Hubby is always in need of a new knee and ankle braces, because as anyone who uses them regularly knows, they wear out fast. Elastic goes bad, velcro stops holding, whatever the case may be. I thought I was signing up to try some from a company called Green Life. When I was approved to test them, I found out it was Ohuhu. Again. So let’s dive right in.
I tried to approach these braces with an open mind, with the knowledge that Ohuhu absolutely doesn’t stand behind their products and offers almost no after-sales support whatsoever. The Ohuhu “breathable” ankle brace arrived at the same time as the knee brace, and both stunk to high heaven. I don’t know what these overseas companies are putting into these rubbers, neoprene and cloth, but they all have a very bad smell to them that just does not dissipate. The positive marks I can give the ankle brace is that the velcro grips very well, and it stays in place. The negatives are that it’s on the small side, which means there’s not as much support as one would like. It’s made from polyester which absolutely does not breath, and your foot and ankle will be sweating in this after a couple of hours. And the smell. Goodness, the smell. I don’t know why these things from China smell the way they do, but it’s unbearable. Even after washing, the smell stayed (Don’t wash it in water over 60 degrees Celsius [140 degrees Fahrenheit, for us in the U.S.], by the way. So a hot water wash to kill microbes and bacteria is out.). And lastly, it’s $1 more for this ankle brace than one from one of the larger U.S. companies providing an identical item. The big difference being this Ohuhu one ships free from Amazon with Prime, whereas the more well-known company’s brace is one of Amazon’s dreaded “Add-On” items. It’s an okay brace, but I’m not a huge fan and neither is hubby.
With the knee brace, despite Ohuhu claiming “Seller Warranty:-12-Month Replacement Warranty, -30-Day Money Back Guarantee, -Lifetime Support Guarantee”, it’s been my experience after numerous products tried out for them, there is zero, and I mean none, aftersales support or recourse if something goes pear-shaped. No via email, not via Facebook, nothing. It’s made of the same polyester fabrics as the ankle brace, and while it’s stretchy and the rubber and neoprene keeps it 100% in place, it does not breathe at all. It’s made small, so the support is minimal, but on the plus side you don’t need to slide it up your leg to wear it, it opens up completely to wrap your knee. It also suffers from the same issues with a horrible smell that the ankle brace does, and washing does not get it out. I’ve made hubby put them in plastic market bags in the garage because I can’t get the smell out of them. At $9.99 (free shipping with Prime), it’s affordable, and cheaper than the alternatives from other major brands, but for me, if I can’t wear it because it stinks, it’s not going to do me any good. So it’s up to you if you want to pay a little more and get something with better coverage, support and no smell from another company, but I don’t recommend this brace either.
In the end, both braces are relegated to outside duties and light duties at that, considering the low levels of support they provide. After multiple washings in hot(ish) water, I cannot get the smell out of them, and there’s no way I’m wearing them out of the house with that smell. They’re cheap, and they ship free, and stay in place. That’s about all the good I can say about them, but I do not recommend either, and I’m not Ohuhu’s biggest fan either.
Ohuhu products are available on Amazon.com
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Ohuhu. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
WOM-derful 