Don’t Roll With It — Stay Steady With the Best Shoes for Ankle Support

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS line has been a fan favorite for some time. And while we tested the 23 model, the upgrades made to the newer 25 model give confidence that these shoes have what it takes to steady wobbly ankles.

First, what we loved about the old model: They fit like a dream right out of the box. They feel lightweight while still providing a sturdy base. The GuideRails Technology System offers stability for overpronators in a way that could be felt on the first wear.

What’s new in the latest model: About 3 millimeters (mm) more cushioning to make these already-comfortable shoes even more cushy and perfect for long days on your feet. Our tester, Brittany Vargas, also noted the old model wasn’t the cutest. The latest model has an improved look with some cool colorways, like the limited-edition white-sea-aqua.

If you’re someone who struggles with ankle stability, you need a shoe with a stable base like these running shoes from Nortiv 8. Our tester was impressed with the Nortiv 8 ActiveFloat’s wide toe box. The extra room gave him a solid footing without needing to size up or order a wider model.

Nortiv 8 ActiveFloat has received a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which means the shoes have been evaluated by a committee of podiatrists. To receive the seal, the shoes must promote foot health and allow for normal function of the foot.

Other features that win for ankle support? There is a TPU exoskeleton on the upper that adds a layer of support leading to the ankles. And while that ultimately made the shoes feel a tad too tight, that could be a good thing, according to Smith, who urges that a snug fit equates to less sliding and more support.

The price was another compelling selling point. Our tester and online reviewers have cited that these feel and look like a trendy Hoka shoe without the sticker shock.

Runners looking for stability for their ankles will find a lot to love in the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31. It features adaptive stability with a reinforced midsole for pronators. It also has a supportive arch and cushioned midsole to provide that base of stability. And the PureGEL Technology offers shock absorption that is not only great for keeping your ankles steady, but also for creating a smooth ride while you’re running.

The main complaint our tester, Mary Sauer, had was that the heel didn’t feel quite wide enough, which can cause mild instability. It also made it hard to fit her orthotic. “If you have a big heel bone and you have a very narrow heel [in the shoe] underneath, you’re going to tip over,” cautions Dr. Ramil.

The best thing you can do is go to a running shoe store and see how the ASICS Gel-Kayano sizes up to your specific anatomy. If you’ve loved previous iterations of this shoe, you’ll find the fit is still largely the same in the 31 model, but it’s actually a little lighter in weight for increased energy return.

If you’re looking for ankle stability, a shoe designed for court activity (like tennis or pickleball) may be an option. These Reebok Nano Court Training Shoes are designed with extra support around the ankles to improve stability. And the herringbone-style rubber tread on the soles helps prevent slipping.

“I loved the amount of support, comfort, and stability these shoes provide. I felt balanced overall,” says writer Jacquelyn Smith. While the ankles are secure, they can be too secure sometimes, she says. She found it tough to wiggle her foot in, but it was worth it once the shoes were on. “I intend on wearing them much more than my other pair of tennis shoes,” says Smith. She says these Reeboks stand out in terms of support, comfort, and lightweight feel.

That translated into real benefits when moving, says Smith, who has heel spurs, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. “I was amazingly pain-free after several hours of wear, something I’m not accustomed to,” she adds.

The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX hiking boot is the only product on this list that we didn’t test, but we just couldn’t ignore the positive online reviews. Reviewers have specifically raved about the near-luxurious level of comfort and workhorse stability that Hoka is known for. We can’t ignore that steep, steep price tag, though. But if you’re hiking those steep, steep trails, this could be a worthwhile investment for you.

“If you have a high-top shoe,” says Smith, “there’s a limited degree of freedom that can maybe slow down the spraining. Because what happens with these chronic ankle sprains is your foot starts to roll over into that position, and by the time you’re realizing it, you don’t have enough time to activate the muscles to pull your foot back down flat.”

Beyond the high-top fit, this latest Hoka Kaha iteration has impressive shock absorption, a high-end Vibram outsole for increased traction, and a cushioned EVA midsole — all keys to stable footing and keeping the ankle supported.

While some people want and need stability features, some people may prefer a more minimal shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 9 has zero drop between the heel and forefoot. This allows you a better ground feel, which could help you keep your ankles steady while running on uneven terrain. In addition, all Altra shoes are known for having a wide toe box. When your feet have the proper room to spread and create all points of contact, you’re less likely to experience ankle instability.

Vargas felt the zero drop design, wide toe box, and even the lightweight materials all made her more attuned to the ground and therefore more stable. However, the lack of cushioning made them uncomfortable to run on concrete. (Note: Vargas tested a previous model, the Altra Lone Peak 7).

The Lone Peak 9 has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they’ve been found to promote good foot health.

Zero drop shoes aren’t for everyone and activate different muscles than a shoe with a traditional heel-toe drop. If you’re not accustomed to that, you might experience some soreness at first. If you already perform well in a zero-drop shoe, Altra’s Lone Peak 9 is a high-quality model that doesn’t disappoint.

If you’re just starting to bear weight after an injury like an ankle sprain, you really want to be sure you’re walking in a shoe that will offer your foot and ankle plenty of support. The KURU Atom Slip-On shines here. The shoes offer shock absorption, a deep, curved heel cup, and arch support to keep you steady in every step.

For an ankle injury flare-up or minor sprain that only requires a soft brace, the knit upper allows flexibility to pull the shoe overtop. The slip-on design allows for easy on and off if your injury makes it hard to bend over.

Injury aside, our tester, Grace Gallagher, also loved KURU Atom Slip-Ons for their top notch comfort, citing she could wear them while on her feet all day with no aches or pains.

There’s so much to love about Diadora’s Mythos Blushield Vigore 3. These surprisingly lightweight stability shoes have so much pep, not only in their wear, but in their look. They have everything you could want for ankle support, which is why they’re our choice for everyday wear. Shock absorption? Yes. Built-in stability? Yes. Plenty of cushioning? You bet. Quality Italian design? Maybe it’s not a must-have, but there are no complaints here.

Another win is in the fit. The Mythos Blushield Vigore 3 has a wonderfully snug fit. They’re secure enough to keep you feeling supported without being so tight that you’ll get a blister. For all of that, yes, they’re on the pricier side. But for an everyday shoe, you’ll get your money’s worth. Take note that it may be harder to find Diadora in stores if you’re someone who needs to try on a shoe in person. Unfortunately, Diadora won’t do online exchanges if you order the wrong size, only returns.