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When participating in basketball competitions, the occurrence of injuries is widespread. To avoid those problems, you need the best basketball shoes for ankle support.
There are many types of basketball shoes on the market. However, when it comes to ankle support, not all shoes are created equal.
In this article, Scott Fujita will guide you on how to choose the best shoe for your ankle. We will also review the top-rated shoes in 2023.
Let’s get right into the details!
Contents
Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support Comprehensive Reviews
1. LI-NING Power VII Men Basketball Shoes
Product highlights
Although Li-ning is not a well-known brand in basketball shoes, its Power and Wave lines are incredibly competitive. One of the high ankle basketball shoes that we highly recommend is the Power VII.
The Power VII has a multi-layered upper that provides complete support for the foot. Its full-length cloud padding is impressive. This basketball shoe is perfect for hard landings.
Related: Best basketball shoes 2023
What is more? The stabilizer that Li-ning embedded in the midsole arch improves stability and provides proper support. The lightweight foam midsole technology reduces the shoe’s weight so that you can wear it for a long time without fear of foot fatigue.
The material for the production of the Li-ning Power VII is a unique polymer. It is perfect for storing and releasing energy during takeoff.
The rubber outsole features a traction pattern that enhances grip. Toe tips with dense mesh material help increase ventilation and reduce injury during vigorous exercise.
Plus, Li-ning Bounse+ technology helps you make vertical jumps. It is resistant to compression with high flexibility.
LI-NING Power Men Professional Basketball Shoes Lining Cushioning Athletic Sport Shoes Sneakers Yellow ABAR129-1H US 8
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- High slit design for good ankle support.
- Embedded stabilization device.
- Lightweight and responsive cushioning technology.
- Improved flexibility.
- Anti-slip traction design.
Cons
- Not suitable for narrow feeling.
Bottom line
The Li-ning Power VII is one of the best basketball shoes for ankle support on the market in 2023. The design of this shoe is eye-catching and is sure to make you stand out in the court.
At half the price of shoes from high-end brands, the Li-ning Power VII won’t disappoint. Buy and try to feel the difference.
2. Nike Lebron Soldier XIII SFG
Product highlights
The LeBron Soldier XIII SFG has standard traction, and that’s what makes it so unique. Nike does not use any gimmicks at all, the herringbone traction sole with solid rubber material.
Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, this shoe is perfect for you. In addition, the rubber sole of this basketball shoe for the ankle is quite thick. It’s rare in an era where people compete to cut the weight of their shoes.
Although the midsole part of this shoe is quite bulky and can make you feel challenging at first, however, the high-volume heel and forefoot Zoom Air performed very well.
The Zoom Air part has a bit of a springy feeling when operating. It will create a little bounce while you move.
The LeBron Soldier XIII SFG is entirely focused on impact protection, especially for ankle support. For heavy players, it will sink a bit, but overall I think it’s pretty stable. Although there will be people who don’t like the midsole lifting their foot too high off the ground, the transition between sections of the foot is quite neat.
These shoes are pretty true to size. This is a plus point that I like. The strap of LeBron Soldier XIII has a very easy-to-use and neat design. You won’t have to worry about the shoes feeling loose.
Nike Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Mens Basketball Shoe, Light Photo Blue / White-black-bright Crimson, 11
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
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Pros
- Great traction.
- Well-balanced cushion.
- Exceptional fit and lockdown.
- Decent material.
- Solid ankle support.
Cons
- The midsole is pretty uncomfortable.
Bottom line
If you are looking for Nike basketball shoes with ankle support in 2023, LeBron Soldier XIII is quite suitable. It is an excellent all-around shoe that will meet the needs of players on hardwood or black tops.
3. Nike Shoes Air Jordan XXXV Bred CQ4227-030
Product highlights
The Air Jordan XXXV deserves to be in the top 3 of the best basketball shoes for ankle support and it has good reason for it.
This basketball shoe is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. We think this is one of Nike’s greatest strengths.
The main body construction includes textiles & synthetics to help meet the demands of a modern player. These basketball shoes for ankle support are lightweight, easy to move and highly breathable. All of which is the perfect complement to the suede panels on the sides.
A fully covered leather heel provides added containment in high pressure areas.
The material of the midsole is no different, but its design is. So you can feel the noticeable difference when you put it on.
The closed Zoom Air unit should make the forefoot of the Air Jordan XXXV more toned. Partly thanks to the addition of the surrounding foam.
The heel becomes a full-size Zoom Air unit instead of the regular hex part like the previous model. It creates a complete Air experience with quite a bit of support.
The Air Jordan XXXV’s ankle support is excellent. You just need to tie the shoelaces and that’s enough.
The Eclipse 2.0 version combined with Flywire shoelaces will help you feel absolute horizontal certainty. Plus, the padding at the ankle is quite thick with the help of an internal heel counter to keep your foot in place comfortably.
Nike Men's Shoes Air Jordan XXXV Bred CQ4227-030 (Numeric_9)
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- Lightweight basketball shoes.
- Durable rubber soles.
- High top shoes for ankle support.
- Good impact protection.
- Retro design.
Cons
- You should check the size carefully.
Bottom line
The Air Jordan XXXIV was a hit and its heir did a good job. While the upgrade isn’t easy to spot and we think that you probably won’t be too interested in XXXV if you already own version XXXIV.
However, if you’re looking for a basketball shoe for the ankle with complete lockdown, or full heel wrap, then this will be the product for you.
4. Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid SE Basketball Shoe
Product highlights
The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE has a distinctive design that reminds us of the first AJ from 1985. Nike has added fresh colors to make it more flattering.
This type of shoe is not only suitable for basketball shoes for ankle support but also very fashionable. You can wear it every day and combine it with many different clothes.
The remarkable thing is that the Air-Sole component is relatively light. It is a smooth mix of natural and composite materials that give it an iconic look.
Nike designed this shoe with high durability in mind with the highest quality materials.
These high top shoes hug your ankle very tightly. These are basketball shoes that provide good ankle support.
Nike also reinforced the ankle braces with genuine leather for added durability. While this means it will take some time to break-in, the results are worth it.
The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE midsole features classic air-based cushioning that makes landing on hard ground while jumping much more effortless.
The deep groove will also give you a better grip when using this shoe. Therefore, we recommend using it outdoors instead of indoors.
Nike Mens Air Jordan 1 Mid SE Basketball Shoe (10)
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- They are high top shoes.
- There is genuine leather on top.
- Secure closure feature.
- There are deep paths.
- There is a pivot point.
- Extra heel cushion.
Cons
- It lacks breathability.
Bottom line
The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE is a classic for anyone looking for high top basketball shoes with ankle support. This product is one of the best basketball shoes for ankle support 2023.
Although the original idea of this shoe for ankle support was to be a versatile shoe on all surfaces, we think it is more suitable for outdoor courts. It has great features that Nike has every reason to be proud of.
5. Nike Men’s Air Maestro Basketball Shoes
Product highlights
NBA player Scottie Pippen picked the Air Maestro and made it famous. With such a turtleneck design, it’s not hard to say that it offers excellent support for the ankle.
These shoes have an intricate design with an all-leather interior. The lacing system of this basketball shoe is asymmetrical. Plus, it has a bootie inside.
The strap around the ankle provides a very snug fit, providing good support for the ankle. The rubber outsole is very sturdy and the Air-Sole is quite airy when moving.
Additionally, Nike adds vents with a Max Air unit that provides extra cushioning in the heel so you can stay cool longer. Air Maestro deserves to be in the top 5 basketball shoes for ankle support that you should not miss.
The durable leather upper and composite coating add to the durability of the product. The size of the Air Maestro is quite large, but they are very light due to the Phylon material in the cushioning of the midsole. The traction pattern is herringbone-shaped, so it has a perfect grip.
Nike Mens Air Maestro 2 Ltd White/Rush Orange-Black Ah8511 101 - Size 9
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- Durable and reliable.
- Comfortable cushioning.
- Perfect lockdown.
- Excellent performance.
- Great shoe for ankle support.
Cons
- It is not easy to wear.
Bottom line
There are a few complaints about the Air Maestro being a bit hard to carry. However, once you have put your feet in the shoes, you will feel the absolute protection.
6. WELRUNG Velcro Ankle Support Breathable Basketball Shoes
Product highlights
If you feel the options above are beyond your budget, consider WELRUNG Velcro. It will be a suitable gift for boys or teenagers who are getting used to basketball.
The outer layer of this shoe has a rubber material that creates good elasticity and durability. In addition, it has a good grip and friction to help you not feel slippery when using. Ventilation holes increase the breathability of the shoes. You will not feel discomfort when your feet sweat a lot.
The Velcro design helps protect your feet better so you won’t have to worry about ankle injuries. WELRUNG Velcro’s ankle braces are pretty solid so it offers better support. The WELRUNG Velcro is also great for everyday wear. It comes in a very trendy black gold color.
WELRUNG Unisex's Velcro Ankle Support Breathable Basketball Shoes Running Sports Outdoor Non-Slip Students Sneakers Gold 7/6 US
2 new from $29.90
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- Reasonable price.
- Stylish design.
- Durable rubber outsole.
- True to size.
- Good breathability.
Cons
- There is not enough information.
Bottom line
The WELRUNG Velcro is a great choice for those on a tight budget. Although its price is relatively cheap, the features that this shoe offers are acceptable. Please try to experience it!
7. PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes
Product highlights
The final pick on our list is the PEAK Lou Williams. It is the fanciest design shoe because it is a mid-cut shoe.
Its affordable price is its biggest strength. But even better, such a price tag doesn’t detract from any of the shoe’s key features. So we rate it as a good investment. One of the biggest selling points of this pair is the integrated weave. The shoes can withstand a lot in terms of durability.
The PEAK Lou Williams also offers high mobility and speed thanks to their comfortable construction and honeycomb traction. The raised midsole is also great.
PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master Breathable Non Slip Outdoor Sneakers Cushioning Workout Shoes for Fitness Scarlet
Amazon.com
as of April 19, 2024 2:02 am
Pros
- True to size.
- Good price.
- Proper stabilization.
- Wide range of color.
- Easy to move.
Cons
- So-so impact protection.
Bottom line
Just to note, for all the great features, the PEAK Lou Williams are pretty stiff in the midsole area. That adds a level of rigidity that some people may not like. They are great shoes, but you won’t get much when it comes to shock absorption or impact resistance.
Buying Guides
1. The Reasons Why You Need The Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support
You need to prevent ankle injuries.
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is not to take an ankle injury lightly. Even the slightest ankle pain will keep you from gaming for at least a week.
For such reasons, you must find ways to avoid injuries at all costs.
One simple thing you can do is to choose the right pair of shoes. However, it needs to meet some criteria which we will talk more about below.
In this section, Scott Fujita will show you some of the types of ankle injuries that basketball players experience due to poor shoe selection:
Ankle Sprain
When you move your ankle muscles clumsily, ankle sprains are very likely to occur. To put it more clearly, when you roll or twist your ligament excessively and tear it.
An ankle sprain will keep you out of the game for at least three to four weeks. That time includes treatment and training to return to normal.
Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures are some of the worst injuries a basketball player can have. This injury involves a fracture of the tibia or fibula from extreme shock. It will take three to four months for the wound to heal fully. So, equipping the best ankle support basketball shoes is necessary.
Ankle Strains
Ultimately, ankle sprains occur because of the extra stress on the ligaments. You are more likely to get this type of injury when moving quickly or taking too long a step.
However, this type of injury is not as serious as the above two types. You only need three to four days to recover.
2. Cut
The cut of a basketball shoe will determine the opening of the ankle to the outside. So if you are looking for basketball shoes with good ankle support, then high-cut shoes will be the right choice for you.
In addition, many mid-cut shoes add features to protect your ankle without sacrificing portability. You just need to avoid low-cut shoes, they are designed for flexible movement so there is little or no ankle support.
High-cut Basketball Shoe
This shoe is the standard choice for basketball shoes with ankle support. The shoe opening will start at the ankle. As a result, this type of shoe will form a layer that covers the ankle and restricts movement. It will help prevent ankle sprains.
The weakness of this shoe is that it is extremely limited in space for the foot to move compared to other basketball shoes. Therefore, we are not surprised that manufacturers have begun to move to the mid-cut basketball shoe.
Mid-cut Basketball Shoe
Although these shoes do not provide better ankle support than high-cut shoes, they are still prevalent in the market. The main reason is that they combine both factors, mobility and ankle support.
In addition, the manufacturer also added other features to mid-cut shoes to provide better protection for the ankle. Examples include the addition of straps or a combination of half high cut and half cut in the middle. They place the high cut where the ankle is easiest to roll.
3. Outsole
You should choose basketball shoe with good outsole.
Basketball shoes do not have as many material variations of the outer soles as other sports shoes.
While gum rubber is a material that often appears in the outsole of many sports shoes, basketball shoes do not trust it. The main reason is that this type of sole is very easy to wear after a period of playing. Therefore, people often use hard rubber more.
However, the material is not the most important issue. You need to pay attention to the type of tread that the shoe uses. Depending on whether your basketball venue is indoor or outdoor, you’ll have to find shoes with the right tread depth.
Usually, when you’re playing indoors, you’ll need shoes with a shorter tread. The reason is that it will prevent your slip and fall. On the other hand, you need a shoe with a deeper tread for an outdoor court. It will stick to the surface better.
You also have to pay attention to the shape of the tread when choosing basketball shoes. The herringbone design is the most effective design to provide 3D traction. It helps you get traction in any position.
Another feature to keep in mind is finding a shaft for the big toe. It allows you to sprint and jump instantly without losing momentum.
4. Closure
The way they hold a basketball shoe will play a big role in deciding whether it is a top ankle support basketball shoe or not.
Often, the type and arrangement of laces eyelets will greatly influence the benefit or impediment a closure can bring to your ankle. However, over time, many brands have added straps to increase ankle stability.
Traditional
This type of closure is very popular in many types of shoes for good reasons. Its elegant design is one of the highlights that few can replace.
The arrangement of the eyelets is what determines the ankle support level. Usually you’ll want the eyelets to go the full length of the top, including the vertical opening. It allows you to define the height of the lanyard and offers greater support than other closures. However, sometimes you will find it uncomfortable with its folds.
Hook
To prevent the annoying leg folds of traditional closures, they have introduced hook closures. It’s not like they removed the pressure point. They moved it.
However, the feeling of wearing shoes with a hook closure is extremely comfortable. However, it doesn’t give as much ankle support as the one above.
More specifically, you cannot wind the hook pins tightly with the traditional type. It gives you flexibility in movement, which means you are more prone to injury.
Strap
This type of design doesn’t appear much on basketball shoes. The purpose of a strap closure is simply to reinforce the closure.
Although the two designs above can both come with a belt, the traditional style uses it more. It’s probably because the flat border doesn’t create weird pressure points.
5. Midsole
This feature doesn’t have much to do with the ankle support of basketball shoes. However, it can play a supportive role in preventing ankle injuries.
The midsole is often the balance between stability and mobility in a shoe. So it needs to be flexible enough for quick movements, it also needs to provide just enough resistance for you to turn around instantly.
Many manufacturers stick with just one middle layer, they don’t change the design. However, more and more companies are starting to experiment with other midsole designs. It will, for example, provide stiffening for the arch of the foot and or by threading stiff fibers into the midsole.
6. Cushioning
The cushion part plays a role in improving the fit, comfort, and bounce of the shoe. So, it doesn’t really play much of an ankle support role. The ability to rebound is its most important function. Often it will focus on heels and balls on the feet.
Over the years, the manufacturer has improved it by using materials that will convert the force from the impact into a rebound effect for the next steps.
7. Traction
The traction is important for a basketball shoe.
The best basketball shoes not only add ankle support but also have a strong grip. The ability to have and maintain a steady grip is important, especially when you’re keeping the ball on the court.
There is a big difference between indoor and outdoor shoes. You’ll want a basketball shoe with more traction when playing outdoors.
In particular, it should be suitable for the rough and uneven surface of that type of court.
8. Material
In the past, people often used leather as the main material of basketball shoes. Although leather is very durable, it is not light and breathable.
Today, manufacturers have combined many materials to design basketball shoes. Particularly abrasive areas will use leather. Some of those areas include heels and ankles.
To improve airflow, people use synthetic leather and mesh. The places to use this material are the tongue and uppers.
The sole of the shoe is made of rubber, with stiff ridges to keep your feet steady.
9. Breathability
Last but not least, you need to pay attention to breathability. A pair of basketball shoes, in addition to being comfortable and beautiful. It must also be breathable.
Otherwise, in addition to ankle problems, you can also get a fungal infection. The reason is that vigorous exercise makes your feet sweat a lot, directly affecting the skin layer.
This problem is pervasive with cheap basketball shoes. Therefore, you must find out carefully about the breathability of shoes before buying. We’re sure you won’t want to be distracted by soaking wet feet during competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When Is The Best Time To Change My Basketball Shoes?
There’s no set time to replace your basketball shoes, but when you start to feel pain and soreness in your feet, know it’s time to change. Rubber soles will wear out with long use, so make sure to replace your shoes for that reason.
FAQs about shoes for basketball.
2. Can I Use Basketball Shoes For Running?
They made basketball shoes for maximum support for your ankle and great shock absorption for multi-directional movement. Shoes are a bit heavy and thick so they may not be suitable for running.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good basketball shoe with ankle support is not an easy task. You need to pay attention to the design issues but also not forget the essential features.
With this article, we believe you can find a way to choose the right shoes. Don’t forget to share your picks with us!
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