What Podiatrists Want You to Know Before Picking Out Shoes for Ankle Support

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Ankle sprains are among the most common foot injuries. And those who enjoy physical activities that involve jumping and running on uneven surfaces or making sudden changes in direction, like tennis, basketball, and pickleball, are at greater risk, according to Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to reduce your chances of getting hurt: wear one of the best shoes for ankle support.

Wearing shoes that provide ankle support is key to avoiding injuries and staying active in whatever ways you enjoy most, whether that’s going for a walk, running on a treadmill, or hiking a scenic trail. “Ankle support is especially important in people prone to ankle sprains [and who] have pain from arthritis,” adds Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon practicing in New York City. She suggests looking for shoes that provide motion stability, have extra support around the ankle (like high-tops), and have sturdy soles.

Meet the Experts: Christopher E. Hubbard, M.D., a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Atlantic Medical Group of Atlantic Health System; Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon practicing in New York City; Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.

“Shoes that provide the most support are typically a lace-up type shoe with a good heel counter,” explains Christopher E. Hubbard, M.D., a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Atlantic Medical Group of Atlantic Health System. “These typically are running sneakers or sport-specific type sneakers.” However, you can find casual and stylish shoes that also provide ample ankle support.

Our top picks:

Continue reading to see some of the best shoes for ankle support you can buy right now. Our list includes expert recommendations and customer-loved shoes from leading brands.

Adrenaline GTS 23

This pick comes recommended by Dr. Cunha. He cites its proprietary GuideRail technology, which helps limit abnormal ankle motion and provide stability, alignment, and support. Plus, the 12-millimeter heel drop offloads pressure from the heels and calves, Dr. Cunha points out. “These shoes are stable and durable and provide superior cushioning and support,” he says.

Rincon 3

“This shoe is engineered with an early stage MetaRocker to offload ankle tension and stress with heel strike,” explains Dr. Cunha. It has has “superior” cushioning and a responsive toe off for supportive, smooth steps, and ankle motion efficiency, making it one of his favorites.

Addiction Walker 2

These walking shoes from Brooks offer many features to support foot health and prevent injury. Brenner recommends finding a shoe with good traction for ankle support, and the Addiction Walker 2 fits the bill. In fact, the outsole is certified for slip resistance. Additionally, it has responsive cushioning for shock absorption and an extended progressive diagonal rollbar to help you maintain your natural stride for full-body support.

High-Top Trainer+

If you’re a regular weightlifter at the gym or enjoy workouts like CrossFit, these high-top trainers are a great option when it comes to stability. They have a high-top, lace-up design for a secure fit. The tongue, heel, and collar are padded for comfort, and a herringbone outsole provides traction.

“They provide some extra ankle support that I need and are super comfortable,” wrote one reviewer.

Gel-Kayano 28

One of our picks for the best running shoes for flat feet, the Asics Gel-Kayano 28 sneakers are also a solid choice when it comes to ankle support. That’s because they are designed for people with a tendency to overpronate (aka when the ankle rolls down and inward with each step). With a low-profile heel that promotes a stable stride, these sneakers are all about comfort and stability.

“The ankle support is unrivaled,” according to one reviewer who claims they practically live in these shoes.

Guide 16

With extra arch support, these are one of the best sneakers for flat feet, and they don’t skimp on ankle stability either. They’re designed to cradle the contour of your feet and have foam cushioning for soft steps. Multiple reviewers say they’re like “walking on clouds,” and many note they really make a different when it comes to arch support.

608 V5

These casual cross trainers from New Balance are an under-$100 pick with loads of fans (they’ve racked up more than 22,000 five-star ratings on Amazon!). With soft cushioning and a rubber outsole, the shoes are comfortable and have a classic design. The oversized heel crash pad, molded foam insert, and snug-fitting upper increase their support.

“I was in need of a supportive shoe that was tall enough to hold my inserts and still have ankle support. These have fit the bill,” wrote a reviewer. “I wear them every day and do a whole lot of walking for my job.”

React Infinity 3

Ideal for running and speed training, these Nike kicks include extra cushioning around the heel and ankle for maximum support. They have a breathable knit upper, a sole with a rocker design for smooth strides, and increased rubber on the outsole for traction.

“The arch support is great, the cushion is just the right amount for me, and they’re cute!” said a reviewer.

Moab 3

Hiking is one activity that requires shoes with serious ankle support to help you walk across uneven surfaces with confidence. This best-selling pair of high-top boots is waterproof and have special cushioning to absorb the shock of each step. They also have high-quality traction for stability on all kinds of terrain and a footbed that contours to your feet for comfort.

Lani

With a high collar and laces, these boots from Vionic offer ankle support and style. While the laces ensure a secure fit (a feature Brenner suggests looking for in shoes), you can also easily slip these shoes on and off thank to a side zipper. Best of all, they’re water repellent for rainy days.

“I have a fallen arch that sometimes leads to instep and ankle pain but not with this wonderfully built shoe that is pretty to boot (see what I did there?),” wrote a shopper. “Rugged(ish) sole is good for walking on uneven terrain, too.”

How to choose the best shoes for ankle support?

The best shoes for ankle support may be different for everyone, but here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for your next pair, according to experts.

✔️ Look for level heel height. Wearing shoes with a lower heel can put more strain on the calf or achilles, while wearing shoes with a higher heel can make you more vulnerable to ankle inversion and twisting injuries, explains Dr. Hubbard.

✔️ Make sure the material is sturdy. “You want a sturdy material that is not going to give,” says Dr. Brenner. You shouldn’t be able to bend a shoe in half, adds Dr. Cunha. “The shank is the actual structure of the shoe and should be rigid to hold up and support the arch,” he explains.

✔️ Check the outsole. A rubber outsole helps absorb the shock of each step you take better than a shoe with a hard sole, Dr. Cunha says. This provides stability and helps reduce spraining injuries.

✔️ Shop for activity-specific shoes. “Make sure you pick the shoe for the specific activity you are going to do,” says Dr.Brenner. For instance, “playing basketball will require different control for the ankle as opposed to going hiking on uneven terrain.”

✔️ Try on shoes in person. Ordering shoes online is easy, but experts recommend going to a store to try on different options in person. If you’re trying on shoes, aim to do so at the end of the day, as that’s when your feet are most swollen, Dr. Cunha explains. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day.”

Why is ankle support important?

Proper ankle support is important for injury prevention. “Good ankle support can help limit the movement around the ankle during any type of physical activity,” says Dr. Brenner. This may help you avoid common foot and ankle injuries, such as ankle sprains, which usually happen during physical activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, and running on even surfaces, Dr. Cunha explains. “Wearing shoes with ankle support is important because it enhances stability, alignment, and protection of the ankle,” he says.

Which footwear would provide the most ankle support?

Athletic lace-up shoes provide the most ankle support in general, but it really depends on what activity you’re doing. For instance, basketball has the highest rate of ankle injuries, according to Dr. Cunha, because of the jumping, landing, and quick movements it requires. “Basketball sneakers are therefore specifically designed to limit abnormal motion of the ankle joint and provide a barrier that cushions and protects the ankle from impacts that may result in injury or discomfort when playing the sport,” he says.

For those who aren’t hitting the court regularly, any shoe that provides motion control or stability is ideal, says Dr. Brenner, who recommends high-top shoes for extra support around the ankle and shoes with sturdy sole and medium thickness from heel to toe to limit motion.

“Shoes that provide the most support are typically a lace-up type shoe with a good heel counter,” adds Dr. Hubbard. Think running shoes or sport-specific sneakers. “Most sneaker companies also make a line of orthopedic walking shoes which are lace-up and have a good cushion and arch support,” he continues.

Benefits of shoes for ankle support

For exercising (especially while playing sports like basketball and tennis) or regular walking, shoes with solid ankle support are a must for foot comfort and injury prevention. “Ankle spraining injuries are amongst the most common injuries of the foot and ankle,” says Dr. Cunha. Wearing shoes that provide stability and alignment while preventing abnormal movement can help you avoid injuries to keep doing all the things you love to do.

How we chose the best shoes for ankle support

We interviewed Christopher E. Hubbard, M.D., a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Atlantic Medical Group of Atlantic Health System, Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon practicing in New York City, and Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. These experts shared information about the importance of wearing shoes with proper ankle support as well as what to look for when shopping for this type of shoe. We took their expertise and recommendations into consideration. We also conducted our own research, combing through customer reviews of shoes with ankle support for respected brands.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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