Easy Spirit Men's Brooks Ankle Boot

Product Information

If you have flat feet or fallen arches, wearing a running shoe with motion control that limits excessive pronation (when the ankle rolls downward and inward an excessive amount as you step) can help you avoid discomfort and injury. One of our favorite shoes for flat feet, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 is designed with the brand’s signature motion control technology that helps control pronation and prevent ankle rolling. Weight: 11.3 ounces | Materials: Suede leather and synthetic mesh upper, foam and polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

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. Fit: When we put each shoe on for the first time, we take note of its initial fit: Is there a thumb’s width of space between our toe and the end of the shoe? Then, we start walking or running to see if there’s any rubbing, sliding, or shifting inside of the shoe during movement. As we continue to wear-test each shoe, we pay attention to if the fit and feel changes over time. The shoe doesn’t come in wide sizes, making it more difficult to find a custom-like fit. Still, we found the toe box to be roomy enough for wide-footed wearers.One of our favorite trail running shoes, Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX helps limit excess movement and prevent ankle rolling on wet, uneven terrains. During test runs in various conditions, we were impressed with the durable, waterproof upper that provides protection from the elements without causing our feet to overheat. The best way to protect your ankles from pain and injury is to wear supportive shoes and work on strengthening the muscles surrounding your ankle by performing certain exercises—like standing or seated calf raises and lower leg resistance band exercises, says our certified running coach. Another great practice is to try balancing on one foot for 30 to 60 seconds, alternating feet for five minutes—you can do this exercise anywhere, anytime to build up ankle strength. Before any activity, you should always consider doing ankle warmup exercises. We noticed that the heel cup may be too low for some, causing a light strain on the Achilles tendon. If you're not prone to tight calves, this shouldn't be an issue. Weight: 8.9 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Best for men who need a comfortable, durable shoe with ankle support and stability for exercise and casual wear. Also available in Purple, sold separately. Style Code: Lexis-ULB333-Navy – Lotus Lexis Navy Patent Ankle Boots Weight: 8 ounces | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 8.5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 The New Balance 1540v3 is our top recommendation for those who just want some support for their daily walks. All New Balance sneakers excel when it comes to cushioning, stability, and support, and this one is no exception. While it's a little heavier than the average shoe, it makes up for it with roll support and a breathable mesh upper. What We LikeThese shoes are more expensive than others on our list, but worth the investment if you’re a serious hiker. To find the best shoes for those with weak, painful, or injured ankles, we sifted through all of the shoes we’ve wear-tested—over 130 pairs—to find ones that offer additional ankle support. When we test shoes, we evaluate each option based on the following criteria: Weight: 10.2 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Altra’s Women's Rivera 3 is a high-quality, durable running shoe with responsive cushioning and a lightweight feel. However, we found the support to be inadequate, and we’d be concerned about running or walking in them on uneven surfaces. 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.

Cushioning: Evaluating a shoe for its level of cushioning can be difficult, as some wearers prefer a plush midsole, while others appreciate a firm landing. That’s why when we test each shoe, we pay attention to how well the cushioning absorbs impact as our foot hits the ground. We also take note of any foot, knee, or leg instability, fatigue, or pain. Regardless of the level of cushioning—plush or firm—shoes earn high scores if they keep our feet comfortable and protected throughout testing. A good rubber outsole should offer lots of traction, which in turn prevents your feet from rolling inward or outward. This stops your ankle from moving any more than is needed, helping to reduce your risk of injury. Look for decent soles with deep, wide grooves, which typically offer the most traction. Support 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? Since these are motion control shoes, they are not as plush and comfy as other options on our list.

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Some sneakers have an extra eyelet at the top that you can use for additional ankle support. If not, lace your shoes all the way up through the top eyelets and tie a tight double-knot to secure the laces, ensuring a snug fit around the ankle. During testing, we found the toe box to be a bit narrow, but the shoe is available in wide sizes for those who need more space. The Lunar design team believes that you are as passionate about shoes as they are. Above all, they strive to bring you unique seasonal designs, incorporating the best trims in the latest colours. Lunar Shoes use only the best available materials while maintaining an affordable price. It’s not an easy job!