What Podiatrists Want You to Know Before Picking Out Shoes for Ankle Support (2024)

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.