bond with protective gear! personally tested 3m huduo le advanced adjustable knee pads

I am very fortunate to have been selected by the brands 3M and Codoon to review this high-end adjustable knee brace. Thank you, Codoon, for your trust and support.

To explain how I came to use a knee brace, we need to go back to the Wuxi Marathon in March this year. It was my first full marathon, and I completed it smoothly. However, the joy lasted only a week after returning home, as I began to experience pain on the outside of my right knee, especially when going up and down stairs. According to Baidu, these symptoms are known as Iliotibial Band Syndrome. I was unable to run normally and felt very anxious. The only way to recover was through rest, anaerobic training, and taking pain relief medication. The injury troubled me for nearly two months, but then I saw significant improvement. Since then, I have been cautious every time I run and started using a knee brace to prevent further injuries. Wearing a knee brace has become a habit.

Let's get back to the main topic and briefly describe this 3M FUTURO high-end adjustable knee brace.

Product name: FUTURO High-Performance Adjustable Knee Support (High-End Model). It is suitable for both left and right legs and can be used for basketball, running, badminton, and other sports.

Packaging and Material

The packaging is very simple, just a cardboard box. The front of the box has no Chinese text, while the back has a sticker with a Chinese description.

The knee brace is black with a gray, elastic, breathable, and sweat-absorbing layer inside. The entire knee brace feels lightweight and soft to the touch. The overall material includes PU foam, nylon, polyester, and spandex fibers.

The bi-directional stretch straps can adjust the tightness, and the built-in adjustable pressure pad can be freely adjusted. Such a meticulous design fits the shape of the knee perfectly. The understated appearance reflects high-end design, truly a masterpiece from a professional American brand team.

Functionality

This 3M FUTURO high-end adjustable knee brace can be used for protection during sports and to prevent injuries such as strains and sprains. The mixed materials offer excellent breathability and sweat absorption, enhancing protection during sports and helping to relieve pain. The open design at the knee allows for flexibility in movement while protecting the patella.

Running Experience

Two days after receiving the knee brace, I tested it on a 10-kilometer run to evaluate its performance during exercise. First, the 3M FUTURO fabric is very lightweight and soft, making it very comfortable and easy to wear. Once on, it feels light and not tight, very comfortable, with good wrapping and a snug fit that doesn't easily come loose.

The Velcro strap design allows for any adjustment, making this knee brace suitable for both thick and thin legs. The knee brace is flexible at the knee joint, with no sense of restriction.

During the run, I could feel the internal U-shaped pad fitting the curve of my knee, providing cushioning and support. The gray elastic layer in the center of the knee brace offers excellent breathability.

Since it was summer, I started sweating profusely after 2 kilometers. The knee brace's sweat absorption function began to work, but I also started to feel the knee brace becoming heavier. The sweat absorption effect is indeed noticeable, likely due to the PU foam material, which absorbs sweat but lacks sufficient breathability around it.

As the run continued, I gradually felt my knee getting warm, indicating excellent insulation. However, it also started to feel stuffy, and by the end of the 10 kilometers, the entire knee brace was soaked. The bi-directional strap design with Velcro makes it easy to put on and take off. The moment I removed the knee brace, my knee felt like it was back in touch with nature.

Cleaning after use is very simple. Just rinse it in clean water, as the knee brace only gets sweaty and not dirty. The black knee brace does not fade when wet, so you don't have to worry about mixing it with other clothes. Just hang it in a cool, ventilated place to dry for the next use.

A knee brace can't cure an injury, but it can prevent one. After all, health is the foundation of everything, so it's important to take this issue seriously.

As I mentioned earlier, I had previously purchased another knee brace. Through comparison, I found that each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The 3M knee brace's excellent insulation makes it more suitable for winter use. Its bi-directional strap design allows it to be worn directly on the skin or over any type of pants, a feature other knee braces lack. Many knee braces are worn by pulling them on, which I believe makes them more suitable for hiking and walking rather than running. The 3M knee brace lacks protective materials on the outside and inside of the knee.

In contrast, the knee brace I previously purchased is only suitable for summer running. It is made of a single piece of fabric with an elastic silicone ring in the center of the knee and rubber springs on both sides. This design absorbs sweat and is breathable during running, and the springs on both sides of the silicone ring reduce the pressure from frequent knee movements. However, it can only be worn directly on the skin and not over any pants.

To mention a few drawbacks, the 3M knee brace needs to further expand its market in China. The instructions are mostly in English. I also checked shopping websites like Taobao, and the product descriptions are not very detailed. The price is a bit high given its lack of recognition.

Overall, a knee brace serves four main purposes: 1. Pre-race protection for high-intensity activities; 2. Insulation for knees with old injuries during winter; 3. Reducing friction and providing slight stabilization to aid recovery and prevent further injury; 4. Adding a touch of style. The 3M knee brace performs well in these aspects.

These are my thoughts on using this knee brace. I hope my detailed review can help others. Remember, a knee brace is not a cure-all. If you have a serious injury, the best solution is rest or medical treatment. A knee brace can only provide support and help prevent further injury. I wish everyone healthy and injury-free running forever.