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

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Wearing shoes that provide ankle support is key to avoiding most common foot injuries while staying active. And those who enjoy physical activities that involve jumping, running on uneven surfaces, or making sudden changes in direction—like tennis, basketball, or pickleball—are at greater risk, according to Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. That’s why we looked into the best shoes for ankle support.

“Ankle support is especially important in people prone to ankle sprains [and who] have pain from arthritis,” says 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., foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Atlantic Medical Group of Atlantic Health System; Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., podiatric surgeon practicing in New York City; Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City; Brent Allen, Senior Manager, Development Footwear: Basketball, at Adidas.

“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. Brent Allen, footwear developer at Adidas, agrees, saying that a taller shoe that you can lace helps create a more secured fit.

With our expert insights in mind, find the best shoes for ankle support below.

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.

You get mid-level support and extra cushioning in this shoe, giving you a more airy feel with each step. Satisfied reviewers praise the shoe's comfort, plush cushioning, fit, and aesthetics.

The shoe also holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which means it was reviewed by a team of podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health.

What Dr. Dunha says: “These shoes are stable and durable and provide superior cushioning and support.”

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.

You get max support and more cushioning with this style.

What a reviewer says: “I am on concrete all day long. These are durable and so so comfortable. Very pleased. The fit is perfect.”

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. You get lightweight, but maximum cushioning.

What a reviewer says: “These shoes are great if you have a flat arch and overpronate. They have a supportive insole and give ankle stability and cushion. I've only done four miles in them at a time so far since I'm breaking them in, but they're very comfortable. True to size too.”

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, meant to provide better support and fit.

You also get foam midsole cushioning for soft steps. Plus, the lace-up design offers a more secure, locked down fit.

Multiple reviewers say they’re like “walking on clouds,” and many note they really make a different when it comes to arch support.

What a reviewer says: “I am currently dealing with a bunion on one of my feet and was hoping that these sneakers where wide enough so I wouldn't feel discomfort while on my walk. I've got no pain. They're very comfortable and stylish.”

608 V5

These casual cross trainers from New Balance are an under-$100 pick with loads of fans (they’ve racked up roughly 25,000 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.

Note that these are more of an everyday shoe, more for walking and running errands. They also serve as a great fashion shoe, as reviewers say the style can be worn casually with most outfits.

What a reviewer says: “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. I wear them every day and do a whole lot of walking for my job.”

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.

On top of that, you get a breathable, perforated tongue to keep you comfortable during each session. Supportive uppers and a low drop help you keep your stance.

What a reviewer says: “They provide some extra ankle support that I need and are super comfortable.”

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.

Reviewers rave about the comfort and cushion, affordability, and bright color options. However, several users recommend sizing up one half or full size since the design runs a little small.

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

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 has 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.

You get a removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning. You also get a lightweight EVA foam midsole and a Vibram TC5 rubber sole for added comfort. This is a shoe that offers medium support.

Reviewers love that the shoe provides good ankle and arch support, plus that the material really keeps your feet dry.

What a reviewer says: “I’ve had these boots for a few months now and still love the heck out of them! Well made, accurate sizing, and they fit my narrow feet well but would also be just fine for average width. I like that the toe area is nice and roomy—zero pinching.”

Lani

With a high collar and laces, these boots from Vionic, a footwear brand whose designs are meant to help relieve foot and heel pain.

We love that these boots 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.

Reviewers love that the boots are well made, lightweight, and fashionable. But one thing to note: several complain about the toe box being too narrow.

What a reviewer says: “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. Rugged(ish) sole is good for walking on uneven terrain, too.”

How to choose the best shoes for ankle support

First, you need to consider your own intentions for getting shoes with ankle support, plus your wants and needs, Allen tells Prevention. Do you want more of a performance shoe or a fashion shoe, and do you need to accommodate a brace?

“But at the end of the day, if you want a shoe for ankle support, you’ll want a taller shoe that you can lace to top for better ‘lock down’ to create that secured fit,” Allen says.

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.

What factors should I avoid when shopping for shoes specifically for ankle support?

Stay away from low-cut shoes or anything that doesn't give you support, Allen says. “But at the same time, don’t get anything too overbuilt or thick—because that won’t be comfortable either,” he adds.

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, and Brent Allen, Senior Manager, Development Footwear: Basketball, at Adidas.

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.

You Might Also Like

• Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss?

• Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50