11 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support | 2024 Edition

“Like a sprained singleton, I’m nothing to play with…”

These are lyrics from a song called “Forever” that Toronto Raptors superfan and famous musician Drake once shared with the world. There are many reasons why this line hits home for many people, especially basketball players.

Since seemingly forever, ankle injuries have usually sidelined even the toughest ballers out there, truly making the tool unplayable.

Ankle sprains are also troublesome in that they seem to have a high likelihood of re-aggravation.

With this in mind, anyone stepping onto a basketball court should prioritize shoes that provide excellent ankle support. In most cases, high-top basketball shoes are known to give basketball players the optimal level of protection against one of the most common injuries in the sport.

Let’s take a closer look at the best basketball shoes on the market that emphasize ankle stability.

11 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support

1. Nike Air Jordan 36

Even though he has been out of the NBA for the better part of 2 decades, Michael Jordan’s sneaker products are still some of the best athletic shoes around. The former Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards star has a pair of Air Jordan 36s that provide reliable support that keeps players healthy and on the floor.

It features an internal heel counter, a midfoot plate, and phenomenal traction that keeps your feet in control of the action. Many think that a lack of traction can result in unnecessary falls (which is true), but it can also lead to awkward weight distribution on your ankle, which can cause tweaks or sprains.

That’s not a concern with the Air Jordan 36s, and comfort isn’t sacrificed either. The only potential concern for some players might be the reported tight fit of the sneaker, which could lead to a less-than-ideal amount of breathability.

Total Dick’s Sporting Goods Reviews: 28

Average Dick’s Sporting Goods Rating: 4.4

2. Nike LeBron 19

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has been a picture of health throughout his professional career, as Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ durability has allowed him to break a long-standing record. His LeBron 19 sneakers make players feel like their feet are inside an impenetrable Hummer vehicle, and like they can compete forever.

This product gets high marks when it comes to keeping an ankle in place, and giving an elite athlete stability as they move laterally on offense or defense. While stepping on another player’s foot is a hooper’s worst nightmare, the Nike LeBron 19s give an athlete confidence that they will come out healthy even if that scenario were to occur.

The advantage of this pair of shoes can also serve as a negative for some players. It is considered relatively bulky, which can weigh players down.

As such, the LeBron 19s may be best suited for players who operate primarily in the post.

Total Amazon Reviews: 294

Average Amazon Rating: 4.6

3. New Balance Kawhi 2

Another accomplished NBA player has a sneaker on this list, as Los Angeles Clippers dynamic forward Kawhi Leonard has an offering with New Balance that offers great ankle support.

It feels like the New Balance Kawhi 2s were specifically designed with this goal in mind. It has notable arch support and is made of sturdier materials than many of its peers.

This may lead to some players finding the Kawhi’s 2s a little stiff at first. This seems to be a common concern, but it should also be noted that once broken in, the sneaker becomes a good choice after that initial period.

Total Amazon Reviews: 1359

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

4. Nike Kyrie 8

The Dallas Mavericks took a leap of faith by acquiring All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets, but anyone looking to invest in a highly regarded basketball shoe at an affordable price should look to the Kyrie 8s with confidence. It has a versatile lacing system that gives players the unique ability to calibrate the type of fit they are most comfortable with.

The sneaker also offers a nice bounce component, meaning the shoe essentially gives you a little upward push as you bring your weight down on it. This split second of added boost can make the difference between grabbing a rebound or giving up the ball to your opponent.

While they’re a bit thinner than some other alternatives, people who play with the Kyrie 8s say they provide adequate ankle protection. They are also considered lightweight.

Total Amazon Reviews: 65

Average Amazon Rating: 4.7

5. Nike Jordan Why Not Zer0.4

Despite the somewhat indifferent name of this product, there are some legitimate justifications why an avid basketball player should invest in a pair of Jordan Why Not ZerO.4s. For starters, they’re pretty much ready to go for indoor track use once you buy them.

In addition, they have excellent heel and forefoot construction, which keeps your foot and ankle stable from the first quarter to the fourth quarter. The Why Not ZerO.4’s also allow air into the shoe to keep your feet feeling cool.

As touched upon above, these sneakers are most effectively deployed indoors. Their traction is a bit of a question mark, which comes into play more during matches held outdoors.

Total Amazon Reviews: 11

Average Amazon Rating: 5.0

6. Under Armor Embiid 1

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is making a strong case to win his first MVP award this season, and his Under Armor Embiid 1s could very well be the most valuable sneaker in your collection. The designers paid a lot of attention to making sure that players don’t twist their ankle on them.

Despite its snug fit, it packs a ton of cushioning throughout the shoe making it enjoyable to wear. It also features a TPU wing and a cut EVA sockliner, all of which are specifically present to protect your ankle.

When deciding which sneakers are best for a player, they should also consider the type of style they play on the court. The Embiid 1s are, perhaps to no one’s surprise, the best gear for players who will do most of their damage near the basket.

Total Amazon Reviews: 246

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

7. Nike KD 15

If you’ve been paying attention to My Outdoor Basketball and our product reviews (and there’s no reason not to!), you’re probably well aware that the KD 14s have consistently ranked as a great shoe in a wide variety of categories. The next edition makes our list this time, as the KD 15s are considered to be even more supportive than its predecessor.

This sneaker does what most high tops are designed to do—they will “catch” your ankle if it moves in the wrong direction at a dangerous angle. The KD 15s have TPU pieces built into the sides of the shoe to save you from a few days or a few weeks of injury.

This is not a knock, but for players who use different accessories in and around their shoe, keep in mind that the KD 15s run true to size. It may be best to try it on with your other items to ensure a comfortable fit before making the purchase.

Total Foot Locker Reviews: 49

Average Foot Locker Rating: 4.3

8. Under Armor Curry Flow 8

Four NBA titles later, you wouldn’t necessarily guess that Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry had some legitimate ankle injury issues as a young player. Before he became the deadliest shooter of all time, he had to find a way to stay on track.

As a result, anything he puts his name to will be well-regarded from an ankle support perspective, and the Curry Flow 8s fit that bill. These shoes are said to do a better job of providing stability than the Flow 7s, which is music to ballers’ ears.

This product has tremendous traction, so you’ll be able to confidently stop on a dime and leave your defender in the dust.

Total Amazon Reviews: 70

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

9. Nike Air Jordan 37

We started the countdown with His Airness’ trademark kicks, and we find another strong option here. The Jordan 37s have an extended collar, as well as neoprene ankle pads that take good care of your ankles.

As one would expect from a Jordan line, the Jordan 37s also promote bounce and burst, which will help you get off the ground faster than your opponent.

These sneakers are geared more toward games that take place indoors.

Total Nike Reviews: 35

Average Nike Rating: 4.7

10. Nike Jordan Zion 2

Bearing Jordan’s and New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson’s name, this sneaker is a solid, if the not spectacular, shoe. For the purposes of our purpose here, the Jordan Zion 2s get 2 inches up on the ankle support front.

It has a shin plate and a forefoot strap that keeps your lower limbs in place, so you can play with the freedom that Williamson does when he aggressively crashes the glass.

From a durability perspective, the Jordan Zion 2 may fall short relative to its competitors. However, it has a short break-in period, so it won’t be long before they feel like they’ve been on your feet for dozens of pickup games.

Total Nike Reviews: 23

Average Nike Rating: 4.8

11. Nike LeBron Witness V

As we’ve learned by now, sneakers that focus on ankle support can sometimes be a bit bulky. The LeBron Witness V is no different and may seem heavy to some players looking for more of a sleek feel.

However, in this particular case, mass does not equal the highest rigidity. The LeBron Witness V’s are made flexible, which helps navigate through some of the extra weight.

The Zoom Air pods on the bottom of the shoe also make it a comfortable choice.

Total Amazon Reviews: 5

Average Amazon Rating: 4.2