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Best Shoes for Ankle Support & Weak Ankle


There are many reasons as to why your ankles can become weak, and similarly many things you can do to strengthen them.

The number one factor to keep in mind though with weak ankles is to wear footwear that protects and strengthens your ankles sufficiently as to prevent injuries.


Weak Ankle Symptoms and Causes

The most common symptom that you will notice if your ankles are weak, is that they start turning or rolling towards the outside. Your feet and ankles may become sore, particularly after activities or walking, they will twist out when you walk, and you may have trouble keeping the, straight when wearing a heeled shoe. Weak ankles may likewise cause issues in balance and increase your risk for ankle sprains and injuries.

A few of the Main causes of weak ankles may include;

  • Diabetes – Most individuals who suffer from Diabetes also suffer from nerve damage known as Peripheral Neuropathy, which can cause pain and weakness in many parts of the bodies. Neuropathy is most likely to affect the limbs, and therefore your ankles are a target.

  • Improper Footwear – Incorrect footwear does not only cause and aggravate weak ankles, but also foot deformities and pain. Shoes that are too narrow, high pointy heels, and shoes that offer no support are all hazardous to the health of your ankles.

  • Osteoarthritis – This is a condition which is caused when the cartilage between your bones become worn out and broken down. Though it is more common in older people it can still affect anyone at any age. Osteoarthritis causes weakness, instability and a reduced range of motion when it affects your ankles.

  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction – PTTD (Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction) which can also be called adult flatfoot, referring to a flat or fallen arch in adults, usually caused by an impact injury, overuse =, or excessive weight gain, can cause both heel and ankle pain when walking or running.

  • Chronic Ankle Instability – Chronic Ankle Instability may develop after and ankle injury, sprain or strain, and causes your ankles to repeatedly roll to the side. This leads to the ankle feeling wobbly, and persistently feeling sore and becoming swollen.

  • Ankle Injuries -Ankle Strains, Sprains, Fractures and Dislocations will all lead to weakening of the ankle in future, particularly if they do not heal properly, and when you do not get the required medical care.


By strengthening the muscles around your ankles, you can improve a weak ankle and strengthen it substantially to prevent pain and instability. There are also many at home treatments to help with pain and inflammation brought on by a weak ankle.


Exercise Routines for Weak Ankles

Exercises to strengthen weak ankles are the best way forward, so here are a few routines that you can use;

  • Resistance Push – Sit in a chair, raise your feet of the floor, and place a resistance band under the ball of your foot, holding the ends in your hands. Now slowly flex your ankle down as far as you can, and slowly return it to normal. Repeat this ten times for every foot.

  • Heel Walks – Stand upright, lift the front of your feet of the ground by raising your toes and standing on your heel, and walk like this across the room, once a day.

  • Flex and Stretch – Lie on your back heels on the floor, toes pointing towards the ceiling. Point your toes forward as far away from you as you can, and hold for three seconds. Do this a couple of times daily.

  • Stand on One Foot – Stand next to a chair with your feet shoulder width apart. Lift the one foot an balance on the other, holding on to the chair for the support, for a few seconds aside.

  • Standing Calf Raises – Stand up straight with your feet hip width apart. Now raise your heels both and hold for a few seconds, and place them down again slowly, repeat this a few times. You can hold on to a rail for support if you need to.


Features of a Good Weak Ankle Shoe

Asics Blue and Gray Shoes

  • Sole – Look for a robust sole that flexes and provides good grip on any floor surface.

  • Cushioning – Foam, padding, memory Foam or EVA cushioning is ideal particularly in the heel to protect your feet and ankles against impact.

  • Roomy Toe Box – Look for a comfortable and roomy toe box with enough wiggle room for your toes to prevent squeezing and irritation.

  • High Back – For weak ankles, you should avoid shoes with low or no backs at all, and rather opt for a high padded back or backstrap, or a high-top shoes or boot style shoe.

  • Low Heels – A low heel or rocker heel provides much better stability and is much safer for weak ankles.

  • Fit – Make sure the length and width of the shoe fit snugly, yet does not squeeze your feet. A few added millimeters in length at the toe is always advisable in any good shoe.


Reviews: The Best Shoes for Weak Ankles

Here are the best brands and models of shoes that are ideal for weak and painful ankles;


This walking shoe from Propet for men and women is the ideal walking shoe to strengthen and protect your ankles when walking.

Top Features:

  • Supportive leather uppers with breathability features and a secure Velcro closure.
  • Flexible and soft design, yet provides excellent stability.
  • EVA cushioned, shock absorbing midsole.
  • High traction rubber outsole for dry and wet surfaces.
  • Generously padded for comfort with a sturdy heel and ankle design.

1 Shoes for Weak Ankles

Men's

Propet Life Walker

Propet Women's Tour Walker Strap II Sneaker,White,10.5 W (US Women's 10.5 D)
2,059 Reviews
Women's

Orthofeet

Orthofeet Men's Orthopedic Black Leather Glacier George Boots, Size 11 Wide
72 Reviews

An Orthopedic shoe that is ideal for weak ankles with a comfortable extra depth and non-binding design.

Top Features:

  • Comes with a premium contoured orthotic insole with additional padding in the heel.
  • Extra depth and non-binding design with seam free interior linings.
  • A roomy toe box area and availability in wider widths.
  • Ortho Cushioning system for shock absorbency and a lightweight high traction and flexible rubber outsole.

2 Shoes for Weak Ankles

Men's

Orthofeet Glacier

Orthofeet Women's Orthopedic Black Suede Florence Boots, Size 8 Wide
587 Reviews
Women's

Propet Pedic

Propét Men's Surfwalker II Sandal,Black,11 X-Wide
283 Reviews

A comfortable and supportive summer sandal with a supportive heel strap to support weak ankles and a comfortable hook and loop strap adjustable closure design.

Top Features:

  • Open toe design with nubuck or full grain leather uppers with a smooth lining.
  • A high traction polyurethane outsole for durability and support.
  • Comfortably padded insole and a leather lining.
  • Hook and Loop adjustable closure strap.
  • Supportive ankle and heel strap.

3 Sandals for Weak Ankles

Men's

Propet Surfwalker

Propet Women's Pedic Walker Shoe, Black Stretch, 10 W US
84 Reviews

The Asics gel Nimbus 21 is one of your top choices in running shoes that will protect your ankles for injuries.

Top Features:

  • Comfortable and supportive leather and mesh uppers, that are also lightweight and breathable.
  • Gel cushioning in the forefoot and heel for extra cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • A padded collar fit to protect your ankles.
  • Durable and high traction rubber outsole.

4 Running Shoes for Weak Ankles

Women's

Saucony ProGrid ST2

Saucony Men's ProGrid Mirage 2, White/Blue/Citron, 9 M US
98 Reviews

The Saucony ProGrid ST2 is a great running and walking shoe on a budget, with stability and support for a low and neutral arch.

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to just choose the cheapest pair. There are some quality

Top Features:

  • Excellent Stability support for a low and neutral arch, Which in turn is ideal for a weak ankle.
  • Completely leather uppers and a low heel drop.
  • Durable rubber outsole.
  • Smooth moisture wicking interior linings.

5 Shoes for Weak Ankles

Women's

Dr. Marten Classic

Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Lace Up Boots, Black, 13 Women/12 Men
7,322 Reviews

This is a very tough and almost indestructible design boot that can be worn casually or for work. The Dr. Martens boot has a design that supports and keeps your ankles safe.

Top Features:

  • 1005 genuine leather uppers constructed using the tough Goodyear welt Methods.
  • A Dr. Martens Patent air-Cushioned sole, for cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • Durable and thick high traction, and slip and oil resistant rubber outsole.
  • Lace up features for an adjustable fit.
  • Firm and stable support.

6 Leather Boots for Weak Ankles

Men's

Dr. Marten Classic

Dr. Martens Women's 1460 Smooth Leather 8 Eye Boot, Black, 7
28,194 Reviews

Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Weak Ankles


No. Shoe Men Women Brand Rating
1 Propet - Shoes for Weak Ankles
Life Walker
Tour Walker
Propet 90
2 Orthofeet - Shoes for Weak Ankles
Glacier
Orthofeet 90
3 Propet - Sandals for Weak Ankles
Surfwalker
Pedic
Propet 86
4 Asics - Running Shoes for Weak Ankles
Gel Nimbus 21
Gel Nimbus 21
Asics 90
5 Saucony - Shoes for Weak Ankles
ProGrid Mirage ST2
ProGrid ST2
Saucony 86
6 Dr. Marten - Leather Boots for Weak Ankles
Classic
Classic
Dr. Marten 92

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