A protective ankle brace has at least one pocket that houses at least one pouch, and at least one strap, and covers both sides of an ankle of a foot placed within the ankle brace. The pouch contain a dilatant fluid that is flexible to allow normal motion for walking and running but on a rapid movement or one with a high force, the dilatant resists movement. The at least one strap covers the one or two pockets to retain the pouch or pouches. The strap restricts the maximum eversion and inversion of the ankle brace when a force is applied and further protects the ankle within the ankle brace. The strap can be a bladder containing a dilatant fluid.
