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Whether you’re dealing with pain from arthritis or are prone to sprains, wearing the best shoes for ankle support can help provide some relief and stability. That’s because sporting ankle support shoes can help make everyday activities more comfortable and reduce your risk of injury.
But shoes with ankle support look different from your average running shoes. In fact, even some of the most comfortable shoes around won’t always fit the bill.
“High-top shoes are great for additional structure and support to prevent ankle injury,” says Dr. Dan Geller, a board certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear. “Running shoes may not always be the best for folks with weak ankles as some can actually roll you out,” explains Dr. Geller.
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The exact causes of ankle pain and weakness varies from person to person. For example, some people have weak ankles as a byproduct of loose ligaments from birth, Dr. Geller says. That said, the most “common causes of ankle pain and weakness include chronic ankle instability from multiple ankle sprains, hypermobile feet, rigid, high-arch feet, and ankle arthritis. It can also be caused by tightness or over-lengthening of the muscles in the back of the leg,” says Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a board-certified podiatrist who specializes in holistic and functional foot health.
Choosing the right shoes for ankle support is a key step in managing ankle-related issues and preventing them from occurring down the line. With these ankle supportive shoes, you can step out in confidence.
Materials: Leather upper and rubber sole
Special features: Wide toe box, stability shank, molded EVA midsole, internal heel counter
Pros: Has a stability shank to provide control for side-to-side movements and removable footbeds so you can insert your own orthotic
Cons: They might feel bulky and tend to run small so order a half size up.
What reviewers are saying: Reviewers love these shoes for their stability and comfort. Many who have worn the shoes say they are great for a variety of activities, including walking and jogging. “I wanted a good stable base for walking. I am 76 and walk 1-2 miles a day. My depth perception and balance require a well fitting and good base of support. This shoe provides a better balance,” says one reviewer.
Courtesy of Nike
Materials: Foam and mesh tongue
Special features: High top for ankle support and max cushioning
Pros: Ideal for basketball and other sports with lateral movements and jumping, like volleyball. It has high tops for ankle support.
Cons: Not great for running
Courtesy of Skechers
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: Ortholite foam insole, sock-like and slip-in design, and durable dual-density traction outsoles.
Pros: Great for walking and other everyday low-impact activities
Cons: Slip-on version doesn’t allow you to adjust fit
What reviewers say: “I need a wide shoe width and this shoe fits perfectly. I also have bone-on-bone ankles and this shoe provides the necessary cushion that my ankles need in order to be pain-free,” a reviewer says.
Courtesy of Orthofeet
Materials: Knit fabric and foam padding
Special features: Wide toe box, deep heel cup and cushioning, and rocker
Pros: Provides support for people with arthritis and other foot issues, including heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, and comes in a variety of foot widths
Cons: Not the most aesthetically pleasing
What reviewers say: “I had painful ankles and wearing them have helped reduce the pain a lot. I am ready to order a pair of boots too. I will eventually only have Orthofeet shoes.”
Materials: Faux leather
Special features: Round toe box, low heel-toe drop, dense foam cradling the heel, and flexible soles
Pros: Round toe box to support natural movement and a low heel-toe drop to promote stability.
Cons: Can be difficult to clean
What reviewers say: “My husband finally gave in into buying Dr. Scholl’s. He thought they were only for old people. Wrong, haha. His feet, on which he stands for over ten hours, thanked him at the end of a work day. He also brought the ones in gray. Looks very professional.”
Courtesy of Nike
Materials: Durable mesh
Special features: Herringbone outsoles to provide lateral grip and full-length foot frame to stabilize your feet
Pros: Great grip but also promotes movement, foot framing to stabilize your feet
Cons: Might run a little smaller than your usual size
What reviewers are saying: “Very comfortable worn loose for coaching and great support when tightened for hitting.”
Courtesy of No Bull
Materials: Durable, breathable, and abrasion-resistant material and a microsuede tongue
Special features: High ankle collar and lateral and medial guards for ankle protection
Pros: Built with abrasion-resistant material and has lateral guards for ankle protection and great traction
Cons: Can be tedious to lace and unlace
What reviewers say: “The high tops help keep my ankle sturdy, as I’ve had a previous injury. Plus, they’re fashionable which I love.”
Courtesy of Hoka
Materials: Flat-knit upper
Special features: EVA foam midsole, low heel-toe drop, and wide toe box
Pros: Low heel-toe drop and wide toe box
Cons: Lack of colorway variety
What reviewers are saying: “I was having lower back pain and sore feet, ankles, and knees when I stumbled on to Hoka shoes while on vacation in Tennessee. I now own 3 pairs of them and am never looking back. My pain was way less by the time my vacation was over and I credit that to the Hoka brand shoes because they have half the heel-to-toe drop than most shoes on the market.”
Courtesy of Xero Shoes
Materials: Flat-knit upper
Special features: Heel and in-step and midfoot straps, wide toe box, and zero drop
Pros: Heel and in-step strap help secure your feet and provide extra lateral stability, a wide toe box promotes natural movement, and a grippy tread helps to keep your ankles safe during quick movements.
Cons: Available only in one width and lack of color varieties
What reviewers are saying: “I used to lift without shoes on but now I don’t have to! These have been the best change for me in the gym. Less ankle pain, being able to feel my feet on the floor while lifting heavy, and being comfortable doing cardio after. I love these!”
Courtesy of Lems
Materials: Suede upper, polyester lining, waterproof membrane
Special features: Waterproof upper, high top, zero drop, wide toe box, durable traction
Pros: The high-top, zero-drop design provides ankle support
Cons: Might feel a little bulky
“These waterproof boots are foot shaped, provide great ankle support, and also enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable without compromising ground feel and proprioception,” Dr. Kuizinas says.
Courtesy of Zappos
Materials: Michelin fiber lite soles
Special features: Zero-drop heels, breathable and flexible upper, two-layer toe cap
Pros: Zero-drop heels and wide, round toe box offer stability, and the breathable, flexible upper promotes natural foot movement
Cons: Might have to size up with thicker socks
What reviewers are saying: Reviewers are pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and supportive these minimalist hiking boots are. “I wore them on a short hike this weekend and not only are the boots comfy with just enough padding that the sharp rocks didn’t hurt, but also the soles are really grippy. They gave me a lot of stability while being the most ridiculously light hikers I’ve worn,” a reviewer commented.
Courtesy of Zappos
Materials: Leather or suede upper and rubber outsole
Special features: Lace-up design and side zippers, water-repellant upper, and removable EVA footbed
Pros: High-top design secures your ankles and the EVA footbed provides cushioning
Cons: Runs a little small so make sure to choose the appropriate size
What reviewers are saying: “I absolutely love these boots. I have several pairs of Vionic shoes and these are the most comfortable of all. I broke my ankle really badly about two years ago and have lived with a lot of pain and stiffness since then. I need great arch support, and it turns out, I need a lightweight shoe so my foot and ankle doesn’t get exhausted lifting up a heavy shoe with every step. Also with the laces they can have a snug, custom fit,” a reviewer says.
What Causes Ankle Pain and Weakness?
In the case of arthritis, ankle joint pain is the result of bones rubbing together when cartilage between two joints breaks down, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although arthritis tends to be more common in older adults, frequent injuries and overuse can lead to ankle arthritis.
If you do a lot of high-impact activities or sports, such as those that involve jumping and lateral movements, you need extra ankle support. For example, people who play tennis or slip into hiking boots for a trek regularly can benefit from ankle support because there is greater movement at the ankle joint in side-to-side movement, Dr. Kuizinas says.
People with high arches are also prone to outer ankle pain and sprains because they tend to supinate, or roll toward the outside of the ankle, when they walk, Dr. Kuizinas says. They also tend to have less range of motion in the ankle, or tighter calves. A good pair of supportive walking shoes for high arches can help.
Ankle support shoes work by providing stability and comfort around the joint. Ankle support offers proprioceptive feedback to your ankle, so you have a better sense of where it is in space, says Dr. Kuizinas.
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Ankle Support
The best shoes for ankle support for you will depend on your individual needs and foot type, so it’s always best to consult a podiatrist about what shoes are suited for you. But here are some features to consider before purchasing a pair for yourself:
- Deep heel cup: This helps stabilize your foot and ankle in the shoe, Dr. Geller says.
Wide, foot-shaped toe box: More room in the toe box will allow for more natural movement in your feet. - Low heel-to-toe drop: Lower heel-toe drops (difference between how high the shoe is in the heel versus the forefoot) are more stable so they can help prevent ankle sprains. For example, shoes with a low heel-toe drop and minimal cushioning can help reduce the impact forces on your ankles, especially for folks with high arches who tend to have more rigid feet.
- High ankle tops: This extra support on shoes will give your ankles more support, Dr. Kuizinas adds. “Some people find that adding ankle support can help with overpronation or for ankle protection in those with rigid feet. If you have these issues and feel unstable in your ankle, adding ankle support can be helpful to give you more of a feeling of security,” Dr. Kuizinas says.
What Is the Best Way to Tie Shoes for Ankle Support?
Tying your shoes can help provide more ankle support. Dr. Kuizinas recommends heel lock lacing, where you utilize the extra lace hole at the top of the shoe to lock your foot in place. You simply loop your laces around the highest lace holes on your shoe and criss-cross them at the top before tying. This will help you feel more stable in the ankles and help prevent your foot from sliding around in the shoe.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Ankle Support
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. When it comes to choosing the best shoes for ankle support, we consulted experts and scoured online customer reviews. The result is this researched list of the best shoes for ankle support of 2023.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dan Geller is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear.
Dr. Alissa Kuizinas is a board-certified podiatrist based in Concord, MA who specializes in holistic and functional foot health.
Meet the Author
Tiffany Ayuda is an editor and writer based in New York City. She writes about fitness, nutrition, health, and general wellness. Most recently, she was a senior editor at Prevention.com, where she expanded their fitness, nutrition, and e-commerce coverage. She held previous editorial roles at Eat This, Not That, Daily Burn, Everyday Health, and South Beach Diet. Tiffany’s work has appeared in the Huffington Post, the Daily Beast, Women’s Health, Mind Body Green, PopSugar, Yahoo! Health, Health and NBC News Better. She is also a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise.
