If you’ve been told you need a functional knee brace, you’ve probably run into two names over and over: CTi and DonJoy. Both are legitimate, both are used by serious athletes, and both are available at Action Sports Clinic. The right one for you depends less on brand loyalty and more on your sport, your injury, and how much protection you actually need.
What they have in common
Both CTi and DonJoy make functional knee braces designed to support an unstable or previously injured knee, most often after an ACL, MCL, or multi-ligament injury. For a custom-fitted version of either brace, we start by taking your measurements right here at our downtown Calgary clinic, then place the order directly with the manufacturer. Your brace is built to those exact specifications and shipped to our clinic, where we check the fit and make any adjustments before you leave.
Where CTi stands out
The CTi, made by Össur, is widely regarded as the gold standard for high-demand, high-impact sports. It’s the brace most commonly seen in motocross and hard enduro, where the knee needs to withstand repeated impact and rotational force while the rider is standing on pegs and absorbing landings. Skiers with a history of ACL injury also gravitate toward CTi for the same reason: it’s built to stay put and keep working under serious load, not just everyday walking.
Where DonJoy fits
DonJoy’s Armor line is a strong, well-established option for athletes who need reliable ligament support without necessarily facing the extreme impact loads of motocross. It’s a common choice for team sports like hockey and soccer, for general return-to-activity bracing after ACL reconstruction, and for athletes who want a proven, comfortable brace at a different price point than CTi.
How we help you choose
Neither brace is universally “better.” Dr. Rennick and our team assess your specific injury, your sport, your knee’s stability, and your budget before recommending one over the other. Some athletes try an off-the-shelf option first to confirm the fit and function before committing to a fully custom brace. If you’re not sure which direction makes sense, that’s exactly what a bracing assessment is for.
A few ways to get braced
You don’t have to choose your path before you talk to us. Come in for a custom sizing and we’ll order and fit either brace to your exact measurements, browse our off-the-shelf options in store the same day, or order through our online brace shop at actionbracing.ca and have it shipped directly to you.
Ready to find out which brace is right for your knee? Explore our custom bracing services or request a bracing assessment at our downtown Calgary clinic.