Did you know your ankle joints help you walk, run, jump, and perform every other activity you enjoy? If you separate these joints from your body, you cannot take even a single step forward. So, it's a no-brainer that protecting and strengthening the ankles is pivotal. You only need to remember two things: wear ankle-support shoes such as Adrenaline GTS 23 and Ghost 16, and learn ways to keep your ankles healthy and happy! We have covered both aspects in today's article. 

Role of healthy ankle joints in physical activity

Your ankle joints are complex structures comprising bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. They connect the feet to the lower legs, contributing to smooth movements. Learn the function of every part of the ankle joint during physical activity: 

  • Bones: The three bones in the ankle joint work in cohesion to support and stabilize the body. They also ensure complete mobility and protect the surrounding structures from injuries. 
  • Cartilage: The ankle cartilage is a strong, flexible tissue lining the bones that make up the joint. It lubricates the joints, allowing friction-free movements, and acts as a shock absorber, lowering the impact of workouts on the body.  
  • Ligaments: Ligaments connect the bones of the ankle joints to the bones of the feet and lower legs. They control the range of motion in the ankle joint, ensuring stability and proper alignment. Without excessive movements, sprains and other injuries are kept away. 
  • Tendons: Tendons attach muscles to bones. They are pivotal for transferring force from muscles to bones, storing and releasing energy, absorbing shock, and preventing injuries, all of which help with movement efficiency. 
  • Muscles: The ankle muscles make upward, downward, side-to-side, inward, and outward foot movements possible.

Benefits of ankle-support shoes

Your ankles will continue to facilitate smooth, stable movements as long as you keep them injury-free. Investing in the best shoes for ankle support is the right way forward. Doing so is all the more important if you regularly face ankle pain and discomfort. 

You need shoes that ensure a stable, secure ride without putting excessive pressure on the ankle joint during workouts. So, what key features should you look out for? Here are the top five: 

  • Sturdy heel counter to hold the back of the foot in place
  • Cushioned midsole to absorb shock 
  • Proper upper and laces to ensure a snug, secure, and comfortable fit
  • Adequate arch support to reduce excessive foot motion and maintain alignment
  • Grippy traction to prevent slips and falls

Best shoes for ankle support: Adrenaline GTS 23 and Ghost 16

Brooks Running continues advanced shoe innovations to help fitness enthusiasts and athletes put their best foot forward—quite literally! When looking for men's and women's shoes with ankle support, our top two picks are: 

  • Adrenaline GTS 23: The Adrenaline GTS 23 has earned the status of the best stability shoes that provide whole-body support during walks and runs. Thanks to the GuideRails® technology, the ankles, knees, and hips stay aligned, promoting natural foot movement. Whether you have medium, flat, or high arches, these shoes keep you in your stride. The updated DNA LOFT v2 cushioning is softer and lighter, enhancing underfoot comfort and reducing exercise impact on the ankles. The engineered air mesh upper further keeps the ankles in place, reducing the risk of injuries. 
  • Ghost 16: Another popular Brooks running shoe with ankle support has to be the latest edition of the Ghost series. The highlight of Ghost 16 is the high-quality nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning that helps runners enjoy maximum comfort, extended endurance, and protection from injuries. The segmented crash pad promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions, while the engineered air mesh upper ensures a secure fit. All in all, it means less pressure and workload for your ankles during physical activity! 

Note: Adrenaline GTS 23 and Ghost 16 men's ankle support shoes are also available in narrow and wide widths. 

Are you into trail running? Check out our hiking shoes with ankle support for men and women. 

Tips for maintaining healthy ankles

To prevent injuries, in addition to buying running shoes with ankle support, you need to focus on ankle strengthening and post-workout recovery techniques. You can practice simple at-home exercises such as towel stretches, calf raises, ankle circles, ankle pumps, ankle alphabet, toe walks, heel walks, single-leg balance, ankle flexions, and lunges.  

If you are experiencing ankle pain, follow the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method. You can also gently massage the ankle and apply anti-inflammatory creams for pain relief. Remember, if none of it helps, seek help from your doctor for early treatment and prevention of long-term damage. 

Give your ankles the much-needed attention today!

Healthy and happy ankles equal optimal workout performance and overall well-being. To achieve this, improve ankle strength and flexibility through targeted exercises. Also, get yourself Adrenaline GTS 23 and Ghost 16, the best ankle-support shoes. Browse our collections, take your pick, and order today!