7 Best Running Shoes for Ankle Support

Not all runners require the same level of ankle support in running shoes. For individuals with specific biomechanical needs or a history of ankle-related issues, the right pair can be a game-changer. We’ll look at some of the best models and ensure it’s what you need for support.

The ankles, often likened to the foundation of a house, play a pivotal role in maintaining stability and balance during the repetitive motion of running. This is where the significance of ankle support running shoes comes into play.

In this article, we will look at our top 7 running shoes for ankle support. Whether you’re a long-distance enthusiast, an occasional jogger, or even someone seeking to regain their stride after an ankle-related setback, understanding who might benefit from ankle support running shoes is the first step.

7 Best Shoes for Ankle Support

For those seeking an extra layer of security and stability, we present a curated selection of the seven best running shoes that will provide exceptional ankle support.

Best For Road Running –  HOKA Clifton

I’ve talked about this particular shoe in so many running shoe reviews, that you probably aren’t surprised to see it show up on a list for running shoes for ankle support!!

While the Clifton is not a stability shoe, HOKA’s are designed to provide more stability. The wider shoe base simply creates that effect naturally and thus often feels better than a shoe with a first post down the middle.

HOKA Clifton 10 will be released in just a few weeks and our team is excited to test it out!

This is probably the lightest option because it doesn’t contain any posts or other support structures.

• Weight: 9.8 oz Mens, 8 oz Women’s
• Heel drop: 8 mm
• Available in 7 colors
• Available in wide, extra wide (colors limited)
• See the HOKA Clifton models and colors >>

Best Traditional Walking Shoe – Brooks Ghost Max 2

The Brooks Ghost has been a fan favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. Rather than trying to recreate the shoe, they decided to expand the lineup to meet the new growing demand for max shoes.

As one of the top contenders for ankle-supportive running shoes, we can’t leave out Brooks.

Max generally means we’re getting a bigger stack height so they can shove in a lot more cushion and it will feel softer underfoot. Brooks upped the cushioning here and used nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam in the midsole to help provide a softer landing.

While this is not a stability shoe, it’s going to offer a naturally stable ride with moderate cushioning, making it a good choice for runners who already love the fit and feel of a Brooks shoe.

Like with the Glycerin Max, the Ghost Max 2 is also going to feature the GlideRoll Rocker to help that heel to toe transition feel more natural. This is going to be an especially great shoe if you follow run/walk intervals!

• Weight: 10.3 oz Men’s, 9.5 oz Women’s
• Heel Drop: 6 mm
• Available in 7 colors
• Available in wide and extra wide
• Available on Brooksrunning.com and retail stores for $150
• Read our full review of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 >>

Best For Flat Feet – Saucony Guide 18

The Saucony Guide is a stability running shoe that is designed for runners who need more support and guidance. It features a medial post, which is a firmer foam that helps to prevent overpronation and provides stability.

That being said, it’s not HUGELY structured. Compared to older stability shoes, this isn’t going to be super firm or provide massive support. It’s just providing a little bit of extra for those who find their arches dropping or have flat feet.

This shoe actually feels MORE cushioned than the Ride. Which makes sense because in the newest model, they intentionally increased the cushion.

Not sure whether to pick the Saucony Ride or Guide…you know we got you covered.

• Weight: 9.6 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
• Heel Drop: 6 mm
• 13 Colors for Women’s, 12 for Men’s
• Available in wide and extra wide
• Available on Saucony.com for $140
• Read our full review of the Saucony Guide 18 here >>

Best for All Day Wear – Kuru Atom 2

Kuru shoes are designed with a heel-hugging KURUSOLE. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on their feet and deals with plantar fasciitis, this shoe was designed specifically for you!

Once you put the shoe on, the curved, heel-cupping design will give your heel pad a little extra support and form to your foot. They are meant to follow your foots natural biomechanics and sorta mold to your needs.

The foam uses the EVA shock absorbing cushion, so there is going to have a more plush, bouncy feel. Perfect for those super long days on your feet!

• Weight: 13.1 oz Men’s,  11.4 oz Women’s
• Heel drop: 10 mm
• Stack height: 28 mm
• Availalbe in 4 colors
• Available in wide
• Available from kurufootwear.com for $165
• Check out our full review of the KURU Atom 2 here >>

Best Budget Ankle Support Shoe – Asics GT-1000

The Asics GT series  is a classic daily trainer, which boasts Asics’s GEL technology teamed with FLYTEFOAM cushioning. To help runners through the gait cycle, the shoe has LITETRUSS Technology that helps reduce pronation and has firmer foam in the arch.

A firmer arch will help those with high arches and those with flat feet get more support and prevent the ankle from falling in while running.

Any time a shoe has made it up to version 13, I say something good is happening. That’s a sign that people are coming back again and again for that model, which should give you some comfort.

An added bonus is it comes in numerous color combinations.

• Weight: 9.5 oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
• Heel drop: 8 mm
• Available in 11 colors
• Not available in wide
• Available from  Asics.com and Zappos.com for $100

Best For Trail Running – Hoka Speedgoat 6 

Trail running can be exciting and adventurous, but it can be scary if you’re worried about rolling an ankle 5 miles into your 10-mile out and back. Finding trail-running shoes that have your back (and your feet!) is important.

This has been one of my go to shoes for many years. It is NOT a stability shoe, but due to the design of Hoka shoes it provides that needed support.

Hoka One One is known for its maximalist cushioning approach, and the Speedgoat 6 is no exception. The shoe features a generous stack height of cushioning foam, which not only provides excellent shock absorption for ankle protection but also helps to maintain a smooth ride over rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.

The outsole of the Speedgoat 5 is designed for superior traction. It features aggressive multidirectional lugs that bite into the trail, ensuring exceptional grip on both ascents and descents. This level of traction is crucial for ankle support, as it prevents slipping and helps you maintain stability even on the most technical terrains.

Plus, you still get the late-stage meta-rocker effect to smooth out those trails.

• Weight: 9.8 oz Men’s,  8.2 oz Women’s
• Heel Drop: 5 mm
• Available in 8 colors
• Available in wide for certain colorways
•  Available on Hoka.com for $155
• Read our review of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 >>

Best For Technical Trails – Salomon Speedcross 6

Many experienced trail runners swear by their Salomon Speedcross shoes. The Salomon Speedcross Wide takes everything we already loved about the Salomon Speedcross and adapted it to a wider shoe.

100% this is listed as a trail running shoe and you make love it for that if you’re doing technical and super rocky trails. Otherwise, I actually really just love this for hiking. It’s sturdier and provides a great feel underfoot.

This shoe prides itself on its push-off and braking grip on all types of surface conditions. It cradles your heel, making it both comfortable and stable, but also giving a clean foot strike.

• Weight: 10.5 oz Men’s, 9.2 oz for Women’s
• Heel Drop: 10 mm
• Availble in 1 color
• Available in wide
•  Available from Salomon.com for $145

Assessing Your Need for Ankle Support Running Shoes

Before diving into the world of ankle support running shoes, it’s essential to evaluate whether these specialized shoes are the right fit for your unique running needs.

While ankle support can be beneficial for many runners, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. And you know I’m always going to stay, please make sure you are starting with things like ankle strength training exercises!

History of Ankle Sprains

The National Institute of Health: National Library of Medicine states that ankle sprains remain the most common injury in athletes. Additionally, the study mentions that if you have experienced an ankle sprain in the past, you are 75% more likely to develop chronic ankle instability (CAI) if you do not correct the problem.

Basically what CAI means is, if you don’t seek treatment or start using ankle support, rolling your ankles becomes more common leading to further injuries, leaving you benched on race day.

Biomechanical Issues

If you tend to overpronate (inward rolling of the foot) or underpronate (outward rolling), it can affect ankle stability. Look for shoes that offer appropriate arch support and motion control to align your ankles and reduce strain.

Body Weight

Heavier runners might experience greater impact forces on their ankles. Adequate ankle support can help distribute these forces more evenly and reduce strain.

Your ankle joint is made up of 3 separate bones: your tibia, fibula, and the talus which is right between the shin bones and your heel bone. Ensuring proper care for this joint will help you avoid foot and ankle pain while on the run.

Uneven Terrain

If you frequently run on trails or uneven surfaces, your ankles are subjected to greater stress. Ankle support running shoes can provide the stability needed to navigate such terrain safely.

Look, it may not seem like a big deal when you are not experiencing pain, but the fact is, the fit and comfort of your shoes don’t begin and end with cushion and breathable fabrics. So let’s dig a little deeper and find out what you need to look for in an ankle-supportive running shoe.

What To Look For in an Ankle Supportive Shoe

Everyone has their preferred running shoe brand (and some of us are die-hard fans who do not want to deviate from what we know). One of the most ankle-supportive types of shoes is the high-top shoes, but sadly these less often come with breathable mesh uppers and get too hot.

High tops are great for basketball, but not ideal for running. We don’t want to over limit your movement. If you need more support, definitely checkout our top ankle braces for running.

Are there running shoes that provide ankle support?

While they will not be as stable as the mentioned high-tops or wearing an ankle brace, yes.

There are running shoes designed to provide better ankle support. These shoes are equipped with features and technologies aimed at stabilizing and protecting the ankles during running.

Do Stability Shoes Help Ankle Pain?

The short answer is: yes. By helping to prevent excessive motion, it can help  to avoid new injuries or inflaming old injuries. Keeping your ankles stable and supported is a way to be proactive about possible injuries instead of reactive after they happen.

Additionally, ankle supporting shoes will usually have these characteristics:

• Sufficient arch support: That’s right, the bottoms of your feet matter to the health of your ankles. With flat feet often comes excessive pronation causing your ankles to roll inward leading to an imbalanced weight distribution and stabilization issues. A podiatrist can help you figure out your arch type so you know exactly what to look for.
• Enhanced Midsole Support: These shoes often have a reinforced midsole structure that aids in stabilizing the foot and ankle, reducing the risk of overpronation or supination.
• The right fit: You know how important it is to get fitted for the right running shoes, but it may be even more important than you thought. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can put strain and pressure on different areas of your foot, causing stress and inflammation to your ankles.
• The right amount of cushion: You don’t want the bottoms of your feet to be uncomfortable while you run, but too much cushion could cause you just as many problems. Finding the sweet spot between stability and cushion, rigidity and movement, is a balancing act.
• Know your strike: Are you a heel or midfoot striker? Some shoes are designed for maximum shock absorption depending on where your strike falls.
• Test the heel cup: If you want to feel more secure, stick with a deep heel cup. However, this is not always necessary as many shoes have improved their stabilizing technology to keep your foot in place.

An important reminder, that your old shoes might be the source of your pain. Once you have pounded away on the asphalt or trails, the stability of your shoes starts to take a turn for the worse, leading you down the path of potential injury. According to the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Utah, runners should replace their shoes every 350-500 miles or every 6-12 months (whichever comes first).

All right hopefully this list of stability running shoes to provide ankle support gave you some good ideas on where to start looking. Remember that comfort is king when it comes to the right shoe for you.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

• How Should Running Shoes Fit?
• When to Replace Running Shoes?
• Is it Ok to wear running shoes casually?
• New Balance Vs Brooks

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