How to Wear the PowerStep® Dynamic Ankle Support Sock & Other FAQs

Person putting on the Dynamic Ankle Support Sock by PowerStep

Questions About DASS by PowerStep®

Tired of ankle pain, instability, or weakness from a past injury throwing you off your game? The PowerStep Dynamic Ankle Support Sock, or DASS, is a revolutionary ankle brace and compression sock in-one designed to help prevent re-injury, relieve ankle pain, and increase stability.

Do you already have your own DASS and need tips on proper wear and care? Looking for more information before you buy? Check out these commonly asked questions about DASS including wear instructions, sizing, and general tips, so you can get the most out of our effective ankle support sock and brace.

Frequently Asked Questions about DASS

What to Expect from DASS

The Dynamic Ankle Support Sock features a compression sock, ankle stability straps, and an ankle support cage that work together to deliver targeted compression, corrective support, and protection. It was designed to promote healthy movement during physical activity whether you’re walking the neighborhood, shooting hoops, or training for a 5k.

DASS is not your typical ankle brace. Because of the brace’s sleek, low-profile design, DASS fits easily inside most shoes unlike most bulky, outdated, conventional ankle braces. It has a compression sock base, too, which means the device is meant to have a tighter fit than your normal crew sock.

By molding to the shape of your foot, DASS provides just the right amount of flexibility during activity and offers anatomically correct support. The more often you wear DASS, the easier it will be to put on and take off and the more comfortable it will feel.

woman pulling on ankle brace sock over foot

For more information on wearing DASS for common ankle injuries including eversion and inversion sprains along with reinjury prevention, check out the following resources:

Wear Instructions

The video above provides a step-by-step guide on how to put DASS on along with other wear instructions.

How do I put it on?

Because DASS is a compression sock, you should expect it to be tight when putting it on. Do not bunch the sock up all the way or try to force it. Stretching DASS at the sides of the grey cage just above the ankle nut holes instead of the top and bottom of the sock gives you the most room to get your foot inside. When trying to roll the sock up, grabbing and pulling on the cage and sock together is the easiest way to guide the sock over the foot and heel.

Here are the instructions for how to put DASS on:

1. Roll the cuff of the sock down to the top portion of the grey cage.
2. Hold onto the back of the sock and cage and slide your foot inside. You may need to guide it over your heel. For an easier fit, keep your toes pointed.
3. Slide the cuff of the sock up your ankle until it is fully on.
4. Take the strap on the inside of your foot and wrap it up and over the top of your foot and fasten.
5. Take the outside strap and wrap it up and over, crossing the inner strap, then fasten.

The easiest way to pull DASS over your foot and heel is to grab and pull at the cage and the sock. Generally, you want to pull the sock on while you are seated. Depending on your flexibility, you may want to try different methods.

  • The bend method, shown below, has you put the sock on with your heel on the edge of a seat and your knee bent. If flexibility is an issue, you can also use this method on a bed or couch for more room and a more comfortable bend. This brings the foot and ankle closer to the body.
  • With your foot on the ground and seated, you can bend forward and over to apply the sock with your knee bent or straight, and guide DASS over your foot and heel as you lean back. Most users put DASS on this way, but you can also prop your foot up on a stool, ottoman or seat.

DASS is a simple, effective solution to preventing re-injury, relieving ankle pain, and improving stability. when worn properly with these simple directions for wear.

Person sitting on couch while putting on a black ankle support sock

What’s my size?

DASS is available in four sizes based on men's and women’s US shoe sizes, including:

  • Small (Fits Women’s 5-7.5, Men’s 4-6.5)
  • Medium (Fits Women’s 8-10.5, Men’s 7-9.5)
  • Large (Fits Women’s 11-13.5, Men’s 10-12.5)
  • X-Large (Fits Women’s 14+, Men’s 13-14+)

How can I get more tension out of the straps?

If you find the stability straps are not providing enough tension, there are a couple of other ways you can wrap them around the ankle for adequate support.

First, wrap the straps around the front of the foot and ankle like normal. Then, continue wrapping them around the back of the ankle area and attaching them to the opposite side’s loop patch.

The stability straps will hook to any part of the compression sock base if needed. For customized tension, you can wrap the straps like normal and attach them to any part of the sock instead of overlapping them.

side-by-side comparing straps not overlapping versus overlapping on ankle support sock

Is there a difference between left and right?

Yes, DASS was designed to fit either the left or right foot separately. This helps maintain correct anatomical support. When shopping for DASS, you will be prompted to select either the left or right option.

Can I wear DASS with a normal sock?

No, you should never wear DASS over top of another sock as it will compromise fit, comfort, and effectiveness. The compression sock base is made with soft, breathable fabric for a comfortable fit and creates gradual compression where it’s needed.

How long should I wear DASS?

DASS can be worn all day whether you're wearing it to work, the gym, or around the house or yard. You do not have to wear DASS all day if you do not wish to, but it is recommended that you wear the ankle brace during physical activities associated with ankle pain, weakness, injury, and instability.

Washing & Care Instructions

How do I wash DASS?

DASS is machine wash safe for everyday wear and should be laid flat or hung to air dry.

First, fasten the hook end of each strap to the loop portion on the sock prior to washing (this is where the straps attach to the sock during wear.)

Second, machine wash cold alone or with like colors on the gentle cycle. You may also place DASS inside a mesh laundry bag during wash.

Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean. Air dry only.

Other Questions About DASS

Is DASS HSA/FSA eligible?

Yes, DASS is both HSA and FSA eligible, making it even more affordable to get the ankle support you need.

Who do I contact if I have a problem?

If you believe you have the wrong size, want more information on DASS, or there is a problem with your product, please contact our customer service department for help with orders, product inquiries, returns or exchanges, and more.

woman pulling strap over top of ankle brace sock

Getting the Most Out of DASS

With our orthotic insoles and products, PowerStep helps prevent and relieve your pain whether you have plantar fasciitis, back, knee and hip pain, or instability and ankle pain. The Dynamic Ankle Support Sock supports like a brace and wears like a sock, improving alignment and promoting healthy movement with the support and comfort you need to move with confidence.