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 610 expert reviews of 116 different basketball shoes and ranking them by the average score they received in the category “support”.
- 9.3 support rating based on 3 expert reviews
- Unique-looking shoe with premium materials and very good traction
- Perfect for players who like to stand out on the court
- 9.1 support rating based on 4 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 9.0 support rating based on 4 expert reviews
- Traction pattern provides great traction on all surfaces
- Great bang for the buck and should work well for positions 1-4.
- 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
- 9.0 support rating based on 6 expert reviews
- A solid performer that started the low-top trend in basketball shoes
- A very versatile shoe that will be most appreciated by players who had the OG Kobe 4
- 9.0 support rating based on 6 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
- 9.0 support rating based on 5 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.
- 9.0 support rating based on 3 expert reviews
- Russell Westbrook's third signature shoe is still very flashy but feels a lot less bulky than the predecessors.
- Works great for explosive players who like to stand out on the court.
The Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
1. Jordan Jumpman Diamond Mid
8.9
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
PROS:
- Insane traction
- Very supportive
CONS:
- Ankle area can be irritating
Tinker Hatfield's latest creation, the Jordan Jumpman Diamond Mid comes with unique style, but how does it perform? The traction is one of the best of 2019, especially on clean courts. But even on dusty courts, this shoe only requires minimal wiping. The cushioning feels pretty standard: the Zoom unit in the forefoot provides some solid bounce and the heel compresses nicely for impact protection. Materials feel premium, and in combination with the diamond cage in the heel, provide a ton of lockdown and support.
Overall, the Jordan Jumpman Diamond is a sneaker that performs above-average in every category and is priced very fairly - highly recommeded!
2. Under Armour Curry 7
8.3
Overall rating based on
4 expert reviews
PROS:
- Traction is great and doesn't pick up dust
- Very supportive low-top
CONS:
- Materials are a little underwhelming
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.
3. Nike Lebron Soldier 13
8.8
Overall rating based on
4 expert reviews
PROS:
- Awesome traction
- Very supportive
CONS:
- Cushioning could be more comfortable
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.
4. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
8.7
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
PROS:
- Premium materials
- Comfortable fit
CONS:
- Inconsistent traction
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.
5. Adidas Pro Bounce Low
8.7
Overall rating based on
4 expert reviews
PROS:
- Amazing traction
- Well-balanced Bounce cushioning
CONS:
- Materials feel a little cheap
The Pro Bounce is Adidas' new team model similar to Nike's Hyperdunk line. One of the highlights of this shoe is the traction pattern that offers great bite on clean courts but also works well on dusty courts or outdoors. Adidas uses its Bounce cushioning system which gives you a nice balance of responsiveness and impact protection. The upper material feels a little cheap but it is very sturdy with excellent containment and support.
Overall, the Pro Bounce Low is an awesome basketball shoe that offers great bang for the buck and should work well for positions 1-4.
6. Puma Uproar
8.4
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
PROS:
- Comfortable fit
- Works outdoors
CONS:
- Firm cushioning
- Materials feel cheap in-hand
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.
7. Nike Kobe 4 Protro
8.6
Overall rating based on
6 expert reviews
PROS:
- Great herringbone traction
CONS:
- No full-length Zoom
The Kobe 4 started the low-top trend in basketball shoes and is the second shoe of the Kobe Bryant signature line that got the Protro treatment.
Even though Nike promised full-length Zoom in this updated version, they disappointed by keeping it OG with Zoom in the heel and simple Phylon in the front. The old-school herringbone traction pattern still works like a charm and needs very little wiping - even on dusty courts. The synthetic leather and plastic overlays with Flywire cables perform well but feel a little cheap compared to modern knits materials.
Overall, the Kobe 4 Protro is a very solid performer, but there are very little improvements compared to the original Kobe 4 and the retail price of $175 is very steep.
8. Adidas Dame 5
8.8
Overall rating based on
6 expert reviews
PROS:
- Responsive Bounce cushioning
- Very comfortable
CONS:
- Slippery on dusty courts
- A little dead space in the toe box
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 the very affordable retail price of only $115.
9. Nike Kyrie 6
8.8
Overall rating based on
5 expert reviews
PROS:
- Amazing traction
- Nike Zoom Turbo cushioning
CONS:
- Runs smaller than other Kyries
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!
10. Jordan Why Not Zero.3
8.6
Overall rating based on
3 expert reviews
PROS:
- Big Zoom Air unit in the forefoot
- Less bulky than previous models
CONS:
- Lateral sliding on dusty courts
- Materials don't feel very premium in-hand
Russell Westbrook's third signature sneaker is still as flashy as his playing style, but how does it perform?
The traction gets mixed reviews: critics liked it on clean courts, but lateral cuts can be problematic on dusty courts. The forefoot Zoom Air unit gives you a smooth and responsive ride and the foam in the heel provides solid impact protection.
Materials don't feel or look anything close to premium but they get the job done performance-wise and feel far less bulky than in the previous models. Support & lockdown are really good thanks to the traditional lacing system, midfoot strap, and huge Achilles pillows.
Overall, the Why Not Zer0.3 is an evolution of Russell's signature series and will work especially well for explosive players looking for a nicely-balanced sneaker.
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.