The 6 Best Ankle Support Shoes for Walking, According to a Physical Therapist

If you have weak or wobbly ankles, even the best walking shoes might not work for you. No, you need the best ankle support shoes around.

What's the difference? And what's an ankle support shoe, exactly? An ankle support shoe has extra support in the midsole to help keep your joints safe and stable while you walk. Keeping your ankles safe during walking workouts is key if you want to stay free of injury.

So how do you go about finding the best one? Here, experts share six of the best walking shoes for ankle support and exactly how to find the best fit for you.

We chatted with Melissa Garcia, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments Seattle, who works with plenty of walkers and runners with wobbly ankles. She told us about all the best ankle support shoes and what factors to consider before buying. These top picks are based on the following criteria. You can learn more about how we cover products here.

• Stability
• Comfort
• Durability

If you look around your local trail, you'll probably see a lot of people wearing Nike's React shoes. And considering their innovative technology, it's no surprise.

React's cushioning system responds to your feet while providing a lightweight, plush feel, according to Garcia. Still, they're durable and can withstand even your longest walks.

These are a pair of motion-control shoes, meaning they're designed to reduce how much your feet and ankles wiggle around while you walk, she says. They're all about max support.

Regardless of if you're prepping for a marathon or heading to the grocery store, the Asics GT-2000 12 is a versatile, supportive shoe to consider on your hunt for the best ankle support shoes for your feet.

"These shoes feature a good amount of responsive cushioning, combining additional support for [ankle collapse]," Garcia says. The GT-2000 12 is made with a cushioned heel, which is great for stabilizing your heel with each step, she says. Plus, the midfoot's cushioning absorbs shock as you walk.

The Brooks Adrenaline is made with support and stability in mind. It has inner GuideRails, which limit unwanted movement in your ankles and heels, according to Garcia. The uppers (tops of the shoes) have breathable mesh that gives you a little stretch while keeping your foot securely in place without being too tight.

An excellent walking or running shoe, the New Balance 1540 is built with two layers of sturdy and comfortable foam that gives a structured feel. But this foam is also responsive, so your feet won't feel clunky or heavy as you walk around in this pair.

"This shoe is a breathable yet highly durable option with good arch support," Garcia says. Plus, the shoe's durable midsole will keep your sneakers in good condition mile after mile. This makes it one of the best shoes for flat feet.

In some cases, shoes for weak ankles can feel overly stiff or rigid. But Saucony's stable ankle support shoes don't sacrifice the springy you want in a good pair of walking sneakers.

"This shoe advertises springy cushioning while combining significant stability throughout the medial arch," Garcia says. "With more energy return, the wearer will feel more efficient with every step, potentially improving their ability to walk longer distances."

The Omni is also built with a wider base, giving a more generous, roomy fit. The breathable upper features Saucony's FORMFIT fabric, flexing and fitting with your unique foot.

Hoka shoes may look a little unconventional, but the midsole has a meta-rocker design, helping propel you forward with each step during your run, Garcia says. Compared to other Hoka shoes, the Bondi is extra supportive, giving your ankles the protection they need.

The internal cushion in the heel is another bonus, helping keep your foot locked in place. One of the last things you want is your heel slipping in and out of your sneaker mid-jog.

When you're shopping for the best walking shoes for support, search for a pair that's label mentions "control" or "stability."

"These shoes are more structured through the heel cup and more supportive through the sides," Garcia says. "This decreases the amount of excessive movement through the foot and ankle."

Depending on your level of needed support, you may even want to arm your shoes with personalized insoles. Podiatrists can help recommend or design them for you.

Stability shoes can sometimes feel a little too firm, depending on the pair you're trying, Garcia says. That's why you want a pair of shoes that fits your feet as comfortably as possible. After all, you don't want to feel clunky or heavy while you're walking.

Whether your ankle tends to collapse in or out as you walk, buying a pair of shoes with a loose-fitting heel cup will only worsen the issue, allowing your ankle to move more while you're walking and increasing your risk of ankle injury.

"[Supportive shoes] have a stiff heel cup to provide stability through the ankle joint,"Garcia says. You can also look at the width of your feet to help determine whether the heel will stay in place. If the shoes are built with a wider base but your feet are more narrow, your heels have a higher chance of slipping out with each step.

When you find the perfect shoe, take it on some long walks to see if it really holds up. Not only will this guarantee a good fit, but safe and snug ankles, too. If it doesn't pass the test, don't settle; send it back. "Breaking in" walking shoes shouldn't be necessary. They're either comfortable or they aren't.