Best Shoes For a Sprained Ankle—and What to Avoid

Ankle pain is a common problem for many people, especially athletes. It is often a symptom of an underlying disease or condition, including sprains, but it can also be a consequence of wearing the wrong shoes.

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4 Best Types of Shoes for a Sprained Ankle

Shoes can cause or worsen ankle pain, but they can also improve it. Interestingly, changing into a supportive pair as soon as possible speeds up recovery after an ankle sprain.

Here are some types that can help:

1. Stability shoes provide extra support and cushioning, aligning your foot properly and reducing the stress on your ankle. They often feature a firm heel counter and a supportive midsole.
2. High-top sneakers offer additional ankle support. They constrain the foot, limiting excessive movement, which reduces ankle recovery time. Look for pairs with stiff soles and good traction.
3. While not shoes per se, you can wear lace-up ankle braces inside regular shoes for extra support. The design allows you to ajdust compression, stability, and prevent further injury.
4. If you have ongoing issues or severe pain, consider consulting a podiatrist about orthopedic shoes. They are made specifically to reduce injuries and provide support.

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5 Types of Shoes to Avoid With a Sprained Ankle

With any type of sprained ankle, you should avoid wearing the following:

1. Flip-flops and sandals provide minimal support and stability, increasing the risk of further injury. The lack of a secure fit can lead to excessive ankle movement.
2. High heels place undue stress on the ankle and can destabilize your balance. High heels can also raise the risk of re-injury.
3. Ballet flats lack arch support and cushioning, and their flat design does not provide adequate stability for an injured ankle.
4. Loose-fitting shoes allow for excessive movement within the shoe, which is detrimental during recovery. A loose fit does not provide the necessary support to keep the ankle stable.
5. Running shoes with poor support are designed for speed instead of stability and may not offer adequate ankle support or cushioning. Avoid pairs that are overly flexible or lack a firm heel counter.

» Dealing with foot pain? Find out when you should visit a podiatrist

What Else Can You Do to Heal a Sprained Ankle?

We also recommend performing specific ankle-strengthening exercises and using ankle support. You can get more relief through the use of insoles, but it is important to note that they should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for a sprain.

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