Our V3 7mm Knee Sleeves come in two shapes: contoured and straight cuff. Same thickness, same neoprene, same sizing method. So what is the actual difference, and which one should you buy?
The Short Answer
- Contoured is our best all-rounder for heavy training: strong support, shaped to the leg and comfortable session after session.
- Straight cuff is the more aggressive option: maximum compression in a tighter, competition-style fit for heavy squat days.
Both are 7mm. The difference is how the sleeve is shaped and how hard it holds the knee.
Contoured 7mm Sleeves
Our V3 7mm Knee Sleeves are cut to follow the natural shape of the leg. The result is strong, even compression for squats and Olympic lifts without the sleeve fighting you through every rep.
Built from layered diamond neoprene at an extended 28cm length with triple stitched seams, they are designed to be worn for whole sessions, week after week.
Choose contoured if:
- You want one heavy sleeve for most of your training
- You do Olympic lifting, where you need support through fast, deep receiving positions
- You value comfort over long sessions as much as maximum compression
Straight Cuff 7mm Sleeves
Our V3 7mm Straight Cuff Knee Sleeves are built for lifters who want the knee to feel locked in. The straight cuff creates a tighter, more supportive fit and maximum compression, with strong rebound at the bottom of the lift.
They are also available with a choice of stitching: a single back seam or two side seams. Both use the same neoprene and sizing, so the choice comes down to personal preference.
Choose straight cuff if:
- Your training is built around heavy squats
- You powerlift or train for maximal strength
- You want the tightest, most supportive fit in the V3 range
What Stays the Same
- Thickness: both are 7mm
- Sizing: both are measured 8cm below the middle of the kneecap, and if you fall between sizes, you size up
- Warranty: both carry our 12-month warranty and 30-day free returns
One thing to know on sizing: the straight cuff starts at Small, while the contoured sleeve also comes in XS. If you measure into the XS range, the contoured sleeve is the one to go for.
Still Weighing Up Thickness Too?
If you are not yet sure 7mm is right for you at all, start with 7mm vs 5mm Knee Sleeves. If you want something stiffer than either 7mm option, read Stiff Knee Sleeves vs Standard Knee Sleeves.
Find Your Sleeve and Your Size in Two Minutes
Not sure which shape suits how you train? The quiz weighs up your training, the support you want and your budget, then recommends one.
Our Knee Support Buying Guide does both jobs in one place. Step 1 is a 30-second quiz that matches you to the right Mammal knee support for how you train. Step 4 is our size finder: pick your sleeve, follow the measuring steps for that exact product and it tells you your size.
Open the Knee Support Buying Guide ->
Every Mammal knee sleeve comes with 30-day free returns and a 12-month warranty, so if the fit is not right, we will sort it.