Kristian Ferrell
Basketball players are always at risk of ankle injuries due to the sport's side-to-side motion and unusual stress on the shoe. As such, it is important to find basketball shoes that provide good ankle support. While some people believe that high-top shoes provide more support than low-top shoes, there is no fact-based evidence that collar height affects ankle safety. Instead, it is recommended to look for torsional stability, where the forefoot portion of the shoe should not easily twist on the rearfoot. Other features to look for include a wide base and an outrigger, which increases the width of the shoe and provides additional stability. Additionally, it is important to replace basketball shoes regularly, as they can wear out quickly, reducing ankle support and the effectiveness of cushioning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shoe type | High-top shoes are generally considered to provide more ankle support than low-top shoes. However, some sources claim that there is no significant difference in the frequency of ankle sprains between players wearing high-top and low-top shoes. |
| Shoe features | Torsional stability, a wide base, and an outrigger are important features for ankle support. The shoe should be stiff and hard to twist, with a rigid platform to minimize foot twisting during lateral movements. |
| Shoe replacement | It is important to replace basketball shoes regularly, as they can wear out quickly due to the unusual stress placed on them. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) recommends replacing shoes once a month for high school athletes and more frequently for college and professional players. |
| Additional support | Some players may require additional ankle support, such as taping or braces, especially if they have a history of severe ankle injuries or frequent sprains. |
| Recommended shoes | Some recommended basketball shoes for ankle support include the Nike LeBron 22, the Way of Wade 11, the Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus, the Two WXY V5, the Brandblack Rare Metal 2, and the Zion 2s. |
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What You'll Learn
- High-top basketball shoes are recommended by the AAPSM and 68% of NBA players
- Torsional stability is a feature that prevents the forefoot of the shoe from twisting
- The best basketball shoes for bad ankles are those replaced regularly, according to the AAPSM
- The Zion 2s are the only shoe on the market that comes with ankle support
- The Nike LeBron 22 is a powerful performance shoe that caters to players seeking robust support
High-top basketball shoes are recommended by the AAPSM and 68% of NBA players
Basketball players need to ensure that their footwear helps to stabilise their ankles, especially when executing complex footwork. Ankle support is a must for any player, and high-top basketball shoes are recommended by the AAPSM and 68% of NBA players.
High-top shoes generally offer more ankle support than low-top shoes. However, a low-top shoe with torsional stability can provide more ankle stability than a high-top shoe without it. Torsional stability refers to the forefoot portion of the shoe not twisting easily on the rearfoot. This feature is crucial for improving ankle stability and preventing injuries.
The AAPSM suggests that basketball players, especially at the high school and professional levels, replace their shoes frequently, ideally once a month or even more often. This is because basketball shoes tend to break down more quickly than other athletic shoes due to the unusual stress, pounding, and lateral movement the sport demands. As shoes wear out, the leather upper stretches, reducing ankle support, and the cushioning becomes less effective, compromising ankle stability and potentially leading to injuries.
NBA players typically replace their shoes very regularly, with some sources stating they do so every 7-10 days, while others claim it can be as frequent as every 2-3 days or games. This frequent replacement ensures optimal performance and stability while minimising the risk of injuries caused by worn-out shoes.
While high-top basketball shoes are recommended for ankle support, it's worth noting that there is no conclusive evidence that collar height directly affects ankle/foot safety or athletic performance. The choice between high-top and low-top shoes ultimately depends on individual preferences, comfort, and specific needs.
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Torsional stability is a feature that prevents the forefoot of the shoe from twisting
Basketball players are prone to ankle injuries due to the sport's requirement for side-to-side motion and rapid directional changes. Therefore, choosing the right basketball shoes is essential for injury prevention, performance enhancement, and comfort.
Torsional stability is a critical feature of basketball shoes, particularly for players with weak ankles or a history of ankle sprains. This feature prevents the forefoot of the shoe from twisting, which in turn improves ankle stability. Torsional stability is achieved through the hardness, thickness, and torsional stiffness of the shoe sole. The sole should be stiff and rigid, making it hard or impossible to twist the forefoot relative to the rearfoot. This reduces the twisting force at the ankle, protecting against injuries caused by sudden movements like cutting maneuvers.
While torsional stability is essential, it is also important to consider the potential drawbacks of excessive torsional stiffness. Studies have found that increased torsional stiffness can lead to higher ankle valgus torque, increasing the susceptibility to ankle injuries. Additionally, excessive stiffness may limit natural ankle movements and reduce foot flexibility. Therefore, an intermediate level of torsional stiffness, such as the 60D stiffness mentioned in one study, may offer a favourable balance between flexibility and stability.
To test the torsional stability of a basketball shoe, grab the heel and try to twist the front of the shoe in both directions. A shoe with good torsional stability will have minimal movement during this test. Additionally, look for shoes with a wide, stable base and a sole that protrudes visibly on the lateral side of the forefoot, as this provides a wider landing and push-off area during cuts.
It is worth noting that, while shoe choice is important, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) emphasizes the significance of regularly replacing basketball shoes, especially for those with ankle problems. Basketball shoes undergo unusual stress and breakdown more quickly than other athletic shoes, and wearing worn-out shoes can put your ankles at risk.
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The best basketball shoes for bad ankles are those replaced regularly, according to the AAPSM
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) suggests that the best basketball shoes for bad ankles are those that are replaced regularly. According to the AAPSM, basketball shoes should be replaced once a month for high school athletes, and even more frequently for college and professional players. This is because the unusual stress and lateral movement of basketball cause the shoe to break down more quickly than other athletic shoes. The leather upper will stretch, reducing ankle support, and the cushioning will become less effective.
Therefore, when it comes to basketball shoes for bad ankles, it is more important to focus on regular replacement than on any specific shoe model. That being said, there are certain features that can improve ankle stability in basketball shoes. Torsional stability, for example, is a crucial feature, as it prevents the forefoot portion of the shoe from twisting on the rearfoot. This can be tested by grabbing the heel of the shoe and trying to twist the front of the shoe clockwise and counter-clockwise; there should be very little movement.
Additionally, high-top shoes generally offer more ankle support than low-top shoes. However, this is not always the case, as a torsionally stable low-top shoe can provide more ankle stability than a torsionally unstable high-top. It is worth noting that some sources dispute the notion that high-top shoes provide better ankle support, arguing that there is no fact-based evidence that collar height affects ankle/foot safety or athletic performance.
Some specific basketball shoe models that are often recommended for ankle support include the Nike LeBron 22, the Way of Wade 11, the Brandblack Rare Metal 2, and the Two WXY V5. The Zion 2s are also mentioned as the only shoe on the market that comes with ankle support.
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The Zion 2s are the only shoe on the market that comes with ankle support
Basketball players are prone to ankle injuries, and wearing the right shoes can help prevent them. While there are many basketball shoes on the market that offer ankle support, the Jordan Zion 2s stand out as the only shoe that provides exceptional ankle support.
The Zion 2s are the second signature shoe of basketball star Zion Williamson, known for his powerful playing style. The shoe's design and structure are built to withstand a lot of force and aggression on the court, making them ideal for bigger players who need impact protection. The Zion 2s are a mid-top shoe, a rare find in today's market, which offers added support around the ankles. The shoe's upper is constructed with multiple layers of durable, supportive materials, providing stability and force containment.
The Zion 2s also feature a thick and bolstering heel counter, which provides rigidity and helps prevent ankle twisting. The ankle area is padded for added support and comfort, although some reviewers noted that the padding caused discomfort until the shoe was properly broken in. The shoe also includes a forefoot strap that allows customization of the fit and support around the ankle.
While the Zion 2s excel in ankle support, they do have some drawbacks. The shoe is initially very stiff, and the materials are not very breathable, which may cause discomfort until they are broken in. Additionally, the forefoot area is narrow, which may cause pinching pain for some wearers. Despite these minor issues, the Zion 2s remain an excellent choice for players seeking superior ankle support and stability on the court.
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The Nike LeBron 22 is a powerful performance shoe that caters to players seeking robust support
Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of side-to-side motion, which makes ankle support critical. While there is no single best shoe for ankle support, there are several features that can help stabilise your ankles. Torsional stability is one of the most important features, as it prevents the forefoot portion of the shoe from twisting on the rearfoot. Another feature to look out for is a stiff collar that wraps securely around the lower leg.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball shoes with good ankle support can help reduce the risk of injuring your ankles. However, there is no consensus on whether high-tops or low-tops are better for ankle support. While some sources claim that high-tops provide more ankle support, others claim that there is no fact-based evidence that collar height affects ankle safety. Ultimately, the most important feature of a basketball shoe for ankle support is torsional stability, which prevents the forefoot portion of the shoe from twisting on the rearfoot.
Here are some recommended basketball shoes for people with bad ankles:
- Nike LeBron 22
- Way of Wade 11
- Brandblack Rare Metal 2
- Two WXY V5
- Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus
- Zion 2s
- Luka 1s
- Harden Vol 6/7
- LeBron 20
- Dame 8
- KD 15s
- Kyrie
- Ja 1's with Zamst ankle braces
Yes, some alternatives to basketball shoes for people with bad ankles include ankle braces and taping. It is also important to strengthen your ankle muscles and ligaments through rehab exercises selected by a physical trainer or physiotherapist.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) suggests replacing basketball shoes once a month for high school athletes, and more frequently for college and professional players. This is because basketball shoes can wear out quickly due to the unusual stress and lateral movement involved in the sport.
In addition to torsional stability, you should look for basketball shoes with a wide base and an outrigger, which provides additional stability and makes it more difficult for the shoes to roll during hard cuts and crossovers. You may also want to consider the cushioning and comfort of the shoes, as well as the stiffness of the collar and upper material.
