If I had a dollar for every time I rolled an ankle while hooping, I’d probably be able to buy NBA2K24. Ankle sprains are basketball’s most common injury. And if you play ball, you understand how frustrating they can be.
When it comes to picking the right basketball shoe, ankle support should be a top priority. Not every basketball shoe is designed specially for ankle support. Some designs prioritize being lightweight while others focus on support.
That’s why it’s important to find the right shoe the right basketball shoe that fit your needs as a player. If ankle support is a top priority for you, you’re in the right place. Here are the 7 best basketball shoes for ankle support of 2023.
Drum roll…
7 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support of 2023
- Best Overall Basketball Shoe: Nike KD 15
- Best Signature Basketball Shoe: Nike Lebron XIX 19
- Best Selling Basketball Shoe on Amazon: Peak Lou Williams High Tops
- Best Adidas Basketball Shoe: Adidas Dame 4
- Best Budget Basketball Shoe: Under Armour Lockdown 5
- Best Low-top Basketball Shoe: Nike Kyrie Low 5
- Best Value Basketball Shoe : Adidas Harden Vol. 6
Nike KD 15
- Mesh Material with Boosted Flexibility
- Top-tier Ventilation
- Omnidirectional Traction Pattern for Grip
- Perforated Outsole Creates Elite Compression
- Scalped Heel for Achilles Tendon Support.
- Fit is True To Size
- Lacks Heel Containment
Shoe Overview
The KD 15 offers upgraded mesh for better comfort and breathability than the KD 14. Its robust rubber outsole excels with versatile traction, providing strong grip on various surfaces. Notably, it includes unique Achilles tendon support through a distinctive heel counter design. The KD 15 stands as a strong contender for the “Sneaker of the Year” title, making it a versatile choice for players, especially those with foot-related concerns.
Nike Lebron XIX 19
- Rear Air Max and Forefoot Zoom Air for Bouncy Spring
- Connected Air Units for Breathability
- Covered in Air Bubbles for Impact Cushioning
- Padded Tongue that Doesn't Dig into Player's Shins
- Best for Heavier/Explosive Players
- Not Recommended for Slower and Less Athletic Players
Shoe Overview
The Nike LeBron XIX 19, also a former “Sneaker of The Year” candidate, is among the best LeBron signature shoes. It boasts incredible cushioning, typical of the LeBron series, with rear Air Max and Zoom Air for strong shock absorption. Traction is good, performing better outdoors than indoors. The shoe features a comfortable, non-shin-digging tongue, a welcome improvement from the Lebron 18. It runs true to size and is recommended for heavier, more athletic players.
Peak Lou Williams 'South Beach' High Tops
- #1 Rated Basketball Shoe on Amazon
- Best for Outdoor Basketball
- Outdoor Wear-resistant Rubber
- Thick & Solid Outsole for Great Traction
- Peak 'STA Stabilization Module' to Help Reduce Ankle Sprains
- Not Great for Narrow Feet
Shoe Overview
Surprisingly, this is Amazon’s top-rated basketball shoe, and it’s your best affordable option for outdoor play. Made with durable rubber, the improved formula enhances its longevity, even in tough conditions. It features Peak’s ‘STA Stabilization Module’ on the front outer side, ensuring stability during lateral movements and reducing the risk of ankle sprains. A fantastic value for a long-lasting outdoor basketball shoe.
Adidas Dame 8
- Durable Rubber Outsole is Great for Outdoors
- Soft and Firm Mesh Flexibility & Movement
- Wave & Thunderbolt Pattern for Enhanced Grip
- Dame Line’s Cushion Technology
- Contains a Wide Base
- Lower Breathability
Shoe Overview
For an affordable outdoor basketball shoe with solid performance, consider the Adidas Dame 8. It combines soft and firm mesh in the upper, offering flexibility, but keep in mind it’s not as breathable as some rivals. The traction has inner wave and outer thunderbolt patterns, favoring quick movement but collecting dust. The full-length Bounce Pro cushioning has high density in the forefoot and low density in the heel. While it has pros and cons, the Adidas Dame 8 offers great value for those seeking a lightweight, flexible basketball shoe.
UA Lockdown 5
- Solid Rubber Outsole
- Herringbone Traction Delivers Great Grip
- Extremely Lightweight
- Air-mesh Tongue
- Crazy Affordable
- Not Great Aesthetics
Shoe Overview
It’s going to be hard to find a more affordable basketball shoe than the Under Armour Lockdown 5. Aside from not having the greatest aesthetics, this shoe has every thing you need in a basketball shoe. Durable traction, solid support, and adequate breathability. If you are looking for a low price basketball shoe that has great court feel & response, the Under Armour Lockdown 5 is a no-brainer.
Nike Kyrie Low 5
- Minimal Materials Offer High-level of Confort
- A Full-length Phylon & Zoom Air Unit for Cushioning
- Soft Padding on the Heel
- Outstanding Traction is the Shoe's Best Feature
- Swooped Ankle Collar for a Wider Range of Motion
- Best for Narrow & Medium Feet
- Not Recommended for Wide Feet
Shoe Overview
The Nike Kyrie Low 5 excels with minimal materials for maximum comfort and breathability. Its cushioning setup combines a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and Phylon in the midsole. Notably, its standout feature is remarkable traction, featuring a superior grip, even on outdoor courts. However, the shoe’s durability, especially for outdoor play, is a bit limited. It’s worth noting that the Kyrie Low 5 has a narrow design, making it less suitable for wider feet. For narrow to medium feet, true-to-size is recommended, while those with wider feet may consider going up half a size. This low-top version of Kyrie Irving’s signature shoe offers outstanding traction on all court types.
Adidas Harden Vol. 6
- Soft Upper that gives Flexibility in the Forefoot
- Excellent Traction Performance on Outdoor Courts
- Internal Ankle Pods to Keep Feet Secure & Stable
- Full-bed Boost Cushioning
- Affordable Price
- Lack of Ventilation
Shoe Overview
The Vol. 6’s upper softens as you wear it, making it more flexible in the front compared to the Vol. 5. While the tongue padding is minimal, the inside ankle pads help keep your feet secure. The traction is great, especially when you play outdoors. It now has a solid rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern, which makes it more durable. The cushioning has been improved with full-length Boost, making it more comfortable to wear. The toebox is a bit wider, which is good if you have wider feet. But if your feet are narrower or average, you can stick to your normal size or even choose a slightly smaller size. In summary, the Vol. 6 makes the adidas Harden line better after the disappointment of the Vol. 5. It addresses the issues and offers a more balanced performance.