An ankle brace includes a footplate with a lateral element, a medial element and an expandable element. The lateral element and the medial element of the footplate, which may be formed from a somewhat rigid material, are separate from one another and are spaced apart from one another. The expandable element is located between the lateral element and the medial element. It secures the lateral element and the medial element of the split footplate to one another. Braces and bracing systems that include the split footplate are disclosed, as are methods for supporting an individuals foot and/or ankle.
