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- Best Overall – Nike Zoom Rize
- Best Wide Range Options – O.N. Issue #1
- Best High End – Kyrie 6
Basketball players definitely need their ankles so they can go all-out during matches. But once they sustain injuries then that means they’ll either be benched or stopped from playing basketball any further, and that could take weeks or even months depending on the severity of the injury.
While ankle braces are recommended by both health professionals and professional athletes themselves, some still prefer not to wear them at all and would most likely opt for shoes that provide ankle support. The reason behind this may vary from player to player so it will all depend on your preference.
The majority of people will say that high-cut shoes are the best at providing a person with ankle support, this may be true to some extent but not entirely. I’ll be explaining that in a bit so this is just a heads up for the readers.
This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball shoes for ankle support! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Table of Contents
What is the Right Type of Shoe for Ankle Support?
Ankle sprains are more common than you think. This not only happens in basketball, this is also evident in other sports and activities that involve strenuous movements that put stress on your ankles. People from all walks of life have their own set of opinions on which is best to avoid injuries on the ankles and they could go between choosing the right ankle brace or the right pair of shoes.
But the question is, is there really a “right type of shoe”? Well, some medical experts say that it depends. According to one orthopedic doctor, high-cut shoes certainly help players feel more security and stability on their ankles compared to low-cut ones. However, the doctor also said that is not always the case and that high-cut shoes don’t always help in preventing ankle sprains. There are mixed studies about the effectiveness of high-cut shoes and most of said studies have mixed opinions about it being able to prevent such injuries.
Moreover, she also stated that those people who participate in sports, especially those that are prone to ankle sprains like basketball, may benefit from a high-cut shoe. But here’s the catch, high-cut shoes aren’t the only factor that could help you add more support to your ankles. Studies show that high-cut shoes, ankle braces, and athletic tapes are all equal in terms of effectiveness in providing ankle support.
It All Boils Down to Ankle Strength
After reading some blogs about high-cut shoes, orthopedic doctors have stated that the best way to provide more support to your ankles and avoiding ankle sprains doesn’t entirely rely on the type of shoes you wear, it all boils down to how strong your ankles are.
There were numerous studies that were mentioned to prove their claim and one said that there are muscles in your ankles that help prevent sprains, however, they tend to activate a bit later than expected due to a person wearing high-cut shoes. Another study has also shown that although there are devices out there that are helpful in supporting the ankles (like braces, tapes, high-cut shoes), the important thing to consider when it comes to preventing ankle injuries is the activation of the muscles that prevent it.
So overall, high-cut shoes do support your ankles but it inhibits the muscles that prevent ankle sprains to activate at an earlier time so the person will be more susceptible to injuries. All in all, muscle strength is more important than high-cut shoes and any device that offers support for that matter.
Overview Of The Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support
1. Zoom Rize by Nike
- 4.6/5 rating
- Top: High
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Released: 2019
2. Curry 7 by Under Armour
- 4.4/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: Stephen Curry
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey
- Weight: 374g
- Released: 2019
3. D.O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
● 4.5/5 rating
● Top: Low
● Signature: Donovan Mitchell
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Green, Grey, Orange, Red
● Weight: 426g
● Released: 2019
4. Kyrie 6 by Nike
● 4.4/5 rating
● Top: Mid
● Signature: Kyrie Irving
● Lockdown: Lace-Up, Strap
● Colorways: Beige, Black, Blue, Grey, Pink, Purple, White
● Weight: 427g
● Released: 2019
5. Dame 5 by Adidas
● 4.6/5 rating
● Top: Mid
● Signature: Damien Lillard
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, White
● Released: 2019
6. Marquee Boost by Adidas
● 4.4/5 rating
● Top: Mid
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Beige, Black, Blue, Grey, Orange, Pink, Red, White
● Released: 2018
Best Basketball Shoes That Support Your Ankles
1. Zoom Rize by Nike
4.6/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
If there’s one thing to absolutely love about this shoe, it would be its traction. According to most consumers, the traction provides a 360-degree coverage and this makes the shoe attract less dirt These give great ankle support Exceptional lockdown Foam inside the shoe is comfortable and provides decent amount of bounce and compression Break-in time is short and when it does break-in, it just feels better on the feet The traction on the Zoom Rize makes it suitable for outdoor use The forefoot Zoom Unit is stable and responsive Mesh upper is strong and supportive, hugs the shape of the foot quite well
The traction still attracts a bit of dirt but it can easily be wiped off Does not have the best court feel
What do most people think of this product?
Rise above your opponents with the Nike Zoom Rize shoe! This shoe is something unique to be honest because just as the name implies, the “Rize” refers to the extra-large Zoom Unit it has. This high-top shoe provides enough support and containment with an asymmetrical lacing system that keeps your feet locked-in in every match you play.
The highlights of the Nike Zoom Rize would have to be its foam midsole on the inside and the large Zoom Unit on the forefoot. It’s already evident for shoe fanatics that the Zoom cushioning is great at providing the wearer with a bouncy sensation under the ball of the foot which is where you get excellent responsiveness. The outsole is made from durable rubber with modified traction patterns. The pattern is designed to grip on any type of surface and as we all know, rubber is a great outsole material for outdoor use so this shoe is suitable for outdoors as well.
Lots of consumers have claimed that the fit on these are superb, but for wide-foot people, it’s recommended for them to try the shoes in person to get a more precise fit. The shoe comes with an internal padding which gives the player comfort, support, and containment in the ankle area. An asymmetrical lacing system is used to keep the feet secure and not slip out. The heel is supported by an external overlay that keeps it stable.
An engineered mesh upper was used as the material for the shoe and this is a perfect type of material that gives the wearer breathability and comfort. It also makes use of synthetic materials that provide lightweight support and durability.
Overall, the Nike Zoom Rize is regarded as one of the best basketball shoes that Nike offers. Only positive reviews can be read about this shoe and that in itself says a lot about what this shoe offers. The features are great, almost perfect really. So if you’re looking for a great affordable basketball shoe that offers enough ankle support, then go check this one out.
2. Curry 7 by Under Armour
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: This shoe is considered to be the best model in the signature shoe line since the Curry 2 Very durable pair of shoes Traction on these shoes are excellent The cushioning has been improved Lockdown and support are very good This fits better than Curry 6
Some have complained that the cushioning feels too firm Materials that make up this shoe aren’t premium
What do most people think of this product?
Another shoe from Stephen Curry’s signature line would be Curry 7. If you loved Curry 2 then you’ll definitely be fond of its successor. The Curry 7 is a low-top basketball shoe that features UA HOVR, Micro G, and a new flexible plate to give players stability, explosiveness, and energy return. Leon Gu, Under Armour’s designer, has combined two cushioning technologies on this shoe, the UA HOVR foam at the top and Micro G at the bottom, and these two are balanced on a flexible plate. This is also the first type of shoe to have the Micro G cushioning.
If you’ve had bad experiences with unresponsive shoes then you’ll like the features that the Curry 7 has. This is because this shoe uses a combination of both UA HOVR and Micro G which provides the player an excellent amount of energy return and responsiveness. The roles of both cushioning are as follows: Micro G is for responsiveness and the UA HOVR is for energy return. This is what Curry exactly wants on his shoes, says the designer. If you’re wondering what the flexible plate is for, it’s used for balancing the two cushioning materials and overall stability (according to Stephen’s needs).
Traction won’t be a problem for this pair of shoes because of the durable rubber outsole and decoupled heel. This actually makes for a good outdoor shoe! The heel keeps you from slipping and adds stability to your motions. In terms of lockdown, the lacing can be customized to your preferred fit. Comfort and support are to be expected from this shoe, and we have the decoupled heel to thank for that. The outsole has adaptive herringbone traction patterns that grip on the floor of the court. The lacing system can be tailored to your preferred fit. The padded heel and ankle collar are added for increased comfort and support.
The materials that make up the shoe are translucent layers of synthetic leather, mesh, and TPU skins. The combination of these materials reinforces the shoe’s zonal areas. In turn, that adds to the stability, comfort, and mobility of the player. As for Stephen, these are essential for him in order to be at his peak performance on-court. The Curry 7 is also equipped with an internal counter which provides stability and step-in comfort. Basically, this shoe is very stable since almost every material that makes up this shoe provides just that.
One interesting factor to this shoe is the pull tab. Why? Well, that’s because when Stephen was involved in the designing process of the shoe the designers added three characters that represent Stephen’s children. They were placed on the pull tab and these characters are a wolf, a unicorn, and a butterfly.
Overall, this shoe was designed specifically for point guards. Stability and impact protection is a plus on the Curry 7. Let’s not forget the combination of two cushioning, the UA HOVR and the Micro G. Expect to play at your top performance once you wear these pairs of shoes on-court. If kids love Curry then surely they also admire Klay Thomspon! These are incredible players that belong to the powerhouse team, the Golden State Warriors.
3. D.O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
4.7/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The majority of consumers claim these are a great pair of basketball shoes at an affordable price
Offer great comfort Great for outdoor use A lot has claimed that the traction performs well in clean courts
Kids love the colorways of these shoes The materials give great performance and sport a really nice look The Bounce cushioning is excellent. It provides impact protection, court feel, responsiveness, and bounciness Despite being a low-top shoe, the lockdown is excellent
Some users have experienced slippage during the break-in period Heel cushioning feels chunky Midfoot is a bit tight A lot are disappointed with the traction.Wearers need to constantly clean the outsole when playing on dusty courtsDoes not really provide too much grip
What do most people think of this product?
Donovan Mitchell named these shoes the D.O.N and this is based on his positive outlook in his career. These three letters mean “Determination Over Negativity”. We believe that that has a really big impact on aspiring players, especially kids. He specifically stated that he wants D.O.N. to be a symbol on his sneakers that relay an important message to people who love to play the sport and the message is he wants people to believe that they can do anything, no matter who they are or where they came from.
This shoe features a Bounce cushioning, a herringbone pattern on the outsole, and a lateral propulsion clip. Another feature that stands out with this shoe is its price point which is arguably one of the cheapest basketball shoes in the market. Donovan specifically worked with Adidas to make the price tag on these shoes as affordable as possible. This is because he wants the majority of people to have the opportunity to purchase a basketball shoe. Goes to show how Donovan truly cares about those who can’t afford $200 dollar shoes. Accessibility of these shoes is a major thing for most consumers.
The cushioning on the D.O.N. Issue #1 is called Bounce and this is placed on the midsole of the shoe. It provides decent responsiveness, bounce, impact protection. Also, the wearer will feel comfortable once they slip their feet inside the shoe. As for the traction, the outsole has this multidirectional herringbone pattern that offers increased grip when quick movements are made on-court. However, the traction on these shoes is not all that great. Wearers have to constantly clean their outsoles because it attracts dirt easily. To lock-in the foot securely inside the shoe it makes use of a lace-up closure and a propulsion clip for lateral stability.
The fit is true to size and is a comfortable fit on most feet according to consumers. The material that makes up the shoe is textile for the upper and this is a lightweight mesh that offers breathability inside the shoe.
The interesting thing about the style of this shoe is its Spiderman-esque theme. The tongue and toe box have this spider web stitching on it which is why it sort of resembles Spiderman’s theme. There are also custom codings on the shoe that symbolizes Donovan’s journey to becoming a successful NBA star.
Overall, we love Donovan’s concern for people who can’t afford expensive basketball shoes. The accessibility of the D.O.N. Issue #1 is a pro that lots of consumers will absolutely love. We assure you that the affordability does not sacrifice the shoe’s performance. The features are decent and overall performance is great. Kids would definitely love the Spiderman-ish theme that this shoe has and without a doubt, the colorways will attract the attention of children.
4. Kyrie 6 by Nike
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Players have claimed that this shoe has everything you need Materials are durable Suitable to use outdoors (traction grooves are thick and deep) One of the best tractions of all time (better than its predecessor) Forefoot Zoom feels very good Exceptional lockdown Many have claimed this to be the best guard shoes available
Too snug on the foot Some have complained that the synthetic heel on the other colorways are terrible
What do most people think of this product?
This signature line is one of the most well-known lines of shoes in the market. Many have praised Kyrie Irving’s shoe line and have claimed that it is one of the best basketball shoes ever made for shifty guards. Even the iconic athlete himself has praised Nike for developing shoes that cater to his play style. This shoe mainly focuses on comfort and control. The designer of the shoe, Benjamin Nethongkome, knows exactly what Kyrie wants, and he succeeded in designing the perfect shoe.
This sixth model in the signature line boasts this feature called the Air Zoom Turbo that offers insane responsiveness. There is an adjustable strap, padded collar, and heel counter that keeps the ankles locked-in and aligned with the rest of the foot. This shoe also features an all-angle traction pattern that provides serious grip.
Like all the other previous Kyrie models, this one has a curved outsole for another added grip. This grippy material is extremely helpful when players do banking shots because said material extends up to the forefoot and sidewalls that attracts more traction. Another great thing about this shoe is it keeps the player’s ankle locked in and aligned with the hoop, and we have the heel counter and padded collar to thank for that. The midfoot strap is also adjustable and it crosses over the laces to keep the foot in place.
The materials that make up the shoe are ballistic mesh and premium leather. The purpose of the ballistic mesh is to provide a lightweight feel and a breathability.
Overall, this shoe is considered to be one of the best basketball shoes in 2019. They offer great performance on-court and are perfect for positions such as a point guard and a forward.
5. Dame 5 by Adidas
4.6/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Dame 5 has the best Bounce cushioning out of all the other models in the shoe line Sleek design and stylish Fit of the shoe is enjoyed by many Herringbone pattern for traction works perfectly. Works well on both clean and dusty courts Does not require break-in Full tongue and knit collar allows players to wear ankle braces
Mesh upper material feels cheap Wearers don’t like the colorways Some have experiences minor slips on dusty courts.What do most people think of this product?
This shoe has been branded as the best model out of Damien’s signature line. The way the designers came up with this design is based on the combined attributes of the Dame 2, 3, and 4. For those who highly regard responsiveness, you will get the most out of this shoe, thanks to the full-length Bounce cushion. The herringbone pattern on the outsole is actually the first Dame model to have such a pattern. Traction works great, regardless of how clean or dirty the court is, and just gives a really nice grip on the floor. As for the upper, it’s made from either mesh or suede, or full-length leather.
Similar to its predecessors, the Dame 5 boasts its full-length bounce cushion. There are lots of benefits you can get from this type of cushioning such as responsiveness, energy return, and impact protection. No wonder the shoe has received a lot of praise, the way this cushioning performs are loved by both normal players and Damien himself.
The outsole depends on what colorway the shoe has, it can either be a light gum, gum, or solid rubber. Now the interesting part about its pattern is it’s the first Dame model to actually have it. The famous multidirectional herringbone pattern is one of the shoe’s highlights. The traction still performs at its best on whatever surface the player is on, be it clean or dirty, there’s no hindrance to excellent traction it provides.
The fit on these shoes come in the standard Adidas sizing, however, there are actually mixed reviews regarding the fit. Some say that it fits true to size, others claim that the shoe runs too long and wide. The best way to know about your size is to visit your local sports store and do a personat fitting there. The thermo polyurethane panel is the one responsible for keeping your foot in place.
The upper’s material will vary and depends on what colorway you’re planning to get. You have the choice to choose between mesh and suede combo or full leather. For added comfort, the tongue, ankle, collar, and inner walls of the shoe are padded. In addition, the outriggers of the shoe will help in preventing ankle rolls. The Dame 5 sports a mid-top silhouette and comes with a wide variety of nine colorways.
Overall, the features that the Dame 5 boasts lives up to its name. It performs really well when worn in-court. The only downside is the sizing of the shoe, but once you have that figured out then you’re all set!
6. Marquee Boost by Adidas
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The shoe sports a classic design that a lot of consumers love These are very comfortable shoes thanks to the foam pads on the ankle area Mesh upper is breathable and flexible The fit on the Adidas Marquee Boost is precise and wide-foot friendly Lightweight
Provides very good ankle support Herringbone traction pattern performs well for both indoors and outdoors The mesh upper material hold up pretty well even in the long run
Lacks in torsional rigidity Soles are a bit flat, some consumers claim and that makes it hard to run Some dislike the style on these Not breathable enough Some have complained that the outsole is not durable enough for outdoor use What do most people think of this product?
If you’re the type of player who takes importance when it comes to speed, then the Adidas Marquee Boost is the shoe for you! This has been designed for speedy players and the features it has are just phenomenal. It’s equipped with the Boost cushioning for a comfortable ride and impact protection. The outsole sports a herringbone pattern for superb grip and multidirectional footwork.
The cushioning features a full-length Boost midsole. A thin foam on the forefoot area provides decent court feel whereas the thick foam on the heels are for impact protection. The outsole of the shoe features a herringbone pattern and the rubber of the outsole itself depends on the type of colorway you choose. The outsole comes in either translucent, gum, or solid rubber.
The fit runs true to size even for wide-foot wearers. Those who have normal-sized feet are advised to choose a half size down to get a more precise fit. The lacing system on these come with the standard ones so you get to customize your laces in accordance with its tightness and fit.
The upper of the Adidas Marquee Boost is made out of breathable mesh with textile lining for that extra durability. It has a molded collar to give comfort on the ankles as well.
Overall, this shoe looks like a classic but it performs like a beast. This has indeed been a headturner, especially for sneakerheads. I personally think that this shoe has everything you’re looking for in a shoe. It provides great court feel, performs really well in-court, and it can be used for both indoors and outdoors. Plus, it has a bunch of cool colorways you can choose from. The wide variety of colorways can be paired up with a casual attire if you’re not using it for sports too!
