Best Tennis Shoes For Ankle Support In 2019 – [Men & Women]

We all know that even the least charged tennis games demand intense, consecutive, footwork, so it’s no surprise that ankle sprains form the majority of injuries contracted in this sport. Proper ankle care has become an essential element to maintaining your athletic ability in tennis, and the most significant aspect of that is choosing the best footwear for ankle support.

While, of course, the perfect pair of tennis shoes depends on your individual playing style, foot type and shape, all ankle-supportive shoes must possess certain definitive features, including a leniently shock-absorbing heel to cushion your lower limbs from jump impact, and a comfortable yet steady front cover to hold your ankles in the correct position.

We have conducted an extensive review of these features, considering stability, traction and health-aware design, among various sportswear competitors, and compiled for you the 8 best tennis shoes for ankle support.

The 8 BEST TENNIS SHOES FOR ANKLE SUPPORT

Here are the best tennis shoes for ankle support.

S.no	BEST TENNIS SHOES FOR ANKLE SUPPORT	Price
1	Vans SK8 -Hi Core Classic Shoes
2	Danner Men’s Kinetic 8” GTX Uniform Boot
3	Under Armour Lockdown 2 Men’s Shoe
4	KEEN Men’s Target II Hiking Boots
5	ASICS Men’s GT-2000 4 Running Shoe
6	New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V1
7	New Balance Women’s WR905 NBX Running Shoe
8	RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe

1. Vans SK8 -Hi Core Classic Shoes

These iconic high-top Vans stand the test of time in not only appeal and endurance, but also in providing the most satisfying fit for all dimensions of foot types. This fitness quality comes with the added spark of active comfort, and a relatively considerate price, that we found to be the distinguishing feature tennis shoes often lack, making the Vans SK8 – Hi our top pick for ankle support.

Construction and Design

Possessing exceptional high-top design, these Vans took a daringly simple outer design approach, with a suede and canvas pattern that radiates old school vibes. The shoes are integrated with an enhanced-friction outsole that strengthens your grip, reducing risk of slip-ups.

What makes the SK8- Hi truly stand out are the re-enhanced toecaps and padding on the collar, as they multiply your steadiness and comfort while allowing for limited stationary stances, which are the main concern in preventing ankle damage.

Cloaking the shoes in an additional layer of support is a tough canvas that places a final touch of security for prolonged use.

Performance

In testing out the Vans, we found that the high-top structure of SK8-Hi considerably decreased foot inversion, which, as countless studies suggest, is a crucial cause behind ankle sprains.

Although this may sound restrictive to players, lowered accidental foot inversion actually boosted the stability during landing jumps, and made intentional feet rotation, while in contact with the ground, much easier.

Moreover, the Vans proved to fit splendidly with our diversely body-shaped testers, and fitness is key to preventing ankle strain. So if you struggle to discover a fit in dynamic sizes of tennis shoes, then these Classics are your go-to footwear.

The feet became less prone to injury due to the SK8-Hi’s attention to enfolding itself around the skin, which is why the Vans excelled in performance compared to other shoes.

2. Danner Men’s Kinetic 8” GTX Uniform Boot

Danner is known for their ultra-durable shoes, and the Kinetic 8’’ GTX Uniform boots are no different when it comes to guarding the feet against injury. Handmade by a skilled group of craftsmen, these boots provide all the things you need in an ankle-support tennis shoe.

Construction & Material

The Kinetic 8’’ boot’s outsole is structured as multiple directional low lugs, which is perfect for increased surface contact.

The front and outer surface is stitched from abrasion-resistant ripstop, combined with high-quality leather that’s lighter than most mainstream shoes you find today. A unique feature built into the boot is the side-zip that locks partially and improves balance.

If you are worried about extreme weather conditions, then the Kinetic 8’’s water-proof liner, engineered with spacious GORE-TEX and extensive polyurethane soling, mid and foot included, will maintain a satisfying level of dryness and fit.

Unlike the Vans SK8 however, this Danner boot provides the full lace-up capability to ensure enhanced traction and agile movements.

A nylon shank installed in the boot is another fine choice by the constructors, increasing cushioning.

Performance

The superior outsole of Danner Kinetic 8’’ demonstrated exceptional acceleration during testing, and as a complement to the quick footwork of tennis players.

This feature prevented unnecessary foot rotation, replacing the need for heavy force to jumpstart across the court. Due to the nylon shank, the Boot is highly spacious and easy to rest your feet in, which gives your ankle sufficient time for recovery during intensive gameplay.

There is also a clear traction benefit in the full-grain leather bracing the Danner shoe. Slipping and sliding on wet/glassy surfaces is reduced.

We also found the leather to be easily polished. If you intend to wear these tennis shoes for an extended period of time, then the anti-wear properties of the Danner leather are perfect for you.

Not only does the Boot’s smart design keep it looking brand-new, but it also escalates the ankle balance when you jump laterally across the court. So you have a lesser chance of toppling over or missing the ground with your heel, which ensures greater ankle safety.

The Danner Kinetic 8’’ also involves stress management to lighten the weight tennis shoe place on your ankle. Since its grainy leather is purposefully chosen for endurance, the boot can resist quick shifts instance and bursts of contact with the ground.

We found this property to significantly decrease the “feeling” of heaviness most players encounter in tennis games, as the boot appears to merge with your feet and presents a little challenge in movement.

Keep in mind, though, that proper size selection is a prerequisite if you wish to explore the full benefits of the Danner Kinetic 8’’, and if you shy away from heavier boots, then this Danner piece may restrict you at first.

However, if you are focused purely on ankle support, the unconventional weight is actually a brilliant element because the heavy boot grants the player a magnified balance and stability.

3. Under Armour Lockdown 2 Men’s Shoe

The Lockdown 2 shoes are an ideal blend of comfort and appeal, forged within the classic UA style. Among the rows of best shoes for ankle support, this pair shines with its large comfort index and responsiveness factor.

Construction & Material

UA Lockdown 2 possesses a military-themed, slender leather-top that extends into a zig-zag patterned rubber outsole for greater resilience. The shoe is made from entirely synthetic textiles, shaped into a back overlay and robust tongue for breathability and support.

Fitness and grip in this shoe is strengthened by the intelligent shaft structure, which curves into a graceful yet steady arch and maintains the shoe’s structural integrity.

The ankle covering of Lockdown 2 is collared by high-cut fabric to maximize support and comfort. If you prefer a sleek design, then the UA’s simplistic color palette (black & white) and logo patch will certainly appeal to you. With slim inner padding made of synthetic textiles, the shoe is highly flexible.

Performance

The UA Lockdown 2 turned out to be as comfortable as it is beautiful. Its textile reinforcements surrounding the feet efficiently relax the foot muscles, whereas the mesh tongue and collar hold your feet in a gentle embrace.

For older players or athletes with weaker muscles, the UA Lockdown 2 is a great way to improve blood flow in the ankle while engaging in some fast-paced tennis action.

Even considering the masterful material support, the most impressive feature of Lockdown 2 remains its untethered flexibility. The shoe allows your foot to easily stretch and swerve, without inhibiting your athletic instincts, which we believe is essential for preventing ankle injury.

Furthermore, the Lockdown 2 is highly responsive, especially to quick jabs and jumps, so it can grant you improved agility in the court.

Although the inner padding in the shoe is slim, the synthetic material makes it sturdy and sufficient for shock-absorption, so you don’t need to worry about long jumps or sudden surface contact.

We also discovered that the UA lockdown 2 favors athletes with wider feet due to its uniform inner padding and low-set covering. This doesn’t practically impose any barrier for slim footed players since the textile reinforcements move inwards automatically if not pressured, but it can be a source of additional support if you possess a wider ankle frame.

It’s easy to keep the Lockdown 2 clean, as its fabric outing and herringbone soles naturally dispel dust and make polishing much easier.

Wearing the Lockdown 2, it’s apparent that great attention to detail was dispensed in their construction. There is enough room in the ankle collar to make braces feel relatively comfortable, so in case you sprain your ankle during a tennis match, wearing braces would not be a challenge with these shoes.

4. KEEN Men’s Target II Hiking Boots

The spectacular new Target 2 boots are a sports engineering marvel, and KEEN has certainly outdone itself producing one of the most durable shoes you will ever wear.

Although these boots are made for hiking, curved, sturdy design and sheer leather strength make them perfect shoes for ankle-support during tennis matches.

Construction & Material

Keen’s Target 2 boots are cloaked from front to end in Nubuck Leather. The seamless joints, enforced with unyielding adhesives, make the shoes 100% water-proof. Further strengthening the boot structure is the lugged outsole with a distinct, stripes and spikes pattern encrusted onto it. The sole is made from rubber and latched protectively onto the bottom.

The Target 2 boot boasts a smooth arch rising from the heel and an ESS shank for greater stability. What makes the boot particularly resilient is the signature Keen Dry membrane pasted onto the upper leather covering.

Not only does the membrane amplify water resistance, but it also clears a pathway for air and breathability near the feet.

The leatherback of the boot is padded and stitched to the heel to prevent sole separation. Ghillie lacing wounds atop the Target 2’s padded tongue, both of which improve fit and comfort. Keen’s iconic brown and black design, with a radiating sense of ruggedness, makes these boots truly handsome to behold.

Performance

When it comes to the aggressiveness of the outsole, the Target 2 boots have no rival. The violent lugs beneath the boots maximize grip on all types of terrain, so you will never have to worry about slipping or sliding during swift tennis moves. This feature counters common ankle sprains and twists.

One can feel the boots clutching the ground each time one makes contact with the surface, which maximizes lower limb support, and thus springing forward or accelerating is made refreshingly easy.

Since most of the upper cover of the Target 2 is leather-based and padded, the boots extend heightened comfort to your feet, and a sense of breathability is established while playing tennis. We found the boot opening to be considerably larger than most tennis shoes, so slipping the Keens on is easy and does not place unnecessary pressure on the ankle.

The prime trait of the Target 2 boots is their durability and endurance. We tested the boots for an extended period of time, and it is likely that they will not wear or tear for at least a year of moderate tennis play.

This is an envious quality of these boots, especially considering their low price since most tennis shoes do not last beyond 3-6 months of moderate usage.

What makes the Target 2s ideal for ankle support, however, is not only their leather induced comfort but also their wide toe compartment and the strategic positing of the lacing eyes.

Both of these qualities merge to enable easier movements of the feet during intense tennis games, as your feet have enough space to spread out and avoid being strained against the leather.

5. ASICS Men’s GT-2000 4 Running Shoe

Asics is renowned for their gel-infused footwear, and the new GT-2000 4 shoes raise that cushioning mechanism to a whole new degree. This advanced comfort and stability is exactly what makes these Asics so suitable for ankle support.

Construction and Material

The GT-2000 4’s exhibit a steady plastic upper beneath a mesh-style fabric, with an abundance of minuscule openings for air. This provides ample foot ventilation in the shoe, making it spacious and comforting for ankles.

Reaching into the sizable opening of the shoe is a ComforDry Sock Liner, which functions as a mobile insole for additional balance and ankle support.

Another interesting component of the GT 2000 is its health-conscious inner lining. Since it is made from an anti-microbial material, it reduces infection risk for tennis athletes, a feature quite rare among the best tennis shoes for ankle support.

Asics has employed numerous technologies in the soling of GT-2000, ranging from a carbon-based rubber outsole for hiked resilience to a uniform gel-based cushioning system. For added endurance, the heels are latched into place by a distinct foam that upholds the shoe’s integrity and midsole arch and simultaneously prevents the detachment of heels.

Lastly, the structure of the shoes is reinforced by a plastic plate enveloping the heel and ends up putting the final touch of comfort in the Asics GT-2000 4.

Performance

The GT-2000 4 shoes fared extremely well in terms of comfort and astonished most of our testers with their low weight.

The trademark gel-cushioning of Asics shone through during performance by easing ankle strains. It also made landing and sprinting less strenuous on the feet for heavy-weighted players. We found the shoes to be sufficiently durable, with little wear on them despite multiple 100m dashes.

This makes them enduring several hours of tennis gameplay. Hence, regardless of whether you are a full-day athlete or a weekend enthusiast, this feature is bound to come in handy and reduce the infuriating monthly need for shoe replacement.

The shoes also proved relatively bouncy and responsive to quick-footed testers. This is mostly due to the various soling technologies equipped to the shoe. The outsole gripped the testers’ feet and made stance changes and spins quite comfortable for the ankles, without lagging behind or resisting motion.

We found that the low-profile upper made the feet particularly snug, contributing to a weightless feeling. But don’t worry, if you prefer a heavier shoe, the removable insole can balance the weight component for you.

The arch support provided by the stubborn midsole keeps your foot in the proper posture. If you struggle to control your leg rotation during jumps, then this feature of the Asics will definitely enhance your stability and prevent unnecessary inversion. Of course, this is what makes the Asics considerably safer for ankles, and hence ranks them so high among the best tennis shoes for ankle support.

6. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V1

The New Balance Arishi V1 shoes are specifically engineered to endure versatile courts, whether they be grass, cement, or hard. Coming in a variety of soft themes, the colorful palette and diversity of terrain support makes these shoe ideal for both appeal and ankle support.

Construction and Material

The Arishi V1 shoes host a beautiful upper stitched from 100% synthetic fibres. Permeability and ventilation are evident in the mesh-structure adorned onto the shoes, ensuring a breathable atmosphere around the foot.

The soling of Arishi V1 shoes are composed of a mix of rubber and Fresh Foam parts, artfully joined to give a steady outsole and smooth foam midsole. To provide an easeful resting spot, a New Balance Response is installed into the shoes. Also, the soling foam is engineered to be exceptionally soft and shock-absorbent, with a relatively spacious inner width.

Inside the shoe, there is sufficient space for an extra layer of Fresh Foam insole, which incidentally comes alongside the product.

The look and feel of the Arishi V1 is crafted with a soft textile covering and white rubber soles. A thick velvet tongue emerges from the shoe’s eccentric lacing pattern that gives complete closure to the opening. Both of these features combine to give V1 shoes a pleasant aura of comfort.

Performance

Arashi V1 shoes ace the comfort test with their pillow-like sensation. Most of our testers found them to be exceptionally soft for tennis shoes, which is no negligible quality when it comes to achieving ample foot protection.

The V1 shoes fit elastically well to all shapes of feet, and are easy to slide on due to the plush tongue. But despite a high fitness ratio, the shoes preserve quite a yielding structure around the foot, which stretches smoothly to accommodate wider feet.

During testing, this feature minimized the looseness around the ankle and limp feeling in the feet. It also reduced the risk of unhinging heels from the ground, which is a major cause of ankle injuries.

In terms of traction control and stability, the V1’s upright arch ensures that your feet do not bend excessively, and thus contributes to more control. We discovered that the shoe’s outsole extended a calming sense of balance and grip on tennis courts.

Ability to sprint and accelerate was also improved, as the shoes effectively transferred most of the applied body force to the ground through the Fresh Foam.

Another standout feature of the V1 shoes is the NB performance insert. Not only does it soothe the ankle with its carefully designed shape, it also attributes a springy element to the soling. Thus, the responsiveness of the shoes is enhanced and ankle support becomes stronger.

If you tend to play on varying formats of court surface, then the V1’s versatility is sure to benefit you. We tested the shoes on muddy, rigid, and glassy courts, yet they performed marvellously on all. This is the most important attribute that makes the V1 so suitable for ankle support.

7. New Balance Women’s WR905 NBX Running Shoe

It is New Balance’s determination to make the most comfortable shoes that place another of their products, the WR905 NBX, on our list. Although it may seem similar to the Arishi V1, the WR905 NBX emerges with several unique features beneath its lacing.

Construction & Material

The WR905 NBX shoes deliver an innovative upper made from Isoprene rubber. Clear net design is engraved into the upper to enhance breathability. Merged with this cushioning rubber is the Dupont Engage feature, which explores the vastly ignored region of compression setting in tennis shoes.

The soling of WR905 NBX consists of a dual-element (Dupont Elvaloy and Dupont Engage) foam that lends further shrink capability to the shoes. Studies prove that this brand of soling is 24% lighter than conventional tennis shoes.

What makes this feature (commonly known as ACTEVA LITE) so great is that most tennis shoes have to compromise overall size for increased support, but the WR905 NBX’s soling accomplishes exceptional ankle support while remaining smart and small.

The arch lining of the WR905 NBX is steady and strict for better structural integrity. The TS2 support system, built into these shoes, crowns the comfort features. Alongside an NLOCK lacing technology, this support system makes the WR905 NBX optimal for ankle health.

Performance

Testing the WR905 NBX shoes resulted in majorly positive reviews from our experts.

The most significant quality of these shoes was the weight, or lack thereof when worn by testers. NB isn’t kidding when they claim to use light-weight materials in this footwear, because the WR905 NBX appears to mingle with the natural foot movements, imposing a bare minimum force on the ankle.

This can be a game-changer for smaller tennis players who struggle to achieve balance due to the heaviness of conventional shoes.

Furthermore, the mesh outline of the upper allows sufficient air to enter the shoes, so the feet remain dry and airy. When performing jumps during tennis, players often over-rotate their ankles by quarter degrees, but the WR905 NBX’s breathability makes you conscious of this rotation, thus preventing foot inversion and ankle injury.

We found that another way the WR905 NBX shoes protect ankles is through their outsole webbing and arch support. While airborne, the feet tend to automatically bend backwards and strain ankle joints.

However, the WR905 NBX’s rigid soling, fused with TS2 support, makes such accidental inversion impossible.

8. RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe

This beautiful pair of RYKA shoes fully deliver the resilience that its name promises. Crafted for endurance and with medical needs in mind, the Tenacity Cross-trainer shoes support intense training and can be the perfect footwear for your athletic needs and plantar fasciitis.

 

Construction & Material

The Tenacity Cross-Trainers have a synthetic upper layered with a permeable net fabric. The shoe walls are roomy and well-spaced and round off the sides to a low-profile ceiling. An interesting component of the shoes is the lacing structure, which loops to provide full frontal coverage. It is also reinforced around the mid-ankle by a classic Velcro strap.

The shoes possess a protruding yet rounded heel sole made from rubber which is ideal for tennis practice and hinging feet. Extending upwards from the heel in an arch-lift, the midsole grants most of the structure to the shoe. It is constructed from two different kinds of durable foams. It is also latched with a synthetic I.H.G heel clip for added security.

Tenacity Cross-Trainer’s tongue and collar are lined with thick, soft padding. The shoe opening folds around the ankle for decreased slipping, and better balance. And all of these features are supported with elegant metallic strips that adorn the top and sides of the shoes.

Performance

Ryka Tenacity received an excellent appraisal by our testing team. The shoes performed splendidly during intense practice and tennis training and proved durable for the most part. The pointed heel made swerving and receding on foot much easier, and traction control was enhanced by the rubber outsole.

The shoes fit effortlessly and stuck to the ankle upon wearing. Although cushioning was limited in the inner sole, the rigid support of the trainer more than made up for it. Testers found their ankles to be braced into the correct position, and safe from dangerous stretches while moving.

The padded tongue and collars also replaced the cushioning limitations with focused comfort at specific points. This made them favourable for players with a history of ankle pains.

If your playing style revolves around swift movements, rather than stationary stances, then the Tenacity Cross-Trainer will suit you. Its outsole is smooth and angled towards the heel, which makes sprinting across the court easier and quicker.

Since the sole has no rough pattern other than a few slim fissures, friction with the ground is also reduced, and you can jump and change direction with superior agility.

The Tenacity Cross-Trainers are modeled after a high-top skeleton which is an automatic support system for the ankles. Combined with the shoe’s ample width and spherical toe compartment, this feature gives a well-rounded protection to your ankles, which is another reason why we placed it among the best tennis shoes for ankle support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What are the most comfortable shoes for flat-feet?

Our team of testers and podiatrists recommends the following top 5 shoes for flat-feet:
1. ASICS Gel-Kayano 24
2. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On
3. Brooks Beast for Men
4. Clarks Originals Men’s Desert Boot
5. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On
6. Nike Mens Air Zoom Ultra
7. Babolat SFX3 ll Supportive All Court
8. Asics Gel Challenger 12

Q. What kind of shoes to wear if you have flat feet?

For people with flat feet, also known as overpronators, the most comfortable shoes include elements of yielding width, low-arches, and flexible soles. Your feet need to be comfortable in their natural curve, so choose shoes that do not possess a rigid arch.

Look for smooth inner soling to ensure your flat feet do not strain from the top or heel areas. Also, the material of shoe construction can greatly enhance your comfort if you stick to soft rubber or foam soling.

Q. What are the best shoes for obese walkers?

1. New Balance Mw840 Health Walking Shoe
2. Propét Men’s Stability Walker Sneaker
3. Skechers Sport Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
4. Saucony Women’s Echelon Le2 Walking Shoe
5. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
6. KEEN Utility Men’s Work Shoe.
7. Brooks Women’s Ghost 10.
8. Dansko Women’s Patti Flat

Q. What are the best tennis shoes for arch support?

1. Brooks Glycerin 14
2. ASICS Gel-Kinsei 6
3. Altra Torin 2.0
4. ASICS Gel-Venture 5
5. Saucony Guide 9
6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 24.
7. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On.
8. Brooks Addiction Walker for Men.

Q. Which Nike shoes have the best arch support?

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 4 Shield.
Nike LunarGlide 8.
Nike Air Zoom Structure 20.
Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5.
Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5 Run Shield.
Nike LunarGlide 9.
Nike Air Zoom Structure 21.
Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6

Q. What is the best tennis shoe for support?

New Balance 998 Women’s Walking Shoe
Brooks Ghost Running Shoe for Standing All Day
MBT Rocker Bottom Shoes
Ziera Innes Women’s Strap Sandal.
Aetrex Jillian Women’s Low Wedge Sandal.
Dansko Ema Work Shoe for Standing All Day.
Mephisto Prudy Sandal with Arch Support.
Nike Men’s Air Zoom Ultra Tennis Shoes.
Babolat SFX3 ll Supportive All Court Tennis Shoes.
Asics Gel Challenger 12 Tennis Shoe