There are very few ambitious basketball players who have never sprained an ankle. Whether you get your ankles broken by a vicious crossover or you land on someone else’s feet after a layup – it’s bound to happen someday.
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of injuring your ankles by getting a pair of basketball shoes that provide a ton of ankle support. These shoes will increase the stability of your feet and protect against excessive movements of your ankles that could result in sprains or worse ankle injuries.
Warning: If you are recovering from a severe ankle injury or if you sprain your ankles easily and frequently, getting ankle support from your shoes might not be enough. Many NBA players get their ankles taped before every game or wear ankle braces to provide additional stability. Check out this article to learn more about ankle braces and to find out which one helped save Steph Curry’s career.
The following list shows you the top 10 shoes when it comes to ankle support. The ranking was generated by summing up the findings of 680 expert reviews of 138 different basketball shoes and ranking them by the average score they received in the category “support”.
1. Adidas Dame 5
- 9.1 support rating based on 7 expert reviews
- Dame's best shoe so far! A great all-around performer at a very affordable price
- The Dame 5 works best for quick guards who prefer responsive cushioning
2. Puma Uproar
- 9.0 support rating based on 3 expert reviews
- The second Puma basketball shoe of 2019 is a solid all-around performer
- Worn by players of all positions in the NBA
3. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
- 9.0 support rating based on 3 expert reviews
- Comfortable fit and premium upper materials
- Best for players looking for a supportive shoe with well-balanced cushioning
4. Nike Lebron Soldier 13
- 9.0 support rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Lebron Soldier 13 provides awesome traction and no real weaknesses
- A great all-around performer that works very well for heavier players
5. Nike Kyrie 5
- 9.0 support rating based on 9 expert reviews
- Great court-feel, lockdown, and stability
- Works best for quick guards who prefer court feel over impact protection
6. Nike Kyrie 6
- 9.0 support rating based on 6 expert reviews
- Kyrie's 6th signature shoe is an evolution of previous models and probably the best Kyrie so far
- Great traction and support with a low-to-the-ground, responsive cushioning
7. Nike Adapt BB 2.0
- 9.0 support rating based on 3 expert reviews
- The second iteration of Nike's futuristic self-lacing basketball shoe
- Collector's item for sneakerheads who are into the innovative tech
8. Nike Kyrie 4
- 9.0 support rating based on 10 expert reviews
- Great fit, good traction, and much-improved impact protection
- Affordable, well-rounded basketball shoe
9. Under Armour Curry 7
- 8.9 support rating based on 5 expert reviews
- A minimal and very responsive low-top sneaker with great traction
- Works best for quick guards who value court feel over impact protection
10. Adidas Marquee Boost
- 8.8 support rating based on 6 expert reviews
- Retro look with very comfortable, modern Boost cushioning
- Works for a wide array of basketball players
The Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
1. Adidas Dame 5
8.8
Overall rating based on
7 expert reviews
Pros:
Responsive Bounce cushioning
Very comfortable
Cons:
Slippery on dusty courts
A little dead space in the toe box
What do the experts think?
The Dame 5 is Damian Lillard's latest signature shoe, and it's also his best!
The traction works amazingly well on clean courts, but the translucent rubber versions are a little too slippery on dusty courts.
The full-length Bounce cushioning provides a great balance of responsiveness and impact protection.
The materials are super comfortable and very supportive, but the felt that is used on some colorways receives very little love from sneaker critics as it feels cheap and gets dirty easily.
Overall, this is a great performer, especially at a very affordable retail price of only $115.
Available at 4 shops:
Colorways of the Adidas Dame 5:
2. Puma Uproar
8.4
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
Pros:
Comfortable fit
Works outdoors
Cons:
Firm cushioning
Materials feel cheap in-hand
What do the experts think?
The Uproar improves on the Puma's Clyde Court Disrupt solid comeback to basketball shoes.
The traction isn't perfect but works on all surfaces - even outdoors.
The fit is very comfortable and supportive, there is absolutely no side-to-side movement or heel slip!
Materials differ from colorway to colorway and could be a little more premium considering the $130 retail price.
The Puma Uproar's cushioning is firm and not very comfortable but provides a ton of court feel.
Overall, this is a shoe that stands out from the crowd, provides solid all-around performance and can be worn by players of all positions.
Available at 3 shops:
Colorways of the Puma Uproar:
3. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
8.7
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
Pros:
Premium materials
Comfortable fit
Cons:
Inconsistent traction
What do the experts think?
The first Under Armour HOVR Havoc was a hit with reviewers, so how does the second version perform?
Unfortunately, the traction has taken a step back and is inconsistent, even on clean courts.
The HOVR cushioning is a nice mix of responsiveness and impact protection, not too firm but not too soft either.
Materials feel surprisingly premium in-hand, comfortable on-foot and do a great job locking your feet down.
The mid-foot shank, outrigger, and heel counter provide a lot of support and stability.
Overall, the HOVR Havoc is a good performer that could have been great with more consistent traction.
Available at 5 shops:
Colorways of the Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2:
4. Nike Lebron Soldier 13
8.8
Overall rating based on
4 expert reviews
Pros:
Awesome traction
Very supportive
Cons:
Cushioning could be more comfortable
What do the experts think?
The laceless Lebron signature model is very well-received among sneaker testers.
The upper material is comfortable, durable and provides a ton of lockdown, in part because the straps do a great job and never come undone.
The simple solid-rubber herringbone traction pattern is deep, attracts very little dust and works well - even outdoors.
The cushioning is a little bit divisive, some like the forefoot and heel Zoom units, others would have preferred a more comfortable setup.
Overall, the Lebron Solider 13 is a great allrounder with outstanding traction and no real weaknesses.
Available at 4 shops:
Colorways of the Nike Lebron Soldier 13:
5. Nike Kyrie 5
8.5
Overall rating based on
9 expert reviews
Pros:
Great ankle support
A lot of court feel
Cons:
Traction takes a while to break-in
What do the experts think?
The latest shoe in the Kyrie signature series is very similar to previous shoes in the series.
It focuses on support and court-feel and gives you the ability for quick crossovers and creative attacks of the basket.
The new Nike Zoom Air Turbo cushioning remains firm and is clearly optimized for court feel - if you are looking for comfortable shoes with a lot of impact protection, then you won't be happy with the Kyrie 5.
Overall, this is a very supportive shoe that works best for guards looking to imitate Kyrie's playing style.
Available at 4 shops:
Colorways of the Nike Kyrie 5:
6. Nike Kyrie 6
8.8
Overall rating based on
6 expert reviews
Pros:
Amazing traction
Nike Zoom Turbo cushioning
Cons:
Runs smaller than other Kyries
What do the experts think?
The traction of the Kyrie signature series is always great, and the Kyrie 6 is no different as you get amazing stopping power in every direction.
The Phylon cushioning in the heel of the Kyrie 6 feels a lot softer than in previous models and the Zoom Turbo in the forefoot has a nice bounce to it.
The materials are soft, comfortable, and provide a lot of support and lockdown for quick moves and crossovers.
Overall, the Kyrie 6 feels like an evolution of the Kyrie 5 with a lot of small improvements that make up a great shoe - probably the best Kyrie so far!
Available at 8 shops:
Colorways of the Nike Kyrie 6:
7. Nike Adapt BB 2.0
8.1
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
Pros:
Convenient self-lacing system
Cons:
Very heavy shoe
Cheap materials
What do the experts think?
At $400 the Nike Adapt BB 2.0 is the most expensive basketball shoe currently on the market. Is it also the best?
The herringbone pattern and translucent rubber work very well on clean courts, but if there's only a little bit of dust present you will need to wipe consistently.
The Cushlon foam and Zoom Turbo in the forefoot give you a bouncy and responsive ride similar to the Kyrie 6.
The materials get the job done but they feel cheap, plasticky, and are super heavy.
The electric self-lacing system is super convenient to use but it can be hard to find the perfect setting as you are not able to adjust the lacing systems to fit the shape of your feet.
Overall, the Adapt BB 2.0 is only recommended for sneakerheads who can spare $400 easily - there are much-better performers out there for a fraction of the price.
Available at 2 shops:
Colorways of the Nike Adapt BB 2.0:
8. Nike Kyrie 4
8.7
Overall rating based on
10 expert reviews
Pros:
Improved cushion
Fair price
Cons:
Less traction than previous Kyrie models
What do the experts think?
The Kyrie 4 is the best overall performer of the Kyrie signature line and works well across all categories.
The cushioning is much more comfortable than in previous models and provides great impact protection while still offering responsive court feel.
The engineered mesh upper and suede feel comfortable and supportive and provide a great 1:1 fit - there is no heel slippage or lateral movement.
The traction doesn't quite live up to the levels of the Kyrie 3 or 2 but is still decent and requires minimal wiping.
At $120 retail, this is a great pick for everybody that is looking for a well-rounded basketball shoe.
Available at 1 shop:
Colorways of the Nike Kyrie 4:
9. Under Armour Curry 7
8.3
Overall rating based on
5 expert reviews
Pros:
Traction is great and doesn't pick up dust
Very supportive low-top
Cons:
Materials are a little underwhelming
What do the experts think?
Like with most Under Armour sneakers, the traction of the Curry 7 is outstanding and works on all courts.
The combination of Micro-G and HOVR cushioning is slightly disappointing as it is very firm and provides little impact protection - only recommended if you are looking for court feel and responsiveness.
The support features are pretty standard but their performance is top-notch, especially for a low-top sneaker.
Unfortunately, the materials used in the Curry 7 feel cheap and plasticky and not worthy for an expensive signature model, but they do get the job done.
Overall, the Curry 7 is a solid performer that works best for players looking for a responsive low-top with great traction.
Available at 5 shops:
Colorways of the Under Armour Curry 7:
10. Adidas Marquee Boost
8.7
Overall rating based on
6 expert reviews
Pros:
Well-balanced Boost cushioning
Very supportive
Cons:
Traction on dusty courts is problematic
What do the experts think?
The Adidas Marquee Boost is a modern performance basketball shoe with a bit of retro flair.
The traction sticks like glue on clean courts but can be problematic on dusty courts, especially in the beginning.
The Boost cushioning provides a lot of impact protection in the heel and responsiveness in the forefoot.
If you are looking for a shoe with a lot of ankle support then the high version has you covered with a firm and supportive ankle collar.
The materials are rather basic but they look and feel nice and get the job done.
Overall, the Marquee Boost is a very good all-around performer that should work for basketball players of all positions.
Available at 2 shops:
Colorways of the Adidas Marquee Boost:
Frequently asked questions about ankle support
Do high-top basketball shoes prevent ankle sprains?
High Tops wrap your ankles, so they must logically provide more ankle support than comparable low-tops, right?
Not so fast! Scientific studies have analyzed the frequency of ankle sprains of players wearing high tops versus players wearing low-top basketball shoes and couldn’t find a difference. The additional collar height is not restrictive enough where it can save your from rolling your ankles. Another study showed that the fewest injuries occured in players wearing low-top shoes and laced ankle stabilizers.
How do I find a shoe with a lot of ankle support?
If high-tops are not the solution, what else can you look for?
Lateral Outrigger
The lateral outrigger is the extension of the outsole on the lateral side that increases the width of the shoe and provides additional stability. By providing a wider base, the outrigger makes it mechanically much more difficult for your shoes to roll during hard cuts and crossovers. See an example of a lateral outrigger in the Crazy Explosive 2017:
Tough upper material and great lockdown
You want to look for a shoe that securely locks down your feet and prevents unnecessary side-to-side movement. Make sure that the shoes fit tightly and that the upper material is strong enough to hold your feet even on agressive movements.
Odd posting. I have serious ankle support (read medical) issues and most these shoes are reviewed for their traction, NOT ankle support. Indeed many didnt even have ANY ankle support that I could tell (low cut) Splain to kme Lucy
Hey Mike, thanks for the comment.
Actually, only a very small amount of the support of a shoe depends on the part of material around your ankles. No shoe will be sturdy enough in this area to prevent you from rolling of the ankle, because nobody wants to play in a shoe that feels so restrictive. In fact, many modern high tops like the Crazy Explosive, or Curry 4 have a sock-like material around the ankles that provides zero additional support.
Great support comes from a lot of features like the outrigger of the sole, the heel cup, how well your are locked into your shoes and how little your feet move inside the shoes.
If you have serious ankle issues make sure to get an ankle brace as it’s the only way to significantly reduce the chances of an injury!
Hi Andy, awesome article. Was wondering if you had any insight on the New Kobe AD’s and how well they will provide ankle support. Thanks!
Thanks Damian! Check out https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews/nike-kobe-ad-exodus/ and scroll down to the “support” section to learn more about the support of the Kobe AD Exodus.
The LeBron 11s are hands down THE BEST. I’ve completely torn my ATFL ligament and after years of search the LeBron 11s are the best due to their straps. Even when I worked for FedEx in a very rural area they worked like a charm on rocks and crazy mountain terrain. A bit heavy but well worth it if ankle support matters to you like it does to me.
What are the best basketball shoes with good ankle support for my 16yr old son who lives & breathes basketball?
He been looking at Adidas Dame 4.
Many thanks
Check out http://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews and sort the table by “support” to find the most supportive basketball shoes.
Are you able to suggest some good basketball shoes/boots that won’t aggravate my achilles tendonitis on plantar flexion? Thank you 🙂
Sorry, but I never had any Achilles issues myself and don’t really know that to look for in this case.