After a recent double fracture of my foot, I went from boot to stiff brace - and then my orthopedist told me it was time to move on to an "ankle sleeve." I assumed that would be an easy thing to find, but I was wrong. The first "sleeve" I got was really just a compression sock. Not nearly enough support at this stage. I tried a few different types and finally landed on this. Though technically not a sleeve, it offers just the right amount of support transitioning from a stiff laced brace before being ready for much less support offered by a compression sock (with or without straps attached, which I also tried). The only downside is the part where the foot strap is sewn to the rest of it can be a little scratchy and irritating if you don't wrap it just right. Overall, though, I would recommend this as that "in between" step down from a stiff brace if you're ever in the same situation.