The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Durable Ankle Support (2023)

Updated: April 13, 2023

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

3.71
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Review Average

4.7

2. Nike KD 15

Nike KD 15
  • Very grippy multidirectional pattern, working well indoors and outdoors.
  • Similar cushioning setup to the KD 14: soft, plush, good bounce.
  • Nice all-around support, improving on the already excellent support of the KD14.
Nike KD 15

Fan Average

3.82
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (326 votes)

Review Average

4.4

3. Puma MB.02

  • The tight, multi-directional traction pattern wraps up the medial side of the rounded outsole for a firm grip during lateral movements.
  • Dense cushioning gives more impact protection than the MB.01, with Nitro foam in the heel and forefoot and compression-molded EVA in the midsole.
  • Excellent heel-to-toe lockdown with a midfoot shank plate and thick midsole for firm stability.

Fan Average

3.00
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (4 votes)

Review Average

N/A

4. Under Armour Curry Flow 10

  • Outstanding grippiness, especially on clean indoor courts.
  • The Flow cushioning is nice and stable, without being too heavy duty.
  • Support is decidedly improved from the Curry 9. A huge win here.

Fan Average

3.66
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (141 votes)

Review Average

4.4

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

3.75
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (81 votes)

Review Average

4.6
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