Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is arguably the most popular after soccer. While there are few pieces of equipment you need beyond a ball and a goal one of the most important pieces of equipment are the proper shoes.
Of course there are wide varieties of different shoes out there but the best basketball shoes for ankle support are often the best basketball shoes period.
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The reason for this is because basketball is a sport that is especially hard on your lower body. With constant sprints and regular leaps you need a pair of shoes that will help keep you upright and prevent you from spraining your ankle if you slip or fall.
That said basketball is moving more towards a driving and shooting style than the old school pound the paint.
Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support in 2023
This can make finding the best basketball shoes for ankle support difficult. That is why we have put together a list of the 8 best basketball shoes for ankle support highlighting what each does best. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide so you can find the right basketball shoes to best support your ankles.
1. Adidas Originals – Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support (Editor’s Choice)
Adidas is always pushing the boundaries of design when it comes to their basketball shoes and is noted for regularly producing unique products that aim to tackle old problems in an innovative fashion. With the Crazy Explosives, the problem stemmed from traditional lace closure putting too many pressure points on the foot for the player to be comfortable and perform at his peak ability.
Comfort
Support
The primary method that the Crazy Explosives use to support your ankle is a high top cut that is actually a bit higher than normal. However, this may be a bit undercut since the laces use the hook system.
While the hook laces offer plenty of comforts, they will simply not be able to provide quite as tight of a fit as traditional lace closure can. That said, the boost cushioning system, does offer a nice touch with rebounding insoles.
- Features a high top cut
- Features hook closure
- Lightweight synthetic and textile upper
- One of the more breathable shoes
- Unique, organic treads
- Boost cushioning system
- Not ideal for outdoor play
2. Nike Air Jordan 1 – Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support (People’s Choice)
Considering the brand made a name for itself by taking the basketball shoe market by storm, it should come as no surprise that a Nike shoe tops our list as the Editor’s Choice pick.
However, this specific shoe should hold particular value as it could arguably be said to have kicked off the basketball shoe craze in the first place.
Support
Since we are reviewing the best basketball shoes for ankle support, it only makes sense that the best feature of our editor’s pick also just so happens to provide some of the best support available.
This starts with a high top cut that wraps securely around your ankle. This cut is then further reinforced by the use of genuine leather as the upper material. While this means the Air Jordan 1 replica will have a break-in period, it will also offer additional support.
Outdoor
There are a couple features, which mark this as an outdoor basketball shoe-though it was probably intended to be an indoor and outdoor shoe when it was first made. For one, the midsole of this shoe features a classic air-based cushion to make landing on the hard ground after a jump easier. On top of that, this shoe also features deeper tread than most-perfect for outdoor courts. Finally, the leather upper is just as durable as it is supportive, able to withstand play in the elements.
- Has high top cut
- Has genuine leather upper
- Features solid closure
- Features deep treads
- Has a pivot point
- Extra heel cushioning
- Not the most mobile
- Not ideal for indoor play
3. Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation – Best Basketball Shoes with Ankle Support
Though Adidas is definitely more well-known for their running shoes, they are arguably the second biggest name in the basketball shoe market-after Nike of course.
That said, it seems as though some of their running shoe roots are hard to shake, as this basketball shoe actually does not offer that much ankle support and is perhaps the second least support basketball shoe on our list.
Comfort
Though it may not be the biggest influence on your mind when playing basketball, comfort is often an overlooked factor that impacts how you play. If you are uncomfortable, then you will likely adjust how you move or play to obtain more comfort.
In doing so, you set yourself up for potential injury as your body is moving in ways either not ideal or that it is not used to. By offering superior comfort, the Ilations allow you to play without a second thought.
Comfort Cont.
One of the biggest ways the Ilations accomplish this is through the fit. Aside from the fact that these shoes fit as expected more than most, they also feature a CLOUDFOAM liner, which doubles as a cushion.
As such, not only does the liner prevent your foot from sliding around in the shoe, it also helps brace your impact after jumping. The hybrid air mesh material combined with leather also provides breathability as well as a conformed fit.
- Upper made of leather and fabric
- Features a mid-top cut
- A less expensive basketball shoe
- More breathable than most
- Features herringbone tread
- Features a CLOUDFOAM sock liner
- Not the most supportive
- Not ideal for outdoor play
4. Nike Air Command Force – High Top Basketball Shoes Ankle Support
Considering how many iconic basketball shoes Nike has released, you should expect to see this brand numerous times on our list. Once again, it seems as though Nike is looking to the past for inspiration as to what made their early basketball shoes so popular.
As such, they re-released the Aid Command Force which was branded as David Robinson’s shoe. Since he was such a fundamental kind of player, it only makes sense that this is a no-nonsense, fundamental kind of shoe.
Stability
Endurance
This is where the airbag cushion of the 90s comes into play, absorbing some of the shocks from his impact. On top of that, these shoes also feature a polyurethane midsole to provide a point of stability for both the leap and the landing.
- Features a high top cut
- Has air bladder system
- Has air bag cushion
- Has a polyurethane midsole
- Features herringbone tread
- Fully laced closure
- Not that mobile
- Not ideal for outdoor play
5. NIKE Men’s Hyperdunk – Basketball Shoe
Hyperdunks Look Good and Perform well on the Court
The Nike Men’s Hyperdunk Shoe is expected of the famed brand. These shoes look impressive on their own, so if you need something that will help you get through a game on the court but is stylish enough to go along with you for everyday wear, look no further.
There are many great color combinations to pick from, over 30 overall. And if you like shoes with lots of padding along the arch and back, these incline slightly when closer to the rear. It’ll help you jump further and sprint quicker when you need to most.
Keep your Ankles Guarded
But all these great features could be impacted by one flaw.
The ankle straps have plastic pieces that brush against the ankles themselves, which could make the shoe too irritating for some to play in.
If your ankles are big, you’ll want to get one size higher than normal or use a decent pair of socks.
For those that don’t have these issues, the Hyperdunk could be the go-to shoe whenever you want to get on the court and play in style.
- Lots of assorted colors and styles, 39 total
- Provides lots of cushioning in the rear, perfect for fast-play indoor sports
- The porous lining keeps the feet from getting too hot inside or sweating
- Depending on the user, discomfort could be felt along the ankle (due to increased movement in this particular area and hard plastic along the edges)
- Very stiff when worn initially; must be fitted to the user’s feet to get maximum level of comfort
6. Adidas Crazy 8 – Best Mens Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
It may be a bit surprising considering the overwhelming majority of top professional basketball players usually end up signing a shoe contract with Nike, but the Crazy 8s, also known as the Kobe Bryant 8s, are made by Adidas. While these shoes do pay some lip service to ankle support, they are primarily meant for a quick and agile player to dart to the goal or pivot for a turnaround fade away jumper.
Grip
One of the most important factors for a basketball shoe centered around mobility is for it to offer split-second change of direction. Without this, the most mobile shoe will still feel like lead on your feet. The Crazy 8s accomplish the task with the use of a unique midsole and outer sole design.
The midsole features the PUREMOTION system, which is designed to mimic the actual response of the bare foot. The outer sole uses a herringbone design with large outer treads for 360-degree pivoting.
Comfort
The Crazy 8s also make it a point to feel comfortable on your feet with a fairly accurate sizing. Beyond that, the lightweight synthetic upper will not impede your quick movements while the textile lining and inner sole feel like a second sock.
The closure features spaced laces that offer a looser fit without placing too many pressure points on the foot. Finally, the mid-top cut provides plenty of range of motion for rapid mobility.
- Extremely mobile upper
- Looser fitting closure
- Features a mid-top cut
- Comfortable textile lining
- PUREMOTION midsole system
- Unique tread style
- One of the less supportive
- Not ideal for outdoor play
7. Nike Lebron Soldier IX – Best Nike Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
With mid-top cut basketball shoes becoming the new normal, manufacturers still need to find a way to provide the same kind of ankle support that players are used to getting. With the absence of a taller vertical cut, many brands have been adapting the closure to offer more stability. With the Nike Lebron Soldier IXs, this concept is blended with numerous other advancements to make the best mid-top basketball shoe for ankle support we saw.
Mobility
Traction
This first begins with a hexagonal tread design that is arguably the best for 3D traction-even better than the herringbone design. Then the Flywire cables run through the Phylon midsole offer plenty of support to pivot or brace lateral movements.
- Comes with dual straps
- Features a mid-top cut
- Has opening wings
- Features a Phylon midsole
- Has hexagonal tread
- Dynamic Flywire enhances fit
- Not as supportive
- Not ideal for outdoor play
8. Under Armour – Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Protection
Under Armor has been around for a couple decades, but they still seem to have a hard time breaking into certain markets. While their cross training and football gear are generally competitive, some of the more finesse-based sports still seem to hold out. When it comes to basketball, though the fit of the shoe can make all the difference. In that vein, Under Armor has definitely produced the best fitting basketball shoe for ankle support that we saw.
Fit
Fit Cont
For one, these shoes come with a full-length molded sock liner that is made of microfiber. This keeps your foot in place within the shoe while also adding to the comfort of the shoe. The 3D molded tongue does the same thing at the opening-which is only a mid-top cut so that your feet remain firmly positioned within.
- Features US ClutchFit synthetic upper
- Has a mid-top cut
- Has a full-length Micro G molded sock liner
- Has herringbone treads
- Has Charged Cushioning midsoles
- Has a 3D molded tongue
- May be too snug
- Not ideal for outdoor play
9. Fila – Best Casual Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
Fila might seem an odd brand to appear on our list in a large part because it is far more well-known as a company that focuses on tennis shoes. That said, not all games of basketball are hyper-competitive, and sometimes you simply want to enjoy a casual game with a couple of friends. In this instance, the Fila F-13s provide you just enough features to perform well on the court while remaining a solid everyday shoe as well.
Casual
Standards
For instance, the die-cast EVA foam midsole will provide plenty of comforts whether playing basketball or hanging out. Also, the ankle strap will provide a bit more ankle support-though the closure does not lace up the entire length of the upper.
- Upper made of leather
- Features EVA foam midsole
- Features an ankle strap
- More breathable than some
- Unique outer sole grip
- Features mid-top cut
- Not great support
- Unique outer sole grip
Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support – Buyer’s Guide
Upper
However, the more stable the upper is, the less mobility it provides, so you will have to choose which is more important to you.
Leather
This is often considered the premier material of basketball shoe uppers. While basketball shoe uppers will generally rely on the lowest grade of leather available, genuine leather, it is still significantly stiffer than the other materials used.
Basketball shoes with leather uppers will often require a bit of a break-in period before their final fit is achieved, but once they are broken in, leather uppers will generally fit better than any other type of upper, conforming to the shape of your foot.
Synthetic
There are a wide variety of materials used for synthetic uppers, but quite often, manufacturers will attempt to mimic leather. As such, the most common type of material used for synthetic uppers is either polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.
Though, polyurethane, or PU, is generally preferred over polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, due to being more flexible and durable. This material is not as durable as leather, but it generally handles moisture better and offers a solid balance between stability and mobility.
Textile
This material is used for uppers made from spun thread. The textile material itself can be either synthetic or natural, though synthetic textiles generally have a bit of an edge in this department. Of the synthetic textiles, nylon and polyester are the most common used for basketball shoes.
Both materials are naturally water-resistant, though polyester is more water-resistant than nylon. None of the textiles, whether synthetic or natural, offer additional ankle support, but they are generally lighter than other uppers and offer far more mobility.
Cut
The cut of the basketball shoe determines how high up your ankle the opening of the shoe rises. When you are looking for basketball shoes for ankle support, it is generally a good idea to get a high cut shoe.
High
This is the classic cut used for basketball shoes designed to provide additional ankle support. With the opening of the shoe starting above the ankle, this cut wraps the ankle in a protective layer that restricts motion and helps prevent ankle sprains.
Mid
Though mid-cut basketball shoes do not offer as much ankle support as high cut basketball shoes, they continue to be the more popular type of cut made for basketball shoes. This is likely because they offer a decent mix of both ankle support and mobility.
Outer Sole
Unlike certain other types of sports shoe, basketball shoes do not really have many variations in the material of the outer sole. Whereas some types of sports shoe do well with a gum rubber sole that generally does not work as well for basketball shoes, which wear down gum rubber soles extremely fast. As such, hard rubber is the preferred material for outer soles.
Instead, of the material, the big consideration regarding outer soles is the type of tread used.Depending on whether you play outdoors or indoors, you will want to make sure that the tread depth is appropriate.
Closure
The way that the basketball shoe is held in place will play a far greater role when you are looking for additional ankle support as opposed to general purposes.
While the type and arrangement of laces eyelets can play a huge role in determining the benefit or hindrance that the closure plays in providing additional ankle support, many brands have started adding additional straps to further increase the stability of your ankle.
Traditional
This is the type of closure that virtually all basic shoes use and with good reason. There are truly few ways to improve on the elegant simplicity of this design.
This allows you to dictate how high the laces are laced and can offer a bit more support than otherwise-though this may make uncomfortable folding points that cut into your foot.
Hook
To prevent the cutting action that certain arrangements of lace eyelets can cause, hooks were introduced. However, this does not necessarily mean that the pressure points were simply removed as much as they are shifted.
Strap
Rarely are strapped the sole form of closure used for a basketball shoe-though they will on occasion be the primary form of closure. That said, the better purpose of a strap closure is to simply reinforce the laced closure.
It is also worth noting that straps will regularly be employed to provide additional ankle support for mid-cut basketball shoes-supplementing the ankle support lost with a lower, more mobile cut.
Midsole
This quality actually has little to do with how well the basketball shoes provide ankle support, though they can play an auxiliary role in preventing ankle injuries all the same. For one, the midsole often serves as a point in the shoe that balances mobility and stability.
The midsole needs to remain flexible enough to allow for the quick movements required playing basketball, but it also needs to offer just enough resistance so you can pivot at a moment’s notice.
Cushion
Again, this feature has little to do with how well a basketball shoe supports your ankles and does not even really play an ancillary role like the midsole can. Instead, the cushion of the shoe is designed to improve the fit, comfort, and rebound of the shoe.
Conclusion
In the end, the best basketball shoes for ankle support will differ depending on the player. Your playing style, as well as the actual state of your ankles, may push you more towards a basketball shoe that offers superb support or one that provides adequate ankle support while still offering plenty of mobility. That said, some of the classics are still the best around-especially when it comes to ankle support.
Of course, if you are a quicker, darting player, you may prefer a mid-top cut with additional ankle support. In this instance, we recommend the Lebron Soldier IXs. Beyond the mid-cut, this basket shoe offers even more mobility with an ankle cutout to offer a maximum response. However, this extreme mobility is somewhat reigned in with two straps to keep your foot locked into place while the reinforced midsole helps keep your balance.
If you want a more in-depth review of basketball shoes you can read on https://bestbasketballreview.com/.
Take a look at these models also:
- SEAMLESS INTEGRATED WEAVING & HOT-MELT PROCESS: High-quality integrated weaving combined with hot-melt process to fully reduce the discomfort of the foot and provide comfortable wrapping and support. The outsole of the Streetball Master is thick and solid, with a deep traction pattern that will wear nicely outdoors.
- PEAK STA STABILIZATION MODULE: A stabilization module that rolls up on the outside of the forefoot and bulges outward, providing support for the lateral movement of the foot and reducing the chance of spraining.
- OUTDOOR RB UPGRADED WEAR-RESISTANT RUBBER: By upgrading the rubber formula, the wear resistance has been greatly improved, which can better adapt to the conditions of plastics, cement, etc. in the field, and avoid the impact of the shoes service life due to the excessive wear of the shoe.
- EXCELLENT SPORTS EXPERIENCE: Peak basketball shoes are positioned on the basis of actual combat styles, more optimized and designed for the actual combat experience in the field. The powerful protection and wear resistance and the high cost performance can satisfy more basketball enthusiasts and bring excellent field sports experience.
- 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: We are committed to providing our customers with anti-slip basketball shoes that we can stand by. If you are not satisfied with anything then simply get in touch with our friendly, easy-to-reach support and we will make things right for you.
- Rubber sole:The basketball shoes are durable non-slip and cushiony.It will be the best choice for kids.
- Smooth leather upper: The basketball shoes for kids with the upper design is easy to clean and convenient.
- High-top sneakers: Unique design effectively protect your feet and ankles to avoid injury as much as possible.
- Occasion:walking,travelling,running,jogging,riding,outdoor exercise and other activities.
- The soft insole provides an comfortable feel and fit.A wider-than-average toe box gives your feet room to breathe and enough toe spread for improved balance and stronger base to push off.
- Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt
- The technology behind Under Armour diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
- Rubber sole:The basketball shoes are durable non-slip and cushiony.It will be the best choice for kids.
- Smooth leather upper: The basketball shoes for kids with the upper design is easy to clean and convenient.
- High-top sneakers: Unique design effectively protect your feet and ankles to avoid injury as much as possible.
- Occasion:walking,travelling,running,jogging,riding,outdoor exercise and other activities.
- The soft insole provides an comfortable feel and fit.A wider-than-average toe box gives your feet room to breathe and enough toe spread for improved balance and stronger base to push off.
- Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt
- The technology behind Under Armour diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
- Style#: CK1069-600
- A multidirectional outsole pattern with rubber wrapped up the sides helps you grip the court. Pivot circles on the bottom help you stay in control while making cuts.
- The reinforced toe and eyelets provide a durable fit that moves with you.
- Durable rubber outsole with pivot circles
- Resilient foam midsole
- Style#: BQ4630-402
- The Nike Air Zoom Turbo unit under the ball of the foot is curved, so it engages underfoot and when you push off your edges. The lightweight foam midsole is soft, supportive, and helps to smooth the heel-to-toe transition.
- An adjustable strap crosses over the laces to keep your foot stable over the footbed. The padded collar and heel counter lock in your ankle and help keep it aligned with your foot, so you can generate energy while making hard cuts.
- A multi-angle blade pattern is designed to grip the court in all directions. Grippy material extends up the sidewall, giving you the traction to roll onto your edges and quickly move this way or that.
- Plush, padded collar gives you a secure, ankle-conforming fit.
Read Also: Best Portable Basketball Hoops
