Ankle sprains fell tens of thousands of Americans each and every day, and oftentimes these injuries occur during athletic competition. Because of this, athletes are always looking for ways to help protect their feet from painful sprains. Many assume that an athletic shoe with a higher top will provide additional support to their ankle complex, but is this actually the case? A recent study decided to take a look at whether or not high top athletic shoes helped prevent ankle sprains, and the answer may surprise you.
High Top Shoe Study
A high top athletic shoe is one where the section around the side of the shoe (also known as the collar) extends further up the ankle. The collar height can vary significantly between high top and low top shoes.
Researchers found that in some situations, high top shoes can help to prevent ankle sprains, while they actually may serve to increase a person’s risk of a sprain in other situations. For example, one study found that high top athletic shoes provide additional stability when an outside force may cause an ankle to sprain while the person is standing still, like if you are knocked off balance while standing upright. However, once the athlete starts moving, the research tells a different story.
One study found that high top shoes may actually increase an athlete’s risk of injury because they can cause the supportive muscles on the outside of the lower leg to engage later and not work as strongly to stiffen the ankle as compared to when someone wears low top shoes. This risk was even greater in athletes with a history of chronic ankle sprains, leading researchers to conclude that high top shoes may not be the best choice for athletes with a history of ankle sprains.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that what works for one athlete may not work for another, and when it comes to picking out the right pair of athletic shoes, you need to choose a pair that is both comfortable and supportive. High, mid or low top styles are more of a personal preference, and you should gravitate towards something that fits well and feels comfortable.
A high top shoe may not be the best option for athletes with a history of chronic ankle sprains, but the most important thing for any athlete working to overcome a history of ankle sprains is that they try to proactively address the problem with other methods. Don’t assume a shoe will be able to prevent any and all ankle sprains. Instead, connect with a foot and ankle specialist and pursue some physical therapy exercises to strengthen the ankle and ensure it is better prepared for the stress you will put on it during a practice or game. Proactive treatments will prove much more fruitful at preventing future sprains than a specific shoe style.
