8 Basketball Shoes That Are Best for Ankle Support

For months, we set out to find the top basketball shoes for ankle support. We tested the most popular pairs and paid attention to every detail. We felt the grip. We judged the heel lockdown. We even checked how each shoe felt during rebounds and fast cuts.

You’ll find out which ones are best for big men, guards, and all-around hoopers.

Here’s a list of top basketball shoes for ankle support:

Keep reading and find out which factors to consider before buying best basketball shoes for ankle support. Let’s begin!

Why Is Ankle Support in Basketball Shoes a Big Deal?

Here’s the thing:

Ankle support in basketball shoes helps prevent injuries like sprains and twists during games. Players make sudden moves and change direction fast. Without good ankle support, it’s easy to lose balance and get hurt. That’s why high or mid-top shoes with solid heel support and a tight fit matter a lot.

Now, let us tell you what happened to one of us.

A few years back, during a weekend game, we were using low-cut shoes. Everything felt fine until one bad landing. The ankle rolled. We felt a sharp twist and just collapsed. That one mistake kept us off the court for two months. It taught us one big thing: ankle support is not optional. It's a must.

After that, we started testing shoes that actually protect our ankles. We looked for strong collars, tough heel counters, and real cushioning. We also noticed that just height alone doesn’t help. A shoe needs to wrap your foot, lock your heel, and hold everything in place.

Want ankle support and a personal touch? We’ve got you. Here’s how to design your own basketball shoes online.

Now, let’s look at the top basketball shoes for ankle support that we’ve personally tested and approved.

Top 5 Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

The best basketball shoes for ankle support are designed with high collars, stable heel counters, and cushioned midsoles. Below, we’ve reviewed top models that passed our real-court testing.

Nike LeBron 21

The Nike LeBron 21 offers the strongest ankle support among current basketball shoes. Its high-top build, TPU heel counter, and plush cushioning make it ideal for power players. It locks the ankle firmly while absorbing heavy impact. This is the go-to choice for athletes who need full protection during intense games.

We wore the Nike LeBron 21 for three weeks of back-to-back games. The high-cut collar hugged our ankles and gave us full control. Every landing felt safe. The Zoom Air was super springy. And the heel never slipped once. It’s heavy, but in a good way. You feel locked in like a tank.

Total Score: 4.5 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5

• Durability: 4.5

• Breathability: 4.0

• Versatility: 4.5

Key Features

• The high-cut collar wraps the ankle tightly and keeps it stable during all moves.

• The TPU heel counter locks your foot in place and stops it from sliding.

• You’’ love Cushlon midsole, which gives soft, stable cushioning for hard landings.

• Zoom Air units give bounce and protect your feet from impact.

• The traction pattern grips both clean and dusty courts with ease.

• The internal strap across the midfoot adds a second layer of lockdown.

Pros / Cons

Air Jordan 38

The Air Jordan 38 is perfect for guards who need ankle support without losing speed. It has a mid-high build with solid padding. We also appreciate the carbon plate for stability and full-length Zoom Strobel cushioning.

We gave this shoe to our fastest guard, and he refused to give it back. The collar sits just high enough to protect the ankle, but not so high that it feels bulky. The carbon X-Plate adds stability under the arch, and the Zoom Strobel makes it super responsive. After one break-in session, it felt perfect.

Total Score: 4.3 / 5

• Comfort: 4.0

• Durability: 4.5

• Breathability: 4.2

• Versatility: 4.2

Key Features

• The mid-to-high collar gives your ankle enough protection without feeling stiff.

• The carbon X-Plate underfoot adds stiffness and improves stability during cuts.

• Zoom Strobel cushioning runs full-length and feels smooth from toe to heel.

• The extra ankle padding makes the shoe more comfortable during long games.

• The lacing system tightens evenly and holds your foot in place.

Pros / Cons

Anta’s gaining attention lately. Want to find out if they’re worth trying for a supportive basketball performance? Read about Anta basketball shoes and their quality.

Nike GT Jump 2

The Nike GT Jump 2 is built for those basketball players who jump high and land hard. It delivers top-level ankle support with a high collar and solid heel lockdown. Plus, there are also huge Zoom units. That’s why the shoe keeps your joints safe on impact.

We put the GT Jump 2 on during a full-court scrimmage. Right away, we noticed how cushioned the landings felt. The Zoom units are massive. You can feel the bounce on every jump, but the best part is the ankle support. The high collar and heel setup feels like a brace. It held us steady on every hard stop.

Total Score: 4.4 / 5

• Comfort: 4.2

• Durability: 4.6

• Breathability: 4.0

• Versatility: 4.7

Key Features

• The high-top collar supports the ankle during jumps and hard landings.

• React foam midsole in it softens impact and gives solid underfoot support.

• The TPU heel counter keeps your foot locked in during movement.

• The traction pattern grips well on both clean and dusty courts.

• According to reviews, the shoe is built for big players who need more protection on impact.

Pros / Cons

Under Armour Curry 11

The Under Armour Curry 11 is made for quick guards who also need ankle protection. It features a high ankle cut, which helps in support. You’ll also get super-grippy UA Flow sole, and internal padding around the heel. The shoe supports fast movement while still keeping the foot stable.

When we tested the Under Armour Curry 11, the grip blew us away. It sticks to the court like glue. We made quick cuts without any slide. The high ankle cut didn’t feel stiff either, and it gave us confidence with every crossover. Plus, the internal heel padding hugged our foot and kept everything stable.

Total Score: 4.4 / 5

• Comfort: 4.3

• Durability: 4.4

• Breathability: 4.5

• Versatility: 4.5

Key Features

• The UA Flow sole sticks to the court and helps with sudden direction changes.

• You’ll praise the Pebax plate underfoot, as it improves control and energy return during sprints.

• The Warp upper adapts to your foot for a snug fit that doesn’t squeeze.

• According to the reviews, the internal heel padding gives a soft, secure feel around the back of the foot.

• The shoe feels light and doesn’t slow down quick movements.

• The build is made for fast guards who don’t want to sacrifice protection.

Pros / Cons

Do you have big feet? Need ankle support and a wide fit? These are the best basketball shoes for wide feet.

Adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY

The Adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY gives great ankle support with all-day comfort. It features a sock-like fit, which many people praise. It also has a cushioned Bounce Pro midsole, so it can offer strong heel support.

Total Score: 4.3 / 5

• Comfort: 4.5

• Durability: 4.2

• Breathability: 4.3

• Versatility: 4.2

Key Features

• The Bounce Pro midsole gives soft and springy cushioning for all-day comfort.

• The TPU heel support keeps your foot stable during hard landings and cuts.

• Breathability is good, as the engineered mesh upper lets air in.

• Dame 8 shoe fits true to size and doesn’t need a break-in period.

• The style is clean and fits in on and off the court.

Pros / Cons

Even with ankle support, grip matters. Here’s how to increase traction on your basketball shoes.

If your shoes don’t grip well indoors, here are tips to increase stickiness on gym floors.

How Did We Select Top Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

We tested the top basketball shoes for ankle support by actually playing in them. We looked for shoes that protect the ankle during real games. We checked:

• How each pair fits

• How it feels when you land

• How well it holds your heel.

These shoes made the cut because they kept our ankles safe while we played hard.

We didn’t guess. We got on the court and tried every pair ourselves. We played full games in them and made sharp cuts. After each session, we checked if our feet stayed in place. If the ankle moved too much or the shoe felt loose, we stopped using it.

We also asked other players what worked for them. One of our teammates is a center and always has ankle pain. He told us which shoes gave him relief. Another is a fast guard. He shared which pairs helped him cut without fear of rolling his ankle.

So when we say these are the top basketball shoes for ankle support, we mean it.

High Top vs. Low Top: What’s Actually Better for Ankle Support

High top shoes are usually better for ankle support because they give more coverage and feel more secure. They help protect your ankle during jumps, quick stops, and hard landings. But the best support comes from how well the shoe fits, not just the height of the collar.

We’ve worn both. With high tops, our ankle always felt safer. It felt like something was holding it in place. Low tops with good heel grip were okay, but they didn’t give us the same locked-in feeling. If you’ve had ankle problems before, we’d say go with high or mid tops.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

The best basketball shoes for ankle support need more than just a high collar. Here’s what we always check before buying:

• Ankle collar height: Shoes with high or mid collars give your ankle extra support and stop it from rolling.

• Heel lockdown: A good shoe keeps your heel in place so it doesn’t move during cuts and jumps.

• Cushioning system: Soft and responsive cushioning helps you land safely and reduces pressure on your ankle.

• Upper fit: The upper should hold your foot snug without feeling too tight or too loose.

• Grip and traction: A strong sole with good grip helps prevent slipping, which also protects your ankles.

Now get out there, play hard, and keep those ankles safe.

Good ankle support is important, but so is knowing how to maintain your basketball shoes. Once you’ve found the right shoes for ankle support, here’s how to keep your basketball shoes clean and looking fresh.