The Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support in 2022

Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

Ankle injuries are sadly related to basketball. A study in 2021 found that over 20% of all injuries reported by players in the NBA were ankle-related. Sad, but true. While your ability might not be at such a level; you’re playing the same game so could easily become a victim to the same issue. While such injuries can happen at any time due to hyperextension or a big impact; ankle injuries have been known to reoccur when an individual has had at least one similar injury. The case of young Udoka Azubuike is an unfortunate one; the 22-year-old has had at least three serious injuries on his right ankle which has seriously hampered his Utah Jazz career.

While we can’t prevent you from picking up such injuries or recovering your ankle from prior woes, we can at least point you in the right direction with some footwear to help. Bear in mind, however; that these shoes are a preventative method; but won’t stop all injuries, they are more likely to minimize injury. So without further adieu, we present the top rated basketball shoes for ankle support.


What to look out for when buying basketball shoes for ankle support?

If you suffer from recurring ankle injuries; firstly you should check with your podiatrist, doctor, or general medical practitioner to see whether you have a serious condition that requires attention. They might even prescribe some kind of device to help your foot or ankle sit better in all shoes.

If that’s all good then look for specific basketball shoes that will help your ankle to be supported and stay in good condition; then be sure to look out for: cushioning, good support, and to ensure the shoe fits. Comfort really is paramount when it comes to these shoes as it’ll ensure that your ankle stays in the right place and is cushioned in the event of an adverse fall or harsh impact.

Unless you have particularly wide feet, try to find a slightly snug fit as this will keep your ankle in the right place within the shoe; which in turn will help with the prevention of ankle injury.


  • Eclipse Plate 2.0 arching the foot.
  • Taller design to aid overall support.
  • Flyknit to keep the foot secure.

  • ‘Chunky’ design for stability.
  • Large Air Zoom unit in the forefoot.
  • Unique aesthetic design.

  • PEBAX jump frame.
  • Full-length Strobel Air Zoom Unit.
  • Cushlon foam midsole.

  • Flywire cables support the laces for extra support.
  • Max Air unit and Zoom Air units embedded in the shoe.
  • Cushlon foam.

  • Eclipse Plate 2.0  (not as pronounced as the version on the AJ35).
  • Jacquard leno-weave upper.
  • Multiple Air Zoom units.

  • Forefront Zoom Strobel unit.
  • Flex Groove outsole.
  • Mesh weaving.

  • Stylish design.
  • Great traction pattern for good court feel.

  • Versatile traction pattern.
  • Thick padding for comfort.

  • Fantastically fashionable design and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Bespoke Nike technology with the Knitposite 2.0.
  • Full-length Zoom Air Unit.

  • Strap and lace-up combination.
  • Cushlon midsole.
  • Zoom Strobel unit.

  • Top 10 Best basketball shoes for Ankle Support

    Air Jordan 35

    The Air Jordan series commands attention. While the Air Jordan 35 isn’t the newest edition to the line-up, there are still plenty of reasons to consider this shoe especially if you’ve got dodgy ankles. Firstly the cushioning on this shoe is almost unrivalled in the current basketball shoe market; as the expert materials ensure total comfort when moving around the court. This is particularly pertinent when considering you’re looking for additional ankle support; as the cushioning will due to its utmost to soak up any potential damage from adverse impact.

    The general design coupled with the aforementioned cushion ensures you get a snug fit, which will importantly keep your whole foot in place. This works in tandem with the Flyknit material which is light but keeps everything secure.

    The general performance of the shoe is well regarded as the Herringbone traction pattern gives users a great ability to accelerate and change direction with ease. The Air Zoom unit comes in exceptionally handy when needing an extra bounce off the court; while the Eclipse Plate 2.0 gives great power.

    That said, the plate does create an odd feeling as it arches the foot and can be an unusual fit at first – and the break-in period can be longer due to this irregular design. If you can ride it out; the shoe does become a lot more comfortable with time.

    Pros:

    • Very good quality of materials used.
    • Great traction performance.
    • Excellent cushioning.

    Cons:

    • The break-in period is considerable.





    Nike Lebron Soldier 14

    Nike’s LeBron James Soldier series might have started life as a splinter cell from the original signature brand but has quickly become a fan favourite with James supporters and the wider basketball community. In terms of ankles; this shoe might not have been designed with ankle-aid in mind, but certainly does lend itself to it.

    While the clunky aesthetic might not be to everyone’s taste; it adds great stability to the shoe as the sole is a square-like flat sole. The lace-up works with a stretchy-suction tongue design which only adds to the lockdown ensuring your ankle stays put while you are in motion around the court.

    Otherwise, the shoe performs well and the Zoom Air Unit has been described as a supercharged tool as it produces a bounce even when you’re gently walking in them. The materials are initially stiff but will ease up with use but still provide the support you need.  One minor note is that the traction performances have been noted as ‘inconsistent’ by some reviews; however, this hasn’t stopped the likes of Eric Bledsoe, Tristan Thompson, and JaKarr Sampson from using them in the NBA.

    If you however like to shoot your hoops outside, you might be better looking elsewhere as these shoes won’t last terribly long if you’re using them on unkept courts. They’ll probably be alright once in a blue moon; but certainly not for frequent use outside.

    Pros:

    • Great bounce to give extra elevation and hangtime.
    • Secure and well-supported shoe.
    • Excellent stability.

    Cons:

    • Inconsistent traction performance.





    Nike Air Zoom G.T Jump

    We really can’t get enough of this shoe. It very rarely escapes our recommendation, given the quality of materials and overall performance. It’s one of the ultra-premium basketball shoes that will actually does merit the uber price tag associated.

    If you’re old enough to remember the Nike Shox VC 3 sneakers from the early 2000s, then you’ll appreciate that despite its gruesome astronaut theme design; it soaked up impact and protected your foot from adverse pain when hitting the ground. While the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump takes inspiration from the same technology without the somewhat dated design.

    Don’t worry if you’re too young for the legacy shoe, as the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump makes its own mark on the Basketball world for a new generation. Nike has seemingly placed all their tech eggs in this basket with multiple Zoom Air (and Air) units, a Cushlon foam midsole, and the PEBAX jump frame. That’s not even exhausting the full amount of features this shoe has.

    Whatever way you spin it the technology, the slanted midsole, the tall heel; make this a great shoe for those who are conscious about the health of their ankles. Oh wait, did we forget about the cushioning? That’s great too!

    The only major gripe with this shoe is that it’s not durable enough to use outside so should be restricted to gym hall and inside use only.

    Pros:

    • Unreal comfort with sublime cushioning.
    • Good traction performance.
    • Great support.

    Cons:

    • Not suitable for outdoor usage.





    Nike Lebron 19

    We all appreciate the hard work that LeBron James puts into his on-court game. He’s been ever-present in the NBA All-Star conversation in 2005 to the present date even at age 37. The former Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and contemporary Los Angeles Lakers small forward is the blueprint player for any aspiring basketballer.

    The legend of LeBron however is no stranger to ankle injuries. In March 2021 he picked up a notable injury that kept him out of several games.

    The LeBron 19 is extremely well padded with Cushlon foam throughout and additional cushioning to ensure your foot is in a comfy spot. To keep that consistent, feet are locked in with the fly wire cables which compliment the laces to ensure your ankle stays put. These features are of great quality as are the rest of the materials used, which is to be expected given the price tag!

    Pros:

    • Awesome cushioning.
    • Supportive shoe ensuring stability.
    • High-end materials used.

    Cons:

    • The expensive price tag in the contemporary marketplace.
    • Poor traction considering the price.





    Air Jordan 36

    Another one of our favourites, the Air Jordan 36 comes in such a wide array of styles and colorways; including the newest SE Luka ‘Global Game’ which celebrates Luka Doncic and his homeland of Slovenia by donning a similar color to the national sporting apparel. Yet the Slovenian Dallas Mavericks player is no stranger to ankle injury himself; having picked up an initial niggle in November 2021 and has struggled with further injuries in 2022.

    The Air Jordan 36 might not be able to reset his HP bar, but will certainly keep him protected whenever he hits the court again. They can do that for you too. The cushioning and support keep everything compact and while in theory it could be considered as a snug fit, it keeps the foot in place which is of great benefit to anyone needing to keep their ankle protected. The Eclipse Plate 2.0 returns having made an appearance in the AJ35 but are much less pronounced, so it is more of a comforting arch for lift-offs without displacing the foot.

    The traction works like a dream with many reviewers claiming it’s one of the best for it when compared to recent Air Jordan models. Another key point is that despite this shoe’s tech; it’s still very lightweight which will help in ensuring your ankle and overall foot are being overworked by unnecessary heavy shoes.

    While the shoe is durable it’s might not be worth the price tag if you play your hoops on outdoor courts as this shoe won’t perform well on them. Also, if you have wider feet then it might be an idea to try them on before; while the snugger fit can help it might cripple you if your feet are somewhat wider than usual.

    Pros:

    • Excellent and premium materials were used in the production.
    • Awesome all-round shoe.
    • Great support and fit.
    • Superb cushioning.

    Cons:

    • Not suitable for outdoor courts.
    • Relatively expensive.





    Nike Kyrie 8

    Despite the bulky appearance of the eighth edition of Kyle Irving’s signature series, this shoe is actually very lightweight. This is because of the quality materials used in its manufacturing process and a healthy dosage of cushioning and padding which create an ultra-comfy shoe without becoming an anvil-like mass to lug around with your feet. In some parts, this is thanks to mesh-weaving used throughout the design.

    The tall heel is backed up with a decent tongue and lace-up system offers all the necessary foot security with the added padding to keep ankles in their place. The forefront Zoom Strobel unit allows the user to rock their power across the foot and unleash some big airtime.

    The Nike Kyrie 8 is still a relatively new release having been made available since December 2021, therefore reports and reviews are far from consistent. The jury is still debating the traction performance and currently has plenty of mixed reviews. The same can be said about using this shoe outside as not enough data has been collated. However, it should be alright for the odd outdoor session as the durability has been credited as relatively good.

    Pros:

    • Great padding and cushioning for those concerned with ankle welfare.
    • Very comfortable.
    • Lightweight.

    Cons:

    • Inconsistent traction performance.





    Adidas D Rose Son of Chi

    Coming in at the lower end of the pricing strategy, the Adidas D Rose Son of Chi, shouldn’t be disregarded just because of the entry-level price point. Firstly, the high and mid-top designs allow the heel to stand upright in position while the decent cushioning provides a comfy fit; fostering good overall support.

    When considering the traction and its performance on the court this shoe performs much better than it has to; adding great value when thinking about making a purchase. The chevron pattern gives great court mobility while the ball of the foot is well supported too. That said, the traction is definitely the main event with this shoe as it is considered better than the other attributes of this shoe.

    The shoe has even broken out into the mainstream with non-basketball players rocking it casually as it has become fashionable wear for Adidas fans. This of course lends itself to the fact the shoe is very durable and works very well on harder and outdoor courts.

    In terms of sizing and fit; it’s been reported that it runs a little smaller than anticipated so if you’re at the store it’s worth trying on a few different pairs. However if you can manage a snug fit that is still comfortable; as we’ve mentioned earlier – this will help your ankle stay put.

    Pros:

    • Much more affordable than other shoes.
    • Solid support for those who need it.
    • Good traction.

    Cons:

    • Lower quality materials.





    Nike Renew Elevate

    Nike doesn’t just cater to the affluent and well-to-do. The Swoosh brand also has some decent lines in the budget arena with the Nike Renew Elevate having lined up in that division since 2020. This lightweight shoe is a great ‘first basketball shoe’ for those getting into the sport.

    Specifically considering your ankles the upper and heel elements are well constructed and offer a lot of support to keep your foot stable. The mesh-like fabric is comfortable on the foot and offers some breathability to ensure your foot isn’t overworked.

    An exceptional note for players who like to hit the outdoor courts is that this shoe is touted as a perfect addition to any concrete baller’s collection. The mainstream appeal of this shoe means they want it to be accessible to all, hence the combination of value and durability. The materials therefore notably dip in quality due to price, but this is true in all markets. You can’t pay for a single shrimp and get a lobster dinner!

    It’s definitely recommended to try these shoes on, however. Due to the mass appeal and large run, the size and fit have been mass-produced for the ‘common foot’. If you’re looking to really make waves in your game and get drafted then it’ll be worth the time to find the right fit as you might not find an immediate match with your standard size. It’s been noted that it tends to run a little smaller. Or if you have the budget for a more expensive shoe, look for those in a more bespoke pro-player vein.

    From the lower price end, it’s clear to see you won’t have these shoes forever; but should you buy a pair; be sure to maintain them as they are prone to picking up dust – and the jet black variation will show this if using on unkept courts frequently.

    Pros:

    • Suitable for outdoor usage.
    • Lightweight and breathable.
    • Very affordable.

    Cons:

    • The materials aren’t the best available.
    • Sizing and getting the ‘right fit can be a problem.





    Nike LeBron 18

    Nike claims this shoe is ‘Greatness Elevated’ and who can really disagree? For almost $200 of your hard-earned money, you get a lot of Nike’s hard work which goes into these basketball shoes. This includes multiple Zoom, Zoom Air, Max Air units which combine to give an unbelievable lift to your game. If you don’t believe the hype watch LeBron play in them; if he wasn’t happy with them – he wouldn’t put his name to them.

    In terms of ankles and supporting them; it comes with the remit of the shoe’s purpose. The Nike LeBron 18 has been designed with ‘bigger players’ in mind; specifically those that want some elevation. What goes up, however, must come down. Bigger players like LeBron need some protection from falling when going hard in the paint. That’s why all those hangtime assisting modules come with thick fabrics and cushioning to ensure a comfy and supported fit.

    Everything about this shoe oozes quality as it combines style and substance. The traction performs well and is seen as a great performer on the court. It’s just that price tag…

    If you’ve got the disposable income, then by all means part with your money for these kicks; no doubt they’ll turn heads at your next practice session – but bear in mind that these are still expensive and you might want to go easy in them to avoid ruining them quickly. Oh and that’s only really if you’re using them indoors. While some reviews suggest the occasional outdoor hoop is fine, would you really want to risk damaging a $199 shoe on an unkept and dirty outdoor court?

    Pros:

    • Awesome cushioning.
    • Good quality materials.
    • Great bounce.

    Cons:

    • A very heavy shoe.
    • Very expensive.





    Nike KD 14

    The Nike KD 14 packs a decent punch in the mid-top world, with its distinct strap across the middle of the shoe. This is actually a great feature for ankle support as it adds another layer of stability to the entire foot; working hand-in-hand with the laces.

    The cushioning keeps on that tune with good materials used to ensure good mobility; as despite the bulky appearance the shoe is still relatively light and does not strain the foot when traveling the court. What’s even better is the Zoom Strobel unit helps with this as it soaks up any energy from misplaced falls and redistributes it with your next take-off.

    Be sure to try on a few sizes as this particular design has been reported as running a little narrow. If your foot however is comfortable with it being a little snug; then it may well work in your favour for ankle protection.

    Sadly, it’s another shoe on this list that is not widely tipped for outdoor use. If you are prone to playing down at the park or street side court, then it would be best to look elsewhere as these shoes will simply perish with excessive use off the indoor courts.

    Pros:

    • Amazing support for the whole foot.
    • Impressive traction performance.
    • Great cushioning.

    Cons:

    • The size has a tendency to run a little narrow.




    Conclusion

    Hopefully, by now you’re a few steps closer to picking out your next pair of basketball shoes with ankle support in mind. To review let’s go over our top picks and why they take the headlines.

    If ‘value for money’ is what you’re after then the Adidas D Rose Son of Chi is most likely the best pick at just short of 100 dollars, performs a lot better than most budget options, and remains relatively stylish. The Nike Renew Elevate might be cheaper in the overall price, but could end up costing you more in the long run, and is considerably less appealing than the Adidas offering.

    Indulging LeBron James’ Soldier range can do little wrong with Nike Lebron Soldier 14 as its design lends itself to anyone wanting to protect themselves from adverse impact.

    Going up the pricing ladder, the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump is an excellent addition to any basketballer’s shoe cupboard with its wealth of technology which ensures the shoe is still of great value despite being on the market at $179. The Nike LeBron 18 is even more than that but is a quality shoe if you’re willing to part with that type of money.

    The Nike KD 14 arguably has the best singular feature for ankle support with its strap which adds another layer of protection and security to your foot to keep it all in place. Together with the firm and thin laces, it should help keep your ankle in good health.


    Frequently Asked Questions:

    My feet and ankles consistently hurt when playing basketball! What shoes should I buy?

    Firstly, you should seek medical advice. While a new pair of shoes could help you; that’s not a definitive answer and you should really get it checked out by a professional before investing in new shoes.

    Will these shoes cure my bad ankles?

    Not really. If you already have existing ankle conditions, it’s very unlikely that just wearing a specific pair of shoes will just make them better. These shoes are more likely to help you from developing further issues and getting more injuries. Please bear in mind that this article’s author and the website owners are not medical professionals; and if you have an existing issue with your feet/ankles you seek medical assistance, not a pair of new shoes.

    Can I wear an ankle support with these shoes?

    That really depends on you! In theory, if your ankles need that kind of compression or support you should wear one; but will that facilitate you to get the best out of these shoes? You should try it out before making an impulsive purchase. If your ankle support is a short-term thing due to injury, just rest up!