If you have weak ankles, it can be tricky to find the right footwear to help you stay stable, help prevent injury, and still look good. Take a look below at the best ankle support shoes to choose to keep you steady and stylish.

You might also want to take a look at my popular articles on shoes with arch support and shoes if you have plantar fasciitis.

Why might you need ankle support

There are many reasons why you might have weak ankles. Perhaps because of an old injury, arthritis or osteoporosis.

If you’ve suffered one ankle sprain, it can make you more susceptible to another, so it’s important to make sure you look after your feet and ankles with the right footwear.

What to look out for in the best ankle support shoes

Ankle support shoes - Lydia wears platform sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

stable wide platform

You’re much more likely to turn your ankle if you have narrow heels or the soles of your shoes aren’t stable. Opt for a stable, wide sole to keep you secure.

Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) shows how you could choose a trendy pair of platforms.

Check out this similar top, puffer jacket, pants, platform sneakers, bag and necklace.

high tops

Many podiatrists recommend high tops for additional structure and support. The extra form around your ankles can help keep them in the right place.

deep heel cup

Deep heel cups in shoes can help to stabilize the foot by lining up your feet correctly with your ankle, knees and hips. If you have shoes you don’t feel offer the right support, you could try a pair of heel seats and see if these offer more support.

Many reviewers also say the heel cups (below) help with plantar fasciitis.

Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles | Heel Seats Foot Orthotic Inserts | 40plusstyle.com

Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles | Heel Seats Foot Orthotic Inserts

cushioned mid sole

Looking out for some extra cushioning in your shoes can ensure your feet have support from your insoles and impact from walking or running is absorbed.

Traction

When you have weak ankles, you will naturally be worried about slipping or tripping. Opting for a pair of shoes with good traction will help. Luckily, lug soled, non-slip shoes and boots are particularly on trend now.

Marc Fisher LTD Izzie Genuine Shearling Lace-Up Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Fisher LTD Izzie Genuine Shearling Lace-Up Boot

Should you wear ankle supports?

You may find it helps to wear ankle supports in certain situations, perhaps during long walks or exercising. But many podiatrists warn against wearing them all the time. Instead, advising exercises to help strengthen your ankles so you don’t need to rely on braces.

TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve | 40plusstyle.com

TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve

Skip high heels

Wearing high heels can make it more likely that you will accidentally roll your ankle. If you do want to wear them, look for heels like block heels where your weight is distributed more evenly.

You’ll find more inspiration in this article on comfortable high heels.

But don’t wear flats

Opting for completely flat heels isn’t a good solution either when searching for ankle support shoes as they don’t provide any arch support for stability. The optimum height is usually around an inch to an inch-and-a-half.

The best ankle support shoes

Now let’s take a look at some specific, well-recommended shoes you could try to give you extra ankle support

ankle booties

Ankle support shoes - Mel in white booties and maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Ankle booties can be a good option as they usually have some structure at the ankle to provide support. Mel @curvycartel above chooses a white pair with her yellow dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here) and ankle booties.

The Vionic Chukka booties (below) have a supportive midsole and reviewers say they have a good ankle height.

Ankle support shoes - Vionic Magnolia Lois -Chukka Bootie | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Magnolia Lois Chukka Bootie

lace-up boots

A pair of lace-up boots can be a good option as you can alter the lacing to provide the ankle support you need.

Ankle support shoes -Vionic Charm Lani Lace Up Ankle Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Charm Lani Lace Up Ankle Boot

kork-ease booties

The Kork-Ease booties (below) have a small, wide heel and would go with your jeans or dresses.

Ankle support shoes - Kork-Ease Ryder Booties | 40plusstyle.com

Kork-Ease Ryder Booties

best ankle support shoes – red boots

The Taos Crave boots (below) come in red or neutral shades and you can alter the ankle support by how tight you fasten the laces. They have mainly 5-star reviews from wearers who say they are gorgeous and comfortable.

Ankle support shoes - Taos Footwear Crave Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Taos Footwear Crave Boots

lug sole boots

Ankle support shoes | 40plusstyle.com

There are plenty of lugsole boots in stores now as they are bang-on-trend, as well as helping to ensure you don’t slip and turn your ankle. Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here).

Get her look with this similar blouse, skirt, lug sole boots and necklace.

Ankle support shoes - MIA Catalin Lace-Up Boot | 40plusstyle.com

MIA Catalin Lace-Up Boot

wedge sneaker

If you want to add a bit of height without walking on a narrow heel, you could try a low-heeled wedge like the Cushionaire hidden wedge sneakers (below). They have cushioned memory foam insoles for extra comfort and dual zips so you can easily get them on and off.

Ankle support shoes - CUSHIONAIRE Hart Hidden Wedge Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

CUSHIONAIRE Hart Hidden Wedge Sneaker

brooks sneakers

Sneakers can be a great option for ankle support and, of course, they’re a necessity if you’re running. The Brooks brand is often recommended for weak ankles. The Adrenaline sneakers (below) have a support system designed to cushion your joints as you run, as well as your feet.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Sneaker

waterproof ankle boot

When winter arrives, you’re likely to be looking for waterproof booties that will keep your feet dry in rain and snow. The Merrell booties (below) have a removable contoured insole for flexible support as well as an air cushion to absorb shock and add stability in the heel.

Merrell Andover Bluff Waterproof Ankle Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Merrell Andover Bluff Waterproof Ankle Boot

high top sneakers

Ankle support shoes - Shelley in high top sneakers, denim jacket and shorts | 40plusstyle.com

If you love the casual look of sneakers but you don’t feel they give your ankles the support they need, you could always try a pair of stylish high tops.

Shelley @fcfashionista above (read her style interview here) opts for black high top sneakers with her shorts.

Steal her look with this similar top, jacket (another option here), shorts and high top sneakers.

ZGR High Top Canvas Sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

ZGR High Top Canvas Sneakers

slip on shoes

Even though they are low on the ankle, a pair of slip-ons can work to offer you extra support. The Vionic slip-ons (below) feature a podiatrist-designed footbed to promote stability and natural alignment from the ground up. They are designed to help relieve plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs and lower back pain issues.

Vionic Essence Zinah Platform Slip-on Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Essence Zinah Platform Slip-on Sneaker

new balance sneakers

When it comes to sneakers, New Balance are often recommended for foot and ankle pain issues. The retro style sneakers (below) are designed to help protect ankles with dual-density collar foam.

New Balance 990 V5 Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

New Balance 990 V5 Sneaker

running shoes

You could also try the Altra sneakers (below) which are designed to provide energy return to absorb shock.

ALTRA AL0A4VR3 Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe | 40plusstyle.com

ALTRA AL0A4VR3 Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe

trail shoes

Ankle support shoes - Kimba in sneakers, striped top, denim topper and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimbalikes above opts for a pair of comfy sneakers with her jeans.

Check out this similar top, denim jacket, jeans, sneakers, and sunglasses.

Trail shoes are another good style to look out for if you want ankle support as they are designed to keep you stable even on uneven terrain. The ASICS trail shoes (below) have gel cushioning to absorb shock as well as a removable sockliner so you can accommodate a medical orthotic if you need to.

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Trail Running Shoes | 40plusstyle.com

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Trail Running Shoes

best ankle support shoes – hiking boots

If you’re heading off on a longer hike, you’ll want a pair of specialist hiking boots that offer you ankle support. The lightweight hiking boots (below) feature a molded ankle support strap.

Manfena Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Manfena Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots

ankle support sandals

If you’re living or vacationing in warmer climes, you may want to think about a sport-style sandal to offer you support while walking or sightseeing. The ECCO sandals (below) have a molded footbed for stability. Reviewers say they are supportive and cushioned.

ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandal

Do you need shoes with ankle support? What are your recommendations? You can let me know in the comments below.

Ankle support shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
  2. The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
  3. The Best Hiking Boots For Women: Walking Boots To Take On Any Terrain

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Ankle support shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Deborah @deborahgates_

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