Keep your ankles safe and stable with one of the best ankle support shoes.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
In This Article
How We Chose
Best for Support
Best for Overpronation
Best for High Arches
Best Structured
Best Cushioned
Best for Running
What to Look for
If you have weak or wobbly ankles, even the best walking shoes might not work for you. No, you need the best ankle support shoes around.
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What's the difference? And what's an ankle support shoe, exactly? An ankle support shoe has extra support in the midsole to help keep your joints safe and stable while you walk. Keeping your ankles safe during walking workouts is key if you want to stay free of injury.
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So how do you go about finding the best one? Here, experts share six of the best walking shoes for ankle support. Bonus: exactly how to find the best fit for you.
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The Best Ankle Support Walking Shoes
Best for Support: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Men’s and Women’s ($160 and $127.97, Nike) Best for Overpronation: Asics GT-2000 Men’s and Women’s ($109.95, Asics) Best for High Arches: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Men’s and Women’s ($140, Brooks Running) Best Structured: New Balance 1540v3 Men’s and Women’s ($169.99, New Balance) Best Cushioned: Saucony Omni 20 Men’s and Women’s ($90.95, Saucony) Best for Running: Hoka Bondi 7 Men’s and Women’s ($127.99, Hoka)
Manufacturers typically market shoes according to gender, so we’ve listed both women’s and men’s picks below. However, the main difference between most men’s and women’s shoes lies in the shoe width and size. In some cases, men’s shoes are built to support greater weights. So people with bigger bodies may want to opt for men’s versions, and people with smaller bodies may prefer women’s versions. How We Chose We chatted with Melissa Garcia, DPT, CSCS, a Washington-based physical therapist who works with plenty of walkers and runners with wobbly ankles. She told us about all the best ankle support shoes and what factors to consider before buying. These top picks are based on criteria including:
Stability Comfort Durability
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1. Best for Support: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
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Nike/LIVESTRONG.com
Pros
Lightweight cushion Breathable and durable Flyknit upper Ankle and foot stabilization
Cons
Have a narrower fit
If you look around your local trail, you’ll probably see a lot of people wearing Nike’s React shoes. And considering their innovative technology, it’s no surprise.
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React's cushioning system responds to your feet while providing a lightweight, plush feel, according to Garcia. Still, they're durable and can withstand even your longest walks.
These are a pair of motion-control shoes, meaning they’re designed to reduce how much your feet and ankles wiggle around while you walk, she says. They’re all about max support.
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Buy it: Nike.com (men's); Nike.com (women's); Price: $160 (men's); $129.97 (women's)
Best for Overpronation: Asics GT-2000
Visit Page https://go.skimresources.com Image Credit:Asics/LIVESTRONG.com
Pros
Built with added ankle support Cushioned, stable heel Shock-absorbing mid-foot cushion Ideal for people with overpronation (ankles collapse in)
Cons
Not ideal for low arches Bulkier than previous versions of the shoe
Regardless of if you’re prepping for a marathon or heading to the grocery store, the Asics GT-2000 is a versatile, supportive shoe to consider on your hunt for the best ankle support shoes for your feet.
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"These shoes feature a good amount of responsive cushioning, combining additional support for [ankle collapse]," Garcia says. The GT-2000 is made with a cushioned heel, which is great for stabilizing your heel with each step, she says. Plus, the mid-foot's cushioning absorbs shock as you walk.
Buy it: Asics.com (men’s); Asics.com (women’s); Price: $109.95 3. Best for High Arches: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
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Brooks/LIVESTRONG.com
Pros
GuideRails keep your ankles in place Breathable mesh upper Smooth heel to toe transition Made for medium to high arches
Cons
May not be ideal for low arches
The Brooks Adrenaline is made with support and stability in mind. It has inner GuideRails, which limit unwanted movement in your ankles and heels, according to Garcia. The uppers (tops of the shoes) have breathable mesh that gives you a little stretch while keeping your foot securely in place without being too tight.
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Buy it: Brooks.com (men's); Brooks.com (women's); Price: $140
Best Structured: New Balance 1540v3
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Pros
Double foam support Motion control for extra stability Durable midsole Rigid upper
Cons
Expensive
An excellent walking or running shoe, the New Balance 1540 is built with two layers of sturdy and comfortable foam that gives a structured feel. But this foam is also responsive, so your feet won’t feel clunky or heavy as you walk around in this pair.
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"This shoe is a breathable yet highly durable option with good arch support," Garcia says. Plus, the shoe's durable midsole will keep your sneakers in good condition mile after mile.
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Buy it: NewBalance.com (men's); NewBalance.com (women's); Price: $169.99
Best Cushioned: Saucony Omni 20
Visit Page https://www.saucony.com Image Credit:Saucony/LIVESTRONG.com
Pros
Springy cushion Roomy fit Personalized, flexible upper Wide fit
Cons
Wide fit may not be ideal for narrower feet
In some cases, shoes for weak ankles can feel overly stiff or rigid. But Saucony’s stable ankle support shoes don’t sacrifice the springy you want in a good pair of walking sneakers. “This shoe advertises springy cushioning while combining significant stability throughout the medial arch,” Garcia says. “With more energy return, the wearer will feel more efficient with every step, potentially improving their ability to walk longer distances.” The Omni is also built with a wider base, giving a more generous, roomy fit. The breathable upper features Saucony’s FORMFIT fabric, flexing and fitting with your unique foot. Buy it: Saucony.com (men’s); Saucony.com (women’s); Price: $90.95 6. Best for Running: Hoka Bondi 7
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Hoka/LIVESTRONG.com
Pros
Internal heel cushion Meta-Rocker midsole Breathable mesh upper Plush collar for narrower heels
Pros
May not suit wider feet
Hoka shoes may look a little unconventional, but the midsole has a meta-rocker design, helping propel you forward with each step during your run, Garcia says. Compared to other Hoka shoes, the Bondi is extra supportive, giving your ankles the protection they need. The internal cushion in the heel is another bonus, helping keep your foot locked in place. One of the last things you want is your heel slipping in and out of your sneaker mid-jog.
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Buy it: Hoka.com (men's); Hoka.com (women's); Price: $127.99
How to Find the Best Ankle Support Shoes for Walking Workouts
Seek Motion Control When you’re shopping for the best walking shoes for support, search for a pair that’s label mentions “control” or “stability.” “These shoes are more structured through the heel cup and more supportive through the sides,” Garcia says. “This decreases the amount of excessive movement through the foot and ankle.” Depending on your level of needed support, you may even want to arm your shoes with personalized insoles. Podiatrists can help recommend or design them for you.
Prioritize Fit and Comfort Stability shoes can sometimes feel a little too firm, depending on the pair you’re trying, Garcia says. That’s why you want a pair of shoes that fits your feet as comfortably as possible. After all, you don’t want to feel clunky or heavy while you’re walking.
Look for a Secure Heel Whether your ankle tends to collapse in or out as you walk, buying a pair of shoes with a loose-fitting heel cup will only worsen the issue, allowing your ankle to move more while you’re walking and increasing your risk of ankle injury. “[Supportive shoes] have a stiff heel cup to provide stability through the ankle joint,“Garcia says. You can also look at the width of your feet to help determine whether the heel will stay in place. If the shoes are built with a wider base but your feet are more narrow, your heels have a higher chance of slipping out with each step.
Take It for Some Test Walks When you find the perfect shoe, take it on some long walks to see if it really holds up. Not only will this guarantee a good fit, but safe and snug ankles, too. If it doesn’t pass the test, don’t settle; send it back. “Breaking in” walking shoes shouldn’t be necessary. They’re either comfortable or they aren’t. More Walking and Running Shoes
The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Every Foot Shape, Arch Height and Stability Need by Bojana Galic The 6 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist by Sara Coughlin The 13 Best Running Shoes for Every Foot Shape, Running Style and Stability Need by Adrienne JordanAdvertisement
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Keep your ankles safe and stable with one of the best ankle support shoes. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
- How We Chose
- Best for Support
- Best for Overpronation
- Best for High Arches
- Best Structured
- Best Cushioned
- Best for Running
- What to Look for
Best for Support: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Men’s and Women’s ($160 and $127.97, Nike) Best for Overpronation: Asics GT-2000 Men’s and Women’s ($109.95, Asics) Best for High Arches: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Men’s and Women’s ($140, Brooks Running) Best Structured: New Balance 1540v3 Men’s and Women’s ($169.99, New Balance) Best Cushioned: Saucony Omni 20 Men’s and Women’s ($90.95, Saucony) Best for Running: Hoka Bondi 7 Men’s and Women’s ($127.99, Hoka)
Manufacturers typically market shoes according to gender, so we’ve listed both women’s and men’s picks below. However, the main difference between most men’s and women’s shoes lies in the shoe width and size. In some cases, men’s shoes are built to support greater weights. So people with bigger bodies may want to opt for men’s versions, and people with smaller bodies may prefer women’s versions.
In some cases, men’s shoes are built to support greater weights. So people with bigger bodies may want to opt for men’s versions, and people with smaller bodies may prefer women’s versions.
Visit Page
https://go.skimresources.com
Image Credit: Nike/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Nike/LIVESTRONG.com
Lightweight cushion Breathable and durable Flyknit upper Ankle and foot stabilization
Have a narrower fit
Buy it: Nike.com (men’s); Nike.com (women’s); Price: $160 (men’s); $129.97 (women’s)
Image Credit: Asics/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Asics/LIVESTRONG.com
Built with added ankle support Cushioned, stable heel Shock-absorbing mid-foot cushion Ideal for people with overpronation (ankles collapse in)
Not ideal for low arches Bulkier than previous versions of the shoe
Buy it: Asics.com (men’s); Asics.com (women’s); Price: $109.95
Image Credit: Brooks/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Brooks/LIVESTRONG.com
GuideRails keep your ankles in place Breathable mesh upper Smooth heel to toe transition Made for medium to high arches
May not be ideal for low arches
Buy it: Brooks.com (men’s); Brooks.com (women’s); Price: $140
Image Credit: New Balance/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: New Balance/LIVESTRONG.com
Double foam support Motion control for extra stability Durable midsole Rigid upper
Expensive
Buy it: NewBalance.com (men’s); NewBalance.com (women’s); Price: $169.99
Visit Page
https://www.saucony.com
Image Credit: Saucony/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Saucony/LIVESTRONG.com
Springy cushion Roomy fit Personalized, flexible upper Wide fit
Wide fit may not be ideal for narrower feet
Buy it: Saucony.com (men’s); Saucony.com (women’s); Price: $90.95
Visit Page
https://click.linksynergy.com
Image Credit: Hoka/LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: Hoka/LIVESTRONG.com
Internal heel cushion Meta-Rocker midsole Breathable mesh upper Plush collar for narrower heels
May not suit wider feet
Buy it: Hoka.com (men’s); Hoka.com (women’s); Price: $127.99
The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Every Foot Shape, Arch Height and Stability Need
by
Bojana Galic
The 6 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist
by
Sara Coughlin
The 13 Best Running Shoes for Every Foot Shape, Running Style and Stability Need
by
Adrienne Jordan
