Running shoes specifically designed to reduce ankle pain support, protect, and stabilize the joint comprised of 3 bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. In addition, these running shoes evenly disperse impact forces to lessen strain while keeping feet stable across various surfaces.
Look for shoes with a heel-to-toe drop to ease transition and relieve pressure off feet and ankles, while also featuring a stiff heel counter for protection against excessive pronation.
Stability
Ankle stability is of vital importance if you’re susceptible to ankle sprains. Your ankle is composed of three bones–tibia, fibula, and talus–that work together and require support and stability in order to distribute impact forces evenly throughout your body. Stability shoes control foot motion by preventing overpronation (inward rolling of feet), which puts strain on muscles and ligaments as well as disrupt weight distribution and shock absorption.
To find the optimal stability sneakers, search for ones which are firm laterally and less likely to allow your foot to collapse into them, helping prevent lateral ankle sprains. A shoe with a wide base offers additional stability. If unsure which type of shoe would suit you best, consult a podiatrist as they’ll be able to recommend one that best matches your arch type. Finally, choose shoes with enough cushioning and shock absorption that can absorb shock forces – particularly important if running at higher intensities than normal.
Cushioning
If you have an injury history of ankle instability, look for shoes with motion stability and extra support, according to Dr. Kaplan. In particular, those featuring higher arches and larger cushioned footbeds can help decrease excessive movement.
Another key element to keep in mind when buying shoes is shock absorption. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis – caused by inflammation of your fascia located underfoot – look for shoes with shock absorption and an anti-slip outsole that provide maximum grip.
These shoes feature a durable grippy rubber outsole designed to stabilize and balance your feet on any terrain, while underfoot there’s a generous chunk of DNA LOFT foam cushioning which softly cushions, helping reduce impact stress on ankles. Plus, there’s an attractive 12mm heel drop to take some strain off calves and Achilles; plus Brooks GuideRails technology ensures alignment as you step in them – all within an attractive lightweight design!
Durability
Built for stability, this shoe provides all of the features to protect your ankles from sprain. FF Blast+ Eco cushioning provides soft yet energetic underfoot comfort while the PureGel heel absorbs shock with every step to protect ankles and knees from pain or weakening that could otherwise occur due to jarring movements that lead to pain or weakness in ligaments or muscles. A molded heel counter helps secure rearfoot positioning for extra support, while an 8-millimeter heel drop offloads pressure from Achilles while offloading pressure to reduce risk of injury.
Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatrist practicing in New York City recommends durable running shoes like Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 that feature sturdy soles and lacing systems to secure the shoe securely to prevent ankle sprains or arthritis symptoms from happening, according to an expert from her practice. These types of running shoes also tend to be less likely to slip or slide off surfaces like slippery roads or treadmills than others.
Style
Running shoes can cause ankle strain, but there are shoes designed to minimize this stress. One expert-recommended sneaker that offers superior stability is ASICS Gel-Venture 9. Featuring a guidance frame to keep feet stable while Gel cushioning cushions knees and ankles from impact, as well as superior traction on different terrains to prevent slips that can potentially strain ankles, this sneaker offers relief to runners’ ankles.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 shoes provide another reliable solution. Their motion control can counteract overpronation, which causes ankles to roll too far inward. Furthermore, its Grippy Blown Rubber Outsole and DNA LOFT Foam add comfort and support for ankles.
If your ankles are prone to sprains, consult with a podiatrist. They can assess both your feet and ankles to find the most suitable shoe. Also make sure you replace your shoes regularly as they can lose stability and cushioning over time, allowing you to keep running without fear.
