Last updated: June 11, 2026
The New Balance Men’s 1080v8 offers a perfect blend of cushioning and ankle support. It’s an ideal choice if you want to find a comfortable, functional shoe that can protect your ankles as well. They are the best shoes for ankle support overall.
Our ankles are one of the most vulnerable parts of our body, which means that if we suffer a severe ankle injury then it can leave us out of commission for quite some time while it heals.
This is why it’s so crucial to wear shoes with ample support on your feet so that you don’t risk injuring yourself by wearing shoes without any sort of extra protection.
The NB Men’s 1080v8 is among our favorite shoes for ankle support also because of its design and high comfort level. It provides you with enough protection, stability, and shock absorption to keep you on your feet longer so that you can burn more calories.
Sneakers and athletic shoes can support and cushion your feet as you walk, run, and play sports. However, many types of sneakers and shoes don’t provide enough ankle support to protect you from ankle sprains.
When choosing a pair of running or walking shoes, look for ones that have extra padding around your ankles. You may also want to consider buying a pair of shoes designed specifically for runners with weak ankles or flat feet.
The perfect way to choose what will work best is to know your activity level and what you want out of your shoe. You might want to consider brands like Nike, Adidas, Asics, and Under Armour too.
We’ve put together the best options out there that can offer better support without sacrificing style or comfort. Take a look at some of these options and choose the best shoes for ankle support for you.
10 Best Shoes for Ankle Support Reviewed
- New Balance 1080v8 – Best Overall for Men
- Ryka Sky Walking Shoe – Best Overall for Women
- Under Armour Lockdown 8 – Best Basketball Shoes
- Brooks Addiction Walker 2 – Best Shoes for Walking
- HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 – Best Running Shoes
- Ryka Court Agility – Best Tennis Shoes
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 18 – Best Athletic Shoes
- Nike Precision 8 Mid – Best Nike Shoes
- adidas ACE 18.3 FG – Best Soccer Shoes
- KEEN Targhee II – Best Hiking Shoes
There are a number of great shoes that are great for your ankles. Below is our list of the best 10 shoes for ankle support.
| New Balance 1080v8 |  | Best Overall for Men | Fresh Foam innovative midsole created from a | Bootie construction | Engineered mesh | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ryka Sky Walking Shoe |  | Best Overall for Women | BEST FOR: High-performance fitness walking | PERFORMANCE TECH: Skeletal Guidance System for | MADE FOR WOMEN FIT: Designed for a woman’s | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Under Armour Lockdown 8 |  | Best Basketball Shoes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis | |||
| Brooks Addiction Walker 2 |  | Best Shoes for Walking | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis | |||
| HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 |  | Best Running Shoes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis | |||
| Ryka Court Agility |  | Best Tennis Shoes | Stability: Medial rubber shank | Midsole: ACTIVfoam EVA | Drop: 7 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ASICS Gel Nimbus 18 |  | Best Athletic Shoes | Fluid ride fluid ride provides the ultimate | Rear foot and forefoot gel cushioning systems | Fluid fit Asics fluid fit upper technology | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Nike Precision 8 Mid |  | Best Nike Shoes | Collar: Mid-top, plush foam | Midsole: Sculpted foam | Traction: Herringbone | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Adidas ACE 18.3 FG |  | Best Soccer Shoes | Structured Primemesh upper provides a | Control embossing on the upper gives you | Experience ultimate lockdown with an | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| KEEN Targhee II |  | Best Hiking Shoes | WATERPROOF & PROTECTION: KEEN.DRY breathable | MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Durable | TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber provides | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
New Balance 1080v8
The New Balance Men’s 1080v8 shoes are the best shoes for ankle support.
The Fresh Foam midsole gives you extra comfort each step of the way, while the ABZORB heel unit ensures that your back will stay protected during your runs.
These shoes also have a versatile design that’s suitable for any type of training, you’ll fall in love with this pair time and time again.
This shoe is the one you need to give your workout a boost.
It’s ideal for everyday workouts and intense cardio because of its sturdy sole and comfortable design. Plus, its grip will make sure that you don’t slip.
It also has features like redesigned cushioning technology that allows air to flow through the shoes.
This makes it easy to match your feet’s flexibility and breathability, especially required for athletes that use their feet as a tool in their craft.
With a great balance of price, features, and performance, New Balance Men’s 1080v8 is the top pick for many people who want high-quality shoes with superb ankle support without breaking the bank.
These shoes deserve the top spot for the best shoes for ankle support, not just have an engineered mesh upper that is featuring a soft but secure saddle that enables your foot to move freely but it is also lighter and provides superior fit and support.
Our Verdict
The New Balance 1080v8 is a solid option for runners who value comfort and stability over responsiveness and flexibility. The shoe offers a soft and smooth ride that can protect the ankles from impact and stress.
However, it may not be the best choice for runners who are looking for a more lively and bouncy feel, or who are on a tight budget. The shoe is also on the heavy side, which may affect its performance for faster-paced runs. Overall, the New Balance 1080v8 is a reliable and durable shoe that can deliver a cushy and supportive experience for most runners.
- Fresh Foam innovative midsole created from a
- Bootie construction
- Engineered mesh
Ryka Sky Walking Shoe
Ryka Women’s Sky Walking Shoes are a must-have for any woman who continuously walks long distances and wants added ankle support.
These shoes are the best shoes for ankle support that women will love.
The shoes’ lightweight design and cushioning lining can greatly reduce the stress that builds up in feet and ankles throughout the day and allow you to remain comfortable at all times.
The comfortable, casual design makes it easy to wear these shoes in any situation, making them an excellent choice for everyday use.
These Sky Walking shoes’ design is secure and breathable — they’re perfect for any activity and form your feet perfectly.
The shoes are lace-ups, making it easy to tighten or loosen them on the fly and ensuring that your feet stay stable and secure.
The memory foam sole feature of this shoe has a latex coating for traction to keep your footing steady even on the snowiest days, and its low-top design enables you to go about your day without fear of slipping or tripping.
The mesh, cushioned sock liner, and rubber sole are also shock absorbent, so walking can be as smooth as possible.
These are the best shoes for ankle support that women will surely love.
Our Verdict
The Ryka Sky Walking Shoe is a great option for women who need a reliable and comfortable walking shoe that can handle different surfaces and activities. It has a breathable mesh upper with leather overlays for structure and support, a memory foam footbed that adapts to the foot shape, and a molded EVA midsole with a TPU shank for shock absorption and stability.
The rubber outsole provides good grip and flexibility, while the Flex Grooves allow natural foot movement. The shoe also has a stylish design and comes in various colors to suit different preferences. The shoe runs true to size, but some customers may find it too narrow or lacking in arch support.
Overall, we recommend the Ryka Sky Walking Shoe for its comfort, quality, and value.
- BEST FOR:High-performance fitness walking
- PERFORMANCE TECH:Skeletal Guidance System for
- MADE FOR WOMEN FIT:Designed for a woman’s
Under Armour Lockdown 8
The Under Armour Lockdown 8 is our pick for the best basketball shoe for ankle support on a budget-friendly, no-frills build.
Its breathable mesh upper is reinforced with leather and film overlays for added support and durability, which helps hold the foot in place over the footbed during cuts and landings.
An EVA midsole keeps the ride light and responsive, and the solid rubber outsole uses a herringbone traction pattern for grip and control on the court. It laces up with a standard tie.
Our Verdict
The Under Armour Lockdown 8 suits players who want a supportive, durable basketball shoe: overlays that lock the foot in, a light EVA midsole and herringbone traction for quick changes of direction.
- Upper:Mesh with leather and film overlays
- Midsole:EVA
- Outsole:Herringbone rubber traction
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a lace-up walking shoe built for long days on your feet, and our pick for ankle support when walking.
Its Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) guides the stride and adds arch and pronation control. Controlling the foot rolling inward also keeps the ankle better aligned on every step.
BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your weight, speed and stride to absorb shock, and a robust outsole stands up to everyday wear. The upper is full-grain leather.
Brooks notes the Addiction Walker 2 is a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Our Verdict
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a solid choice for walkers who need stability: a diagonal rollbar for pronation control, adaptive cushioning and a durable leather upper.
- Support:Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar
- Cushion:BioMoGo DNA
- Upper:Full-grain leather
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6
The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 Running Shoe is a state-of-the-art design that pushes the boundaries of what a running shoe can do.
These shoes are the best running shoes for ankle support.
The premium upper delivers support and durability, while the toe spring helps you run lightly.
A proprietary mix of rubber creates a responsive ride that grips the road for effortless traction.
Their soles are from ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, which means they will remain sturdy without needing a replacement for years.
Additionally, they use radial prism technology where there is no distinction between the forefoot and rearfoot push off – so your toes work less than conventional footwear and thereby allowing you to go faster with less effort.
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 uses wind tunnel testing to maximize airflow around the foot while minimizing wind resistance (so you can run/walk/CrossFit even faster). Another thing is it is nicely padded.
They truly stand out among other competitors that is why it is the top pick you can find especially when looking for the best running shoes for ankle support.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a shoe that can provide you with ample ankle support and reduce the impact of running on your joints and muscles, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 might be a great option for you.
The shoe is designed to deliver a smooth and stable ride with its full EVA midsole and early stage meta-rocker geometry. The upper is comfortable and supportive, especially in the heel area where lycra is used to create a plush feeling.
However, if you prefer a more breathable, lightweight, or versatile shoe, you might want to look elsewhere. The Bondi 6 is best suited for road running at low to moderate speeds and distances.
Ryka Court Agility
If you play tennis or pickleball, your ankles will thank you for a proper court shoe. Our pick for women is the Ryka Court Agility.
Ryka designs it around a woman’s foot, with a narrower heel, a roomier toe and softer cushioning. A firm rubber shank on the medial side of the outsole promotes stability for lateral movement, which is where ankles are most at risk on court.
The anatomical insole adds extra arch and heel support, and the ACTIVfoam EVA midsole is designed for energy return. The non-marking rubber outsole grips court surfaces.
The upper is breathable mesh with a reinforced toe for toe drag, a padded tongue and collar, and a lace-up front with heel and tongue pull tabs. Ryka lists a 7 mm heel-to-toe drop and about 8.9 oz per shoe.
Our Verdict
The Ryka Court Agility is a good option for women who play court sports: a medial shank for lateral stability, a padded collar and a women-specific fit.
- Stability:Medial rubber shank
- Midsole:ACTIVfoam EVA
- Drop:7 mm
ASICS Gel Nimbus 18
The best athletic shoes for ankle support are from ASICS, specifically their Gel Nimbus 18.
This model is popular among athletes, who love how comfortable it is, even after long runs.
The soft gel cushioning provides unparalleled comfort and durability, which means you’ll never have to worry about your ankles feeling wobbly or stiff during exercise.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 18 sneakers feature state-of-the-art performance technology that optimizes footwork on a variety of surfaces, including hard court surfaces.
Versatile enough, that you can wear them in almost any sport, they are the ideal footwear for running and other athletic activities.
It has superior shock absorption capabilities due to its special Gel sole construction, which allows it to provide your ankles with more than ample support without affecting your agility or movement speed while you run or jog.
With proper care, these shoes can last up to 500 miles before needing replacement. These shoes are the best athletic shoes for ankle support.
Our Verdict
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 18 shoes are a good choice for runners who need a lot of ankle support and cushioning. They are suitable for high mileage runs on roads and offer a smooth and supportive ride.
However, they are not very light or flexible, and they may not fit everyone’s foot shape or budget. We recommend trying them on before buying them to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
- Fluid ride fluid ride provides the ultimate
- Rear foot and forefoot gel cushioning systems
- Fluid fit Asics fluid fit upper technology
Nike Precision 8 Mid
For a Nike basketball shoe with more coverage around the ankle, our pick is the mid-top Nike Precision 8 Mid.
Plush foam on the collar and tongue adds comfort around the ankle and over the top of the foot, and the mid-height collar covers more of the ankle than a low-top.
The sculpted foam midsole is soft and supportive for nonstop movement, and the herringbone traction gives multidirectional grip. The rubber wraps up the sides of the forefoot for traction on your edges when you cut.
Our Verdict
The Nike Precision 8 Mid is a sensible choice for players who want ankle coverage from Nike: a padded mid-top collar, a supportive foam midsole and herringbone traction.
- Collar:Mid-top, plush foam
- Midsole:Sculpted foam
- Traction:Herringbone
Adidas ACE 18.3 FG
The Adidas Adult ACE 18.3 FG soccer cleats are our number one choice when it comes to ankle support since they come with a durable external heel counter and an ultra-lightweight EVA midsole.
These shoes are the best soccer shoes for ankle support.
These shoes are very light in comparison to most others that also have great ankle support.
They also feature low-profile elastic laces that stay tied no matter how much your feet swell during practice or games.
This is because of their lower profile nature, so if you plan on getting these be aware that calf sleeves might not fit well due to there being less space around your ankles.
However, just because they don’t work well with calf sleeves doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent sneakers for all types of weather conditions; making them just as versatile as any other high-quality pair of sneakers on the market today.
These shoes offer top-notch performance.
It is undoubtedly the best soccer shoe for ankle support.
Our Verdict
The Adidas ACE 18.3 FG is a great choice for soccer players who want a comfortable, stable, and agile shoe that can handle firm grass fields. It has a synthetic upper that adapts to the foot shape, a low-cut design that improves ball control, and a sock-like fit that connects the ankle and the lower leg. It also has a padded insole and heel for extra cushioning and protection.
However, the shoe may not be suitable for players who have wide feet or who prefer a looser fit. The inner sock or boot can be too tight for some users, making it difficult to put on or take off. The shoe may also require some break-in time or sizing up to get the optimal fit. Furthermore, the shoe may need regular cleaning or airing out to prevent dirt or odor buildup.
Overall, we recommend the Adidas ACE 18.3 FG for soccer players who value comfort, stability, and control over ease of use or maintenance.
- Structured Primemesh upper provides a
- Control embossing on the upper gives you
- Experience ultimate lockdown with an
KEEN Targhee II
The KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoe is a well-rounded hiking shoe that works just as well on easy day hikes as it does backpacking expeditions.
It’s durable, comfortable, and provides ample ankle support; in short, it’s an excellent option and the best hiking shoes for ankle support.
These shoes provide excellent ankle support due to their thick heel cup, firm EVA midsole, and roomy toe box.
It’s also water-resistant, meaning it’ll keep your feet dry during light rain showers.
The outsole features 10mm lugs, giving these shoes fantastic grip whether you’re crossing wet rock surfaces or scrambling down a rocky trail at high speed.
The one downside: the waterproof membrane limits breathability, and the stiff upper needs a longer break-in than a typical trail shoe.
If you’re planning a hiking trip, be sure to purchase KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoe because it is a sturdy pair of hiking shoes that will provide ankle support and plenty of traction. It is also the best hiking shoe for ankle support.
Our Verdict
Based on its outsole grip, waterproof membrane and supportive midsole, the KEEN Targhee II is a great option for hikers who are looking for a supportive and comfortable shoe that can handle various terrains and conditions.
- WATERPROOF & PROTECTION:KEEN.DRY breathable
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED:Durable
- TRACTION:KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber provides
Best Shoes for Ankle Support Buying Guide
What’s most important when it comes to ankle support?
Each person and/or sport will have their own unique set of priorities, but some things stand out as being broadly important.
When you’re trying to determine what shoes are best for your ankles, try to consider these factors below.
- Fit
- Support
- Stability
- Comfort
Fit
The most important part of a shoe when it comes to ankle support is fit.
Without a good fit, your ankles will be vulnerable in any shoe that has minimal or nonexistent ankle support.
Your heels should lock in place and your toes should not touch the end of your shoes when you’re walking around normally.
When standing up straight, there should be about an inch of space between your toe and the front of your shoes.
If you are flat-footed or have mobility issues in your feet, look for thicker soles with more cushioning to provide extra padding where needed.
Also, check out motion control shoes which have built-in arch supports that can help keep proper alignment.
Support
To help prevent injuries, make sure you get good ankle support when you’re running or playing tennis.
A common area of injury in runners is ankle sprains; wearing shoes with good arch support and stable heels can greatly reduce your risk of such injuries.
Tennis players on the other hand should look for lightweight shoes that offer lateral support, especially if they play on clay courts, which can be slippery.
Stability
The stability rating in a shoe indicates how much it helps to correct pronation—that is, an inward roll of your ankle.
If you have flat feet with either over-pronation or under-pronation, then buy a shoe with added support and stability features.
These shoes will help keep your ankles from rolling too far inward or outward as you move about on them.
Some shoes have designs that include shock absorbers, which provide additional stability around ankles during movement by absorbing impacts from landing hard on surfaces after leaping off higher ground, such as jumping up onto a curb from running across a crosswalk.
Comfort
You’ll want to choose comfortable shoes that give excellent ankle support.
To find out which shoes are best for your ankles, you can check with your podiatrist.
Podiatrists are experts on feet and will be able to tell you exactly what type of tennis shoe is best based on your foot size, arch type, and history of injuries or pains.
If you don’t have a podiatrist, talk to a store employee who works with coaches—they can point you in the right direction.
Wearing proper footwear is extremely important when playing competitive sports because it improves balance and performance. Make sure that your shoes fit well so that you don’t develop blisters or corns due to rubbing during play or when you’re enjoying a casual walk or run.
Conclusion
The New Balance Men’s 1080v8 is hands down our top pick for men.
This pair of shoes provides a lot of cushioning, a removable orthotic insert, and superior ankle support.
If you’re looking for a shoe that’ll help prevent ankle injuries as well as provide great arch support, these are your best bet.
The Ryka Women’s Sky Walking Shoe is perfect for female runners, walkers, and women who are looking to have ankle support in their footwear.
This shoe provides great impact protection.
The material used in creating it has high-quality synthetic materials that are breathable, flexible, and long-lasting.
When picking out the best shoes for ankle support, make sure they are comfortable and offer excellent stability because you want to be able to work or play without any distractions.
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