If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out the best men’s & women’s shoes for ankle support, then we recommend Van’s Unisex Adults Sk8-hi Reissue as the best choice.
Foot and ankle pain affects approximately 20% of adults, and many people find it affects their daily lives.
Unfortunately, the fact is that most people simply can’t let foot and ankle pain prevent them from leading their lives, going to work, caring for their families, and enjoying times with friends.
For those people, it’s important to find the best shoes for ankle support.
Foot health is also an important part of your overall health, and a great way to take care of yourself.
Care for your feet now helps to prevent later feet problems and pain, so finding shoes that are comfortable, cushioned, and supportive is a healthy habit for a lifetime.
Finding shoes that are healthy, comfortable, and stylish is quite the challenge, so read on to find our favorites for the best shoes for ankle support and pain reduction.
In this post, we’ve reviewed the Best Men’s & Women’s Shoes for Ankle Support. These are:
- Best Option for Both Men & Women: Women’s Propet Stability Walker Strap | Men’s Propet Stability Walker Strap
- Runner-Up Option for Women: Orthofeet’s Milano Boots
- Best Value for Women: Ryka Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer
- Most Budget-Friendly for Women: Easy Spirit Romy
- Best Women’s Dress Shoe for Ankle Support: Kork-Ease Ryder
- Runner-Up Option for Men: Orthofeet’s Highline Black Men’s Boots
- Best Value for Men: Merrell Moab Mid 2
- Best Men’s Dress Shoe for Ankle Support: Clarks Men’s Vargo Mid Ankle Boot
- Best Casual Shoe with Ankle Support: Van’s Unisex Adults Sk8-hi Reissue
Best Shoes for Ankle Support Reviews
1. Best Option for Both Men & Women: Women’s Propet Stability Walker Strap | Men’s Propet Stability Walker Strap
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The Propet Stability Walker Strap is a Medicare approved shoe for diabetics, and it offers incredible stability, support, and all-day comfort to keep you energized.
It offers excellent traction and durability, so it’s a great shoe for long walks or workplaces that are hard on the feet.
It also has a removable footbed, so it’s friendly for custom orthotics. The Propet Stability Walker is an excellent choice for men and women who need extra ankle support in a comfortable, stylish shoe.
The Propet Stability Walker Strap has a full-grain leather upper with fashionable detailed stitching and perforations for breathability. The two adjustable straps are easy to use and let you customize your fit.
The brushed nylon lining wicks away moisture to keep the feet dry, while the padded tongue and collar provide comfort and prevent rubbing and friction.
It has a removable PU insole with an impact-absorbing gel heel pad and cushioning ridges. The EVA midsole provides contoured arch support and helps to maintain correct walking posture.
The built-in contoured heel stabilizer provides additional support, and the sole is wide for even more stability. The rubber outsole is made of rubber with a durable pattern for traction and grip.
These shoes are flexible, lightweight, and comfortable, while also providing exceptional stability and support for feet that need extra care.
The Propet Stability Walker Strap is available in black or white, in men’s and women’s sizes, and in widths from narrow to XX, so any foot can feel comfortable and supported.
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2. Runner-Up Option for Women: Orthofeet’s Milano Boots (Get 10% Off the List Price)
Orthofeet shoes are specifically designed to ease pain in the feet and heels, correcting for overpronation and safe for those with diabetes.
The Milano boots are fantastic boots for winter and poor weather, or simply for providing extra support in the ankle. These luxurious boots are Medicare-certified as women’s therapeutic shoes, and are designed to help women walk comfortably and pain-free.
They are an excellent choice in women’s shoes with ankle support.
The Orthofeet Milano Boots have a stylish leather and suede upper that is flexible and comfortable, with extra padding at the heel to reduce rubbing.
Inside, foam padding and a soft, seam-free liner eliminates pressure points and friction, giving a relaxed and comfortable fit.
The wide toe box provides extra room in the toe to alleviate pressure and keep the feet comfortable with every step. The soles have additional cushioning with ergonomic arch support and impact-softening construction.
The Ergonomic Stride design softens steps and improves stability, adding spring and comfort in your stride.
The Milano Boots also come with Orthofeet’s premium orthotic insoles that cushion impact and relieve pain in the heels, support and stabilize the arch of the foot, and have anti-microbial fabric to reduce odor.
These boots also come with Orthofeet’s removable spacers, that can be added or removed for a perfect fit every time.
Orthofeet’s Milano Boots come in women’s sizes from 5-12, and in widths from standard to extra wide. They are backed by a 60 day risk-free wear test so you can try them with no obligation.
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3. Best Value for Women: Ryka Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer
Ryka shoes have a great reputation among women’s active shoes, and the Tenacity model is an excellent versatile sport shoe for women.
Modeled on dance shoes, the Tenacity has an engineered midsole with extra foam cushioning at pressure and impact points, and RE-ZORB foam for responsive cushioning and shock absorption.
The I.H.G. clip provides extra stability in the heel, and the outsole has a pivot design that creates traction without inhibiting the range of movement.
These shoes have a support system that protects the ankle and provides comfort and stability throughout the shoe.
Synthetic mesh provides ventilation to keep the shoes cool and dry in action.
The Ryka Tenacity Cross-Trainer comes in black with a fun leopard patterned panel at the heel, and is a great shoe for reduced pain and ankle support, in the gym or around town.
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4. Most Budget-Friendly for Women: Easy Spirit Romy
The Easy Spirit Romy has been a customer favorite since it was first introduced 15 years ago. It’s an athletic shoe, designed for walking and light running, with a low, easy-on, easy-off shape.
The light weight and shock absorbing base give it all day comfort no matter how hard you are on your feet, and it has a wide range of fashionable colors and streamlined athletic style that suits any occasion.
The affordable Romy is a budget-friendly option for women who need ankle support in a stylish shoe.
The Easy Spirit Romy has a flexible leather upper with attractive, streamlined athletic style. It has a shock-absorbing sole, and a roomy fit with plenty of room for an orthotic insole.
The ultra-lightweight shoe has a removable sock liner for extra comfort, and a durable outsole for all-day comfort.
The Easy Spirit Romy is available in a wide range of colors, and widths from narrow to WW.
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5. Best Women’s Dress Shoe for Ankle Support: Kork-Ease Ryder
Dress shoes for women tend to expose the ankle, rather than support it. Finding a comfortable, pain-free shoe that can be dressed up for more formal workplaces or occasions can be difficult.
Kork-Ease shoes are recommended by podiatrists for keeping a woman’s foot healthy and reducing strain, and these Ryder boots are cute and versatile enough to go anywhere, with anything, in comfort and support.
The Kork-Ease Ryder ankle bootie has leather lining and a cushioned leather footbed for lasting comfort.
Extra reinforcing provides ankle support, while a rear zipper makes it easy to put on and take off. It has a 1 inch stacked heel, and rubber traction grip on the heel and center of the sole for non-slip traction.
The versatile design with real leather uppers and attractive details can be dressed up or down, making these a great choice for comfort and support even on formal occasions.
The Kork-Ease Women’s Ryder bootie comes in suede or smooth leather uppers, and is available in black, green, rum, taupe, blue, grey, dark brown, or rust colors.
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6. Runner-Up Option for Men: Orthofeet’s Highline Black Men’s Boots
Orthofeet’s Highline Black Men’s Boots strike an excellent balance between fashion and function in a men’s shoe, with a supportive collar, cushioned sole, and ergonomic technologies that provide arch support, stability, and impact protection.
The leather upper, high quality stitching, and rubber sole have a classic look that can go anywhere in style, while providing ankle support with every step. These are a great runner-up choice in men’s shoes with ankle support.
Orthofeet’s Highline Black Men’s Boots have a high rise for improved ankle support, with a padded collar that improves comfort and reduces rubbing.
The leather upper is stylish and flexible, with a foam lining that provides extra padding, and a seam-free construction with no rubbing.
The roomy interior provides extra space for toe movement and reduces pressure.
The lightweight soles have air pockets to absorb impact and provide ergonomic cushioning, along with arch support and enhanced stability.
The Highline Men’s Boots have a removable premium orthotic insole with improved cushioning, comfortable arch support, and enhanced impact protection in the heel.
This insole is lined with anti-microbial fabric and foam that reduces foot odor. These boots also come with removable spacers for a custom fit.
Orthofeet’s Highline Men’s Boots come in black or brown, and in widths from standard to extra wide. They are backed by a 60-day wear test so you can try them with no risk.
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7. Best Value for Men: Merrell Moab Mid 2
The Merrell Moab 2 is a waterproof hiking boot with the comfort and support of an orthotic shoe.
It’s an incredibly comfortable boot that is suited for all your outdoor adventures, with ankle support and added stability to protect feet from pain and from the elements.
It’s an excellent value in a men’s shoe with ankle support.
The Merrell Moab Mid 2 has a performance suede upper with M Select DRY that seals out water, while still allowing breathability, so your feet stay dry. Mesh panels keep your feet cool and comfortable.
The closed-cell foam tongue is designed to keep moisture and debris out of the shoe, and there is extra protection in the rubber toe cap. Inside, a breathable mesh lining and molded nylon arch shank provide more comfort and support.
The EVA contoured footbed has even more support in the arch and heel, with zonal contours. An EVA midsole provides improved comfort and stability. The Vibram sole has incredible traction with 5mm lugs, and an air cushion in the heel to absorb shock.
The Merrell Moab Mid 2 are available in four colors, and in standard or wide widths.
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8. Best Men’s Dress Shoe for Ankle Support: Clarks Men’s Vargo Mid Ankle Boot
It’s much easier to find comfortable shoes with ankle support when you are looking at men’s athletic shoes or work boots.
But a lot of men need a shoe that looks more formal than those styles, for the workplace or daily wear. Clarks shoes are famous for their comfort and durability, and the Vargo boot provides the comfort and support of a sneaker with a more refined style that can go nearly anywhere.
The Clarks Men’s Vargo Mid Ankle Boot has a style that is contemporary and classic, with a leather upper that gives it a reined look. However, the EVA sole provides the great durability and traction of a work boot.
Inside, it has soft padding around the ankle, arch support, and cushioned shock absorption.
It even comes with a removable ortholite footbed, for even greater comfort and pain relief. It’s a boot that looks like a shoe, feels like a sneaker, and provides excellent comfort and ankle support.
The Clarks Men’s Vargo Mid Ankle Boot comes in dark brown leather or dark tan leather.
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9. Best Casual Shoe with Ankle Support: Van’s Unisex Adults Sk8-hi Reissue
Vans are an iconic shoe of the 80s skate scene, but these shoes have grown up a lot since ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’
The reissue offers a whole new take on these classic shoes, with a huge variety of colors and materials that make these comfortable, versatile, unisex shoes worth another look.
The Vans Sk8 high top reissue has a supportive high top with cushioning for ankle comfort.
The padded collars have a die-cut EVA insert and triple stitching for excellent support and padding at the ankle. They have good interior room for wide feet, and a supportive sole for excellent comfort.
The vulcanized rubber sole is extremely durable, with a waffle pattern for great grip. True to their history as a skate shoe, they have a reinforced toe cap for extra durability at the toe.
While classic vans may not be your style, the Sk8 high top reissue has a huge range of colors and materials in the upper, so these comfortable, supportive shoes offer styles and looks that suit nearly any person, for nearly any occasion.
They are even unisex, and can be worn by men and women with the same fun, comfortable, casual style.
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What to Look for in a Shoe for Ankle Support and Pain Reduction
When you have ankle and foot pain, here are some of the key features to look for in a pair of shoes. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, check out our list of the best walking shoes specifically for that condition.
Depth. Even if a shoe isn’t a high-top, a shoe for ankle support should have good interior depth from the top where it meets the ankle down to the inside of the heel.
A deep shoe will provide greater ankle support, and shoes also need to be deep in order to accommodate cushioning and optional inserts. Shallow shoes not only lack their own support, but don’t leave you enough room to use assistive accessories.
Arch support or room for an insole. When standing in a shoe in a neutral pose, you should feel the inner sole of the shoe make gentle contact with every part of your foot, including the high point of your arch.
If a shoe is deep enough to fit an insert, then interior arch support is less crucial. But if arch support is lacking, then an insole is necessary. We prefer shoes that have their own arch support, with room for an insole if necessary.
Ankle support and ankle collar. Shoes that are high enough to provide ankle support should also provide a cushioned collar to prevent uncomfortable rubbing. High laces or straps allow you to adjust the fit around your ankle for comfortable support.
Heel stability. If a shoe has an elevated heel, it should be wide and thick, to provide extra stability. Instability in the heel forces the ankle to strain and balance in compensation, and this can exacerbate ankle and foot pain.
How to Care for Leather Shoes
Our favorite shoes for ankle pain have all those features, along with comfort, great fit, and style. For those reasons, many of our top pics are made of leather.
Leather is a high quality, natural material that looks great in footwear, but it can require some extra care and maintenance to keep them looking stylish and prolong their lifespan, particularly in rainy weather.
Here are some tips on how to take care of new leather shoes.
Waterproof Them Before Wearing Them
In mild climates, waterproofing isn’t always necessary, but if you’ll be wearing your shoes in rain, snow, or on muddy trails, it’s a must. You can use a waterproofing spray, wax, or cream.
Sprays are less effective, and need to be re-applied several times a season, while waxes last longer and can be applied once a year. Before waterproofing, clean the shoes, remove the laces, and then allow them to dry completely afterward.
Clean Your Shoes
Regularly wipe down your leather shoes with a damp cloth. If you wear your shoes every day, they should be cleaned weekly. In most cases, this is all that’s needed to keep leather shoes looking clean.
If necessary, use a leather cleaning product for a deeper clean.
Condition the Leather
Conditioning leather is like applying lotion to your skin; it keeps leather moist, supple, and new looking, while reducing or preventing scuff marks. It won’t necessarily make leather shoes shiny, depending on the product.
For a more rugged look, condition leather twice a year. For dressier shoes, shoes that are worn every day, or in dry climates, condition your shoes four times a year.
Suede shoes need different care, since they should not be cleaned with water and don’t require conditioning. Gently scrub them clean with a suede brush, and keep them out of rain, snow, and damp environments.
Store Leather Shoes Properly
Leather shoes should be stored in cool, ventilated areas away from direct sunlight. Storing them in airless plastic bags can lead to mildew or rot, while storing them in the path of heating vents can make them dry and crack.
Sunlight will speed degradation of leather. If storing for longer periods, use a cedar shoe tree to preserve the shape and reduce creases.
Following these tips will help you keep leather shoes looking and feeling great, and make the shoes more durable, so you can wear them comfortably and pain-free for years.
Strategies for Reducing Ankle and Foot Pain
In addition to choosing the right pair of shoes, you can also modify your daily habits to better protect your feet. Here are some strategies to help care for your feet in your daily life.
Use a standing mat. We all know that standing is much better for the body than sitting, and some people have jobs where they are on their feet all day. But standing in a stationary position on a hard surface for prolonged periods can be hard on the feet.
If possible, get a cushioned mat to stand on, to provide more support and cushioning than a hard floor.
Consider an Insole
Insoles are a great way to make sure that any shoe provides the right cushioning and support for your feet. Insoles go inside your shoes, so they can be used on any occasion or with any style of shoe, provided the shoe is deep enough.
You can choose an over the counter insole or get a custom-made orthotic insole for severe foot problems or unusual feet shapes.
Use Compression Socks
There are a huge range of elastic ankle braces and compression socks that can work with almost any footwear. These socks provide extra support to the ankle, and reduce foot swelling and joint pain.
They are often used after surgery and by athletes, but anyone with foot and ankle pain can benefit from the extra support and circulation provided by compression socks.
Use a good walking shoe. This list of the best shoes for ankle support and pain reduction is focused on shoes for everyday wear.
But if you are a fan of long walks or hiking, or if your daily routine requires lots of walking, it’s better to get a shoe designed specifically for that purpose. Here are our lists of the best walking shoes for men and women.
Get Foot and Leg Massages
If you can’t afford to regularly get professional foot massages, there are a wide variety of devices made specifically to massage the feet and lower legs.
These devices reduce pain and soreness, improve circulation, and can be a great way to practice self-care.
Taking a few moments out of the day to relax, calm yourself, and have a relaxing foot massage will relieve stress and anxiety as well as foot pain, and is a good daily habit.
Final Thoughts on Best Shoes for Ankle Support
If you are one of the millions of adults who has foot and ankle pain, it can be incredibly difficult to find shoes that both look good and feel good.
All too often, the most comfortable, supportive shoes are low on style, and aren’t versatile enough for a wide range of occasions.
That’s why we love the new Vans Sk8 High Top Reissue, and it’s our top pick for the best shoe for ankle support and pain reduction.
The Vans have a cushioned, comfortable style with plenty of support and stability, but a fun, fashionable look that can go almost anywhere.
The huge range of colors, patterns, and styles mean that you can pick up multiple pairs and have a great, supportive shoe for every outfit and every occasion.
The style isn’t just unisex, it’s universal, and they embody the youthful, retro look that is so popular right now.
The Vans Sk8 high top reissue proves that comfortable, supportive, pain-reducing shoes don’t have to be heavy, clunky, or unfashionable. And the design gives plenty of room for insoles, orthotics, or supportive braces and stockings, if you need even more support.
If you suffer from ankle and foot pain, don’t choose the wrong shoes just for the sake of looking good.
Make sure to take time to find the right shoes, stockings, mats, insoles, massagers, and other devices that will help care for your feet and your whole body.
Properly caring for yourself is one of the most important healthy habits you can develop, and will prevent future pain and problems later on.
