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Whether you’re walking to work, going for a run, or taking a quick lunchtime stroll around the block, your sneaker choices matter. Some athletic shoes are designed to keep knee pain away, while others help mitigate any discomfort in your feet. But if your ankles tend to be a weak point for you (and you’re not alone: ankle sprains1 are one of the most-common, recurrent lower-body injuries), we asked some experts to name the best sneakers for ankle support. Read on to hear what they had to say, then shop a variety of supportive sneakers for all types of activities.
Experts in This Article
board-certified podiatry specialist at Ankle &
board-certified orthopedic surgeon
orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist
Best sneakers for ankle support at a glance
- Best for walking: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1540v4, $190
- Best casual: Nike Blazer Mid ’77, $105
- Best for cross-training: Nobull Outwork High-Top, $159
- Most comfortable: Asics GEL-Kayano 31, $165
- Best waterproof: Nike Pegasus 41 GORE-TEX, $160
- Best for road running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, $140
- Best men's trail running shoe: Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX, $165
- Best men's wide sneaker: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14, $140
- Best men's hiking boot: KEEN Targhee 2 Hiking Boot, $155
- Best men's shoe for cushioning: Hoka Clifton 10, $150
What to look for in a sneaker for ankle support
If your ankles tend to feel a little wobbly and unstable, you need to look for a few qualities in a shoe, says Korsh Jafarnia, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the Methodist Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Houston Methodist. “When looking for running shoes for an unsteady ankle, you need to find a pair that’s stable on the outside, the lateral side. If a shoe is firm laterally, it’s less likely to allow your foot to collapse to the inside and can help prevent lateral ankle sprains,” says Dr. Jafarnia. He adds that arch support is also key for improving ankle stability2.
Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Ankle & Foot Centers of America, adds “Look for shoes that have a wide fit to allow plenty of room in the toe box and help stabilize the foot while walking or running. Additionally, make sure to select sneakers that have soft cushioning materials such as memory foam or latex foam, as well as an inner lining made from breathable materials. Finally, look for shoes with extra stability features such as dual-density midsoles which provide maximum shock absorption when your foot strikes the ground.”
Of course, while supportive kicks are a great start, it’s always important to get a professional opinion to make sure you’re addressing every factor that could be causing ankle pain. “If you have an ankle that is prone to sprains, then you likely have a condition called 'chronic ankle instability,' and it should be treated in a comprehensive manner,” says Dr. Jafarnia. So make sure to book some time with an orthopedist—if you can.
Ahead, here are the best sneaker recommendations for ankle support. Each shoe features key criteria for sneakers (stable on the outside and impressive arch support), so you can keep those sprains far, far away.
Shop a few of the best sneakers for ankle support
Editor’s note: While we suggest shoes for both women and men in this piece, we only do this based on search results. You can wear whichever shoe you want, however you identify.
Sizes: 6–13, narrow, standard, wide, X-wide | Colors: 2
Dr. Jafarnia’s pick for a women’s walking shoes features a double layer of sturdy comfortable foam. “For even more support, the shoes also feature a Rollbar stability post system that’s designed to control rear-foot movement, making them a good choice for over-pronators,” he says. In overpronation, the ankle rolls downward and inward with each step, increasing the risk of injury in the foot and leg. It also comes in a variety of foot widths, up to X-wide, to accommodate lots of types of feet.
Pros:
- Performance foam provides stability
- Rear foot movement control
- Lots of foot widths available
Cons:
- Limited colors
Sizes: 5–12 | Colors: 2, plus option to design your own
“High top shoes with a flexible, rather than rigid upper, provide the best stability,” says Jerome Enad, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. These vintage-inspired Nikes have a leather and synthetic upper, and come in a bunch of fun, bold colors. Beyond looks through, the shoes are high-top to stabilize and support your ankles as you walk throughout the day.
Pros:
- High top for arch support
- Stylish
- Option to design your own
Cons:
- Not made for intense activity
Sizes: 5–11 (runs snug, might need to size up a half size) | Colors: 3
If you’re more into strength training vs. cardio, these high-top sneakers, another recommendation from Dr. Enad, have a padded collar and medial guards to keep your feet secure in place, and a breathable upper and tongue. They’re lightweight, and the sockliner is anatomical for a better fit. They come in a hundred different colors and patterns, so you’ll have no problem finding a pair to match your style.
Pros:
- Padded high-cut collar
- Mesh base layer
- Medial guards
Cons:
- Not made for cardio
Sizes: 5–13, in standard, narrow, and wide | Colors: 24
”These running shoes are designed with GEL technology cushioning in the heel and forefoot to provide superior comfort and support,” says Dr. Alvarez. They're lightweight sneakers with an external heel counter to keep your foot stable and cushioning in the rear foot for shock absorption—they're also ideal for neutral or overpronators, as there’s a stability feature to help prevent feet from rolling inward. The knit upper is breathable, so your feet won’t overheat on a run, and at least 50 percent of the upper is made from recycled materials.
Pros:
- Medial support
- Heel counter to keep feet stable
- Cushioning
Cons:
- May be more cushioned than some people prefer
Sizes: 5–12 | Colors: 3
For those times where you are walking or running in inclement weather or unpredictable conditions, these Nike sneakers will come in handy. With a waterproof GORE-TEX upper, and a springy ReactX foam midsole, these shoes will make sure your feet stay dry and warm while not slowing you down. They’re lightweight and have a grippy sole, too. Says Dr. Alvarez, “This sneaker is engineered with full-length Zoom Air cushioning that provides excellent shock absorption when running or walking.”
Pros:
- Good shock absorption
- Waterproof GORE-TEX upper
- Soft cushioning
Cons:
- Not as breathable
- Limited colors
Sizes: 7–15, narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide | Colors: 19
“Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoe is a good pick because it has exceptional cushioning, stability, and support, making it ideal for those with weak or injury-prone ankles,” says Dr. Jafarnia. “The Adrenaline features GuideRails, which limit unwanted movement in your ankles while supporting and aligning the foot.” He especially loves these shoes for runners who need ankle support because the high heel-to-toe drop will relieve some pressure from your heels and calves as the miles roll on. Brooks Adrenaline GTS is also available in men's sizing, which you can find here.
Pros:
- Soft cushioning
- GuideRails for side support
- Soft midsole for smooth transitions
Cons:
- Runs slightly short
Sizes: 7–14, standard and wide | Colors: 4
If you’re someone who spends a hefty amount of their walking time on the trails, Dr. Jafarnia has a great rec for you. “Supportive and sturdy, Salomon’s Speedcross trail running shoes provide the protection you need for all types of surfaces and conditions. The shoe’s deep heel cup cradles your heels, ensuring stability through your stride, while the rubber outsole provides dependable grip on uneven surfaces,” he says.
Pros:
- Custom foothold for support
- Grippy outsole
- Cushioned midsole
Cons:
- May run narrow
Sizes: 7–16, standard, wide, and x-wide | Colors: 9
“These shoes are designed with dual-density midsoles, supportive midfoot shanks, and an Ortholite foam insole for maximum cushioning and stability,” says Dr. Alvarez. They have a supportive medial post to help prevent feet from rolling inward, and the upper has a no-sew construction for comfort. Plus, soft cushioning and a mesh support will make sure your feet are comfortable and cool during all your long walks and runs.
Pros:
- Midsole foam cushioning
- Medial post for stability
- Breathable upper
Cons:
- Chunkier sole
Sizes: 7–17, standard and wide | Colors: 9
When hiking up trails and mountains, the last thing you want is a twisted ankle. These KEEN hiking boots are mid-height to provide ankle support whether you’re walking up or downhill, and they also have heel wraps to keep your feet securely in place. They have cushioned midsoles to help absorb shock, and despite being durable and waterproof, they’re still flexible and breathable for all-day comfort.
Pros:
- Mid-height
- Waterproof
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Not super breathable
Sizes: 7–17, standard, wide, and x-wide | Colors: 9
Lightweight and extra cushioned, the Hoka Clifton 10 has responsive foam, a snug fit, and neutral support for stability. The knit upper hugs your foot for a snug fit, and the heel has plush cushioning to help with shock absorption and transitions. It’s also made with recycled materials. Bonus: the shoe has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
Pros:
- Foam midsole
- Soft cushioning
- Breathable upper
Cons:
- Not everyone may like the maximum cushioning
- Mugno AT, Constant D. "Recurrent Ankle Sprain." In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. ↩︎
- Chen T, Chou L, Tsai M, Lo M, Kao M. "Effectiveness of a heel cup with an arch support insole on the standing balance of the elderly." Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:351-356
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S56268 ↩︎
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