Finding the best running shoes for bad ankles can be a challenge – they all seem comfortable at first but that niggling ankle pain can creep back in after a few runs.
Bad ankles is a common issue that we see in distance runners. It’s not just a problem after having lots of rolled ankles, it can be due to unstable ankles, stiff hips and (not surprisingly) choosing the wrong shoes.
That last point is the critical one – can you choose better shoes to help relieve the ankle pain, or to help with your stability issues? Do you need more cushioned shoes or something more stable?
You also might be wondering if a maximalist shoe (eg. HOKA) can help or if you should dabble with carbon-plated shoes (because who doesn’t want to fly, right?).
Here are our Physiotherapists’ nominations for the best running shoes for bad ankles.
Best running shoes for bad ankles divided into common injury types
Our Physiotherapists divided up this list of running shoes into different causes of bad ankles.
Impact loading (eg. Calcaneal Bone Stress)
Hoka One One Bondi
This shoe provides an extremely plush cushion under the heel. This protects it from impact forces when you land and will reduce pressure on the bone.
While they may be amongst the priciest shoes on the market, they’ll also the most popular option at big races like Hawaii Ironman in Kona.
They’re also one of the most popular and best running shoes for bad ankles for good reason!
Stability (eg. Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy)
Asics Kayano
This popular shoe has been around forever. It provides a great amount of stability under the arch along with a comfortable feel.
That support reduces the speed of pronation (inwards movement of the ankle and downwards movement of the arch) during running, one of the main causes of Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy.
Saucony Guide
With growing popularity and improved materials, the Saucony Guide has the same level of support as the Kayano but the design fits narrow feet better.
Saucony’s Guide is getting more market share in recent years thanks to some recent design and material upgrades.
Stability in runners with heavier foot strike (eg. Subtalar joint inflammation)
This category includes heavier runners AND those who land heavily, often destroying shoes within a few months.
Hoka One One Arahi
Hoka’s Arahi is available in a standard or wide fit and combines stability with the plush cushioning of the Bondi.
While it’s not as supportive as the Kayano or the Guide, it is much softer for heavy hitters. The support reduction is easily covered by the shock-absorbing midsole, making a great combination of comfort and stability assistance.
Lack of dorsiflexion (eg. ankle arthritis or chronic ankle sprainers)
Asics GT-2000
Ask any health professional about the best running shoes for bad ankles and the Asics 2000 is sure to be in their top 3!
This shoe is one of the world’s most popular for good reason. It has a generous heel-toe offset of ~10mm, a beautiful balance of stability and cushioning and it has a width option to suit almost any foot.
It covers all the bases, so it’s almost become the default shoe for anyone with a history of ankle issues.
Brooks Adrenaline
The Brooks Adrenaline has undergone a massive makeover in recent years. It’s no longer the clunky, heavy support shoe of the average runner – it’s now a sleek lighter shoe with a mix of performance and comfort.
To take on this new look, the Adrenaline has given up its stability pedigree and moved to a cushioned neutral shoe.
It’s still a great option for anyone with restricted ankle range, however you’d be better served by the Asics 2000 above if you need support as well.
If you loved the old Adrenalines for their support, you may be better off exploring the Mizuno Wave Inspire which has support and is also available in a wide fit.
Head here for a huge range of regular and wide fit color options.
Unstable ankles on trail
Hoka One One Speedgoat
One of Hoka’s newer models (although it’s now 5 years old), the Speedgoat is continuously evolving and improving.
It’s grippy but stable on trails, so it’s a lovely option for anyone who suffers from “weak ankles” on trails.
As a warning though, it’s also a lower drop shoe at ~5mm so it wouldn’t suit someone who has stiff or restricted ankles.
Salomon Speedcross
Salomon have made trail shoes since trail running was a thing, and that pedigree is obvious in the Speedcross.
Durable and tough, it’s got big lugs for grip and a ~10mm heel-toe offset to cater for anyone with stiff/restricted ankles.
The only downside to that grip is that it’s not suited to any road running, so don’t get these is every run is a road/trail combo.
It also has a Goretex version, but this isn’t suited to all conditions. It does very well in snow to avoid the cold dampness on the upper from soaking your socks. However, it won’t like creek crossings and pouring rain (collects water) and hot weather (prone to overheating).
Disclaimer for Best Running Shoes for Bad Ankles
**Special note: this article has Physiotherapist-recommended products with affiliate links to trusted vendors, selected for their fast & reliable service and great prices. The article was written prior to sourcing the affiliate links and the links in no way influence our recommendations.