Ankle joint is one of the important joints in the human body that allows you to walk, run, jump, and perform many other useful functions. However, due to muscle injury, ligament tear, tendon sprain, or other medical conditions, your ankles may become weak and unstable, causing bad ankles or sprained ankles. As a result, you may not be able to perform your daily activities.
Among other treatment options, the right type of footwear can significantly reduce ankle pain and inflammation, and even reduce future injuries. If you’re a runner or someone who jogs most often, you may benefit from running shoes that can strengthen your knees.
Our research team have analyzed some of the best running shoes for bad ankles.
Best Running Shoes for Bad Ankles
Below are 8 best running shoes, as per our comprehensive research, for people with bad ankles.
Quick Winners:
Can’t wait to read the best? Based on our competitive analysis and rating aggregation, here are the winners (for both men and women).
AISCS Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes (For Men)
After reviewing and analyzing men’s running shoes for sprained ankles, we have concluded that AISCS Gel-Kayano 25 are the best.
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.7/5
Performance: 4.6/5
Skip ahead to reviews BELOW
ASICS Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes (For Women)
After reviewing and analyzing women’s running shoes for bad ankles, we have concluded that AISCS Gel-Venture 5 are the best.
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.5/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.7/5
Skip to reviews BELOW
What’s Bad Ankle?
Bad ankle refers to a single or a group of conditions of your ankles. Depending on the symptoms, you may have these common ankle injuries:
- Ankle sprain
- Broken ankle
- Cavus foot
- Achilles bursitis
- Flat foot
- Ankle instability
If the blow to your ankle joint is severe, one or more of your ankle bones can break, causing instability and intense inflammation.
What are the Symptoms of Bad Ankles?
If you have received a recent injury or the ankle joints have become weakened, you’ll notice some pain and inflammation. But to make sense of your severe ankle injury, you’ll need to understand and analyze a few symptoms of bad ankles. Below are some common symptoms of bad ankles:
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle injury
- Soreness of ankles
- Severe inflammation and pain
- Balance issues
- Limited range of motion
These signs and symptoms may be mild or severe. Also, if you’ve been struggling with an ankle sprain, and the condition is not improving, you can consult with your doctor.
Things to Consider Before Buying Running Shoes for Bad Ankles
When it comes to running shoes, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind. For example, shoes with the overall best support to your feet can benefit your ankles. Below are a few things you need to consider before buying the best running shoes for bad ankles.
Cushioning – We can’t stress the importance of an exceptional cushioning enough. Shoes with supportive cushion help reduce the impact on your foot when you hit the ground, thus minimizing the motion of your ankle joint.
Comfort – Shoes that are made with cheap material and have poor design might not be comfortable. For someone with a bad ankle, it’s important to wear running shoes that are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
Foot support – While most running shoes focus on foot stability and support – if they are really made for such purpose – very few actually provide ankle protection. When choosing the best running shoes for bad ankles, make sure the heels have enough support to avoid ankle sprains while performing your activities.
Size and fit – A running shoe that doesn’t fit true to the standard size may increase your chances of ankle and foot injuries. Also, shoes made by an unskilled person or with lousy equipment can have a poor fit.
Value – If you’re strapped for cash, you may go with a pair of running shoes that are inexpensive. However, most of the shoes that we have reviewed here are budget-friendly and affordable for the average user.
Best Running Shoes for Bad Ankles
1. AISCS Men’s Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.7/5
Performance 4.6/5
Kayano 25 by AISCS are great support shoes for men who perform intense activities and run most often. With more than ten color options to choose from, this shoe provides excellent ankle support to reduce your risk of an ankle injury.
These shoes have a cushioned interior that gives your feet the necessary support and stability while performing a high impact activity. The midsole uses a vertical flex groove, employed by a special design technology called Impact Guidance System (IGS), to help improve gait and reduce the imbalance.
Support and stability – Gel Kayano 25 shoes work best for preventing movement in the wrong direction and providing your feet with excellent stability. The outsole features a crash pad under the heel area to reduce pronation and allow a smoother transition.
Size and fit – Most fitness trainers and long distance runners found that the shoes fit true to its size. The roomy toe box area accommodates most wide width feet.
Comfort – These shoes have a cushioned interior and are orthotic friendly. The breathable and lightweight design gives your feet and ankle all the support and comfort to avoid any possible injury.
Advantages:
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable
✔️ Support bad ankles
✔️ Ideal for runners
✔️ Cushioned insole
Disadvantages:
❌ May require a break-in period
2. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.5/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.7/5
Gel Venture 5 shoes are designed for women with foot instability and need ankle sprain support while running. These shoes are also orthotic friendly; you can remove the sock liner and use custom shoe inserts.
The outsole is made of abrasion-resistant rubber material, which provides excellent traction and grip. The shoe upper is made of synthetic material, which’s lightweight and can withstand scratches and stains.
Foot support – The shoe can be used for running through rough terrains, as it protects against protruding objects and stabilizes your foot.
Style and design – These rugged runners have a mesh upper with bright overlays. Offered in 10 different colors, Venture 5 is designed to support heavy runners.
Size and fit – Venture 5 shoes are offered in both regular and wide width sizes. Most women reported that the shoes fit true to its size. In short, these are the best running shoes for bad ankles.
Advantages:
✔️ Durable and lightweight
✔️ Trail running friendly
✔️ Removable sock liner
✔️ Orthotic support
Disadvantages:
❌ Sturdy for running, but not flexible
3. Hoka One One Men’s Bondi 5 Running Shoe
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.4/5
These shoes have maximum cushioning for men who want a more smooth and comfortable landing while jogging or running. If you have ankle, foot, and back problems, these shoes will improve your condition and relieve the symptoms.
The lightweight, breathable upper helps your feet remain cool and moist free. The outsole features a thick rubber material for durability and support to your feet during high impact activities.
Foot support – People with unstable high arches and bad ankles can benefit from these shoes.
Comfort – With an ultra-thick outsole and cushioned interior, Bond 5 offers excellent comfort while jogging.
Size and fit – The shoes have a snug fit, with sizing options available between 9 to 12 for men. You also have a wide width size option for number 9.
Advantages:
✔️ Better traction
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable
✔️ Highly cushioned for support
Disadvantages:
❌ May be pricey for some people
4. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Bondi 6 Running Shoes for women also come in an ultra-thick cushion that provides your feet with stability and support. You can run and jog in Bondi 6 shoes comfortably, as this 6th version has a softer ride and supportive insole.
Despite its inflexibility due to the soft, bouncy cushioning, Bondi 6 has a wide base and durable midsole that can benefit long distance runners. The upper features mesh material that helps with breathability and durability.
Foot support – Women with unstable arches can benefit from Bondi 6, as the shoes nicely grip your midfoot and give it stable support.
Comfort – Bondi 6 are all made for comfort. Even if you run for hours in them, you won’t feel any discomfort and pain.
Size and fit – In terms of sizing, the shoe does a great job by providing you with a wide range of normal and wide-width options. More than 80% of users said the shoe was fit as expected.
Advantages:
✔️ Highly comfortable
✔️ Smooth and soft ride
✔️ Greater fit
✔️ Arch support
Disadvantages:
❌ Less breathable
Similar alternative suggested for unavailable product
5. Brooks Beast 18 Men’s Running Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Brooks Beast 18 Shoes are made for men with severe overpronation problems. These shoes help correct your movements and stabilize your foot. The lightweight, breathable upper mesh keeps your feet cool and dry while running and jogging.
The padded collars give your ankle soft and comfortable support to reduce possible ankle sprains. The midsole features a Progressive Diagonal bar, which stabilizes unstable arches and corrects overpronation.
Comfort and stability – Beast 18 has engineered air mesh upper for enhanced breathability. The wide toe box and external heel counter accommodate wide feet and provide reinforced stability.
Size and fit – These shoes offer great size fit, with sizes ranging from standard lengths to wide width options. More than 80% of buyers said the shoes fit as expected.
Durability – The shoe has a qualitative outsole and midsole material that can withstand rough weather conditions.
Advantages:
✔️ Size fit as expected
✔️ Help with overpronation
✔️ Reduce plantar fasciitis pain
✔️ Comfortable and durable
✔️ Durable
Disadvantages:
❌ Heavy for some people
6. HOKA ONE ONE Arahi Women Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.1/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Hoka One One Arahi offers a responsive cushioning for women who run most often. When it comes to stability and support, Arahi comes out as a clear winner. Not only does it have a durable outsole, but its excellent design also gives your feet a natural movement for extra comfort.
Ideal for newbies as well as pro athletes and runners, Arahi absorbs severe impact and helps with a smooth landing. Besides running and jogging, you can also use these shoes for gym workouts.
Ground traction – The outsole features Zonal Rubber Placement, which gives these shoes durability and excellent ground grip.
Foot support – Arahi gives your feet the necessary comfort and helps to reduce the chances of injury.
Size and fit – The shoes were reported to be fit as expected. While the heel area is a bit narrow, the forefoot has a wide area for most feet sizes.
Advantages:
✔️ Better ankle support
✔️ Lightweight and durable
✔️ Sound outsole traction
✔️ Comfortable
Disadvantages:
❌ May run narrow for a few
Similar alternative suggested for unavailable product
7. Brooks Mens Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.5/5
Pricing: 4.6/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 Shoes for men are one of the most comfortable and supportive shoes on the market. Unlike most similar shoes, its upper features a lightweight and non-bulky design. It’s also flexible and breathable to help your feet remain cool.
For someone who’s exposed to ankle sprains and pronation issues, Adrenaline GTS 19 offers substantial support to reduce injury risks. Most users who tried these shoes appreciated its design, style, and support features.
Foot support – As an update to the previous stability shoes, GTS 19 offers support against pronation, ankle sprain, and foot injuries.
Fit and size – The shoes come in many different sizes, with both standard and wide width lengths. For many runners, the shoe had a snug fit and supportive interior.
Design – Made of a compound of rubber, the outsole of GTS 19 resists against the slippery ground. The midsole offers support to feet with overpronation and instability problems.
Advantages:
✔️ Better ankle and foot support
✔️ Non bulky outsole design
✔️ Helps prevent overpronation
Disadvantages:
❌ Several users had durability issues
8. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Shoes
Rating Scale
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.4/5
Adrenaline GTS 19 Shoes are responsive and comfortable running shoes for women with medium cushioning. These shoes perfectly describe Brooks’s slogan “soft yet responsive cushioning.”
The insole is made of smooth molded DNA foam, which cushions your foot while running. You can also replace the removable insole and insert custom orthotics, if the need be. Overall, these are neutral shoes with enough cushioning for your feet.
Grip and support – The interior of these shoes offer great support and cushioning. The heels have a plush grip and resist slip.
Comfort – These shoes provide a comfortable and smooth ride and better cushioning.
Size and fit – A wide range of sizing options to choose from. You have the options for both wide width and standard length sizing.
Advantages:
✔️ Comfortable design
✔️ Lightweight and breathable
✔️ Custom inserts
✔️ Well-padded interior
Disadvantages:
❌ Not stability shoes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best running shoes for bad ankles?
Depending on a specific ankle condition, you’ll find various types of running shoes for your problem. For lateral ankle instability, shoes with lateral firmness on the outside can prevent unnecessary movement. For general ankle problems, consider AISCS Gel-Kayano 25 for men and AISCS Gel-Venture 5 for women.
Do high top shoes help bad ankles?
High top shoes can benefit most ankle problems. However, you need to improve your muscles on the foot evertors to reduce any chance of inversion injury.
Can bad running shoes cause ankle pain?
Shoes that are poorly-made and don’t support your feet can lead to severe injury and ankle pain. So, yes! Bad running shoes can cause ankle pain.
Conclusion
An ankle injury can be painful. Not only does it limit your activities, but it can also cause further weakening of your joints. While they can’t be eliminated completely, however, you can reduce your chances of ankle injury by trying the right type of running shoes. After hours of research and data gathering, we have concluded that AISCS Men’s Gel-Kayano 25 are the best running shoes for bad ankles. For women, AISCS Gel-Venture 5 Shoes are the best. You can try these shoes and find out for yourself.
