Easy Spirit Men's Brooks Ankle Boot

Product Information

During test hikes, our feet and ankles felt well-supported and protected on various terrains. And the waterproof membrane kept our feet dry and comfortable, without causing any overheating or excess sweating. Plus, we found that the durable rubber outsole provides exceptional traction—adding to the shoe’s overall safety.

Weight: 10.5 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic leather upper, foam and gel insole, synthetic outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Weight: 9.1 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled engineered air mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 We tested over 130 pairs of sneakers, but only ended up including 10 pairs in our final list of recommendations. Although these shoes might be suitable for certain activities, they ultimately fell a bit short in terms of ankle support. New Balance’s 990v5 shoes feature a dual-density foam midsole that keeps us steady and balanced on various surfaces. Plus, the shoe’s padded tongue and collar provide more comfort and stability, especially around the ankle. And for even more support, we love that the shoes feature a blown rubber outsole that feels grippy and durable.

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If you're playing a sport like basketball, you may want to look into high-top shoes, which offer added ankle support. High tops also limit your range of motion, though, which means they're not as well-suited for activities such as running. FAQs About Shoes for Ankle Support Are high top shoes good for ankle support? Distance runners need a lightweight, well-cushioned, durable shoe for hours of support and comfort—like HOKA’s Clifton 9, one of our favorite HOKA running shoes. During testing, we immediately liked the soft, step-in feel and foot-hugging comfort. The springy midsole feels extra responsive and allows for smooth transitions. And despite the plush cushioning and ample support, the shoes are surprisingly lightweight. Responsiveness: Responsiveness refers to how effective a shoe is at propelling you to the next stride. To test for responsiveness, we spend weeks walking and running in each shoe to assess how springy or bouncy it feels when pushing off the ground. Shoes earn high scores for responsiveness if they prevent our legs and feet from feeling fatigued at the end of long walks or runs. Some general guidelines for strengthening weak ankles: Keep your weight under control. Always wear the appropriate footwear, including braces and other supports as needed. Do proper warm-ups and cool-downs when you work out. And try ankle-specific exercises, such as standing calf raises. Why are my shoes causing my ankles to hurt? The durable leather upper and plush cushioning does limit the shoe’s breathability, so your feet might feel hot in very warm weather.

We wear-tested walking, running, and hiking shoes and prioritized options that provide additional lateral support without feeling bulky and still allowing our feet to move in a natural way. We thoroughly examined each shoe’s fit, comfort, responsiveness, stability, cushioning, and value—scoring each one based on these key factors. A board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board also assessed this article for accuracy. How to Strengthen Weak Ankles Weight: 10.3 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Medium | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Also available in Purple, sold separately. Style Code: Lexis-ULB333-Navy – Lotus Lexis Navy Patent Ankle Boots Steven K. Neufeld, MD, foot and ankle surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Northern Virginia KEEN is known for making world-class hiking gear, and their KEEN Targhee II is an especially supportive option. A premium rubber outsole offers tons of traction, keeping you in control even when you traverse uneven terrain. Meanwhile, an external stability shank provides plenty of support without contributing extra weight. What We Like

Best if you have foot pain or plantar fasciitis and need a comfy, cushioned shoe for walking, running, and daily wear. Why We Love Them Best for men who need a comfortable, durable shoe with ankle support and stability for exercise and casual wear.