Shoes Are Just A Part Of An Overall Treatment Plan
Before we go further, however, I want to make clear that while the correct shoe can help reduce symptoms associated with ankle conditions, it is rare that a shoe alone will eliminate these conditions. In most cases the shoe is simply a part of an overall treatment plan that might include rehabilitation exercises, proper orthotics or arch supports, training modifications, shoes and other treatments. Below I will recommend specific shoes and arch supports, but if you try these and dont have relief within a couple weeks, then be sure to see a sports medicine oriented podiatrist near you. If you are in the Seattle area make an appointment to see us.
Understand that while I recommend the shoes below on a regular basis with good success, no shoe works for everyone. Also, heres an important disclosure about the products recommended in this article.
Hoka One One Bondi 7 Best Walking And Training Shoes For Bad Ankle Problems
Hoka ONE ONE Bondi 7 shoes offer decent support to your feet and ankles. You can wear these shoes for everyday walking while protecting your sore ankles.
The advantage of these shoes is that they do not put pressure on the rear of your heel. If you have weak ankles, it is particularly important for you.
The upper part of the shoes has an open mesh that gives your feet good breathability and comfort. The shoes have a padded collar with a bit of higher modification. So, while putting on your shoes, and youd like to slip them on instead of unlacing your shoes, this would make it more convenient. This feature helps to reduce the strain on your ankles.
The shoes also have an EVA midsole that extends along the whole length gives you excellent cushioning to your weak ankles, and makes you feel like you are walking on the pads.
The outsole of these shoes is engineered with Meta-Rocker technology that creates a forward driving fulcrum-type effect. This feature provides a smooth transition of your body weight onto the forefoot and reduces the force on your ankles.
Brooks Walker shoes are one of the most comfortable shoes to support bad and weak ankle pain. These shoes come in various sizes, from narrow toe to wide toe, you can easily find suitable sizes for your feet.
A diagonal Rollbar Systemis embedded in these shoes that keep your body in a normal walking gait cycle for extensive support. This gives your body maximum stability and balance.
What I Liked
What I Didnt Like
The Best Running Shoe For Ankle Problems Depends On What Ankle Problem You Have
The best running shoe for bad ankles will depend first on what kind of ankle problem you have. There are three primary ankle problems that we commonly see in our practice for which the correct shoe can be helpful in reducing symptoms and I will provide recommendations for a specific running shoe for each of these problems. Those problems are:
- Unstable ankles
- Ankles that are painful due to arthritis in the ankle
- Ankles that are painful because of an overpronated foot
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What Is The Best Support For Weak Ankles
The right cushioning system is the best support for weak ankles. It protects them from traumas during the running and jumping. Also, it reduces the feet tension. Your ankles can relax during walking, and you wont feel pain at the end of the day. Besides, the high heel provides fitting ankle support too.
Clarks Womens Sillian Stork Fisherman Sandal
Clarks offer up a nice option here in their Fisherman style sandal that is designed to give you a good mixture of elements. Not only are they different to so many in this anti-swelling category with their looks, but they also pack a punch. They have a slight heel, at over an inch, so these are not going to be for the worst of cases. With that said, they are made using textile linings called cloudsteppers, so you know they are comfortable. They also have cushion soft technology along with an ortholite insert, meaning you shouldnt have to worry about bringing you own to the table. Depending on the place in the foot, you can get a ton of help from these. They also would do well for ankle swelling, since they do allow freedom of movement there.
Pros:
- Not ultra roomy
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Propet Womens Travelactiv Mary Jane Fashion Sneakers
If you want the same kind of, but still different, style as the earlier TravelActiv, but you want more freedom, then this is the way to go. These sneakers are basically slip on with one single strap across them, making them easier to get on and off and changing the looks considerably. They are lighter than their close kin, no doubt, but they still have many of the same great features. They are flexible and lightweight, particularly in the outsole, and they have the removable foot bed, too, giving you the opportunity to take it out if and when you need to. The fabric used is very breathable and it is super stretchy, too, meaning youll have lots of room to maneuver in. And theres lots of colors to pick from. These might not still be for Diabetics, but they can do a whale of job nonetheless.
Pros:
- Not the utmost protection or support
Does Running Or Other High
If you run or do sports with proper form, its unlikely to cause pain in the knee. If your form is incorrect, whether youre running or doing other exercises, then you are opening yourself up to injuring your knee.
The only other time you may cause a knee injury when youre using proper form is if you increase your intensity or the duration of your workout drastically without allowing your body time to adjust.
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Brooks Adrenaline Gts 20
Related: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 vs 21
As one of the best 12mm heel drop running shoes, the Adrenaline GTS 20 is a great shoe because it fits a wide variety of people. It offers exceptional cushioning and ankle support, which makes it really helpful for runners with weak or injury-prone ankles.
It is for your average runner whos looking for a good cushion and a good amount of support and wants to feel good throughout the entirety of their run.
It is a Brooks stability favorite. It has some similar features to the previous version, but there are some small tweaks that are going to further enhance that on-foot experience.
It still has the DNA Loft and the heel crash pad to make sure that youre having a soft landing.
GuideRails & Stability
The Adrenaline no longer uses the medial posting we saw in previous versions. In 19, it switched over to the GuideRails and we continue to see the use of the GuideRails.
Brooks has done this to create a highly stable design without the use of a traditional medial post posting.
So, the Adrenaline GTS 20 has the GuideRails system on the medial side as well as the lateral side to give you on-demand and holistic support throughout the entirety of your run.
GuideRails can often be equated similar to bumpers on a bowling alley. You can put the bumpers up and you dont necessarily have to use them and you can still bowl straight down the middle just as when youre running.
Upper
On the upper, this is where we see the big updates in this shoe.
Browse Ankle Support Shoes
Ankle pain can have many causes, including simple strains and ligament tears as well as more serious fractures. Chronic ankle pain may signify a medical condition like Achilles tendonitis, reactive arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of your discomfort and make recommendations for pain management.
In almost every case, your treatment will include swapping out your old shoes for a pair of specially designed comfort footwear with orthopedic features. To address ankle pain, youll want to opt for shoes with extra arch support, a cushioned heel, and in many cases room for custom orthotics. Here youll find all of our best shoes for ankle support, each of which has been specially curated to give you the relief youre seeking.
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How Should I Treat My Sore Ankles After Running
There are a variety of different things you can do if you experience sore ankles after running. Youll need to find the ones that are best for you. I personally like to stretch both before and after my runs, ice my feet, incorporate strength training on my non-running days, and make sure that my rest days are real rest days .
Icing your muscles after you run is important to enhancing muscle recovery, and this is certainly true of sore ankles. In fact, a cold showeror even better, an ice bathwill work on a larger area than just localized icing. Ice baths are definitely ideal for a preventative measure to avoid injuries.
Dont rule out heating, but also use it with caution. Heat can be helpful if you are tight, but remember that it expands and further inflames the muscles, so you dont want to do more harm than good. Alternating cycles of heat and ice could be a good option.
Stretching is key to helping prevent sore ankles and other injuries. Dynamic stretching tends to be more helpful than static stretching, particularly before a run. Try to avoid being lazy either before or after you run, and get that stretching in. Yoga on your off days can help too.
Strength training is another great way to improve your performance and prevent injuries. This is especially true for older athletes. If you find yourself with a lot of ankle pain, you should consider weight training, functional strength training, and core work to alternate with your running days.
What To Look For In Ankle Support Shoes For The Elderly
- Low heels provide for a flatter angle between your ankle and feet, which results in more stability, better traction and grip, as more of your foot area will have a feel of the surface, youre on.
- High back shoes prevent your heel from slipping out of the shoe, as well as provide good support, a secure feel, and stability to your ankle and heel area.
- Shoe Toe box should be roomy with enough of toe wiggle space to ensure there is no added pressure on your ankles due to constant withdrawing your toes because of the lack of space at the front of the shoe.
- Cushioning and Shock Absoprtion ensures you have good arch support and shock absorption impact. Shoes which offer removable insoles for custom orthotic ones if need be are preferred, as well as shoes with good midsole cushioning.
- Non slip shoes give you better traction and grip even on wet surfaces, which ensures there is less pressure on your ankles.
- Velcro hook and loop closures provide for a snug adjustable fit while retaining your feet firmly in place providing for additional support to your ankles.
- Lightweight and Width features put less pressure on your ankles. The width of shoes must be considered for flat or broader feet.
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Vans Sk8 Best Sneakers With Good Ankle Support
If you are suffering from sprained, bad, or weak ankles, Vans SK8 is one of the best shoes to support ankles when walking. The shoes have a high-top design and cushioned collar that ensures a perfect fit around your ankles and provides comfort to your feet.
The high-top design feature makes them the best shoes for sore ankles as they give strength to your sore ankles. The snug fit of high-top padded collars offers more flexibility and boosts the mobility of your feet.
The upper of the shoes have a classic CANVAS with excellent flexibility and great breathing to your feet. Due to this extraordinary flexibility, the shoes can easily mold to your feet and offer extra comfort for all-day walking.
What I Liked
What I Didnt Like
- Arch and orthotics support is not good
Why Is Ankle Support Important
Shoes with ankle support provide support to your feet while running or walking and reduce the chances of injury during mistep. Ankle support also saves your foot from painful injuries that require several months to cure. Did you know that lack of ankle support can cause 10% to 28% of sports injuries? So ankle support is essential for shoes.
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Keen Mens Targhee Ii Hiking Shoe
Hikers understand the importance of footwear that can handle all kinds of terrain. They also need a hiking shoe or boot with plenty of ankle support, and the Keen Mens Targhee II hiking delivers in that category, plus many others.
Lets start with the ankle support: the Targhee II features a thick, padded collar with a torsion stability ESS shank. The latter offers rigid-but-lightweight support in the midfoot, as well, which lessens the fatigue of many hours and miles spent on the trail or hiking through the concrete jungle.
Hikers also understand that not every surface they step on is dry, but the Targhee II has them covered with a waterproof upper. The nubuck leather upper offers excellent breathability, as well, and youll appreciate how your feet remain dry and comfortable, even in the heat of a day.
Another reason we include the Targhee II on our best shoes for ankle support reviews is that they maintain an excellent balance between weight and durability. Theyre lightweight enough that you wont lose anything regarding agility but durable enough to handle the toughest terrain.
The Targhee II follows the model of Keens popular sandals when it comes to comfort but adds a beefier sole and the extended upper of a hiking boot. Hiking boots need a reliable, thicker sole that provides traction even if youre trekking in the rain and along a slippery path.
The Targhee IIs insole is removable, so you can air out your shoes properly while even washing them if needed.
Pros
Skechers Performance Go Walk Shoes
These lightweight pull-on sneaker-style shoes from Skechers come in designs for men and women. Their soft mesh uppers have an almost seamless construction, and there are lots of support features built-in.
- Radically lightweight Tapering midfoot design for improved arch support Side S logo
- Bamboo lined footbed for odor control
- Skechers Goga Max high rebound insole
- Breathable mesh upper
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Best Tennis Shoes With Ankle Support In 2022
When you are looking for the best tennis shoes with ankle support, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. The first thing is what type of activity you will be using the shoes for. The second is your own personal needs and preferences.
Today, we will discuss some of the best options on the market for ankle support Tennis shoes. We will highlight their features and how they can benefit you while playing this popular sport. Keep reading to learn more!
Minimalist Footwear: A Simple Antidote To Ankle Sprains
Minimalist shoes, especially the models that possess completely flat and flexible soles and wide toe boxes, can help prevent ankle sprains and numerous other foot, ankle, and lower leg problems, including bunions, plantar fasciosis, shin splints, and runner’s knee. Most minimalist shoes are appropriate for hiking, even on rough terrain, though you should always exercise caution in slippery or challenging conditions. Some minimalist shoes may not be appropriate in cold conditions, and you should plan accordingly before heading off to participate in your preferred outdoor pursuits.
Also, if you are new to the world of minimalist shoes or are thinking about making the switch from conventional shoes, it’s important to make the transition in a slow and gradual manner. We recommended checking out this article, as it discusses how to avoid common pitfalls for new adopters and how to successfully transition to minimalist footwear. Also bear in mind that some traumatic ankle injuries may be unavoidable, regardless of the type of footwear you use. In our experience, we have found that minimalist shoes can help mitigate the risk of such injuries, but they alone may not be enough to thwart all possible causes of ankle trauma.
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The Best Walking Shoes With Ankle Support
Do you need ankle support? We go over the BEST womens walking shoes with ankle support & the BEST mens walking shoes with ankle support!
Look!
- We go over the BEST womens walking shoes with ankle support.
- We go over the BEST mens walking shoes with ankle support.
- Stop living with ankle pain, get podiatrist recommended shoes!
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The Best Running Shoes For Ankle Pain Due To Flat Feet
If your foot is excessively flat, the rolling in of the ankle that occurs in this situation can put a tremendous amount of stress on the ankle. In this situation you will need a running shoe that helps to limit the excessive pronation.
Our favorite running shoe for runners with flat feet and ankle pain is the Brooks Addiction. Although improved a bit every year, the Addition has been around for nearly two decades and is a well-proven shoe for those who pronate excessively.
If your ankle pain is secondary to having an over-pronated foot, you will also need to use an arch support inside the shoe. Our favorite support for runners with very flat feet is thePowerStep Wide Orthotic. People with flat feet tend to have wider feet also and this is the only over-the-counter support we have found that has both adequate arch support and adequate width for flat feet.
Depending on the severity of your flat feet you may need custom orthotics to eliminate your ankle pain. You can learn about orthotics for flat feet here.
For a complete evaluation of your ankle pain and a plan to eliminate it, contact us for an appointment in our Seattle clinic.
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