10 Best Orthotics for Ankle Instability: Start on the Right Foot
Updated April 25, 2023
Are you reading this because you've injured your ankle? The ankle is a complex part of the body, comprising various bones and ligaments, delicately held together to allow a wide range of motion and movements. In fact, it's this complexity that makes ankles vulnerable to injury.
Ankle ligament sprains are particularly prevalent, accounting for up to 40% of all sports injuries. Repeated sprains can lead to ankle instability, with symptoms including localized pain, swelling, and redness. But it doesn't end there; as many as 70% of acute ankle sprain patients may develop residual physical disability. Fortunately, engaging in a physical therapy program focused on strengthening and balance, and wearing proper footwear, including supportive insoles, can reduce the risk of ankle instability.
Here are some of the best insoles for ankle instability.
Our Top Picks for the Best Insoles for Ankle Instability
- Best Overall Ankle Support Insoles - Upstep Normal Everyday Activity
- Best Stability Insoles for Ankle Support - Tread Labs Pace
- Best Pain-Relieving Insoles - Superfeet EVERYDAY Pain Relief
- Best Thin Ankle Support Insoles - Protalus T-75 Insoles
- Best Foam Insoles for Ankle Support - FitMyFoot Pine Green Insoles
- Best Cork Ankle Support Insoles - SOLE Performance Thin
- Best Everyday Orthotics for Ankles - URthotics Everyday
- Best Firm Ankle Support Insoles - Tread Labs Ramble
- Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Ankle Support - Superfeet ORANGE
- Best Cushioned Ankle Support Insoles - Protalus T-100 Elite
A Closer Look at Our Top 10
1. Best Overall Ankle Support Insoles
Footora score: 9.3
- Intended use - Day-to-day normal activities
- Material - Upstep's durable Polypropylene shell
- Support - Fully customized arch support
- Cushioning - Cushioned for even weight distribution
- Sizes - Custom-made
The most effective way to protect your ankle is with a pair of orthotics that are fully customized to your unique foot shape. Upstep's Normal Everyday Activity orthotics are built to give you the best possible support during your normal daily routine. They provide a consistent and reliable level of support to best guard your ankles.
What We Love
- Manufactured by podiatrists
- Fully customized design
- High-quality materials for durability
What to Consider
- More expensive than other options
2. Best Stability Insoles for Ankle Support
Footora score: 8.5
- Intended use - Reducing pain during high-impact activity
- Material - 100% recycled polyester fabric top covers
- Support - Podiatrist-recommended extra firm support
- Cushioning - Cushioned to absorb shock and impact
- Sizes - M4-13.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Tread Labs' Pace insoles are designed with medical-grade materials, to provide extra-firm support during high-impact activities when your ankles are most vulnerable. Recommended by podiatrists, they also feature breathable materials to promote good foot health and hygiene.
What We Love
- Different firmness levels available
- Different arch height options
- Deep heel cup to reduce impact
What to Consider
- Only for use with shoes with fully removable inserts
3. Best Pain-Relieving Insoles for Ankle Support
Footora score: 8.4
- Intended use - Everyday casual activities
- Material - Carbon fiber plus VIBRAM® antibacterial cover
- Support - Heel stabilizer for extra support
- Cushioning - Deep heel cup to absorb impact
- Sizes - M5.5-13 / W4.5-14 / Kids 2.5-4
Designed to alleviate pain in the knees, heels, and feet, Superfeet EVERYDAY Pain Relief insoles provide excellent everyday support at a great price. Their medium to high arch support helps to stabilize the foot, and their firm, stabilizing foam provides maximum shock absorption.
What We Love
- Very affordable option
- Worn and recommended by doctors
- Kids' sizes also available
What to Consider
- No custom fit option
4. Best Thin Ankle Support Insoles
Footora score: 8.0
- Intended use - Everyday use in standard footwear
- Material - Antimicrobial and moisture-wicking materials
- Support - Consistent density to provide equal support throughout the foot
- Cushioning - Comfortable cushioning for shock absorption
- Sizes - M5-15 / W5.5-11 / Youth 13.5-5
Affordable and effective, Protalus T-75 insoles provide high-quality arch support and shock absorption for everyday use. They evenly distribute weight across the foot while offering excellent cushioning, making them a great option for the entire family, including kids' sizes.
What We Love
- Most affordable option on the list
- Quick and easy installation
- Can be trimmed for better fit
What to Consider
- May need replacing every 5-6 months
5. Best Foam Insoles for Ankle Support
Footora score: 9.0
- Intended use - Everyday use
- Material - Durable premium foam material
- Support - Dynamic tuned custom arch support
- Cushioning - High-quality compression cushioning
- Sizes - Custom-made
FitMyFoot custom insoles use high-quality foam to provide firm, long-lasting support for the foot and ankle. Their breathable design offers excellent value and comfort while promoting foot hygiene, making them a perfect choice for everyday wear.
What We Love
- Cheaper than other custom-made orthotics
- Consistent density for balanced support
- Heel cushion to relieve heel discomfort
What to Consider
- Still more expensive than generic options
6. Best Cork Ankle Support Insoles
Footora score: 8.3
- Intended use - For slim-fitting footwear during high-impact activity
- Material - ReCORK recycled wine corks
- Support - Lightweight support
- Cushioning - Even weight and pressure distribution
- Sizes - M3-14 / W5-16
Made from recycled wine corks, these eco-friendly, lightweight insoles promote natural foot alignment and help stabilize your ankle. They're designed to withstand high-impact activities with slimmer-fitting footwear.
What We Love
- Improves balance to protect ankle
- Carbon-negative design
- Hygienic stays fresh materials
What to Consider
- No custom fit
7. Best Everyday Orthotics for Ankles
Footora score: 8.9
- Intended use - Normal daily activities
- Material - Polypropylene orthotic base and impact-absorbing Poron
- Support - Custom offsets and metatarsal pads
- Cushioning - Cushioned for pain relief and injury prevention
- Sizes - Custom-made
Designed for people who lead busy lives and spend a lot of time on their feet, these fully-tailored orthotics provide high-quality support. URthotics' experience working with chiropractors and podiatrists ensures excellent cushioning to protect your feet and ankles throughout the day.
What We Love
- Designed by podiatrists
- Medical-grade materials
- Promote good foot health
What to Consider
- Not designed for high-impact athletic activity
8. Best Firm Ankle Support Insoles
Footora score: 8.7
Tread Labs Ramble
- Intended use - Everyday use plus sports like golf or running
- Material - Durable open-cell polyurethane foam
- Support - Firm yet flexible support
- Cushioning - All day consistent cushioning
- Sizes - M4-13.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Tread Labs Ramble are designed for people who wear tight-fitting footwear, such as ballet, boat, or dress shoes. They provide all-day comfort and support in the heel and upper foot without compromising toe movement, making them ideal for more uncomfortable footwear.
What We Love
- Different arch height options
- Maximize toe space
- Different firmness options
What to Consider
- Only for shoes without removable inserts
9. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Ankle Support
Footora score: 8.8
- Intended use - Created for high-impact activities
- Material - Responsive open-cell foam
- Support - Medium to high arch orthotic support
- Cushioning - Shock-absorbing foam metatarsal pad
- Sizes - M5.5-17 / W6.5-14
Ideal for sporty and active individuals at a greater risk of ankle injuries, Superfeet ORANGE High-Impact insoles are built to deliver comfort and support when most needed. With extra forefoot and heel cushioning, they offer superior support compared to standard insoles, making them an affordable option for high-impact activities.
What We Love
- Very affordable option
- Extra cushioning protects ankle from high impacts
- Durable materials to withstand constant use
What to Consider
- No custom fit option
10. Best Cushioned Ankle Support Insoles
Footora score: 8.3
- Intended use - Everyday use
- Material - Premium foam base with breathable fabric
- Support - Consistent density to provide equal support throughout the foot
- Cushioning - High-quality compression cushioning
- Sizes - M5.5-15 / W4.5-12.5 / Youth 13.5-4
A budget-friendly option providing high levels of comfort for the whole family, Protalus T-100 Elite insoles feature a tri-planar alignment system that maintains the foot in a natural position. They're suitable for activities where your ankles need extra support and stability, such as walking, soccer, or skateboarding.
What We Love
- Great fit with low-volume shoes
- Affordable yet very versatile
- Sizes available for adults and kids
What to Consider
- May need replacing more often than more expensive options
How We Choose
Drawing upon our extensive experience treating patients and evaluating the benefits of various insoles, our team has established a set of criteria to help identify the most effective solutions for individuals with foot issues. We rate a number of factors on a weighted scale and aggregate them to create a single metric called the Footora Score, which reflects the overall usefulness of the product. Do note that the score may vary depending on the specific purpose it’s being reviewed for.
Here are the factors we considered for insoles for ankle instability:
- Fit
- Support
- Comfort
- Durability
- Value for Money
- Customer Reviews
Give Your Ankles the Support They Demand
Ankle sprains and instability are common injuries, particularly among people who live active or athletic lifestyles. It's important to take steps to protect your ankles during the activities you enjoy, especially if you have previously suffered ankle injuries such as ligament sprains. The right footwear and a pair of insoles can go a long way to achieving this. With added stability and strength, your ankles will be protected from the demands placed upon them. Find the ideal set of orthotics today and keep doing the things you love.
