I spent most of my 20s and early 30s running around in 5-inch stilettos — not only without a single pair of flats or sneakers in my shoedrobe, but also having not a single care about what that might do to my feet and ankles down the road.
And then, in 2016, I suffered a bad ankle break — it not only shattered my tibia and fibula and caused me not to walk for two months, but completely changed my outlook on which shoes would help my ankle feel better going forward. Gone were the days of only wearing heels. And that’s where the best shoes for ankle support come in.
To help you find the best shoes for ankle support, Shop TODAY consulted a range of podiatrists to break down all the features of supportive shoes, what to look for, what to steer clear of and a few options to get your search started. Time to put your best foot — ahem, ankle — forward.
Why is ankle support important? | What to look for | Can a lack of ankle support lead to injury? | Expert-recommended shoes to shop | More shoes to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
Why is ankle support important?
“Ankle support is important because it prevents reliance on your ankle ligaments, which are not as forgiving as your flexible tendons,” says Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a podiatrist and Medical Director at Baker Street Health in Motion in New Jersey.
“Once a ligament reaches its maximum stress, it can tear and require physical therapy or surgery before it can fully function again," Sonaike continues. "Ankle stability also helps the neighboring joints remain aligned."
Simply put, shoes without proper ankle support can lead to injury. “Ankle support limits excessive ankle movement during physical activities that may require quick movements, which can lead to the potential loss of balance and a fall or injury,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, a podiatric surgeon. She adds that ankle support can also act as a protective barrier, which helps cushion and protect ankle joints from collision.
Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist and sports medicine specialist, agrees. “Ankle support is essential for preventing excessive rolling of the ankle and reducing the risk of sprains and other injuries,” she says.
What to look for in shoes with ankle support
Before you start shopping for a pair of shoes with ankle support, these are the features experts say you’ll want to look for.
- Stability: “Look for sturdy material, as this will reinforce support and not allow the shoe to bend excessively,” says Daughtry. She recommends looking for rubber outsoles, adjustable and solid ankle straps and a level heel height. “Avoid excessive high heels putting strain on the ankle, at risk of a twisting issue,” she says.
- Support: “Good arch support is crucial for maintaining proper foot alignment," says Fuchs. “Shoes with reinforced areas on the inner side help control overpronation, which can reduce strain on the ankle.”
- Size and fit: “Shoes should fit the foot well, and ankle straps should be adjustable to accommodate for any swelling that may occur during the day,” Daughtry advises. She recommends choosing shoes based on your actual foot structure, activities and environment.
- Heel drop: Sonaike cautions against wearing shoes with high drops, as this can cause anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries to occur, especially when tripping off a curb or over a pothole. “When you wear a shoe with a high drop or higher heel than the forefoot, there is less contact of the ankle’s surfaces, and this increases instability,” she says.
Can a lack of ankle support lead to injury?
Unfortunately, absolutely.
“A lack of ankle support can lead to acute injuries such as lateral ankle ligament sprains, tears and ruptures,” Sonaike says. She cautions that additional stress on the muscles around your ankles can also lead to acute and chronic tendinitis along with decreased ankle mobility.
“Imagine that the ankle is a bridge that your muscles cross to access the foot,” Sonaike says. “With a compromised ankle, you can develop tendon tightness, tendon laxity and failure, and tendon strains when the ankle becomes unstable.”
Best shoes for ankle support, according to podiatrists
Summer support: Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal
- Multiple adjustable straps
- Quick-dry fabric
- Inexpensive
- Not available in half sizes
Sizes: 5–12 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 12 | Materials: Quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic | Heel drop: Not listed
Sonaike recommends these Teva sandals specifically for hiking. “They have adjustable ankle straps and a wide enough sole for support,” she says. I’ve owned these sandals for years and can attest not only to their long-wearing durability, but their comfort and ankle support as well — I’ve trekked miles in them around Disneyland with nary a blister or creak in my ankle."
Sonaike goes on to say, "They’re designed in recycled plastic webbing, with multiple adjustable Velcro straps and molded soles with supportive heel cups. The rubber outsoles have outstanding traction, and the quick-dry fabric works for summer activities or being caught in rainstorms."
Commerce editor Amanda Fama also owns these Teva sandals and agrees that they're extremely supportive and comfortable.
Orthotic comfort: Revitalign Orthotic Warm-Lined Suede Boots
- Full orthotic support
- Available in half sizes
- Heel may be uncomfortable
Sizes: 5–12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways: 4 | Materials: Suede | Heel drop: Not listed
As someone who broke my ankle slipping on ice, I definitely believe in having supportive winter boots.
Luckily, Daughtry recommends this lace-up pair. “With the Revitalign insoles, there is an unmatched level of orthotic comfort and support,” she says. She also loves this style for its all-weather rubber molded outsole, and quilted heel collar that’s lined with fuzzy sherpa.
Hug your arches: Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
- Deep heel cup
- EVA midsoles help absorb shock
- Not available in half sizes
Sizes: 5–13 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 6 | Materials: Leather | Heel drop: Not listed
Fuchs and Daughtry both recommend shoes by Vionic, and Fuchs specifically recommends these sandals. “For summer footwear, these sandals provide arch support and stability while allowing for breathability,” she says.
They’re biomechanically designed to specifically hug your arches and support your feet, and they have built-in orthotics that can help treat issues like plantar fasciitis.
Runner must-haves: Asics GEL-Kayano® 30
- Fun colors to choose from
- Available in half sizes
- Lower heel drop
- Not available in wide widths
Sizes: 5–13 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: At least 20 | Materials: Engineered stretch knit mesh | Heel drop: 10mm
If you’re looking for running shoes that are extra supportive, Fuchs and Sonaike both point to this pair. “This running shoe features a supportive upper and ample cushioning, providing stability for runners who need extra ankle support,” Fuchs says.
Meanwhile, Sonaike recommends these sneakers because of their soles. “They provide an even sole to support the ankle,” she says. Additionally, the gel cushioning helps with overpronation (aka flat feet).
Ideal for hiking: Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
- Multiple color choices
- Perfect for difficult trails
- May be too rugged-looking
Sizes: 5–12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways: 12 | Materials: Leather, mesh | Heel drop: 11.5mm
“These hiking boots offer serious ankle support, special cushioning for shock absorption and they’re waterproof,” Daughtry says of these supportive shoes by Merrell — a brand that both Fuchs and Sonaike recommend, too.
She also points to their high-quality traction, which provides additional stability on multiple terrains, a lightweight foam midsole and a removable insole that’s contoured with reinforced heel cushioning. Plus, the footbed contours to your feet while you’re walking or hiking, so getting those daily 10,000 steps will feel more comfortable.
Splurge-worthy sneaker: Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe
- So many colors to choose from
- Available in half sizes
- May be a little roomy
Sizes: 5–13 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways: 23 | Materials: Not listed | Heel drop: 12mm
All three podiatrists we spoke with recommend Brooks sneakers for ankle support, and both Daughtry and Fuchs recommend this style specifically. “Brooks’ proprietary GuideRail technology helps limit abnormal ankle motion and provides stability, alignment and overall support,” Daughtry says. “With a higher heel drop, pressure is offloaded from the heel and calf muscle, and the shoe offers mid-level support and extra cushioning to assist with additional shock absorption.”
The supportive sneakers have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they help promote foot health. They’re designed with the brand’s signature DNA LOFT cushioning that adapts to your stride, and an engineered mesh upper that’s breathable and comfortable.
For "all-day" comfort: Naot Footwear Women's Krypton Sneaker
- Removable footbed
- Soft, breathable mesh upper
- Not available in half sizes
Sizes: 5–11 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 3 | Materials: Not listed | Heel drop: Not listed
These sneakers are a pick of Daughtry’s for both their comfort and support. “The throat of the shoe is soft, but cut high for additional ankle support,” she says. She also points to the brand’s patented cork and latex footbed, which she says “provides all-day comfort as it molds to your foot structure.” If you wear orthotics, this is a great style for you, too, since the removable footbed allows you to put them in.
More shoes to shop
For the runner: Asics Women's Gel-Venture 8 Mid Top Running Shoes
- Comfortable
- Good support
- May run small
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 4 | Materials: Synthetic, mesh | Heel drop: 10mm
Whether you're a marathon runner or looking to get your steps in on the treadmill, these sporty shoes are the perfect fit. Designed to help improve ankle support, these classic kicks feature re-engineered outsole lugs for better off-road traction, according to the brand.
Velcro support: Women's Freestyle Hi Sneaker
- Old school-inspired silhouette
- Available in half sizes
- So many colors to choose from
- Not available in wide widths
Sizes: 4.5–12 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 45 | Materials: Leather | Heel drop: Not listed
Anyone who’s into ’80s and ’90s fashion trends needs a pair of these high-top sneakers. They’re designed with puffy, ribbed collars that feel plush around the ankles, with both laces and adjustable Velcro straps to get a totally customized fit. With over 40 colors to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find at least one to add to your wardrobe.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best shoes for ankle support, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by the board-certified podiatrists we interviewed. Our final list reflects a range of styles for various activities, including sandals, sneakers and boots.
Meet the experts
- Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, is a podiatric surgeon at Piedmont Foot and Ankle Specialists with USFAS in North Carolina.
- Suzanne Fuchs, MD, is a board-certified podiatrist and sports medicine specialist at LuxePodiatry in Palm Beach, Florida.
- Adenike Sonaike is a board-certified podiatrist and the Medical Director at Baker Street Health in Motion in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.