Basketball is a high-intensity sport that demands a lot from its players. The sport involves a lot of lateral movement, quick cuts, and explosive jumps, which can put a lot of strain on the players’ feet and ankles. This is why having the right pair of basketball shoes is crucial, especially when it comes to ankle support. In this article, we will explore some of the best basketball shoes for ankle support that can help prevent ankle sprains and other ankle injuries.
First, here is a list of top 10 that will be introduced here:
- Nike Kyrie 6 – High Tops
- Nike Air Jordan 34
- New Balance OMN1S
- Nike LeBron 17
- Adidas N3XT L3V3L
- Nike Kobe AD NXT 360
- Under Armour Curry 6
- Adidas Dame 5
- Adidas Dame 7
- Under Armour HOVR Havoc 3
High Top vs. Low Top
The list below is organized by high-top and low-top shoes. It is better to understand the differences before jumping into the shoes.
High-top basketball shoes typically extend up to the ankle, providing added support to help prevent ankle injuries during lateral movements or jumping. They often have a snug fit and lace-up closure to provide additional stability and support to the ankle. This is particularly important for players who have weak ankles or who are recovering from an ankle injury. High-top basketball shoes are also suitable for players who make frequent lateral movements or quick cuts, as they offer a stable base and prevent the foot from rolling over.
On the other hand, low-top basketball shoes sit below the ankle and are lightweight, flexible, and offer greater freedom of movement. They provide less ankle support than high-top shoes but are preferred by players who value speed and agility. Low-top shoes are often more suitable for players who have a history of foot or ankle injuries as they provide a greater range of motion. Ultimately, choosing between high-top and low-top basketball shoes comes down to personal preference and playing style.
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support
Here is a list of 10 best basketball shoes for ankle support.
1. Nike Kyrie 6 – High Tops
The Nike Kyrie 6 is a great shoe for basketball players who need solid support and ankle protection. This high-top shoe features an extra material on the sides of the shoe to help keep your ankle stable during lateral movements. The herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole provides excellent traction on the basketball court, and the shoe is compatible with ankle braces.
The Kyrie 6 high tops feature a unique midfoot strap that helps keep your foot securely in place during quick lateral movements, while the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provides excellent cushioning and responsiveness. The herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole offers superior traction and helps players maintain their footing on the court, even during the most intense games.
The upper material on the Kyrie 6 high tops is made from a combination of mesh and synthetic leather, which provides a comfortable and breathable fit. The extra material in the high-top design adds an additional layer of support around the ankle, while the external heel counters help keep your foot locked in place. The Nike Kyrie 6 high tops are available in a variety of stylish colors and designs, so players can choose the perfect pair to match their style and personality.
2. Nike Air Jordan 34 – High Tops
The Nike Air Jordan 34 is another high-top basketball shoe that provides great support for your ankles. This shoe has a solid ankle support system that keeps your feet locked in place and a zoom air unit in the heel and forefoot to provide a cushioned landing. The upper material is breathable and comfortable, and the herringbone traction pattern provides excellent traction on the court.
The Air Jordan 34 boasts an incredibly lightweight design, making it a fantastic choice for basketball players who prioritize speed and agility. The shoe features a woven upper material that offers exceptional breathability, allowing your feet to stay cool and comfortable even during intense games. The support features of the shoe are also outstanding, with a stable base and supportive fit that provides excellent protection for your ankles.
One of the standout features of the Air Jordan 34 is the forefoot Zoom Air unit, which offers incredible responsiveness and cushioning during quick movements on the court. This technology ensures that you can move around the court with ease, confident that your feet will be protected and comfortable throughout the game.
The Air Jordan 34 also boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads on and off the court. It comes in a range of colors and styles, allowing you to choose the perfect shoe to match your personality and playing style.
3. New Balance OMN1S – High Tops
The New Balance OMN1S is a relatively new shoe that has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best basketball shoes for ankle support. The shoe has a stable base and a comfortable fit, which makes it an excellent option for basketball players with wide feet. The shoe features a synthetic leather upper material and a rubber sole that provides great traction on the court.
The OMN1S boasts an innovative FuelCell technology that provides exceptional energy return, allowing you to perform at your best even during the most intense games. The shoe’s high-top design provides excellent ankle support, ensuring that you’re able to move freely while remaining stable and secure.
One of the unique features of the OMN1S is the use of a FitWeave upper, which offers a lightweight, breathable, and durable structure that molds to your foot over time. The shoe’s herringbone outsole provides excellent traction, allowing you to make quick cuts and changes in direction without slipping or sliding. New Balance OMN1S is available in various colorways, so you can pick a design that reflects your style on and off the court. The shoe’s sleek and stylish look is sure to turn heads, making you stand out as a fashion-forward athlete.
4. Nike LeBron 17 – High Tops
The Nike LeBron 17 is a high-top basketball shoe that provides excellent support and stability for your ankles. The shoe features an external heel counter that helps keep your feet locked in place during quick movements, and the shoe’s lacing system provides a snug fit. The shoe’s forefoot zoom air unit provides excellent cushioning and helps absorb impact during jumps.
One of the most impressive features of the LeBron 17 is its combination of Max Air and Zoom Air technology. The Max Air unit in the heel provides excellent impact protection and cushioning, while the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot offers quick, responsive movements. This combination provides the perfect balance of comfort and performance that every basketball player desires.
In addition to its advanced cushioning, the LeBron 17 also has an updated KnitPosite upper that is designed to be lightweight, durable, and flexible. The Flywire technology ensures a snug, secure fit, while the external heel counter provides additional support and stability.
The LeBron 17 also features a rubber outsole with a unique traction pattern that provides excellent grip and traction on any surface. This shoe is available in a variety of colorways, so players can choose the style that best fits their personal preferences.
5. Adidas N3XT L3V3L – High Tops
The Adidas N3XT L3V3L is a high-top basketball shoe that provides great support for your ankles. The shoe features flywire cables that help keep your feet locked in place and provide lateral stability. The shoe’s wider base provides a stable platform for quick cuts and explosive jumps, and the shoe’s rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court.
The N3XT L3V3L is built with a knitted upper that molds to the shape of your foot for a perfect fit. It also features a responsive Boost midsole that provides excellent cushioning and energy return with every step you take on the court. The shoe’s grippy rubber outsole is designed to provide excellent traction on any surface, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor play.
One of the most notable features of the N3XT L3V3L is its laceless design, which not only looks sleek and modern but also eliminates the need to adjust your laces during play. Instead, the shoe’s internal lacing system and ribbed collar work together to keep your foot securely in place.
6. Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 – Low Tops
The Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 is a low-top basketball shoe that provides excellent ankle support. The shoe features a toe box that is designed to keep your foot locked in place during quick movements and lateral cuts. The shoe’s price point is reasonable, and it provides great value for a low-top basketball shoe.
The most striking feature of the Kobe AD NXT 360 is its Flyknit upper material. This material is extremely lightweight, breathable, and flexible, which makes it perfect for quick movements and cuts. The 360-degree Flyknit construction provides a sock-like fit and excellent ankle support, making it easy to change direction on the court. The shoe is also equipped with a unique lacing system that provides a snug fit and ensures that the foot is locked in place.
The midsole of the shoe features a Zoom Air unit that delivers responsive cushioning, which reduces the impact of landing after a jump. The outsole is made of a translucent rubber material with a herringbone pattern that provides excellent traction on the court.
7. Under Armour Curry 6 – Low Tops
The Under Armour Curry 6 is another low-top basketball shoe that provides excellent support for your ankles. The shoe features an external heel counter that helps keep your feet locked in place and a herringbone traction pattern that provides excellent traction on the court. The shoe is also compatible with ankle braces, which makes it an excellent option for basketball players who have weak ankles.
The Curry 6 features a lightweight, yet sturdy, construction that provides excellent support for the foot and ankle. The shoe’s upper is made of a blend of synthetic and textile materials that allows for a comfortable, snug fit without weighing the player down. The shoe also has an external heel counter that provides additional stability and support to the foot.
One of the key features of the Curry 6 is its unique traction pattern, which provides excellent grip on the basketball court. This makes it a great choice for players who make quick cuts and lateral movements on the court.
The shoe also has a responsive, yet cushioned midsole that provides great energy return and comfort, even during long games. The Curry 6 also comes in a variety of colors, making it a great choice for players who want to express their personal style on the court.
8. Adidas Dame 5 – Low Tops
The Adidas Dame 5 is a low-top basketball shoe that provides excellent ankle support. The shoe features a stable base and a herringbone traction pattern that provides great traction on the court. The shoe’s synthetic leather upper material is durable and comfortable, and the shoe is available in different colors.
One of the most impressive features of the Adidas Dame 5 is its traction pattern. The shoe’s herringbone pattern is designed to provide excellent grip and traction on any surface, giving players the confidence to make quick cuts and sudden movements on the court. The shoe also has a supportive and responsive midsole that is designed to enhance cushioning and reduce the impact on the feet.
In terms of design, the Adidas Dame 5 is a sleek and stylish shoe that comes in a range of colorways to suit different tastes. It has a low-top design that allows for freedom of movement and flexibility, while still providing good ankle support. The shoe also has an external heel counter and a TPU midfoot overlay, which help to provide additional stability and support for the feet.
9. Adidas Dame 7 – Low Tops
Adidas Dame 7 is a versatile and high-performance basketball shoe that provides excellent ankle support to players, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from weak ankles or previous ankle injuries. The shoe features a high-top design that provides support and stability to the ankle during lateral movements on the court. The internal ankle collar is padded and made of soft, breathable materials that keep the foot comfortable and secure. The shoe also has an external heel counter that ensures the heel is locked in place, preventing any unwanted movement.
The Adidas Dame 7 is equipped with an advanced herringbone traction pattern that provides excellent grip and traction on the court, ensuring quick movements without any slips or falls. The outsole is made of durable rubber that provides excellent stability and support, reducing the risk of ankle injuries.
The upper material is made of breathable mesh and synthetic leather that provides a comfortable and snug fit, allowing players to perform at their best for long periods. The lacing system is designed to provide a customizable fit that ensures a secure and supportive feel.
The Adidas Dame 7 comes in various colors, making it a great option for players who want a shoe that not only provides excellent ankle support but also looks good on the court. Additionally, the shoe is priced competitively, making it a great value for players on a budget.
10. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 3 – Low Tops
When it comes to basketball shoes, Under Armour has been known for providing top-notch quality and support. The Under Armour HOVR Havoc 3 is no exception. This shoe is designed with a focus on ankle support, making it a great option for basketball players who want to reduce the risk of ankle injuries on the court.
The HOVR Havoc 3 features a unique design that is both supportive and comfortable. The upper is made with a lightweight, breathable mesh material that allows for a comfortable fit while also providing adequate ventilation. This shoe also has a padded tongue and collar, which provides extra cushioning for the ankle area.
One of the most impressive features of this shoe is the external heel counter, which provides extra support and stability for the ankle. This design feature is particularly beneficial for basketball players who make quick cuts and lateral movements on the court. Additionally, the HOVR Havoc 3 has a snug lacing system that helps to keep the foot secure and in place.
The rubber sole of the HOVR Havoc 3 has a herringbone traction pattern, which provides excellent grip and stability on the court. The shoe also has a wider base, which adds to the overall stability of the shoe.
In terms of cushioning, the HOVR Havoc 3 features Under Armour’s signature HOVR technology. This technology is designed to provide a responsive, comfortable feel and helps to reduce the impact of landing on the court.
Conclusion
Each of these shoes offers excellent ankle support with features such as high tops, solid support, external heel counters, and supportive materials like synthetic leather. They also provide great traction on the basketball court, making them perfect for players who engage in lateral movements, quick cuts, and jumps. Some of these shoes also come with additional features like Zoom Air units and herringbone traction patterns that provide extra stability and support. Whether you have weak ankles or are prone to ankle injuries, these shoes will give you the proper support you need to excel on the basketball court.
