Weak or Unstable Ankles? We Spent Months Testing the Best Ankle Support Shoes (2024)

• Testing By the Numbers

• Our Picks

• We Also Tested

• Where We Stand

• What to Look for

• How We Tested

• Our Experts

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Key Specs:

Weight: 8.9 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for women who need a stable, comfortable shoe for running, walking, and everyday wear.

Why We Love Them

On’s Cloudswift 3 delivers exceptional support and comfort, with a versatile design that’s suitable for all activity types. During testing, we could tell right away that this shoe offers extra protection for unstable ankles. With a sock-like design, the tongue and collar hug the ankle for a secure, supportive fit. Our feet and ankles stayed safely in place on a variety of terrains.

We also were impressed with the shoe’s responsive cushioning, which propelled us forward and provided excellent impact protection. Plus, the rubber outsole delivers grippy traction, even when we wore the shoes on wet or slick surfaces. The updated upper combines foot-hugging support and comfort with a sleek, modern silhouette that make us want to wear these shoes for both fitness and casual wear.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, On Running, and Dick’s

Potential Flaws

• The shoe doesn’t come in wide sizes, making it more difficult to find a custom-like fit. Still, we found the toe box to be roomy enough for wide-footed wearers.
• Thick and wide, the shoe’s sole may take some getting used to if you normally wear thin shoes or have narrow feet.

Key Specs:

Weight: 10.2 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for men who need a comfortable, durable shoe with ankle support and stability for exercise and casual wear.

Why We Love Them

With exceptional cushioning, stability, and support, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 sneakers are ideal for those with weak or injury-prone ankles. They feature the brand’s unique motion control technology that we found limits unwanted movement while also promoting a natural stride and proper foot alignment. During testing, we were impressed by the shoe’s stability and traction on various surfaces—including the treadmill, pavement, and light trails.

The soft, plush cushioning is lightweight yet durable. And we noticed that the breathable, stretchy upper provides a snug-yet-comfortable fit that keeps our feet securely in place. We also appreciate that the shoes come in four widths, so you can get a custom-like fit. Plus, these shoes earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Dick’s.

Potential Flaws

• The shoes may take some time to break in; they felt stiff when we first put them on.
• We noticed that the heel cup may be too low for some, causing a light strain on the Achilles tendon.If you're not prone to tight calves, this shouldn't be an issue.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 10.3 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Medium | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walking and hiking in cool or cold weather on various terrains.

Why We Love Them

Saucony’s Women's Integrity Walker 3 features a durable leather upper, solid comfort, and reliable support—all at a budget-friendly price. Right away, we noticed that the cushioning feels firmer compared to other options we tested, providing exceptional impact protection and ankle stability on various terrains.

During testing, we also appreciated the grippy rubber outsole that offers reliable traction on different surfaces, helping to keep us balanced and steady. Plus, the APMA-approved shoe’s plush, form-fitting collar and tongue add to its overall comfort and stability.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• The durable leather upper and plush cushioning does limit the shoe’s breathability, so your feet might feel hot in very warm weather.
• If you’re used to a thin, low-profile shoe, these may feel slightly bulky at first.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 10.5 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic leather upper, foam and gel insole, synthetic outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you need a durable shoe for road running and hiking on moderate trails.

Why We Love Them

Durable and versatile, ASICS’ GEL-VENTURE 8 shoes are rugged enough to handle road running, trail runs, and hiking on moderate trails. The grippy rubber outsole keeps us stable on uneven and wet surfaces, while the gel-cushioned midsole offers responsiveness and comfort. Plus, the mesh upper is reinforced with abrasion-resistant overlays—providing a snug and protective fit.

The shoe comes with a sock liner that’s designed to shape to your foot, but it’s also removable if you wear orthotics. We love that the reverse-traction lugs offer even more protection and traction, without having to go over budget.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, ASICS, and Dick’s.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found the toe box to be a bit narrow, but the shoe is available in wide sizes for those who need more space.
• These shoes don’t have the most sleek, streamlined look.

Key Specs:

Weight: 7.3 ounces | Materials: Recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They’re For

Best for distance runners who need a lightweight shoe with extra ankle support.

Why We Love Them

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, HOKA, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• While convenient, the tall heel tab may lead to blisters if you don't wear high socks with these shoes.
• While we love the plush cushioning for long-distance comfort and support, it may feel too thick for some.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 11.3 ounces | Materials: Suede leather and synthetic mesh upper, foam and polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for avid walkers who need extra support and stability in the ankle area.

Why We Love Them

New Balance’s 990v5 shoes feature a dual-density foam midsole that keeps us steady and balanced on various surfaces. Plus, the shoe’s padded tongue and collar provide more comfort and stability, especially around the ankle. And for even more support, we love that the shoes feature a blown rubber outsole that feels grippy and durable.

We also find the cushioning to be soft yet responsive, helping to propel our strides. The upper is mesh and suede, which feels breathable and looks stylish. And we love that the spacious toe box allows toes to spread out, which also helps with balance. You can even fit custom-made orthotics—a huge plus for those with foot injuries and issues.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s, and Walmart.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers may not prefer the bulky look and feel of this shoe.
• We don’t recommend this pair for short- or long-distance runs because they feel somewhat heavy.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 9.1 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled engineered air mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you have flat feet and need motion control shoes that limit pronation.

Why We Love Them

If you have flat feet or fallen arches, wearing a running shoe with motion control that limits excessive pronation (when the ankle rolls downward and inward an excessive amount as you step) can help you avoid discomfort and injury. One of our favorite shoes for flat feet, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 is designed with the brand’s signature motion control technology that helps control pronation and prevent ankle rolling.

During testing, we immediately noticed the extra support—especially in the ankle and arch areas—without any unwanted weight or stiffness. We were also impressed with the shoe’s plush cushioning, which provides excellent shock absorption. Plus, the breathable mesh upper adjusts to your foot’s unique shape for a secure, custom-like fit. You can also fit custom orthotics in these APMA-approved motion control shoes.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Dick’s.

Potential Flaws

• We found that the shoe was narrow in the forefoot, but it does come in wide sizes, if you need some extra space.
• Since these are motion control shoes, they are not as plush and comfy as other options on our list.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 8 ounces | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 8.5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you run on the road or moderate trails in various weather conditions.

Why We Love Them

One of our favorite trail running shoes, Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX helps limit excess movement and prevent ankle rolling on wet, uneven terrains. During test runs in various conditions, we were impressed with the durable, waterproof upper that provides protection from the elements without causing our feet to overheat.

Meanwhile, the full-length foam cushioning offers exceptional support and springy responsiveness. We found that the durable rubber outsole feels secure and grippy on roads and light trails, even in wet conditions. Plus, the toe box offers plenty of room for toes to splay, which helps with maintaining balance and stability on trails.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Nike, and Dick’s.

Potential Flaws

• If you take on more technical, advanced trails, you may want a shoe with more aggressive traction.
• We found that these shoes may run small, so consider sizing up if you’re in-between sizes.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 8.9 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best if you have foot pain or plantar fasciitis and need a comfy, cushioned shoe for walking, running, and daily wear.

Why We Love Them

HOKA’s Bondi 8 delivers a comfy, stable ride that’s ideal for those who regularly experience foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis. The APMA-approved shoe’s plush yet supportive cushioning provides stellar shock absorption, which reduces the load on your plantar fascia. Plus, there's extra cushioning in the heel that offers even more ankle protection.

During wear tests, we noticed the snug, secure fit right away. We appreciate the shoe's pillowy tongue and memory foam collar, which enhance its overall comfort and support. The breathable mesh upper is protective, while the durable rubber outsole provides grippy traction on various surfaces. One of our favorite shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can’t go wrong with this pick.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, HOKA, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• These are one of HOKA's heavier, bulkier sneakers, so they’re not the best choice for doing speed workouts.
• Compared to other walking and running shoes on our list, these are less springy and responsive.
  

Key Specs:

Weight: 13 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Medium | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for hikers who need extra ankle support on and off the trail.

Why We Love them

Arc’teryx’s Aerios Mid GTX Shoes are durable, supportive, and protective for hiking on- and off-road. The mid-cut height helps support the ankles, while the integrated support shank provides torsional stability (meaning stability in the midfoot of the shoe) to keep you balanced and stable on uneven surfaces.In fact, we think it's one of the best hiking shoes out there.

During test hikes, our feet and ankles felt well-supported and protected on various terrains. And the waterproof membrane kept our feet dry and comfortable, without causing any overheating or excess sweating. Plus, we found that the durable rubber outsole provides exceptional traction—adding to the shoe’s overall safety.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Arc’teryx, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• We found the laces quite difficult to tie at first.
• These shoes are more expensive than others on our list, but worth the investment if you’re a serious hiker.