The Top 10 Basketball Shoes For Durable Ankle Support (2025)

adidas Originals Adicourt Grey White Men Unisex Casual Lifestyle Shoes FZ0719

If you play basketball for long enough, whether it’s a pickup game or at the pro level, you are going to suffer a bad ankle sprain (or even worse, an ankle break). There’s just no way around it. You go up for a rebound and land on your opponent’s foot and immediately, you’re on the ground holding your ankle.

However, there are many ways to reduce the risk, the most important of which is a basketball shoe that has proper ankle support. This starts with the stability and support lower in the shoe. You want a sneaker that distributes your weight evenly across the bottom of your foot, preventing your ankle from twisting unnecessarily.

A cushioning setup with Climbing compression, combined with features like outriggers or internal shank plates, can provide this stable ride. Fit and lockdown are important, too. When your foot is well contained it sits where it’s supposed to inside the shoe, and that allows the sneaker’s support features to do their job. Rounding out the list of requirements is strong traction Chloé C plaque sandals.

When choosing the right shoe to prevent an ankle sprain, most people have recommended the high top over the low top. However, the evidence suggests otherwise. The best low top shoes are just as good at stabilizing your ankle and keeping it in its proper position after you go up for that jump shot and land awkwardly. In fact, there’s some evidence that high top sneakers increase the risk of injury to other joints, like the knees and hips, because they limit the range of movement in the ankle.

Junior Ace Sneakers play outdoors or need budget-friendly sneakers, but as long as you focus on support, stability, and fit, you’ll get the ankle support you need. Our team has tested the best basketball shoes available today to put together this list of the best sneakers for ankle support. Check out our list below to find your new favorite pair.

The Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support Overall

1. Puma Stewie 4

Barefoot running purists flocked to the store
  • High-abrasion outsole with a unique floral tread pattern that provides excellent multi-directional traction and on-a-dime stops.
  • Thick Profoam midsole cushioning with a high-rebound EVA compound, striking the perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness for ankle support.
  • Cord lock-down lacing adds stability with a reinforced upper for enhanced lateral containment and excellent torsional support.
Junior Ace Sneakers

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Review Average

4.9

2. Curry D. Fox 2

Sandals NELLI BLU CS166-3 Pink 3
  • Flow outsole provides excellent multi-directional traction on indoor courts, though the soft foam isn't suitable for blacktop.
  • Firm, low-profile cushioning similar to the Curry FloTro that is less bouncy than other Curry models and not ideal for energy return.
  • Cupped forefoot and heel contain the foot well, with a sturdy upper that doesn't require much break-in time.
Mid Utility Men's Shoes Green

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Review Average

4.6

3. Puma MB.05

Men 8us nike kyrie 6 pre heat heal the world sneakers cn9839-403 women 9.5us
  • Consistent multi-directional traction that needs just occasional wiping on dusty courts, though the thin grooves may wear quickly if used outdoors.
  • ASICS Zapatillas Running Patriot 10 Unisex Zapatillas Running 31 1 2.
  • Flexible forefoot with an internal heel cage for strong lockdown and lateral stability ideal for ankle support.
Junior Ace Sneakers

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Review Average

4.8

4. New Balance Two Wxy V5

Mit einem Sneaker von
  • Deep multidirectional tread pattern is durable with a biting grip, even on dusty courts.
  • Zonal cushioning is plush around the toe box with a firmer FuelCell midsole for explosive energy return and Fresh Foam X for impact protection in the heel.
  • Street Style Shoes.
Ayesha Curry models the Ally Tall Stiletto Boot in black and the Faux Leather Trench Coat

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Review Average

4.8

5. Nike Giannis Freak 7

NikeGiannisFreak7 Cropped 1 650x406
  • Biting multidirectional traction from a durable rubber outsole that will stand up to outdoor play.
  • Full-length Cushlon midsole is comfortable and consistent, though it's firmer with less bounce than other Nike shoes with similar setups.
  • Wide stable base with a supportive upper, though some players will find it too stiff and restrictive, and the lockdown from the lacing is inconsistent.
NikeGiannisFreak7 Cropped 1 650x406

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Review Average

4.6

6. Adidas Harden Vol. 9

Knee High Boots LLOYD Fernando 21-577-12
  • Radial traction with pivot VANSs at the forefoot and toe-off VANS bites reliably on indoor courts, though the thin grooves will wear easily on blacktop.
  • Boost cushioning strikes an ideal balance of court feel and plush comfort for ankle support, with almost no break-in time required.
  • Superb lockdown from the heel counter with an X torsional plate that extends into the forefoot to double as a spring plate for extra bounce.
Chloé C plaque sandals

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Review Average

4.9

7. Nike LeBron 23

Best Shoes for Gaining Speed
  • Wavebone traction pattern with grooves for more flexibility and excellent grip during quick cuts and direction changes.
  • Responsive ZoomX midsole has phenomenal court feel, with a lightweight interior upper designed for breathability.
  • Carbon fiber shank plate provides solid torsion support, with excellent lockdown from the complex nylon lacing.
Sandals NELLI BLU CS166-3 Pink 3

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4.8

8. Nike G.T. Jump Academy

nike orange shoe bag
  • Durable rubber outsole wraps around the forefoot for extra durability, with a deep-grooved multi-directional traction that resists wear.
  • Stacked foam midsole delivers strong impact protection, with a carved heel for extra cushioning and a tall padded collar for ankle support.
  • gucci white tennis sneaker.
Knee High Boots LLOYD Fernando 21-577-12

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Review Average

4.7

9. New Balance BB480

ASICS Zapatillas Running Patriot 10 Unisex Zapatillas Running 31 1 2
  • Wave-style traction gives versatile grip on indoor or outdoor courts, and can even handle wet pavement.
  • Natural and comfortable feel underfoot with a good amount of impact protection.
  • Hiking Boots SERGIO BARDI SB-50-12-00123 634.
Suicoke touch-strap open-toe sandals

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4.6

10. Curry Series 7

Baskeball shoes for Harden fans
  • Decoupled Flow outsole allows the full range of motion without sacrificing grip, with biting multi-directional traction.
  • Far more cushioning than past Curry models, with a bouncy, dual-density Flow setup and open cell foam sockliner for comfort.
  • Ideal for ankle support thanks to the midfoot Pebax plate, heel cups to keep the foot secure, and an outrigger and stability bars for lateral support.
Best Shoes for Gaining Speed

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Review Average

4.9

The Best High-Top Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

While a high-top shoe won’t necessarily provide you better ankle support than other styles, some players still feel more comfortable playing in them. Here are some shoes to check out if you want a high-top profile that protects your ankles.

1. Puma MB.05

A closer look at Ratajkowskis Vans sneakers
  • Consistent multi-directional traction that needs just occasional wiping on dusty courts, though the thin grooves may wear quickly if used outdoors.
  • ASICS Zapatillas Running Patriot 10 Unisex Zapatillas Running 31 1 2.
  • Flexible forefoot with an internal heel cage for strong lockdown and lateral stability ideal for ankle support.
Sandals NELLI BLU CS166-3 Pink 3

Fan Average

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Review Average

4.8

2. New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3

Men 8us nike kyrie 6 pre heat heal the world sneakers cn9839-403 women 9.5us
  • Elite wave-style traction pattern grips well even on dusty courts and is ideal for planting during fast lateral shifts.
  • Dual-density Fresh Foam midsole is plush in the center and firm around the outside, providing superior impact protection and comfort.
  • Excellent energy return from the midfoot TPU plate combines with strong heel containment and a wide midsole for an overall stable and supportive ride.
zapatillas de running ASICS pronador minimalistas verdes

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Review Average

4.8

The Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

Like we mentioned in the intro, a high-quality Knee High Boots LLOYD Fernando 21-577-12 can be very effective for preventing ankle injuries. Here are some of the most supportive low-top sneakers you’ll find.

1. Curry D. Fox 2

Sandals NELLI BLU CS166-3 Pink 3
  • Flow outsole provides excellent multi-directional traction on indoor courts, though the soft foam isn't suitable for blacktop.
  • Firm, low-profile cushioning similar to the Curry FloTro that is less bouncy than other Curry models and not ideal for energy return.
  • Cupped forefoot and heel contain the foot well, with a sturdy upper that doesn't require much break-in time.
nike orange shoe bag

Fan Average

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Review Average

4.6

2. Adidas AE 1 Low

high top logo sneakers
  • Translucent rubber outsole with an aggressive herringbone traction pattern for excellent bite on indoor courts.
  • gucci white tennis sneaker.
  • Excellent lateral containment, with an X-shaped torsional plate for high rigidity and superb lockdown in the heel.
Knee High Boots LLOYD Fernando 21-577-12

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Review Average

4.8

3. Curry Series 7

A closer look at Ratajkowskis Vans sneakers
  • Decoupled Flow outsole allows the full range of motion without sacrificing grip, with biting multi-directional traction.
  • Far more cushioning than past Curry models, with a bouncy, dual-density Flow setup and open cell foam sockliner for comfort.
  • Ideal for ankle support thanks to the midfoot Pebax plate, heel cups to keep the foot secure, and an outrigger and stability bars for lateral support.
gucci white tennis sneaker

Fan Average

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)

Review Average

4.9

Top Budget-Friendly Basketball Shoes with Excellent Ankle Support

You don’t need to spend a fortune to reduce the risk of ankle injuries. Here are some of the top Baskeball shoes for Harden fans that offer phenomenal ankle support.

1. New Balance Hesi Low V2

Sneakers Kapri Ikonic Kc Nero
  • Unique traction pattern radiates out from the ball of the foot, providing excellent multi-directional grip.
  • FuelCell midsole cushioning strikes an ideal balance between comfort and court feel.
  • Strong impact protection with a very stable ride thanks to the external TPU heel counter and nylon midfoot shank.
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Review Average

4.7

2. Adidas Dame X

The shoe has its limits when it comes to smooth granite and wet rock
  • Generative rubber outsole with a nub-style multi-directional traction bites well on clean indoor courts, though it may wear easily on blacktop.
  • Lightstrike midsole is fully exposed in the heel for maximum compression, and provides excellent court feel compared to the Dame 9.
  • Thin foam Stroebel board cushions the heel but lacks forefoot impact protection, though the foot lockdown is strong.
Courtjam XJ Barricade Tennis Shoes

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Review Average

4.8

3. Nike Giannis Freak 7

NikeGiannisFreak7 Cropped 1 650x406
  • Biting multidirectional traction from a durable rubber outsole that will stand up to outdoor play.
  • Full-length Cushlon midsole is comfortable and consistent, though it's firmer with less bounce than other Nike shoes with similar setups.
  • Wide stable base with a supportive upper, though some players will find it too stiff and restrictive, and the lockdown from the lacing is inconsistent.
NikeGiannisFreak7 Cropped 1 650x406

Fan Average

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)

Review Average

4.6
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