SBD Weightlifting 5 mm Knee Sleeves, IPF-Approved, Pair
More flexible 5 mm sleeves for weightlifting and Metcon. Support through a wide range of motion and easier to put on than SBD’s 7 mm models.
Measure the knee and calf on both legs and choose the size for the largest measurement. Size guide
Pickup available at League Finland Oy
Usually ready in 24 hours
More flexible 5 mm sleeves for weightlifting and Metcon. Support through a wide range of motion and easier to put on than SBD’s 7 mm models.
Support that moves with you
Weightlifting 5 mm is SBD’s sleeve for dynamic movements such as snatches, cleans and jerks. Thinner neoprene and four-way stretch allow deep squats while maintaining compression throughout.
An antimicrobial inner surface, abrasion-resistant exterior and reinforced seams. IPF-approved and compliant with IWF rules. Made in the UK, sold as a pair.
Size matters: the material is slightly more flexible than 7 mm, but sizing is the same. Measure both knees at the kneecap and both calves at the widest point, then choose for the largest measurement.
Choose Weightlifting 5 mm if you train weightlifting or sessions with rapid transitions to other movements. For firmer squat support, choose Standard 7 mm .
Technical specifications
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Material: neoprene and four-way stretch fabric, antimicrobial lining, abrasion-resistant exterior, reinforced seams
- Approvals: IPF-approved, compliant with IWF rules
- Sizes: XS–5XL · Measure both knees and calves and choose for the largest measurement (see size guide) · Sold as a pair
- Made in: United Kingdom
- Use: weightlifting, Metcon and functional training
Size guide
Size guide: SBD Weightlifting 5 mm
Measure both legs with a measuring tape:
- Knee circumference at the kneecap, leg straight and muscles relaxed.
- Calf circumference at its widest point.
Find a size for each of the four measurements and choose the largest of those sizes. For example, if your knee measures M but your calf measures L, choose L.
| Size | Circumference |
|---|---|
| XS (X-Small) | 28–30,5 cm |
| Sec (Small) | 30,5–33 cm |
| M (Medium) | 33–35,5 cm |
| L (Large) | 35,5–38 cm |
| XL (X-Large) | 38–40,5 cm |
| 2XL (XX-Large) | 40,5–43 cm |
| 3XL (XXX-Large) | 43–45,5 cm |
| 4XL (XXXX-Large) | 45,5–48 cm |
| 5XL (XXXXX-Large) | 48–51,5 cm |
This material is slightly more flexible than the 7 mm sleeves, but size is chosen the same way: using the largest measurement.
Do not size down from your measurements or rely on sizes from other brands or older sleeves.
Putting them on
- Fold the knee sleeve halfway inside out so it is doubled over.
- Pull it over your calf to the back of your knee. Slide your fingers between the sleeve and calf and ease it upwards.
- Unfold the turned section over your thigh and centre the sleeve over your knee.
New 7 mm sleeves are tight and become easier to put on with use. Weightlifting 5 mm is the easiest model to put on.
Care and storage
Hand wash knee sleeves with water or mild detergent suitable for neoprene or wetsuits. Dry upright so air can circulate inside.
Do not machine wash or tumble dry: spinning and heat can damage neoprene. Avoid rubbing the sleeves against barbell knurling, which wears the surface.
Warranty: 12 months against manufacturing defects. Scratches from barbells and surface wear are considered normal wear.
Returns
All our products come with a 14-day right of return; food products cannot be returned. Returns are free of charge for League products only – for other orders we deduct the original shipping cost. Returned items must be unused, in resalable condition and in their original packaging.
Pack the item carefully – if it is damaged in transit, the customer is responsible. To make a return, log in to your account in our online store and follow the instructions. Simply sending the item back or not collecting the parcel is not enough – the return must be registered via your account. A €25 handling fee is charged for uncollected parcels.
Shipping
Orders are placed through the cart in our online store. We confirm your order by email, listing the products, price and shipping costs. We ship orders within 24 hours across Europe; delivery time depends on the carrier.
Shipping costs include packaging and transport and vary with the size and weight of the product. You can track your order with the tracking number.
Compare models
Which SBD knee sleeve suits you?
| Model | Thickness | Feel | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 7 mm | 7 mm | Firm all-round model | Squats, weightlifting and strength training |
| Weightlifting 5 mm | 5 mm | Most flexible, easiest to put on | Weightlifting, Metcon |
| Powerlifting 7 mm | 7 mm | Most rigid, maximum compression | Powerlifting, heavy squats |
All models are IPF-approved and comply with IWF rules. Read the knee sleeve guide
Frequently asked questions
Choosing and using knee sleeves
How do 5 mm and 7 mm knee sleeves differ?
Weightlifting 5 mm flexes more, allows greater movement and is easier to put on. The 7 mm models offer firmer support for squats. Thickness is not the whole story: denser neoprene makes Powerlifting 7 mm noticeably stiffer than Standard 7 mm.
How do Standard 7 mm and Powerlifting 7 mm differ?
Both are 7 mm thick and 30 cm long. Standard is a versatile option for weightlifting and strength training. Powerlifting uses dense neoprene for maximum compression in heavy squats and competitive powerlifting.
How do I choose the correct size?
Measure knee circumference at the kneecap and calf circumference at the widest point on both legs. Find the size for each measurement and choose the largest. The method is the same for all SBD knee sleeves.
Should I choose a size smaller than my measurements?
No. Always choose for your largest measurement. Sleeves that are too small are hard to put on and may not pass over the calf.
How do I put knee sleeves on?
Fold the sleeve halfway inside out, pull it over the calf to the back of your knee, then unfold it over your thigh. Sliding fingers between the sleeve and calf helps.
Can I use the sleeves in competition?
All three SBD models are IPF-approved and comply with IWF rules. Always check your federation and event rules.
How do I wash knee sleeves?
Hand wash with water or mild detergent and air dry upright. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
What warranty do knee sleeves have?
They have a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Barbell scratches and surface abrasion count as normal wear, so avoid direct rubbing against knurling.
