How To Find The Best Running Shoes For The Ankle
Are you an avid runner who loves to run, but has bad ankles? True, you might find it painful and a nuisance when it comes to doing your favorite five-kilometer jog, but not to worry; there are specially-designed shoes to help you out.
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In this article, we’ll give you a list of ways you can find the best running shoes for the ankle, with the right fit and comfort to take away the pain. Eventually, you’ll be able to run without any problem!
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Best Running Shoes For The Ankle
Why does my ankle hurt when I run?
Perhaps you might think that your ankles naturally hurt due to genetics or that awful sprain that you had a few years ago. While these aspects might be true, there’s much more to it than just that. In fact, here are some other reasons as to why you might have painful ankles:
- Having arthritis. Whether it’s due to aging or a history of family genetics, having arthritis in the joints and ligament of the legs, ankles, and feet can not only be frustrating, but also unfortunately debilitating. It can certainly affect your running, as you might end up having to stop every once or so because of the pain.
- Having flat feet. Also known as “overpronation,” having flat feet means that you put extra pressure on the heel part of the foot when you walk or run, and less so on the arch and ball of the foot.
As a result, it causes stress of the ligaments and joints of the foot area, including the ankle, which must work extra in order to counteract the unnatural gait; this is one reason why the ankle might feel sore and tender after a long day of being up on your feet.
- History of injuries. Maybe you had accidentally sprained your ankle a few years ago or had broken it while running on uneven ground. You might even have injured it multiple times in the same area, which subsequently makes the ankle weaker and weaker each time.
What are some things should you look for in an ankle running shoe?
Just like with any running shoe, when it comes to choosing a good one for the ankle, it’s important to remember that support from all sides is the best way to go about it. That said, here are some aspects to keep in mind when searching for the running shoe best tailored to your ankle:
- Find the right size. You might find this an obvious reason, but nevertheless we can’t stress enough just how crucial it is to your well-being, especially in the leg, foot, and ankle regions of the body. You might also be surprised to find that many people end up selecting the wrong shoe size, which can lead to problems with pronation and even develop injuries.
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- Make sure it has good traction. Some ankle problems are due to poor traction underneath the shoe; especially if it tends to be slippery, the shoe might not have a good grip on the surface and may cause you to slide around as you run, which is both dangerous and unpleasant.
- Check for arch support. Your arch is one of the most important parts of your foot, and having a low arch with little support can be a problem that affects the ankles. Therefore, look for a shoe that has a substantial bend in the arch, which should be not too hard nor too soft, but firm and flexible enough to use while running.
- Further Reading: Finding The Best Ankle Support for Running
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- Check for sole support. Especially if you have arthritis, it might be a good idea to have a thicker sole at the heel part, so when you strike the surface, you’ll be able to bounce back with minimal impact. Doing so also reduces the symptoms of arthritis and allows you to continue running with less stress.
- Check for lateral support. If you have ankles that naturally roll inward or outwards, then it can benefit you from getting running shoes to counteract that habit. As a result, you’ll be less likely to get ankle sprains on runs, as well as keep your ankle stable and in good shape.
For more information on ankle problems and how to fix them, check out this article.
Top 5 The Best Running Shoes For The Ankle
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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1. Nike Women’s Revolution 2 Running Shoe.
Our Rating:
With good cushioning and a special Phylon midsole, this particular running shoe from Nike has the comfort and support to especially combat ankle problems, including that of arthritis. It also comes with solid traction make sure that your ankle does not become unstable as you run on any type of surface.
Pros
- Fits like a glove, even for those with naturally narrow feet.
- Good for running, as well as walking and other daily activities.
- Contains a Phylon midsole for comfort and support.
Cons
- Support might make the feet feel numb after long hours.
- Shoe size is a bit tricky to measure, as it’s not necessarily the same one as your foot’s.
Opinion
Upon purchasing and wearing it, the Nike’s Revolution 2 running shoe was quite comfortable and snug; I never had problems with it being loose. However, I have to say that it’s better for short runs instead of long ones, for my feet definitely felt a bit numb after a 10K workout.
2. Nike Women’s Free Running Shoe.
Our Rating:
Specifically known as the “Free 5.0,” this newest version from Nike has brand-new features such as a hexagonal pattern for flexibility and enhanced technology to allow a better, more smooth-flowing transition from heel to ball of the foot, thereby reduce the impact of flat feet.
Pros
- Comfortable, light, and easy to use for long, frequent runs.
- Enhanced technology for a more authentic heel strike.
Cons
- Shoe size will run half a size smaller than actual foot size, so make sure to buy larger than expected.
- Quality of binding and security might be lacking a bit.
Opinion
I enjoy the newest version of Nike’s Free running shoe, as I could tell that improvements have been made to heel and ankle support. The only thing I would improve is the structure, which is closer to barefoot running shoes than to thick, cushioned ones.
3. Mizuno Men’s Wave Legend 3 Running Shoe.
Our Rating:
Good for people with flat feet and other feet and/or ankle problems, Mizuno’s Wave Legend running shoe has the comfortable and support for long runs, as well as being at a reasonable price for just about anyone to get.
Pros
- Lightweight, stable, and minimal heel rocking.
- Also good for hiking and other activities while on your feet.
Cons
- Shoe size runs a bit larger than usual; the shoes might feel extra roomy and loose because of that.
- Cushioning might feel stiffer than usual, so it might not feel very comfortable.
Opinion
Mizuno’s Wave Legend running shoe is not a bad choice for running at a decent price: I have flat feet and have found these shoes to support me rather well. One thing I would change is the cushioning, which does seem a bit hard; perhaps it could be softer.
4. ASICS Women’s fuzeX Lyte Running Shoe.
Our Rating:
This running shoe from ASICS has its own line of special technology that can be used to make your running experience as painless as possible; it features the fuzeGel midsole, which is lightweight and adapts to your foot’s shape, and the AHAR (ASICS high-abrasion rubber) for better durability.
Pros
- Brand-new technology such as fuzeGel midsole and AHAR for flexibility and durability, respectively.
- Especially good for those with high arches, or for those who need that extra arch support.
Cons
- Toebox is narrower than usual, which can cause cramping in your toes and discomfort while running.
- The rest of the shoe might be too large for certain foot sizes.
Opinion
When I bought and ran in these shoes, I found them to be pretty nice with the flexible midsole and extra arch support. Only problem would be that it was tricky to find the right fit with this ASICS shoe, and I had to spend some time before I found one that was snug and comfortable around the toes.
5. ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 21 Running Shoe.
Our Rating:
With a mesh and FluidFit technology, as well as a Guidance Trusstic System, ASICS’s Gel Kayano running shoe has plenty of built-in technology to ensure that your running experience is comfortable, low-impact, and pleasant.
Pros
- Good for those who tend to overpronate (i.e. have flat feet), as it contains a gel outside of the heel for shock absorption.
- Contains an Ortholite, moisture-control sockliner to keep your feet dry and breathing.
Cons
- Might not be as durable as other running shoe pairs out there.
- The rest of the shoe might be too large for certain foot sizes.
Opinion
I enjoyed the heel support inside and outside of the shoe, as I have flat feet and require extra assistance in that area. However, it wish that it would’ve been more durable, as my first pair wore out within three months.
Winner of the Roundup
Overall, while all of these shoes had their strengths, the ultimate running shoe for the ankle goes to Nike Women’s Revolution 2 Running Shoe (#1). Not only does it have the comfort and support for running, but also is good for other activities like walking and standing. The heel support is great for anyone with flat feet, and it can be sure to assist in ankle recovery.
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