If you like to play basketball, you need a good shoe that gives great ankle support. It’s that simple! You’ll see your game improve, and your joints and muscles in your legs will thank you.
Now you are wondering- what are the best ankle support basketball shoes?
Answer: any pick on this list. We’ve searched through the myriad of basketball shoes to find the ones that have the best ankle support. We’ve done the research, read the reviews, and compiled our results into this list. Happy shopping!
Top picks: Adidas D Lillard 2 and the Adidas Harden Vol. 1
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support 2022
ADIDAS D LILLARD 2- TOP PICK
The Adidas D Lillard 2 is a stylish looking option with a midrange price point. The Adidas brand shoe contains the company’s proprietary Boost foam which provides great energy return for the wearer. You’ll get good feedback when wearing this shoe. The outsole provides good grip which helps to support the wearer underfoot. The excellent traction means that the D Lillard 2 keeps wearers grounded. It’s probably best to up a half size with the Adidas D Lillard 2 to avoid unwanted pressure points and ensure a comfortable fit. The shoes also have the benefit of being quite lightweight.
The Adidas D Lillard 2 is a stylish looking option with a midrange price point. The Adidas brand shoe contains the company’s proprietary Boost foam which provides great energy return for the wearer. You’ll get good feedback when wearing this shoe. The outsole provides good grip which helps to support the wearer underfoot. The excellent traction means that the D Lillard 2 keeps wearers grounded. It’s probably best to up a half size with the Adidas D Lillard 2 to avoid unwanted pressure points and ensure a comfortable fit. The shoes also have the benefit of being quite lightweight.
Pros
- Very grippy outsole provides excellent traction and ensures wearers feel stable
- Boost foam provides great energy return
- The shoe is lightweight so you won’t feel bogged down
- The fit is snug and secure which enhances support for the wearer
- They’re stylish, so you’ll definitely want to wear them
Cons
- You might need to size up slightly to ensure a good fit
4.7 stars – 65 reviews, footlocker.com
4.7 stars – 73 reviews, eastbay.com
ADIDAS HARDEN VOL. 1- TOP PICK
Another Adidas shoe has managed to find its way into our top choices. Boost foam makes it way into the Adidas Harden Vol. 1 as well providing great energy return and a comfortable base. The shoe fits true to size and offers excellent traction underfoot, whether you’re wearing them indoors or outdoors.
Pros
- Stylish, modern aesthetic
- Excellent traction ensures a stable base
- Boost foam cushion is very comfortable and offers unmatched energy return
- Fit is snug and secure making the shoe supportive and comfortable
- The shoe’s traction is excellent, you’ll feel grounded whether you’re wearing them inside or outside.
Cons
- Virtually none
4.6 stars – 108 reviews, adidas.com
4.7 stars – 15 reviews, footlocker.com
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE CRAZYLIGHT BOOST LOW 2016
The Adidas Performance Crazylight Boost Low doesn’t look like your typical basketball shoe. The low-top model features a rubber sole to help with traction and the Boost foam provides a comfortable, bouncy ride for the wearer. The shoe also provides great support via its lockdown lacing system. With the right fit, the Crazylight Boost offers a snug fit with no slippage.
Pros
- Rubber outsole provides great traction and a stable base for wearers
- Boost foam cushion offers great energy return and makes for a very comfortable shoe
- Ample amount of Boost foam also helps to protect joints from impact
Cons
- A tad heavier than some might like because of the ample amount of cushioning underfoot
4.1 stars – 29 reviews, eastbay.com
4 stars – 30 reviews, footlocker.com
NIKE LEBRON SOLDIER X
The Nike Lebron Soldier X is a good option for those with narrower feet. The velcro strap provides a quick way for wearers to adjust fit to their liking. You won’t need to fiddle with laces to get the shoe feeling snug and secure. The fit is intended to be sock-like to help enhance support. The soft midsole cushioning offers comfort and protection underfoot. The shoe also provides generous support around the ankle.
Pros
- Velcro strap allows for quick and efficient fit adjustment
- Soft pillowy cushion enhances comfort but also provides a supportive base
- Cushion also protects wearers from impact forces
- Great ankle support helps to stabilize the wearer’s ankle
Cons
- The aesthetic may take some getting used to
- The shoe seems to be cheaply made
4 stars – 164 reviews, eastbay.com
4 stars – 162 reviews, footlocker.com
Nike KD Trey 5 IV
The Nike KD Trey 5 IV one of the more lightweight options on this list. The shoe’s upper is made of foam which helps to lighten the load for the wearer. The shoe features Nike Zoom Air cushioning which provides great energy return. The Nike KD Trey IV is also very flexible thanks to its outsole flex grooves. You’ll feel like you’re moving naturally when wearing the KD Trey IV. The outsole also provides excellent traction underfoot which helps to keep wearers grounded and moving forward.
Pros
- Lighter weight allows for more freedom of movement and provides a more comfortable experience
- Great traction enhances stability for the wearer
- Flexible construction allows for natural movement
Cons
- The shoe seems to be cheaply made and shows wear and tear quickly
4.4 stars – 17 reviews, footlocker.com
3.1 stars – 7 reviews, nike.com
JORDAN CP3.X
The Nike Jordan CP3.X has a grippy rubber outsole and a dynamic lacing system which enhances support. The Zoom Air midsole cushion provides energy return and a stable feel underfoot. You’ll also feel stable in the Jordan CP3.X thanks to the shoe’s grippy outsole.
Pros
- The shoe’s stability features eliminate the potential for a sloppy fit
- The grippy outsole helps keep you grounded
Cons
- The shoe does not perform great in outdoor conditions, the outsole is not tough enough to handle outdoor surfaces
5 stars – 3 reviews, eastbay.com
4 stars – 1 review, nike.com
NIKE HYPERDUNK LOW 2016
The Nike Hyperdunk Low 2016 is a low-top option that still offers ample support for the wearer. The shoe offers great ground feedback and a locked-down fit that enhances stability. The outsole is grippy and flexible offering a natural ride but it does wear down quickly. The Hyperdunk’s midsole cushion offers impact protection while also providing energy return. The insole of the shoe is a bit finicky. If you find it bothering you, it may just be best to remove it altogether.
Pros
- The midsole cushion offers protection from impact forces and a supportive base
- The lacing system ensures a snug and secure fit, enhancing stability
- The shoe’s outsole grips surfaces ensuring a stable ride
Cons
- Outsole lacks durability, wears down quickly even when used exclusively indoors
4.5 stars – 14 reviews, eastbay.com
4.5 stars – 13 reviews, footlocker.com
UNDER ARMOUR JET LOW
The Under Armour Jet Low is another shoe that doesn’t look like your typical basketball shoe. The breathable upper locks in the wearer’s foot. The shoe is one of the most well ventilated on the list. The EVA midsole foam offers a nicely cushioned experience that’s also lightweight. The rubber outsole also provides great traction so you’ll feel steady while wearing the shoe.
Pros
- Stylish, fresh design
- Very breathable upper ensures comfort for the wearer
- Great traction underfoot ensures stability
- Upper locks the foot down and enhances support
- Cushioning is comfortable but light and protects wearer from impact
Cons
- Narrow fit may require that you go at least a half size up.
- The cushion is fairly stiff, which makes for a supportive base but if you prefer softer padding you may want to look elsewhere
4 stars – 1 review, footlocker.com
4 stars – 1 review, eastbay.com
AND1 XCELERATE 2
For those with a limited budget, the AND1 Xcelerate 2 is a decent option that will deliver adequate support. The shoe features a sleek and fresh design. The upper is fairly breathable which helps enhance comfort. The midsole contains Duraspring EVA foam which provides both support and impact protection. The shoe also provides additional support for the arch in the form of a shank stabilizer. The shoe’s grippy outsole also ensures that the wearer will move forward, backwards or sideways all while feeling stable and grounded.
Pros
- Great value
- Shoe offers support for the arches and underfoot thanks to the ample midsole cushion
- Rubber outsole provides traction, ensuring a stable experience for the wearer
- Vents in the upper enhance breathability and thus comfort
Cons
- Cheaply made which may have an impact on durability
5 star – 1 review, dicksportinggoods.com
5 star – 1 review, zappos.com
REEBOK MEN’S ROYAL BB4500
The Reebok Royal BB4500 is another lower cost option for those seeking to save money on their shoe purchase. The outsole provides good grip underfoot, keeping the wearer stable. The moderate amount of cushioning provides comfort and protection. The shoe also features a removable sock-liner which can be taken out to accommodate orthotics. The shoes do fit very small, though, so trying them on is necessary before purchase. You’ll likely have to go up at least a full size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Good traction underfoot ensures stability
- Ample midsole cushion provides stable base and adds comfort
Cons
- Sizing is off, you’ll need to size up significantly to get a proper fit
- Durability is a concern with this shoe which is understandable considering its budget price-point.
5 star – 1 review, jcpenney.com
4.6 stars – 6 reviews, zappos.com
What’s Important in Ankle Support
Most common injuries in basketball include injuries to the ankle. Wearing supportive shoes is an important part of preventing injuries, especially to the ankle. There’s some controversy over whether high top basketball shoes work better to support a player’s ankles. Since basketball is a sport that places increased lateral stress on the ankles, it seems obvious that a shoe with more material around the ankles would be better.
High tops still can’t prevent sprains from happening, though. There’s still movement going on inside the shoe. The best choice for players looking to prevent injury or avoid recurring problems is to wear a shoe that provides support underfoot, prevents excessive lateral movement, and promotes heel stability. If you’re concerned about ankle support, you should also look into strengthening exercises as part of your injury prevention routine.
When selecting a shoe for the court, keep in mind that even if a shoe is billed as supportive, it may not be a comfortable fit for you. Ensuring the fit is right is important and that the shoe feels right on your foot. Don’t be afraid to size up or down if need be to ensure you are getting the most out of a shoe’s stability features.
Bottom Line
For our top picks, we’ve chosen the Adidas D Lillard 2 and the Adidas Harden Vol. 1. Both picks are sold at a mid-range price point and offer ample support.
You don’t need additional material around your ankle to ensure support. Whether you pick a low-top or high-top shoe, your main concern should be a proper fit. It’s important that your foot is not slipping inside the shoe, that’s usually a sign that the fit is not correct. You’ll also want to pay attention to whether the shoe provides support underfoot in the form of a stable base. Good traction plays a large part in ensuring you are grounded and safe from slippage. Stability features, such as a secure fitting upper, are also important. Comfort is something else to keep in mind when choosing a shoe for your sport. Adequate midsole cushioning will provide a comfortable ride but it will also provide support underfoot. Ensuring that you are well-protected from
Stability features, such as a secure fitting upper, are also important. Comfort is something else to keep in mind when choosing a shoe for your sport. Adequate midsole cushioning will provide a comfortable ride but it will also provide support underfoot. Ensuring that you are well-protected from impact will also help to reduce potential injuries. Our top picks include all of these things, but, of course, you’ll have to test the shoe yourself to ensure the fit is right for you. Should the fit be right, the picks featured in this list should provide you with the support you need to keep training and playing injury free.
