When placing an insole in a shoe, it is imperative that the original shoe insole is removed and the over-the-counter insole or custom orthotic is placed properly and fits appropriately in the shoe", explained Mendeszoon. A pair of supportive, well-fitting shoes in good condition can go a long way in keeping your feet cushioned and comfortable. But, if you still find yourself wanting an extra level of support, arch-support inserts could potentially be a solution. The best way to protect your ankles from pain and injury is to wear supportive shoes and work on strengthening the muscles surrounding your ankle by performing certain exercises—like standing or seated calf raises and lower leg resistance band exercises, says our certified running coach. Another great practice is to try balancing on one foot for 30 to 60 seconds, alternating feet for five minutes—you can do this exercise anywhere, anytime to build up ankle strength. Before any activity, you should always consider doing ankle warmup exercises. Weight: 9.1 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled engineered air mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Look for level heel height. Wearing shoes with a lower heel can put more strain on the calf or achilles, while wearing shoes with a higher heel can make you more vulnerable to ankle inversion and twisting injuries, explains Dr. Hubbard. Weight: 10.5 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic leather upper, foam and gel insole, synthetic outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Supination (aka underpronation) leads to your foot leaning outward, distributing the weight on the outside edge of your foot and ankle. This can lead to ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, sprains and iliotibial (IT) band pain.

Calculators

If you overpronate, you need specific cushioning technology. Look for foam that’s soft and springy while still providing stability, like Nike React Foam. It absorbs the impact of each stride without dampening the energy return of each stride.

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. It's also important for over-pronators to replace running shoes when they start to show signs of excessive wear on the inner edge of the shoe. Wearing down the soles only enhances the problem. 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.Pronation (technically, overpronation) means your foot leans too far inwards, with the weight distributed more on the inner foot and arch. The Salomon brand offers a full lineup of trail running shoes, all of which offer ample support for weak ankles as well as flat feet. We especially love these shoes for how grippy they are, for their lightweight design, and for their ample weatherproofing. This is an essential brand for anyone who loves running through the wild. What We Like