Ankle injuries are very common not just in athletes but to everyone who’s into fitness training. Even runners get their fair share of this injury bug once in a while. So we believe that having the best possible gear at our disposable is still the best way to go.
Based on 48 hours of deep research, Compare over 1200+ Customers Feedback and also interviewed some neighborhoods that are desperately seeking ankle support shoes.
In this article, we uncover the best shoes for ankle support and pain. So stick with us and let’s get the ball rolling!
If you are out of time, Choose any of one from our Top 3 Products.
New Balance 1080v8 Fresh Foam – Best Running Shoes for Ankle Support
- Low top
- Fresh foam midsole
- No sew material
Brooks Addiction 13 – Best Ankle Protection Shoes
- Breathable Manmade mesh
- Rubber sole
- Plush cushioning
Under Armour Valsetz Rts Tactical Best Boot for Ankle Support
- Mid top shaft
- UA unique clutch fit technology
- Micro G foam for cushioned landings and explosive takeoff
Top 10 Best Shoes For Ankle Support Reviews and Buying Guides
1. New Balance- Best Running Shoe For Ankle Support
Key Features:
- Synthetic / Synthetic sole
- Low top
- Fresh foam midsole
- No-sew material
- Bootie construction
- Ortholite sock liner
- Removable insert
New balance a world-leading sports apparel brand brings you the New Balance 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe. One of the best shoes for ankle support out in the market, this pair boasts great comfort and durability.
You won’t need any other shoe as this pair will provide you the support you would need for all sorts of intense workouts. So you don’t have to worry anymore and you can give it in your quest to be healthier.
Specially redesigned reliable cushioning technology that will give you the flexibility and breathability your feet deserve.
People are raving about it online and are even switching from some of the top brands to New Balance. We can’t even find a bad review for it. Needless to say, it is definitely top quality. A great buy, a great investment for your health regimen. Try it for yourself!
Note: New Balance makes this model for Men’s and Women’s. Just enjoy this pair.
2. Brooks Addiction 13- Best Shoes for Ankle Support When Walking
Key Features:
- Breathable Manmade mesh
- Rubber sole
- Plush cushioning
- Maximum support
- Support type: Overpronation stability
- 12 mm moisture managing
The Brooks Women’s Addiction 13 the perfect shoe for ankle protection tailored fit for women. Its extensive progressive diagonal rollbar technology helps to control pronation. These walking shoes promote smoother transitions throughout a gait cycle.
The heel segmented crash pad helps ensures a very smooth landing thus taking care of your lower body and your foot protecting it from injuries. The HPR plus technology assures long-lasting durability for your pair, it’s a great bang for your buck for sure.
It May not be as big a brand and may not be that popular but it is sure very popular with health enthusiasts. Great reviews online for its quality. Has a great following and is relatively cheaper than the rest of its competition. Most of the buyers were grateful that they found Brooks shoes.
3. Under Armour- Best Ankle Support Boots
Key Features:
- 100 % synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Mid-top shaft
- UA unique clutch fit technology
- UA unique storm technology for water-repelling feature
- Synthetic leather and textile upper w/ welded
- Micro G foam for cushioned landings and an explosive takeoff
- Lightweight with the right amount of rigidity for the TPU shank for mid-foot support.
Perhaps one of the best shoes for ankle support on our list the Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Rts Military and Tactical Boot boast super exciting features. Built tough with Under Armour’s patented and unique technologies for their footwear, this pair is a monster of a creation.
Very comfortable and lightweight you can wear it all day for your intense workouts and training. It’s water repellant so it’s definitely up for those intense outdoor physical activities.
Can go for any terrain and any conditions and is guaranteed durable and going to last for a long time. The slick design is just icing on the cake. People online are raving about how comfortable the shoes are and for their great quality.
Pros
- Great fit
- Versatile
- Very comfortable to wear
- Very lightweight
- Great price.
Cons
- Questions about its durability
- Can go for outdoor activities but wears out fast
4. Daily Shoes- Best Casual Boot For Ankle Support
Key Features:
- Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- 9.75 inches shaft measurement from arch
- Buckle ankle boots (for women)
- Low heel ruggedly crafted
- Has a pocket
- For any terrain
- Non-slip comfortable zip casual round toe
- Ultra-secure tough zipper design
- Padding insole cushions
Where do we start with these fabulous shoes? The Daily Shoes Women’s Ankle Bootie Military Combat Pocket Boots are specially designed for style and convenience. These shoes are designed for casual wear with the ultimate support for your foot and lower leg.It will protect you from injuries and at the same time be on top of your fashion game and it’s got a pocket for all your stuff to boot! Pun totally intended.This boot is specially designed for women and all their needs, this boot is comfortable to wear and is very versatile. People are raving about it online and are very happy with their purchases. You just can’t stand them! They are adorable.
Pros
- Great design.
- Very comfortable.
- Convenient footwear for a great price.
- Has pockets!
Cons
- Not for everyday use.
- A little bit low on quality.
5. RYKA Women’s Tenacity: Best Cross-Trainer Shoe For Ankle Support
Key Features:
- Synthetic sole
- 4 inches shaft from arch
- 0.75 inches heel and platform
- High top silhouette lace-up dance training shoes
- Adjustable hook and metallic strap
- Padded tongue and collar
- Precise return insole for great cushioning
- Heel reinforcement is I.H.G. molded
- Pivot point design traction outsole
The RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe is a dance studio shoe fused with gym and street style. Its great look allows it to be as versatile as it can be. Great features provide ankle support and the hook and strap for a great fit.Its low platform with n-gage EVA foam under its forefoot provides the perfect cushioning. It’s lightweight, it’s from a great brand, and it’s a great product.People online are very satisfied with this pair as it’s the ultimate dancing shoe and you won’t look anywhere else.
Pros
- Perfect for dancing or any sort of aerobic exercise.
- Great for Zumba.
- Perfect for intense movements.
- Comfortable and great design and ankle support.
Cons
- A little bit off on the sizing
6. HOKA ONE Bondi 6: Best Ankle Support Shoe For Running
Key Features:
- Synthetic leather
- Rubber sole
- Open engineered mesh upper w/synthetic overlays which offer maximum structural support and breathability
- Lycra comfort frame heel
- Lace-up
- Heel pull loop
- Padding tongue & Padded collar
Great in-shoe feel due to a comfortable fabric lining with molded Ortholite footbed. The HOKA ONE, ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe is a great all-around rubber shoe for all your intense workout needs. No such physical training that it can’t handle, it’s comfortable, it’s beautifully designed and it’s got all the features you need to protect your foot and lower leg.This pair can get you through that extra mile with its Meta rocker technology and full EVA midsole. This product has great reviews online, it’s quite hard to find anything negative about it.
7. Most Comfortable Shoes For Women- Skechers Work Sure Track
Key Features:
- Leather and Rubber sole
- Genuine leather construction
- Lace up casual design & EH safe rated
- Padded tongue and collar
Skechers is more than just a pair of shoes it’s a lifestyle! The Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel is a great shoe that’s designed for the comfort of your feet. After all, they carry us all day long. Will go for any terrain, it’s comfortable and stylish.It’s got a ventilated lining for the ultimate comfort and is well cushioned to support your foot and lower leg. It’s also slip-resistant and has been tested safe and approved.People are raving about its versatility. Because of the design and comfort plus support it offers it sure is the ultimate work and casual pair of shoes, just for you!
Pros
- Versatile and Great design.
- Very comfortable.
- Safe and no-slip sole.
- Fit on any terrain and any outfit.
Cons
- Not very long lasting.
- Some inconsistency with quality.
8. Under Armour- Best Ankle Support Basketball Shoes
Key Features:
- Rubber sole
- Reinforced mesh upper
- Very lightweight and breathable
- Lace-up, adjustable wear
- Open holed mesh tongue
- Anti-microbial Ortholite sock liner
- Adjustable high heels stability
- Meta wing TPU shank
- Micro G and Charged Cushioning
- Detailed traction pattern for outsole
Who doesn’t recognize Steph Curry? The Under Armour Men’s Curry 3Zero Basketball Shoe is a signature shoe that promises great comfort, design, and credibility. Built tough for hardcore sports activities like basketball, this pair won’t let you down.Lightweight, flexible and can take the wear and tear of intense physical activities this shoe is meant to be abused. Great support and stability tend to lessen the chance of getting any unwanted injuries and will definitely not just protect your ankles but your entire lower leg.
Pros
- Great design.
- Great credibility signature shoe.
- Comfortable.
- Top of the line technology and features.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- A bit uncomfortable on the heel.
- Can get a bit pricey.
9. KEEN Targhee II- Best Hiking Shoe For Ankle Support
Key Features:
- 100 % leather
- Rubber sole
- 2 inches heel measure
- Easy-on heel pull/torsion stable ESS shank
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
- Padded tongue & collar
- Lugged outsole
- Contoured heel lock
- Dual intensity compression EVA midsole (molded)
- Fit tip it
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking boots are just a tough-built pair that will be very durable for everyday use. It’s meant to take on the wear and tear of hiking and anything that comes with it.Whether you take it on the beach, the city streets or in the mountains it won’t let you down. Perfect for ankle support, for injury prevention especially on those difficult hikes. Also great for those recovering and those who’ve suffered from nasty ankle injuries in the past.
10. ASICS Gel- Best Ankle Support Running Shoe
Key Features:
- Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Low top
- Impact guidance system Technology
- Fluid ride midsole
- Fluid fit upper
- Heel clutching system
- Forefoot and rearfoot gel cushioning system
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoe is one the best shoes for ankle support for women. It’s from a great brand so it will most definitely be a great buy. Trusted quality durable and comfortable pair, this footwear will push you to the limit. Great reviews online prove its quality. Great fit and perfect for overpronation.
A Complete Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Ankle Support Shoes
Mid-top or high top?
The first thing you got to consider is to either get a mid-top or high-top pair of shoes. What’s the advantage or disadvantage over the other? First off we need to point out that low-top shoes offer very little to no ankle support so if you’re someone who is recovering or suffering from ankle pain please reconsider purchasing or frequently wearing low-top shoes, especially when exercising.High-top shoes offer adequate ankle support and a stylish design to boot. These shoes have permeated even to professional sports and are highly recommended. The only thing that some don’t like about it is the restriction it brings in movement.Mid-top shoes on the other hand still provide the needed ankle support plus great cushioning and comfort without the restriction that high-top shoes bring.Different types of mid-top shoes to choose from are lace-up closure shoes, Velcro straps, Zipper types, slip-on lace-less shoes, and some combinations in terms of style types of shoes.Mid-top shoes are not just for sports but also as casual footwear that you may use every day.
Purpose
As mentioned, there are varying types of shoes that offer ankle support, some of the best shoes for ankle support are running shoes, basketball shoes, heavy-duty combat boots, or casual shoes.So choose what’s best for your lifestyle and the activity you intend to do.
Style
As always shoes are in style. There are varying designs to choose from, so make sure to choose shoes not just designed to look good but to feel good for your feet and lower leg. Some designs come with features such as cushioning technologies that will give you enough support and flexibility.
Durability and quality of brand
There are a lot of trusted brands out there and knowing these brands and identifying their best product line is important for your investment to be worth it and also to protect your feet from any injury.Durability does not only refer to the shoes’ endurance but also its ability to take on the wear and tear of rigorous physical activity and to make sure it won’t break on you midway through a session.
Material
Good quality ankle shoes will help keep your feet healthy, make any physical activity easier and just overall will help you avoid foot injuries. There are a lot of types of shoes out there, some you may be able to wear every day, pair up with casual attire, or maybe for sports or training.These shoes are comfortable, well-cushioned, and will provide the needed support and stability you would need as you tread your way to your everyday destinations.For serious athletes great ankle protecting shoes are career savers, hundreds of athletes have retired prematurely because of nasty ankle or lower leg injuries so that speaks in volumes as to how important it is to wear the prescribed shoes for such rigorous activities, especially if you do it constantly and for a living.
The Main Causes of Ankle Pain
There are a lot of factors that may cause ankle pain, may it be the ankle bones, the ligaments, or the tendons. Several and severe cases of arthritis may also cause such pain from happening.
We’ve listed a few that may be the culprit:
Achilles tendinitis
This pain occurs when the Achilles tendon is overused which is the band of muscles that is connecting your calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel. This injury commonly happens to runners who have suddenly leveled up the intensity or duration of their runs. Also, it is common for middle-aged people who play, basketball or tennis.
Achilles tendon rupture
Your Achilles tendon may rupture when overstretched which may, in turn, cause such severe ankle pain. Usually, you’ll hear a pop when this happens and feel a sharp pain at the back of your lower leg. Surgery is often required.
Broken Foot
An injury to your bone, the severity of this condition varies based on how the foot muscles were injured. Surgery may also be required.
Gout
Gout is a complex form of arthritis that is also common. It’s described as sudden but severe attacks of pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness in your ankle joints, often at the base of the big toe.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis with millions suffering from it worldwide. This can be a cause of ankle pain, it happens when the protective cartilage that cushions your bones wears down over time. Some medication and a healthy lifestyle may manage the pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue across the bottom of the foot and that connects your heel bone to your toes. Commonly described as a stabbing pain in the morning or due to prolonged sitting. This often happens to athletes, especially ones who play basketball and are runners. Overweight individuals and those who wear shoes with not enough support are at risk.
Sprained Ankle
This injury occurs when you roll, turn or twist your ankle. This can happen to everyone, maybe you are just walking down the street and turned in an awkward way or maybe you are an athlete, maybe a basketball player going for the rebound and you stepped in another player’s foot. The severity and healing period may vary.
Stress Fractures
These are tiny cracks in your bones. These are caused by repetitive force or overuse. Very common in weight-bearing bones in your body, especially your ankles.Generally speaking, taking things in moderation is key and just promoting an overall healthy lifestyle will prevent shin splints as it will prevent any other illnesses or diseases.But what if you are an athlete or really into intense physical activities? What can you do?
How To Protect Your Ankles And Also Relieve Ankle Pain
Improve Balance
Try different routines to improve your sense of balance. This won’t just improve your fitness and health but at the same time prevent any mishaps where you stumble or fall because of poor balance.Light upper body exercises can help, but also as simple as maintaining balance while lifting one foot in the air and holding your ground with the other. Physical therapy can also help with balance as well as different stabilizers that you can purchase.
Core Strengthening
Much has been said about this fitness regimen and deserving enough of its praises when you strengthen your core you strengthen your wellbeing. Your hips and trunk are the center of your body and are the basis of your whole stability.
When your core can handle all that weight then it prevents any chances of you stumbling over or rolling your ankle or any lower leg muscle or bones.
Ankle Strength
There are tons of ways to build ankle strength like squats, lunges, rubber bands, and dips strengthening workouts. When your base is strong very little can go wrong. These routines may be challenging at first and will induce some pain but it will be totally worth it.
Flexibility
Strength and flexibility should go hand in hand, simple stretching exercises should boost your overall health. Light warm-ups will help relieve some discomfort at times and will promote adequate mobility for your everyday activities.
Gradual Build-Up
It’s always not advisable that you suddenly go for a more intense physical activity, what’s recommended is to gradually build your strength up until you are ready for a more intense workout. As mentioned above, such a sudden change or shift in the dynamics of your training might result in unwanted injuries.
Tape It Up
Observe proper preparation techniques when performing intense workouts. Ask for the expert’s advice, tape, or brace your ankles for additional support especially if you are about to play a rigorous sport.
Exercise Routines For Weak Ankle Problems
You can easily make an exercise routine for relief from a weak ankle. Like as-
Standing On One Leg
It is a simple yet very effective exercise to not only improve your balance but also strengthen your ankles. Once it becomes easy, try to close your eyes.Proprioception is the sense of knowing where you are, and with this exercise, it will be vastly improved.This is a valuable sense especially for athletes as they should always be aware of where they are, as positioning is vital for sports.Some Other Common Exercise Routines Are:
Calf Raises
All you got to do is to lift yourself on your toes about 15 times. To level up on this you can either use weights or once again stand on one leg.
Heel Walks
You only have to lift the front of your foot off the floor then balance on your heels and walk across the room.
Hand Foot Exercise
Place your right hand against the outer part of your left foot then push your hand into your foot. Then just simply resist the push with your foot.Next up, put your hand on the inside of your right foot and duplicate the push resist method you did earlier, switch as desired.
Towel Pulls
Put a foot on a towel then grab the towel with your toes, lift your heel, pull the towel then repeat toe grabs as desired. Continue with the length of the towel.
Benefits Of Wearing Over The Ankle Shoes
Good quality ankle shoes will help keep your feet healthy, make any physical activity easier and just overall will help you avoid foot injuries. There are a lot of types of shoes out there, some you may be able to wear every day, pair up with casual attire, or maybe for sports or training.
These shoes are comfortable, well-cushioned, and will provide the needed support and stability you would need as you tread your way to your everyday destinations.
For serious athletes great ankle protecting shoes are career savers, hundreds of athletes have retired prematurely because of nasty ankle or lower leg injuries so that speaks in volumes as to how important it is to wear the prescribed shoes for such rigorous activities, especially if you do it constantly and for a living.
DIY Treatments For Protect Your Ankles
Some pain may heal itself up through rest but in some instances, you might need medical attention, so make sure to gauge it properly. Here are some DIY tips on how to treat your ankle pain or injury.
So far you know some remedies and exercise routines for ankle pain. However, you find this article for finding the best shoes for ankle support or pain.
Frequently Asked Question
What shoes are best for ankle support?
Answer
The ankle is a very important part of the foot and it gets sprained with very little pressure thus Shoes with high ankles, high sole, and rubber support are considered to be the best boots for ankle support.
What are the best brands in ankle support shoes?
Answer
Asics, Saucony, New Balance, Under Armour and Brooks are some of the best brands when it comes to the best ankle support shoes that you can choose from.
What should I look for in cushioning?
Answer
Stability shoes have good overall cushioning while if you have high arched foot or supinate you may want to go for neutral cushioned shoes, and lastly there are specifically categorized cushioned shoes like some of the ones we discussed above that are shock absorption and will protect your foot from any impact.
Are boots good for ankle support?
Answer
Boots are perfect for ankle support but they should be high ankle boots. But while buying the boots keep in mind the boots must be the high ankle. In the market, you may find boots that are not very comfortable when it comes to ankles.
Do high top shoes help ankles?
Answer
Definitely, a yes, for these shoes don’t strain your ankles too much as they protect them.
Do basketball shoes help ankles?
Answer
Basketball shoes help ankles as they are designed according to the pressure and movement of the players. Ankles may sprain with pressure thus if you wear basketball shoes with good ankle support they shall be very helpful.
Which Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support Should You Go For?
Answer
For basketball running shoes with high soles are perfect. High soles are pretty good for vertical jumps and lateral movements. Such shoes are good for football and tennis as well.
How can I strengthen my ankles?
Answer
As with every muscle or bone you have in your body different types of strengthening or stretching exercises are available to strengthen your ankles. Paired up with good nutrition and discipline you should lower your risk of sustaining such injuries.
Do Sprained Ankles Heal?
Answer
If taken care of properly, went for a medical concern, and if used proper shoes for sprained ankles the ankles can be healed. There are many DIY for the speedy recovery of sprained ankles. Above all, the use of ice is the best DIY.
How long do ankle injuries usually heal?
Answer
A typical bone fracture might take about four to eight weeks to heal while a ligament sprain might take longer at about 3 to 6 months. It will all boil down to medical attention and rehabilitation processes you would undergo while recovering.
Final Verdict
Having the best shoes for ankle support as well other gear or apparel will definitely go a long way for our overall well-being. These gears will make sure that we reach our full potential without having to worry much about any unwanted injuries.But still, our best defense against these nasty setbacks is discipline. Discipline with our diet and the will to just be as healthy as possible through exercise and training. Only through this process will we live a high-quality life for, as they say, health is wealth, no truer words.
List of Best Shoes For Ankle Support
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Related Article:
- 10 Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet And Overpronation
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- 10 Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
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Resources:
- https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/43/3/230/110678/The-Role-of-Shoe-Design-in-Ankle-Sprain-Rates
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/ankle-weights/faq-20058222
- https://www.insidescience.org/news/high-tops-low-tops
- https://www.footankleinstitute.com/conditions/flat-feet