Today I wanted to discuss and shed some light on a very delicate subject among us hoopers: the best basketball shoes with ankle support.
But is it really only ankle support that we should be looking for? What factors determine a quality supportive shoe? Do high tops equal good ankle support and low tops equal no ankle support whatsoever?
And lastly, what’s my ultimate shoe list for ankle & overall support among the models released in recent years?
This is exactly what we’ll be talking about in what’ll hopefully be the only guide you need to educate yourself on the support topic.
So, kick back, relax, and ride along with me! Let’s begin!
SHOW TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANKLE SUPPORT VS. ANKLE LOCKDOWN
Don’t mix the two
Let’s address the elephant in the room. ’till this day there’s this misconception floating around, especially on the internet.
Lots of beginners and even some seasoned hoopers tend to believe that the higher cut the shoe is, the better support it provides for the ankle.
This is not true.
In order to explain why exactly, we need to first understand what ankle support really is. You see, people commonly and mistakenly think that support means restricting the movement of your ankle, thus eliminating the chance of your ankle being sprained. It can’t move, so you’re good, right?
Well, in most cases – no. You DO NOT want to eliminate the ankle’s range of motion completely.
There are times when you want to restrict your ankle from moving, though still not to 0%.
For example, you’re coming off an ankle injury or your ankles are very susceptible to being sprained, you’ve been playing long hours lately and there’s a very important game coming up, so you can’t risk another sprain.
This is when you do everything you can to restrict the ankle from moving somewhat, which is not something that’s recommended but sometimes can be needed and which is also why some players wear ankle braces (Steph Curry has injury-prone ankles and wears ankle braces for example).
However, the instances I’ve mentioned are very specific scenarios and such methods should not be condoned on a regular basis. This would be ankle lockdown rather than ankle support.
Locking your ankle down in place for long hours of playtime can cause some serious issues for the joints that come above the ankle since the pressure is put on them instead (mainly the knees).
Plus, getting your ankle used to very restrictive lockdown or constantly wearing an ankle brace can weaken the tendons, muscles, and the ankle joint itself and make them more susceptible to injury since they’re not used to a wider range of motion.
So, don’t look at high tops automatically thinking they’ll be best for ankle support. The same can be said for low tops – it doesn’t mean you’ll get zero support from them and I’ll tell you why very shortly.
I actually have a guide all about high tops vs. low tops. Think of it as a supplementary to this guide. If you’re interested, check it out RIGHT HERE.
WHAT IS STRONG & HEALTHY ANKLE SUPPORT?
Let’s attack it from the angles that matter
Now that busted the popular myth, let’s discuss what you should be actually looking for when it comes to ankle support.
Firstly, you MUST break out of the mindset that it’s all about the ankles.
It’s not. A supportive shoe doesn’t simply mean it’ll be safer just for your ankles. And we can look at it from another side – when you’re looking for good ankle support, you should not only be looking for one particular support component, ankle coverage that is.
Brands make shoes that are very sophisticated in terms of providing support and security, and ankle support is only one of several things that need to be there.
Everything needs to work well with one another. Otherwise – you might get a shoe that has strong ankle coverage but lacks in lateral protection, so you’ll still be susceptible to annoying sprains and rolls.
Okay, so you’re looking for a basketball shoe and you’ve got injury-prone ankles, or you’ve been putting a crazy amount of playtime during the season. Or you’ve got a very explosive playstyle and support is critical to supplement your game.
Whatever the case may be, let’s break down the main components of what exactly makes a basketball shoe supportive, the right way.
I. A PROPER FIT
Yes, you read that right. What fit has to do with support? Everything.
It all starts with a proper one-to-one fit. You need to make sure the shoe fits your feet almost perfectly, meaning that there’s minimal dead space and your foot is properly contained at all times.
If you don’t get the sizing down perfectly, you’re having major slippage (most commonly in the heel area), or you’re just not feeling secure & confident due to the sloppy fit, no amount of support features will make up for it.
This is EASILY the most important component that you must nail down. It is your foundation for solid support, including your ankles.
I’ve had shoes that were packed with actually good support features but I wasn’t aware I should’ve gone half a size down. Guess what? Support was jeopardized due to a sloppy fit.
DO NOT skip this step & make sure you’re comfortable inside the shoe as well as properly contained at all times. It’ll pay dividends, not only for your ankles but your feet, knees, and confidence on the court.
II. HEEL LOCKDOWN
Moving on, a shoe should have excellent heel lockdown. It can be a low-top, high-top, doesn’t matter. Most shoes nowadays have internal/external heel counters which help lock in your heel in place.
Why heel lockdown? Firstly, it eliminates any possible heel slippage. Second, most of your ankle support and lockdown actually comes from heel lockdown.
It might sound weird for some but it’s true. Think about it – even a low-top shoe covers most of your heel with the use of a heel counter and your ankle follows it up directly.
If your heel is in place, your ankle is also protected from moving too much. This way, range of motion is only being limited, not completely taken away.
This is another critical component that should be taken into account, which is also why 95% of hoop shoes today have internal and/or external heel counters in place.
III. A STABLE BASE
Next up, we need to make sure we ride on a stable base. What exactly is a stable base on a basketball shoe? Usually, this means that the sole of the shoe is fairly wide and sometimes completely, or close to, flat.
Now, this doesn’t mean that ALL shoes should have a completely flat sole that’s two times as wide as a normal shoe.
Marginal tweaks make a huge difference, so having a wider base already promotes much better stability and a reduced chance of awkward movements. A flat base as well is ideal but we don’t see that much in today’s releases.
The Nikey Kyrie 2 is a good example of a wide & flat base that promotes tons of stability (image above).
IV. LATERAL PROTECTION
Having direct ankle support is one thing, achieving overall lateral protection is another. But the reality is, we need both to ensure we’re not all over the place.
To provide good lateral coverage and prevent players from rolling over a shoe too much, brands use what’s called outriggers.
These are simply exaggerated extensions on the sides of the shoe. A very basic, yet effective solution to keep the limit to how much you can roll the shoe over in check.
Believe it or not, even today some shoes do not leverage the use of such outriggers and you can really feel the absence of them at times. Exactly why it’s important to have this if you have problematic ankles.
V. TORSIONAL SUPPORT
Not all shoes utilize this but it’s important for overall support and stability of your foot. Torsional support means proper arch support and allowing the forefoot & heel areas to move independently, thus eliminating unneeded strain and flexing in the arch area of the foot.
In the basketball shoe market, this is mainly achieved through torsional shanks/plates. It’s basically a sturdy piece of plastic that acts as a bridge between your heel and forefoot areas in the outsole.
This results in allowing those two areas to move freely & independently and promotes smoother step (heel to toe) transitions.
VI. ANKLE COVERAGE
Lastly, despite going over the ankle myths, you still need some coverage of your ankle, if you’re having issues with them.
This isn’t vital to everyone (as I’ve mentioned you can achieve fantastic support from a low-top) but for those who need a bit more, looking at mid-tops or high-tops with sturdier ankle collars will be a good idea.
This doesn’t mean completely locking down your ankle of course but some models today can provide that extra protection for your ankle without taking away mobility, which is exactly what you want.
THE BEST BASKETBALL SHOES WITH ANKLE SUPPORT
10 picks, in no particular order. All excel in security but are great all-around performers
Last updated on the 24th of March, 2021
I. NEW BALANCE OMN1S
FULL REVIEW ? 140 USD ? 8.1
A rare performance basketball release from NB, Kawhi’s first signature came with a bang. Don’t sleep on these – next to solid all-around performance, these feel like a tank to play in.
Most of the shoe’s stellar support and security comes from the super contained fit. It might even be too snug or tight for some but there’s always the option to go up half a size, or just play around with the laces and see what you come up with.
Along with a very secure fit, we got a stable base to work with, internal heel counters that really lock in your heel, lateral outriggers that are quite extended, along with torsional shanks and ankle collars that aren’t flimsy, so you’ll get that additional boost in ankle security.
THINGS TO NOTE
If I had to pick out some stuff I wasn’t a huge fan of, that would be the shoe’s FuelCell cushion setup. It’s not bad in a sense, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I prefer more cushion and spring back over court feel and responsiveness and I like to feel a little bounce.
These didn’t really give me that. Of course, this will depend on what you like, so if you’re a fan of quicker, firmer setups that still provide some impact protection – the OMN1S is for you!
Also, these are extremely hard to find. You gotta bash New Balance for their poor marketing/exposure job. I’ve only found a handful of places to get them in a limited selection of sizes, so be aware of that if you’re on a hunt for these. The New Balance website might still have some sizes left so check that out!
As you can see, despite them being hard to find, all the boxes I’ve talked about are ticked, so why is the only at #7?
Well, that’s because there are 6 more shoes that kill it even harder…
II. NIKE KYRIE 6
FULL REVIEW ? 130 USD ? 8.3
Kyrie’s shoe line was always known for fantastic support & security without slowing you down or taking away mobility. What I loved about the latest 6th model is the same tank-like qualities are retained along with a few extra tweaks that make it an even better overall shoe than its predecessors.
All the standard features are in place: internal heel counters, lateral outriggers, and as we know, most Kyrie sneakers come with a wide & flat base, so this one is no exception.
We also have a forefoot cable system that you can adjust to your liking to really nail down the fit in the forefoot area. If that’s not enough, there’s also an internal midfoot lacing system that pulls the midfoot in when you tighten the external laces. So with some tinkering around, you can literally achieve perfect lockdown.
THINGS TO NOTE
A few things I should mention – I didn’t feel that the midfoot strap you can see in the image did anything to affect lockdown or support. It’s kind of just a gimmick. Also, the cables I’ve mentioned – those constantly loosened up for me which was quite irritating.
One day I completely took out the laces and relaced the shoe from scratch while making the fit a bit looser which fixed the issue for me. Good to know if you’ll experience something similar!
III. JORDAN WHY NOT ZER0.1
? 120 USD
Let’s talk about a true tank. Well, I suppose both Russell Westbrook and his first signature shoe, the Why Not Zer0.1 could be considered tanks on a basketball court. The guy undeniably needs strong support & consistent stability and his first shoe looked to focus on such components.
Support connaisseurs – you’re gonna love this one: the Why Not Zer0.1 starts by giving you an insanely secure fit that pushes the boundaries of just how much lockdown can be achieved. Once you cradle your foot in there and pull the laces down – there’s no going back.
The regular lacing system pulls down on the internal FlightWeb cable system that pulls down on the upper and the lateral wings also pull into your foot, creating a fit that refuses to let your foot move. It might take a bit of time to adjust to such a one-to-one fit but once you do, chances are you won’t want to look back.
But it doesn’t end there. The upper mainly consists of mesh & Fuse which provides solid containment but there are also these huge Phylon heel counters that extend all the way to the midfoot, providing some of the best ankle & heel lockdown on the market. They look insane but function over looks is what you get here.
And then there’s the midfoot strap in case you want even more lockdown at the middle and to keep you stable, the platform of the shoe is very wide & entirely flat. Players used to a runner-like shoe with an offset will likely feel a little weird at first but it’s all about getting used to this shoe. You’ll love the end result.
THINGS TO NOTE
While the shoe is a great all-around performer and among my favorite Jordan hoop shoes, you’ll need to give these some playing time to feel optimal.
Those huge foam heel counters, the lateral wings, and other areas that have more structure will all need to be broken in before you can feel the true benefits of such a balance between efficiency and security.
And speaking of structure – these are quite a nightmare to put on. Even after a couple of weeks and the ankle collar loosening up a bit, I still get mad even thinking about putting these on before a game/session.
While the benefits are worth it once your foot’s in there, guys with thick feet will especially not find the stuffing-your-foot-into-a-spaceship scenario pleasant. I didn’t.
IV. NIKE ZOOM RIZE
FULL REVIEW ? 140 USD ? 8.5
This one came as a surprise for me this year. Signature or not, it doesn’t matter and this one’s a clear example of how good a team shoe can really be.
Killer all-around performance, a fantastic and one could argue, a one-of-a-kind cushion setup along with stellar support for just about every type of player.
The Nikey Zoom Rize packs internal heel counters, large lateral outriggers, a stable base, an internal cable system along with a great fit, and a structured upper that doesn’t get in the way but adds to the containment of your foot.
You could almost call these a mid-high top hybrid of some sort but despite the ankle collars being cut pretty high, I didn’t mind them at all. Plus, there are tons of internal padding around the ankle area to preserve comfort. And boy, did it preserve.
THINGS TO NOTE
These will bring a very condensed and snug fit, even if you’re not a wide footer. So, two main things to note: go up half a size if you prefer a roomier fit and also make sure to give these some time to break in before you feel the full benefits.
I found the break-in time slightly longer than what I usually expect from a synthetic mesh upper (and also because I’m a wide footer), so don’t panic if you’re not feeling comfy the first 1-2 weeks!
V. ADIDAS DAME 3
FULL REVIEW ? 115 USD ? 9.5
Yes, a 4-year-old shoe is not only one of my all-time favorite basketball shoes EVER but it also happens to deliver truly amazing support, while still keeping you comfortable.
I don’t know what was up with Adidas during the creation of the third Dame, but these just refuse to fail me, and I’m talking about the same pair for over 4 years now. Including extensive outdoor play!
We have our essential features in place: heel counters, midfoot shanks for torsional protection, a midfoot lacing system encaged in TPU that’s entirely customizable, so you can literally make the fit as close to your liking as it gets.
The base of the shoe is also flat and wide, your foot sits deeper into the carrier than normal which promotes stability. Pair that with a great fit and a very structured upper, and you got yourself a total winner.
THINGS TO NOTE
It’s tough to sh*t on the Dame 3 for me. It’s a near-perfect shoe for me personally. However, if I had to point out something you should keep in mind – that would be the upper.
It definitely starts off as stiff, so give it some time to break in. Even after a solid break-in period, these won’t flex much. At all, in fact, and there’s barely any ventilation due to the nature of the material. If you’re not a fan of more structured uppers and you only prefer soft knits, the Dame 3 won’t be your cup of tea.
VI. ADIDAS DAME 5
FULL REVIEW ? 115 USD ? 9.4
Think of the Dame 5 as a direct successor to the Dame 3 (you can skip the Dame 4). I would still go as far as saying I like the Dame 3 just a tad bit more as an overall performer but since support is our main focus here, I think the Dame 5 is an even sturdier tank.
The most explosive, heavier players will truly appreciate these (others will too of course). Despite kind of being marketed as a guard’s shoe, I found these to be as supportive as they can get.
Internal heel counters, TPU panels in the shoe’s lateral areas, a great fit, a supportive upper that doesn’t compromise comfort, your foot sinks into the carrier deep for even more stability. There’s also a wide base for a stable foundation.
The ankle collar isn’t intrusive as it ends with a soft sleeve to eliminate friction for the ankle but it also adds a bit of ankle lockdown. I mean, you name it – these got it.
THINGS TO NOTE
Similar to the Dame 3, you won’t find much ventilation due to the nature of the upper. Also, these come in two different upper options: mesh and leather. I didn’t find them different in terms of performance but if you’re going for durability, stick with the leather option.
VII. NIKE ZOOM HERITAGE N7
FULL REVIEW ? 130 USD ? 8.4
The Zoom Heritage N7 is not going to be for everyone. The Native American-inspired design that pays homage to ‘Rez’ ball sure looks like an adaptation of an old-school Retro but don’t get it twisted – the shoe plays well on today’s court as well.
Today’s standard support features are here: beefy external heel counters, midfoot shank plates for torsional rigidity, a very wide platform promoting stability, and an unusually high ankle collar that adds a little bit of ankle restriction in case you need it.
But the biggest component here is undeniably the tank-like genuine leather upper that just refuses to move. This leather is thick, strong, and once broken in, actually doesn’t feel that bad on the court, even if you’re faster/shiftier.
THINGS TO NOTE
Of course, this type of build introduces more weight and bulk, so the fastest & lightest of players will likely need something a little more nimble. But if you’re aiming for an ultra-durable, supportive package that will hold your foot in no matter what as a priority, the Heritage N7 will surely deliver in those fields.
And lastly, be prepared for a longer break-in period with these. This leather simply refuses to budge for a while and it might cause some discomfort. Be patient and give these plenty of action for the leather to soften up before judging the shoe’s stiffness/bulkiness.
VII. LI-NING WAY OF WADE 8
FULL REVIEW ? 225 USD ? 8.5
If I had to pick one shoe out of this list JUST looking at the support aspect alone and the features implemented, the Li-Ning WoW 8 would probably be the winner. These things have it all. And the best part, it doesn’t really feel like it once broken in. This stuff just works brilliantly well with one another.
Dwayne Wade’s 8th signature model with the Chinese brand Li-Ning is packing a Cordura’s fabric upper which is basically thin nylon that’s light AND strong so my foot was always contained along with feeling comfy in there.
There are also beefy heel pieces for heel & ankle lockdown, external outriggers for lateral coverage, additional stitching laterally to make sure your foot is caught in case the outriggers fail to do so, there are also extended heel tabs that sit behind your Achilles that provide a nice, secure feel.
The platform you’re riding on is fairly wide which promotes stability and there are also huge carbon fiber shank plates that take a bit to adjust to but ultimately provide some of the best torsional protection in the market.
The midsole is caged and the forefoot portion of it slightly comes up, making you sit inside it which is fantastic for a sense of security.
THINGS TO NOTE
All this stuff packed inside will take a bit to adjust to and break in, especially the carbon fiber shank plates. Those took the longest to get ’em moving, so expect the shoe to feel fairly stiff at first. This does go away and once it does, you’ll be surprised how awesome these feel, all while providing some of the best support you can get.
VII. AIR JORDAN 34
FULL REVIEW ? 175 USD ? 8.4
I believe this didn’t come as a surprise for some of you. It’s my favorite shoe of 2020 and also one of my all-time favorites now. It’s simply tough to beat the AJ XXXIV in ANY area, including support.
This is exactly a baller’s dream – a shoe that’s ultra-secure, yet ultra-comfortable and fits just about any play style. These do come at a beefier price but if you can afford it – it’s well worth it. Your feet, ankles, and knees will thank you later.
These got internal heel counters, torsional Eclipse plates for torsional coverage, a fantastic fit, and a supportive upper that might look like it on paper but damn does it feel good.
If that’s not enough – the AJ 34 also comes with a double-layered upper. Underneath the visible layer, there’s a slab of Performance Woven which strategically stretches and limits the range of motion during more aggressive movements, and doesn’t stretch when it doesn’t have to.
In result, we get mad comfort & mad performance. Nothing more to be asked.
THINGS TO NOTE
I’m not an advocate for people’s budget and spending habits but I’d still have to mention this is the most expensive shoe out of the entire list. It’s well worth it if you can afford it though. Also, you don’t really want to take these outdoors much, unless, once again, you can afford to get a new pair sooner than you might think.
VII. AIR JORDAN 35
FULL REVIEW ? 180 USD ? 8.1
Think of the Jordan 35 as an upgraded Jordan 34. And for once, I loved this approach – not much needed to be fixed, and the small areas that could’ve been improved were slightly tweaked, making the AJ 35 another superb basketball shoe that’s just as versatile as the 34 and just as secure.
The main areas that underwent some changes were the upper, the cushion, and some tweaks in support. The shoe now comes in either a leather & textile variant or a suede & textile combo.
Both are great and could be considered upgraded from the 34 since the inclusion of raw materials means better containment and possibly better durability. They’re still just as comfortable too.
The cushion tech specs are almost the same but the overall ride feels a bit firmer & quicker, so people who need a bit less mushiness underfoot can now choose the 35 instead. This type of ride also means they’re a little more stable. Not that the 34 was unstable but we can always compare!
And lastly, the midfoot shank plate or the Eclipse Plate 2.0 has been beefed up, so torsional rigidity and support are even stronger this time. The difference isn’t huge but it’s there. However, despite the larger shank plates and more structure in materials, the Jordan 35 feels lighter to play in which came as a surprise for me.
THINGS TO NOTE
The AJ 35 will take a bit longer to fully break in when compared to the 34 since we now have genuine materials utilized and we all know leather is a bit stubborn. 1-2 weeks did it for me, and I do have wide feet so it might be even quicker for you.
Also, many people, including myself, have been reporting on one issue. If you lace these up real tight, you can expect some discomfort for the arches of your feet, as the nylon lace loops internally attached to the laces pinch into the arches as they are being pulled up by the laces.
This doesn’t occur for everyone and it seems not everyone is experiencing the same level of discomfort. Not lacing these all the way is a temporary solution but your foot shape will mainly decide this for you.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SECURITY SHOE?
That’s a wrap for today’s guide & list! I’ve put my heart and soul into this – hopefully you’ll be able to take something valuable from it! My personal favorites when it comes to staying secure while staying comfortable are the Way Of Wade 8, the Dame 5, and the Air Jordan 34. I simply can’t stop playing in those!
In case you’re interested in those, I’ll leave links to full reviews of each shoe to get more insight.
And as always, I’m more than happy to get in touch with you. Do you have any questions? Perhaps you’ve got an experience you’d like to share about any of these shoes?
Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quick as I can!
MORE DETAILS ON THE DAME 5 MORE DETAILS ON THE JORDAN 34
Great post man, I have played ball most of my life and did not realize that high cuts as we use to call them would not provide more support for your ankle. Funny what we think we know.
I actually dislocated my ankle playing all years ago. Grabbed a rebound and game down on another guys foot and rolled my ankle right out of place. Lost a lot of movement in the ankle as a result. And of course I am always now overly cautious of that foot, typically I play with a brace now when I play, but is there a shoe you would recommend?
Thanks man
Robb
Thanks a lot Robb!
Yeah, exactly why I break it down here – it’s such a basic concept yet it’s overlooked by so many people INCLUDING even experienced players. High tops are just high tops, you either like how they fit you or you don’t. Same goes for lows or mids.
But we’re in 2021 now and most shoes, regardless of the build, are supportive, in whichever way that’s accomplished by the engineers & designers. Brands are constantly evolving how comfortable and mobile can a shoe still be while keeping things secure.
But now we all have the luxury to choose – whether we’d like more support & rigidity over a bit more weight & stiffness (at times) or we’re going for a lighter, quicker, and freer setup that’ll come at a slight cost of a lack of beefier support features.
Damn, I know that game with the severe ankle injury. I’ve had a similar (though not as brutal) occurrence as I heavily sprained my right ankle twice in the span of ~20 minutes. Never went to check it out and now I’ve got moving ankle bones & a slightly loose tendon in there for several years now. Nothing deal-breaking but might catch up at a later age.
As for shoes to keep security levels at maximum – I’d honestly say you really can’t go wrong with any of these in the list. That’s exactly what I was looking for when putting it together, while still making sure the shoes were comfortable and not a chore to wear.
Any of the lower cut shoes would fit you best, as you need some room around your ankle for the brace. So the Curry 6, the Dame 3, and the Jordan 34 (or check out the Jordan 34 Low) would be the ideal options.
Good luck!
Hi,
Great!
An extremely informative article, a good pair of shoes is important as it gives the basketball enthusiast the inner confidence, offers support, versatility, speed, and helps a player to execute moves excellently.
I agree with the fact that while purchasing basketball shoes one must settle for quality, comfort, durability, and be meticulous with one’s own choice.
I loved the way you illustrated the importance and myths of ankle support shoes, truly amazed by the list of shoes you mentioned and things to be mindful about while choosing, it’s definitely worth trying.
Thanks
Cheers!
That’s what it’s all about! Making sure you’re getting maximum security for those tough, rugged games but these picks also provide a little bit of everything, as well as staying comfortable.
Cheers!