Easy Spirit Men's Brooks Ankle Boot

Product Information

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. 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. 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. If you have weak or injured ankles or deal with ankle pain, choosing a pair of shoes with extra ankle support is essential to keep you comfortable and confident during exercise. To find the best ankle support shoes on the market, we began by interviewing experts—two foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons—for advice on key features to look for. Then, we tested over 130 pairs of shoes in the Verywell Testing Lab and at home to find ones that provide motion control, arch support, and grippy traction for optimal stability. 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

Since 1759, Lotus Shoes have become established as fine footwear specialists, because they provide customers with exceptional comfort and style. Saucony’s Women's Integrity Walker 3 features a durable leather upper, solid comfort, and reliable support—all at a budget-friendly price. Right away, we noticed that the cushioning feels firmer compared to other options we tested, providing exceptional impact protection and ankle stability on various terrains. 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 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 Jonathan R. Kaplan, MD, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California

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

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 Salomon brand offers a full lineup of trail running shoes, all of which offer ample support for weak ankles as well as flat feet. We especially love these shoes for how grippy they are, for their lightweight design, and for their ample weatherproofing. This is an essential brand for anyone who loves running through the wild. What We Like 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? There's a lot to love about the adidas Solar Glide 5, a good all-around athletic shoe that will protect your ankles during rigorous workouts. Everything about the shoe is made to enhance your performance, from the BOOST midsole to the lightweight knit upper. What's more, a large percentage of each shoe is made from sustainable and recycled materials, making this an excellent choice for the eco-conscious shopper. What We Like The higher the shoe, the more ankle support it provides. However, high tops also limit your range of motion, which may actually increase the risk of ankle injury if you're a runner. We recommend high tops for basketball and other sports. How do you strengthen weak ankles?

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Lotus takes inspiration from current fashions to create traditional yet timeless designs. This results in footwear collections that cater to a huge range of individual styles. The rubber outsole helps with traction and impact protection, while the padded tongue and collar offer even more support and comfort. And we love that the tall heel tab makes getting the shoe on and off much easier. Plus, the APMA-approved shoe’s toe box offers plenty of room for your toes and forefoot to spread out, which keeps us steady and balanced. 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. 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 Like

These are one of HOKA's heavier, bulkier sneakers, so they’re not the best choice for doing speed workouts. Weight: 7.3 ounces | Materials: Recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Closure: Lace-up | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5 Motion Control: Shoes that offer motion control or extra stability features, like Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22, help to decrease the amount of excessive movement through the foot and ankle—making them a good choice for those with weak ankles. With exceptional cushioning, stability, and support, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 sneakers are ideal for those with weak or injury-prone ankles. They feature the brand’s unique motion control technology that we found limits unwanted movement while also promoting a natural stride and proper foot alignment. During testing, we were impressed by the shoe’s stability and traction on various surfaces—including the treadmill, pavement, and light trails.Since these are motion control shoes, they are not as plush and comfy as other options on our list. Comfort: If your shoe isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it, so next up is assessing comfort. During each wear test, we pay attention to how the material feels: Are there any irritating seams? Do our feet feel overheated? Is there uncomfortable chafing or rubbing? We prioritize shoes that keep our feet cool, comfortable, and blister-free for hours at a time. 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 With a history spanning 250 years, Lotus have also developed an outstanding reputation in the industry. Offering women a variety of essential footwear styles that are loved because of excellent quality and fit.