (IGEM) to look at ways to improve functionality, usability, and aesthetics. 

What’s next for you? Any plans for new products/inventions?

We are working on new designs and have several ideas that possibly use the internet of things (IOT). Still in design and can’t go into much detail as we may be filing more patents. In our very next design though, we are looking at making it even sleeker and lighter.

If you want more information on the Ankle Roll Guard you can head over to their website where you can also purchase one for yourself for $34.99.

Jarron Ramos

Grew up on an island, moved to the city, stayed fresh with sneakers on my feet. My Favorite kicks off court is the Jordan V "Black/Metallic", favorite kicks on court is the Adizero Rose 2.5. (Size 10.5)

Featured Posts

New-Balance-Kawhi-PR-Feature

New Balance Kawhi Performance Review

lookatleak
January 14, 2021January 13, 2021
Nike-LeBron-18-Performance-Review

Nike LeBron 18 Performance Review

Nightwing2303
December 17, 2020January 5, 2021
Curry 8 Flow

Curry 8 | Everything You Need to Know

Drew
December 9, 2020January 5, 2021
Scottie Pippen Shoes Guide Featured Image

Scottie Pippen Shoes: A Complete Guide

Evan
December 9, 2020January 5, 2021
How to Cop on Release Day

How to Buy Limited Shoes for Retail

Drew
November 25, 2020December 14, 2020
NW1 Preorder

NW1 Available Now

Drew
November 12, 2020November 13, 2020
adidas-Don-Issue-2-Performance-Review

adidas DON Issue 2 Performance Review

Nightwing2303
November 5, 2020January 5, 2021
Air-Jordan-35-Performance-Review

Air Jordan 35 Performance Review

Nightwing2303
October 16, 2020October 18, 2020
Puma-RS-Dreamer-Performance-Review

PUMA RS Dreamer Performance Review

Nightwing2303
October 6, 2020October 16, 2020
Under-Armour-Embiid-1-Performance-Review

Under Armour Embiid 1 Performance Review

Nightwing2303
September 29, 2020October 26, 2020

Now you can join our community and help support WearTesters’ mission while getting some amazing benefits. Learn more.

About WearTesters

Contact

WearTesters is reader-supported. If you buy products using links on our site we may earn a commission.

COPYRIGHT © 2009-2020 WEARTESTERS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Best Basketball Shoes
  • Reviews
    • All Performance Reviews
    • Basketball Shoe Reviews
    • Running Shoe Reviews
    • Cross Training Shoe Reviews
    • Casual Shoe Reviews
    • Apparel Reviews
    • Sporting Goods Reviews
    • Tech Reviews
    • Best Basketball Gifts 2020
    • Best Fitness Gifts 2020
    • Best Gifts for Runners 2020
    • Best Gifts for Athletes 2020
    • Scoring
  • Bball Shoe Reviews
  • Brands
    • Nike
      • Nike Basketball Shoes
      • LeBron James Shoes
      • Kevin Durant Shoes
      • Kyrie Irving Shoes
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Shoes
      • Paul George Shoes
      • Nike Running Shoes
      • Nike Training Shoes
    • Jordan
    • adidas
      • Adidas Basketball Shoes
      • James Harden Shoes
      • Damian Lillard Shoes
      • Derrick Rose Shoes
      • Donovan Mitchell Shoes
    • Yeezy
    • Under Armour
      • Under Armour Basketball Shoes
      • Steph Curry Shoes
      • Joel Embiid Shoes
      • Under Armour Training Shoes
    • Puma
      • Puma Basketball
    • Reebok
    • New Balance
    • Converse
    • Brooks
    • Saucony
    • ON
    • Other Brands
  • Deals
  • Join
  • Shop