Selecting the Right Ankle Support for Running and Sports

Dr. Saravjeet Singh

Oct 4, 2025

person wear gray ankle support and giving thumbs up

Ever felt that sharp twist in your ankle while running or playing sports? It’s sudden, painful, and stops you right in your tracks. Ankle injuries are one of the most common problems if you are a runner and athlete. But with the right ankle support, you can prevent injuries and recover faster.

Whether it’s sports or daily steps, ankle supports protect and improve performance. Choosing the correct one is key to comfort, safety, and performance.

In this blog, we will take a look at the questions that you need to know, and you’ve probably been wondering, thinking, or quietly asking yourself about ankle support. Picking the right ankle support for running and sports can make all the difference in preventing injuries and staying active.

Why Ankle Support Is Important

Your ankles take a lot of stress every day. Running, jumping, or twisting can easily cause a sprain. A running ankle support or ankle support brace can stabilize your joint. It prevents excessive movement and reduces the risk of injury.

Even if your ankle isn’t injured yet, preventive support can help. Ankle supports for walking or light activity give extra stability. They keep your movements safe while letting you stay active.

Types of Ankle Supports

Not all ankle supports are the same. Each type serves a different purpose.

Ankle Support Strap: Flexible and light. Perfect for mild support or injury prevention.
Ankle Support Brace: Stronger and more rigid. Ideal for serious injuries or high-impact sports.
Ankle Supports for Walking: Comfortable and soft. Great for daily use or recovery walks.

Choosing the right type of gear depends on your activity and ankle condition.

How Do I Choose the Right Ankle Support?

Many people come up with the question, “How do I choose the right ankle support?” Here’s a simple guide that you can follow in order to get the right fit for you:

Assess Your Activity: Are you running, walking, or playing sports? High-impact activities need stronger support.
Check Injury History: Weak or previously injured ankles need more rigid braces.
Comfort Matters: You’ll wear it for an extended period of time as well. The support or brace should fit snugly without restricting your blood flow.
Mobility vs. Stability: You need balance between support and movement. Too rigid can slow you down.

Not all ankle supports are created with an equal amount of expertise. Cheap options slip, bunch, or wear out fast. Leeford Ortho products are trusted because they’re crafted with orthopedic expertise and designed for athletes.

Must-haves for runners and sports enthusiasts:

Leeford Ortho Running Ankle Support: Lightweight, breathable, perfect solution for daily activities.
Leeford Ortho Sports Ankle Brace: Rigid support for high-impact activities.

Whether you’re chasing speed, agility, or endurance, the right support gear is as important as your running shoes.

What Size Ankle Support Do I Need?

Size makes all the difference. A loose brace won’t protect your ankle. A tight one can reduce blood flow. Most brands provide sizing charts. Measure around your ankle just above the bone for the best fit.

Adjustable straps are helpful. They let you change compression if your ankle swells during activity. Always check the fit before your workout.

Can I Wear Ankle Support While Running?

Yes, you easily can. Running ankle support braces are crafted with utmost expertise for active use without causing any discomfort. They reduce ankle strain and prevent twisting during runs.

A well-fitted brace won’t slide or rub on your skin. Lightweight as well as hypoallergenic materials make it easy to run without extra fatigue. You can feel confident pushing your limits while keeping your ankle safe.

Can I Wear a Left Ankle Brace on Your Right Ankle?

Some ankle supports are universal, but many are side-specific. Wearing a left brace on your right ankle may feel awkward. It may not provide proper support. Make sure to look into the design of the brace, if it's for a specific side. Proper fit ensures maximum protection as well as comfort for the long term.

Features to Look for in the Best Sports Ankle Brace

When you are about to pick the best sports ankle brace, you must consider these key features in order to get the best one for you:

Breathable Material: Keeps your feet dry and prevents sweating.
Adjustable Straps: Customize compression for getting the comfort.
Lightweight Design: Won’t weigh you down while performing activity.
Durable Construction: Lasts through repeated workouts or games.

Benefits of Using Ankle Supports

Ankle supports do more than prevent injuries. You can stay active as it helps prevent unwanted movements, and you can also recover faster. Here's how it helps:

Injury Prevention: Prevents sudden moves that could get you hurt during games or jogging.
Faster Recovery: Helps bring down swelling and eases strain after small injuries.
Confidence Boost: Supports your ankle so you can move without fear.
Versatile Use: Perfect for everyday activities that help you move safely while running, walking, or playing sports.

Tips for Using Ankle Supports Correctly

Ankle support works best when used correctly. Follow these best tips:

Wear it snugly but not too tight
Check the fit regularly, especially if your ankle swells
Pair with proper footwear for best results
Strengthen your ankles with easily doable exercises in order to prevent future injuries

Common Questions About Ankle Supports

How do I choose the right ankle support?

Start with your activity and injury history. Pick a support that balances stability and comfort.

What size ankle support do I need?

Measure your ankle circumference just above the bone. Use sizing charts that is there on the product packaging in order to get the best fit for yourself.

Can I wear ankle support while running?

Yes, you can! Running ankle supports prevent twists and reduce strain on your ankle. Make sure it fits snugly and gives you the comfort that you need, so that you can run with ease.

Can you wear a left ankle brace on your right ankle?

Only if the brace is universal. Side-specific braces may not protect the wrong ankle properly.

Strengthening Your Ankles Alongside Support

Ankle support alone isn’t enough if you want to strengthen your ankles. You need to do Strength exercises that help prevent future injuries. You can try all these for the best results:

Calf Raises: Improve ankle strength and stability
Balance Exercises: Stand on one foot for 30 seconds, switch sides
Resistance Band Work: Strengthens ligaments around the ankle

Combining support and exercises keeps your ankles healthy for a very long-term.

Ankle pain can’t always be fixed at home. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider if any of the following happen:

Very severe Swelling or persistent
If there's a fracture or serious injury

A physiotherapist can recommend the right ankle support brace. They may also guide recovery exercises to strengthen your ankle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ankle support doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow all these while choosing:

Consider your activity and ankle condition.
Pick a support that fits well and feels comfortable.
Just check if it offers stability without restricting movement.
Use it along with exercises for stronger ankles.

Whether you’re running, playing sports, or just walking, ankle supports or braces help prevent injuries in the short as well as long term. Invest in the right running ankle support or sports ankle brace today.