The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Durable Ankle Support (2024)

Updated: February 27, 2024

If you play basketball for long enough, whether it’s a pickup game or at the pro level, you are going to suffer a bad ankle sprain (or even worse, an ankle break). There’s just no way around it. You go up for a rebound and land on your opponent’s foot and immediately, you’re on the ground holding your ankle. However, there are many ways to reduce the risk, the most important of which is a basketball shoe that has proper ankle support.

When choosing the right shoe to prevent an ankle sprain, most people have recommended the high top over the low top. However, the evidence suggests otherwise. The best low top shoes are just as good at stabilizing your ankle and keeping it in its proper position after you go up for that jump shot and land awkwardly.

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for providing stable ankle support.

1. Air Jordan 38

Air Jordan 38
  • Biting, dust-resistant traction is ideal for indoor courts, though lacks the durability for outdoor play.
  • Responsive midsole with a double-stacked forefront Zoom units that give them a ton of bounce and excellent jump height.
  • Great ankle support from the extended collar and neoprene ankle pillows.
Air Jordan 38

Fan Average

3.47
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Review Average

4.7

2. New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2

  • Hexagonal traction pattern grips the court well during quick cuts.
  • Dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole is plush in the center with firmer foam around the perimeter.
  • Midfoot TPU plate provides firm stability, though some players do report heel slippage issues.

Fan Average

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Review Average

4.6

3. Puma MB.03

  • Aggressive multidirectional traction pattern that wraps around the forefront of the rounded outsole
  • Compression-molded EVA midsole, combined with Nitro foam pucks in the forefront and heel, give it firm, stable cushioning, though with little court feel
  • One-to-one fit with excellent heel-to-toe lockdown thanks to the TPU heel counter and a midfoot shank plate to prevent twisting

Fan Average

4.20
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Review Average

4.9

4. Adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY

  • Rubber outsole with a zonal herringbone pattern that grips well during quick lateral shifts.
  • Responsive Bounce Pro midsole is more rigid than past Dame iterations but provides good energy return from the TPU propulsion plate.
  • True-to-size fit with a supportive upper, midfoot strap and internal heel counter that combine with the wide base for good stability.

Fan Average

5.00
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Review Average

4.7

5. Nike LeBron 20

  • Traction is absolutely outstanding.
  • Cushion is bouncy with amazing court feel. Big upgrade over last year's LeBron.
  • Despite the lower profile of the shoe, stability remains rock solid.

Fan Average

3.76
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (89 votes)

Review Average

4.6
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