Best Shoes for Ankle Support

Life is too short to let weak ankles or past ankle injuries dictate your lifestyle, and the thing is that the wrong shoes can put your ankles at risk of foot pain and further injury, while the right shoes can help you stay active and pain free. It's important to note that improper footwear is one of the causes of flat feet overpronation and can worsen conditions such as overpronation and underpronation.

Whether you love running, like playing sports, or simply want to walk and move around in confidence and comfort, we have three words for you: ankle support shoes. These mighty shoes offer the perfect blend of stability and support, all while giving your feet the freedom to move like they were born to.

What is ankle support in shoes?

The best shoes for ankle support are those that fit you well and come with enhanced support in the midsole, a cushioned insole, a deep heel cup, a higher heel drop, arch support and a wide toe box. 

We will explain later exactly how and why these footwear design features are good for your ankles, but first we want to start with our ankle support shoe recommendations, all of which offer the design features listed above.

The best shoes for weak ankles

Ankle Support Sneakers for Walking or Running

• Why You’ll Love It: Our arch support running shoes and orthopedic walking shoes offer multiple adjustability options with breathable uppers, providing a custom fit and keeping your feet cool

• Features:  The Verve and Sprint shoes for example focus on ankle stability, crucial for walking and running. Features like the adjustable heel strap and tie-less lace technology enhance fit and convenience, while the ergonomic insole offers necessary arch support, reduces the risk of plantar fascia, and prevents ankle sprains.

Ankle Support Shoes for Work

• Why You’ll Love It: Our slip-resistant shoes for women offer superior grip with easy-to-clean, water-repellent uppers. The work shoes for men feature ladder grab notches and waterproof leather, providing robust support and durability.
• Features: The Talya sneakers boast a lightweight design with exceptional traction, ideal for long workdays. Granite boots include a safety toe, meeting high industry standards for protection and offering enhanced stability on various surfaces

Ankle Support Shoes for the Elderly

• Why You’ll Love It: Our slip-resistant shoes for men and women feature hands-free design and orthopedic insoles, enhancing stability and ease of use making them the best shoes for seniors.
• Features: The designs prioritize comfort with arch support and a wide toe box. Notable models include the Kita for women and Yari for men, which incorporate innovative features like a slip-on style and spring mechanism that simplifies putting on and taking off the shoes, perfect for those with mobility issues.

FAQ

What shoes should I wear for ankle pain?

If you have pain in your ankles, it’s best to look for shoes that can give your feet and ankles the support they need and take the pressure off the painful area.

Here are the features to look for. 

• Enhanced support in the midsole and a cushioned insole. Sufficient cushioning and effective shock absorption within the midsole and the entire insole of a shoe can minimize the impact experienced by the ankle joint, offering an extra layer of comfort and protection.
• A deep heel cup. The presence of deep heel cups in shoes serves to stabilize the foot by aligning it with the ankle, knee and hips. This alignment promotes proper foot positioning, which in turn helps alleviate issues related to over pronation and supination that put extra stress on the ankles. By reducing pain from the feet all the way to the back, it allows for a more comfortable experience.
• A higher heel drop. Heel drop is the height difference between the shoe’s heel and the toe. Zero drop shoes evenly distribute cushioning beneath both the heels and toes, but they may not provide sufficient ankle support. The lower the heel, the greater the demands placed on your Achilles tendon, potentially exerting additional strain on the rear of your ankle. In contrast, the optimal ankle support shoes tend to feature a higher heel drop. 
• Arch support. Maintaining adequate arch support is key to fostering ankle stability. Individuals with weak or collapsed arches are more susceptible to over pronation, ankle pain, instability and potential injuries. To address these concerns, shoes equipped with appropriate arch support or supplemented with an additional insole can effectively bolster ankle support, providing a solid foundation from the ground up.
• Good fit and wide toe box. It's important to ensure that your shoes offer ample space for your toes to move unrestrictedly while simultaneously providing a snug and secure fit around the ankle. Steer clear of shoes that are either overly tight or excessively loose, as they will fail to deliver the necessary comfort and stability required for injury prevention.

Although it’s not a must, ankle support footwear can also have a higher shaft that holds the ankles in place.

Is it OK to walk with ankle pain?

If you’ve had an ankle injury, it’s best to see a healthcare professional and get your ankle treated. 

If it’s a sprain, you will probably need to rest and stay off your feet for a while, and possibly you will have the option to use crutches to keep the weight off the injured leg.

If the cause of your ankle pain is some sort of inflammation in the feet, such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, the result will likely be extra stress on various muscles and tendons, including those in the ankles, because the inflammation will affect the gait. In such cases, wearing good supportive shoes may allow you to walk with ankle pain and could even alleviate or treat it. 

Still, before you decide whether or not to walk with ankle pain, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider. 

Finally, it is worth noting that wearing the right shoes can also help you avoid ankle pain in the first place.

Can wearing the right shoes prevent future ankle injuries?

Yes, wearing the right shoes can significantly reduce the risk of future ankle injuries, especially for those who are active or have a history of ankle issues. When selecting shoes, consider the following attributes to ensure they provide adequate protection:

• Supportive shoe: A shoe that offers strong ankle support can stabilize the joint and prevent unnatural movements that could lead to sprains or other injuries.

• Ankle brace integration: Some shoes come equipped with built-in ankle braces or are compatible with separate braces. These can add extra stability and protection, especially useful for individuals prone to ankle sprains.

• Suitable for activity type: Depending on your activities, whether they involve running, walking, or other sports, ensure the shoes are designed for those specific movements. For example, men’s hiking boots and hiking boots for women should offer flexibility and cushioning suitable for long distances.

• Appropriate fit: Shoes that fit well are crucial. Too tight and they can cause discomfort and restrict movement, too loose and they fail to support the ankle properly. Always use a size guide to find the correct fit, particularly if you have wide feet you may need to explore shoes for wide feet.

By carefully selecting shoes that meet these criteria, you can help protect your ankles from future injuries and enjoy your activities with confidence and comfort.