Shooting sleeves, or compression sleeves, are attire that helps recovery. If you’re on the market for a shooting sleeve, Nike has a wide selection. We’ve done some research to find the best ones for you; here's our Nike shooting sleeve review.
- Best Overall
- Accelerates evaporation to minimize sweat retention
- Minimizes scratches and abrasions
- Best for Outdoors
- UVA and UVB protection
- Elastic cuffs with silicon strip for added security
- Best Price
- Provides abrasion resistance for the entire arm
- Flat lock construction allows for better fit
Best Nike Shooting and Compression Sleeves
Nike makes several shooting sleeves. We’ve put together a list of our top 5 shooting sleeves to help you find the right fit.
Niki’s Dri-FIT technology is designed to prevent moisture and sweat from building up, and it’s a primary feature of the Pro Dri-FIT 3.0 sleeves. Moisture build-up often causes distraction and minor irritation. More seriously, moisture can trap bacteria around the arm which can lead to break-outs.
Another bonus of these sleeves is their material minimizes scratches and abrasions. Minor injuries like this can occur not only during gameplay but also at work or during everyday life. This added protection keeps incidents like this to a minimum.
This shooting sleeve can also minimize swelling, both for playing basketball and if dealing with certain types of arm injuries. The extra protection can be a make-or-break difference when dealing with discomfort on and off the court.
The sleeve’s fit is comfortable and appropriately tight. A band at the top of the sleeve prevents it from falling or slipping, while the entire design is seamless and eliminates potential discomfort with its lack of ridges and thick stitching.
These sleeves also help regulate your arm’s temperature. The breathable fabric prevents your arms from overheating, while the anti-moisture texture keeps water off of you so you don’t have to deal with the post-evaporation chills.
Although primarily marketed for golf, the Dri-FIT Solar Sleeves work equally well for basketball scenarios. This particular product is especially well-suited for outdoor basketball play, as it protects your arms from both UVA and UVB rays.
On top of this, these solar sleeves also wick away moisture as products of this kind should, keeping off unwanted sweat or liquid from external sources. The stretch fabric adapts to the curves and shape of your arms for a smooth, unintrusive fit. The design also utilizes a flat seam for added comfort.
The design utilizes a silicone strip at the top to prevent the fabric from slipping. It keeps the full sleeve intact, even when engaged in high-performance activities. The fabric’s polyester and spandex combination do not chafe, blister, or cause other skin-related discomforts.
Regarding its compression capabilities, it delivers and compresses adequately, especially around the bicep. It helps increase circulation and lessen potential soreness that occurs when using particular limbs heavily.
The protection against UVA and UVB rays does not exist with all shooting or compression sleeves. That’s what makes this sleeve ideal for outdoor use. It provides all the necessary features of a shooting sleeve while reducing the harmful effects of the sun.
This shooting sleeve is from Nike’s Pro Elite series. The material is a synthetic blend designed to compress your arm without distracting or irritating your skin. This particular product comes as a pair, so you can use one for your shooting arm and the other as you see fit.
The material is incredibly soft and lightweight, providing warmth and appropriate compression without overheating or interfering with your activities. The sleeves utilize Dri-FIT technology to prevent sweat and other moisture from accumulating in the fabric.
However, sweat and other build-ups occur as a rule of nature, so, conveniently, these sleeves are machine-washable. The fact that these are black also keeps dirt at a less visible level and provides a sleek, classic look for when you’re on the court.
Since compression sleeves are intended to put a degree of pressure on your arms, you should take into account that this product may run a bit large if your arms are slim. Some shooting sleeves leave room for a certain amount of girth, especially muscles, and these sleeves fall in that category.
Overall, this shooting sleeve pair provides effective compression for playing basketball. It does so without causing constriction or restricting breathability. The material is comfortable, wicks away moisture, and gives appropriate coverage.
Several compression sleeves are affordable, but these Pro Baseball Flood sleeves both maintain quality and do not demand an exorbitant amount of money to purchase. Like the Solar Sleeves, which are marketed for golf, the Flood Sleeves are marketed for Baseball but still provide the same benefits as shooting sleeves for Basketball.
The fabric blends polyester, spandex, and rubber for a fitted and seamless design that doesn’t get in the way of gameplay. It incorporates the Dri-FIT technology once more as a means of deterring moisture from building up and interfering with movement and comfort.
Most shooting sleeves are black or white, especially from Nike, but this one comes in a bold scarlet that is stylish without looking gaudy or obnoxious. Black and white are great, classic options, but if you want a little more pizazz, red may be right up your alley.
Even though these sleeves are in the cheaper price range, they still provide all the features you need in a shooting sleeve. Noticeable compression to increase circulation, moisture-wicking fabric, and full coverage to deter abrasions and scrapes are all present in these athletic shooting sleeves.
Shooting sleeves do not necessarily take on a lot of brute force, but even everyday wear starts to degrade clothing articles over time. Nike’s PRO Combat Elite sleeves are built to last with a high-quality polyester and spandex blend fabric that’s durable and will not decay easily.
Other than its durability, the Combat Elite Sleeve ticks all the other boxes for what a shooting sleeve should be. It has a seamless design that doesn’t chafe or rub your skin uncomfortably and utilizes a soft, breathable fabric that you might forget you are even wearing.
The material can hold up against sports activities such as friction against other players or if you fall and skid on the court. It keeps your arms cool and dry, deterring moisture with its classic Dri-FIT technology. The screenprint design adds a stylistic flare for a more interesting look.
This long-lasting shooting sleeve does its job of compressing the arm fully, and the elastic that keeps the sleeve in place does not degrade or loosen much over time. It’s a great choice if you plan to use a shooting sleeve often in high-activity games or regularly need arm protection. The neutral style makes it appropriate for several venues, not just the Basketball court.
Nike Shooting Sleeves Buying Guide
There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for shooting sleeves. Check out our suggestions below.
Fit
A shooting sleeve is also a compression sleeve, which means it needs to fit your arms properly. The fit is the most important aspect of a shooting sleeve. While you don’t want the sleeve to push uncomfortably into your skin, it should be tight enough that it feels compressed, providing relief and comfort.
To find the right fit, measure around your bicep, elbow, and the meatiest part of your forearm. Length, of course, matters as well, but you need the correct match for how it fits around your arm the most.
Waterproof
Shooting sleeves should all come with moisture-wicking capabilities. Nike has its Dri-FIT technology that provides this feature, and it’s something you need to keep away sweat and other liquid.
Style
While shooting sleeves are mostly functional, their look should appeal to you and be something you enjoy. Many patterns and designs are simple. Don’t feel compelled to get something that doesn’t suit you. Athletic attire shouldn’t cause any discomfort, not even internally because you dislike how you look!
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