Fit: When we put each shoe on for the first time, we take note of its initial fit: Is there a thumb’s width of space between our toe and the end of the shoe? Then, we start walking or running to see if there’s any rubbing, sliding, or shifting inside of the shoe during movement. As we continue to wear-test each shoe, we pay attention to if the fit and feel changes over time. Since 1759, Lotus Shoes have become established as fine footwear specialists, because they provide customers with exceptional comfort and style. Saucony’s Women's Integrity Walker 3 features a durable leather upper, solid comfort, and reliable support—all at a budget-friendly price. Right away, we noticed that the cushioning feels firmer compared to other options we tested, providing exceptional impact protection and ankle stability on various terrains. We also find the cushioning to be soft yet responsive, helping to propel our strides. The upper is mesh and suede, which feels breathable and looks stylish. And we love that the spacious toe box allows toes to spread out, which also helps with balance. You can even fit custom-made orthotics—a huge plus for those with foot injuries and issues. Since these are motion control shoes, they are not as plush and comfy as other options on our list.

Durable and versatile, ASICS’ GEL-VENTURE 8 shoes are rugged enough to handle road running, trail runs, and hiking on moderate trails. The grippy rubber outsole keeps us stable on uneven and wet surfaces, while the gel-cushioned midsole offers responsiveness and comfort. Plus, the mesh upper is reinforced with abrasion-resistant overlays—providing a snug and protective fit. The New Balance 1540v3 is our top recommendation for those who just want some support for their daily walks. All New Balance sneakers excel when it comes to cushioning, stability, and support, and this one is no exception. While it's a little heavier than the average shoe, it makes up for it with roll support and a breathable mesh upper. What We LikeAnkle support helps protect you from painful foot injuries that often require months of recovery, physical therapy, and—in some cases—even surgery. Wearing a supportive shoe while walking or running can not only reduce the likelihood of injury should a misstep occur, but also aid in the mechanics of these activities, says Dr. Kaplan. We wear-tested walking, running, and hiking shoes and prioritized options that provide additional lateral support without feeling bulky and still allowing our feet to move in a natural way. We thoroughly examined each shoe’s fit, comfort, responsiveness, stability, cushioning, and value—scoring each one based on these key factors. A board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board also assessed this article for accuracy. How to Strengthen Weak Ankles Best for men who need a comfortable, durable shoe with ankle support and stability for exercise and casual wear.

Weight: 8.9 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 These shoes are more expensive than others on our list, but worth the investment if you’re a serious hiker.Steven K. Neufeld, MD, foot and ankle surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Northern Virginia These are one of HOKA's heavier, bulkier sneakers, so they’re not the best choice for doing speed workouts.

If you're playing a sport like basketball, you may want to look into high-top shoes, which offer added ankle support. High tops also limit your range of motion, though, which means they're not as well-suited for activities such as running. FAQs About Shoes for Ankle Support Are high top shoes good for ankle support? We found that the shoe was narrow in the forefoot, but it does come in wide sizes, if you need some extra space. Also available in Purple, sold separately. Style Code: Lexis-ULB333-Navy – Lotus Lexis Navy Patent Ankle Boots Arc’teryx’s Aerios Mid GTX Shoes are durable, supportive, and protective for hiking on- and off-road. The mid-cut height helps support the ankles, while the integrated support shank provides torsional stability (meaning stability in the midfoot of the shoe) to keep you balanced and stable on uneven surfaces.In fact, we think it's one of the best hiking shoes out there. If you have flat feet or fallen arches, wearing a running shoe with motion control that limits excessive pronation (when the ankle rolls downward and inward an excessive amount as you step) can help you avoid discomfort and injury. One of our favorite shoes for flat feet, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 is designed with the brand’s signature motion control technology that helps control pronation and prevent ankle rolling.Weight: 10.3 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Medium | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Motion Control: Shoes that offer motion control or extra stability features, like Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22, help to decrease the amount of excessive movement through the foot and ankle—making them a good choice for those with weak ankles. During test hikes, our feet and ankles felt well-supported and protected on various terrains. And the waterproof membrane kept our feet dry and comfortable, without causing any overheating or excess sweating. Plus, we found that the durable rubber outsole provides exceptional traction—adding to the shoe’s overall safety. Go the distance with the ASICS GT-2000, running shoes made for the long haul. High-quality materials, including supple foam, help cradle and support your entire foot, and the adaptive mesh provides a snug, comfortable fit. There's also an extra off-toe bounce, helping you power through those really grueling treks. During testing, we also appreciated the grippy rubber outsole that offers reliable traction on different surfaces, helping to keep us balanced and steady. Plus, the APMA-approved shoe’s plush, form-fitting collar and tongue add to its overall comfort and stability.Lotus takes inspiration from current fashions to create traditional yet timeless designs. This results in footwear collections that cater to a huge range of individual styles.