The 2 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support of 2025, Reviewed and Compare

Finding the right basketball shoes for ankle support is crucial in reducing the risk of injury on the court. While no amount of ankle collar height can completely eliminate the chance of sprains, selecting the right pair can make a significant difference.

If you are experiencing pain or instability in your ankles, consulting a physician before purchasing your next pair of basketball shoes is essential. Your health and safety should always come first!

For years, high-top basketball shoes have been marketed as the go-to option for reliable ankle support. However, our extensive review of 30 scientific studies reveals that this assumption may not hold true. A higher collar does not inherently guarantee protection against sprains.

Fortunately, there are proven strategies to mitigate injury risks. Utilizing ankle braces, applying tape, and opting for basketball shoes designed with stable platforms and lateral outriggers can greatly enhance your overall stability on the court.

Through our rigorous lab testing and data-driven approach, we meticulously evaluated dozens of basketball shoes, focusing on key aspects such as arch support and overall performance. In this guide, we present the 2 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support that stood out during our testing, each offering exceptional features tailored to enhance your game.

Nike KD 18

Pros

  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Propulsive energy return in the forefoot
  • Superb outsole traction
  • Solid ankle support and lateral stability
  • Secure lockdown and containment
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Good breathability for warm temperatures
  • Decent forefoot flexibility
  • Promising durability (okay for outdoor courts)

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not for wide feet
  • No major updates from KD 17

Key Features

  • Men to Women Sizing: Easily convert your size; for instance, 7 Men equals 8.5 Women.
  • Limited Edition: A special release celebrating Kevin Durant's legacy in basketball.
  • High-Performance Materials: Designed with a combination of mesh material for breathability and rubber sole for traction.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh Material
  • Inner Material: Cotton

The Nike KD 18 is best suited for basketball players seeking a balance of performance and comfort. This iteration features minimal updates, making it feel like an enhanced version of the KD 17, which previously offered well-rounded performance. In our lab tests, the KD 18 achieved high scores across nearly all categories.

One significant aspect of the KD 18 is its overall stability and cushioning, which contribute to a reliable on-court experience. However, a notable drawback is that this model has increased in weight by **1 ounce**, which may affect agility during play. Overall, the KD 18 remains a strong option for those who appreciated the previous model's capabilities.

Nike Sabrina 3

Pros

  • Stellar court feel from a grounded platform
  • Highly responsive with a propulsive forefoot
  • Excellent side-to-side stability
  • Amazing lockdown and containment
  • Reliable outsole traction
  • Super flexible and maneuverable
  • Much lighter than average
  • True to size and width

Cons

  • Low shock absorption
  • Not for outdoor courts
  • Not for wide feet
  • Lacks toebox durability

Key Features

  • Colorway: A bright mix of soft yellow and black, designed to stand out.
  • Responsive Zoom Air cushioning: Provides excellent energy return and comfort during play.
  • Durable multi-directional sole: Ensures stability and quick cuts, ideal for dynamic movements on the court.
  • Lace-up closure: Offers a secure fit that can be easily adjusted to your preference.
  • Women's sizing: Available in sizes ranging from 5w to 16.5w, accommodating a variety of foot sizes.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
  • Sole material: Rubber, providing good traction and durability.
  • Outer material: Mesh, promoting breathability and lightweight feel.
  • Closure type: Lace-Up, allowing for customizable fit and support.

The Nike Sabrina 3 is designed for agile basketball players seeking a lightweight and low-to-the-court profile. This model emphasizes court feel and maneuverability over cushioning, as verified by our lab tests. The latest iteration offers enhanced security and support, facilitating sharp cuts and stable side-to-side movements.

2 Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Support – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike LeBron 23 Nike KD 18 Jordan Zion 4 Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo Nike Sabrina 3 New Balance TWO WXY V5 Nike Giannis Freak 7
Best Overall Traction Shock absorption Energy return Lightweight Mid-top Budget
Price $210 $155 $145 $210 $135 $120 $115
Signature LeBron James Kevin Durant Zion Williamson - Sabrina Ionescu - Giannis Antetokounmpo
Top Low Low Low - Low Mid Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 15.5 oz / 439g 14.9 oz / 422g 14.4 oz / 408g 12.6 oz / 357g 12.4 oz / 352g 13.8 oz / 390g 13.8 oz / 391g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Breathable Moderate Warm Moderate Moderate Moderate
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Bad Good Decent Good
Drop lab 7.7 mm 4.8 mm 6.5 mm 5.8 mm 5.5 mm 9.4 mm 5.3 mm
Heel stack lab 31.1 mm 26.7 mm 25.2 mm 27.2 mm 26.1 mm 32.4 mm 27.2 mm
Forefoot 23.4 mm 21.9 mm 18.7 mm 21.4 mm 20.6 mm 23.0 mm 21.9 mm
Size True to size True to size - True to size Slightly small True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Soft Balanced Balanced Soft Soft Balanced Soft
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Flexible Stiff Flexible Flexible Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff Stiff Stiff
Width / fit Wide Medium Medium Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Medium Medium Wide Medium
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Average Average Average Average
Midsole width - heel Average Average Very narrow Narrow Average Average Average
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent Decent Good Bad Good
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Very thick Average Average Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness - - - - - Average -
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average Average Average Average
Heel tab None None None None None Extended heel collar None
Ranking Top 27% Top 17% Bottom 7% Bottom 26% Top 21% Top 25% Bottom 3%
Popularity Top 23% Top 17% Bottom 49% Top 33% Top 29% Top 27% Bottom 39%