What Podiatrists Want You to Know Before Picking Out Shoes for Ankle Support
10) How to choose the best shoes for ankle support
First, you need to consider your own intentions for getting shoes with ankle support, plus your wants and needs, Allen tells Prevention. Do you want more of a performance shoe or a fashion shoe, and do you need to accommodate a brace?
“But at the end of the day, if you want a shoe for ankle support, you’ll want a taller shoe that you can lace to top for better ‘lock down’ to create that secured fit,” Allen says.
The best shoes for ankle support may be different for everyone, but here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for your next pair, according to experts.
✔️ Look for level heel height. Wearing shoes with a lower heel can put more strain on the calf or achilles, while wearing shoes with a higher heel can make you more vulnerable to ankle inversion and twisting injuries, explains Dr. Hubbard.
✔️ Make sure the material is sturdy. “You want a sturdy material that is not going to give,” says Dr. Brenner. You shouldn’t be able to bend a shoe in half, adds Dr. Cunha. “The shank is the actual structure of the shoe and should be rigid to hold up and support the arch,” he explains.
✔️ Check the outsole. A rubber outsole helps absorb the shock of each step you take better than a shoe with a hard sole, Dr. Cunha says. This provides stability and helps reduce spraining injuries.
✔️ Shop for activity-specific shoes. “Make sure you pick the shoe for the specific activity you are going to do,” says Dr. Brenner. For instance, “playing basketball will require different control for the ankle as opposed to going hiking on uneven terrain.”
✔️ Try on shoes in person. Ordering shoes online is easy, but experts recommend going to a store to try on different options in person. If you’re trying on shoes, aim to do so at the end of the day, as that’s when your feet are most swollen, Dr. Cunha explains. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day.”
11) Why is ankle support important?
Proper ankle support is important for injury prevention. “Good ankle support can help limit the movement around the ankle during any type of physical activity,” says Dr. Brenner. This may help you avoid common foot and ankle injuries, such as ankle sprains, which usually happen during physical activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, and running on even surfaces, Dr. Cunha explains. “Wearing shoes with ankle support is important because it enhances stability, alignment, and protection of the ankle,” he says.
12) What factors should I avoid when shopping for shoes specifically for ankle support?
Stay away from low-cut shoes or anything that doesn't give you support, Allen says. “But at the same time, don’t get anything too overbuilt or thick—because that won’t be comfortable either,” he adds.
14) Benefits of shoes for ankle support
For exercising (especially while playing sports like basketball and tennis) or regular walking, shoes with solid ankle support are a must for foot comfort and injury prevention. “Ankle spraining injuries are amongst the most common injuries of the foot and ankle,” says Dr. Cunha. Wearing shoes that provide stability and alignment while preventing abnormal movement can help you avoid injuries to keep doing all the things you love to do.
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