Five Ankle Injury Prevention Tips for a Safer, More Active Summer

As summer kicks into high gear, it's only natural to spend more time outdoors: whether you're hiking, jogging, chasing after kids, hitting the pickleball courts, or just taking longer walks to soak up the sun. But with this seasonal uptick in movement comes an increased risk of ankle injuries. Twisted ankles, sprains, and pain from overexertion can easily derail your summer plans, especially if you’re not taking preventive measures.

The good news? With a few smart strategies, and the right support gear, you can stay active, safe, and comfortable all season long. Here are our top ankle injury prevention tips to help you move with confidence, plus how our Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve can provide relief if injury strikes.

Why Summer Can Be Risky for Your Ankles

Between uneven trails, sandals with poor support, and longer hours on your feet, summer is prime time for ankle injuries. Warmer temperatures can also contribute to fatigue, as heat causes joints to swell and muscles to tire more quickly, making it easier to roll an ankle or feel sore after activity.

You’re also likely to be more active during the summer months, even if you’re not hitting the gym. Mowing the lawn, walking around fairs and festivals, or spending hours standing at barbecues can place extra stress on your feet and ankles. Add in sweaty, slippery conditions and you’ve got the perfect storm for sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.

1. Choose Proper Footwear for Every Activity

It may be tempting to slip into flip-flops for every outing, but flimsy shoes with little to no arch or ankle support can dramatically increase your risk of injury. Opt for well-fitted shoes that are appropriate for your activity:

• Supportive walking shoes for everyday wear
  

• Hiking boots for trail adventures
  

• Cross-trainers or court shoes for gym sessions and sports
  

• Cushioned sandals with arch and ankle support for casual days
  

Even if you’re just heading out for a quick walk, wearing proper footwear can mean the difference between a refreshing stroll and a rolled ankle.

2. Warm Up Before You Move

A quick stretch and some ankle mobility drills can go a long way in prepping your body for activity. Try ankle circles, toe points, and light calf stretches before walking, hiking, or exercising. Warming up increases circulation, primes your joints for movement, and helps prevent overstretching or sudden twists that could lead to injury.

If you’re recovering from an ankle sprain or managing chronic stiffness, adding a light compression sleeve like our Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve during warm-ups can offer added support while still allowing full range of motion.

3. Strengthen Your Ankles and Feet

Strong muscles help stabilize your joints and protect them from injury. Incorporate simple strength-building exercises into your routine to keep your ankles resilient:

• Toe raises: Stand flat-footed, then rise onto your toes slowly and lower down.
  

• Resistance band stretches: Use a band to create gentle tension while flexing and pointing your toes.
  

• Balance work: Practice standing on one leg or using a balance board to improve ankle proprioception and coordination.
  

These exercises don’t take long, but they’re powerful tools for long-term ankle health.

4. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated

Whether you're working in the yard or walking the boardwalk, it’s important to take breaks and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, increasing your risk of missteps and overuse injuries. Regular breaks give your body a chance to recover and reset, especially if you’ve been on your feet for hours.

5. Listen to Your Body

That slight ankle twinge might seem harmless now, but ignoring early signs of soreness or swelling can lead to more serious injuries later. If your ankles feel sore, tight, or achy,especially after walking or activity,it’s time to take action.

Our recommendation? Reach for the Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve, designed to provide gentle, breathable compression that eases pain and promotes healing without bulk or restriction.

Recover Smart: How the Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve Helps

Even with the best prevention habits, injuries can still happen. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle, overdone a workout, or are simply feeling the effects of a long day on your feet, our Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve delivers all-day relief with lightweight, low-profile support.

Here’s how it can help:

Reduces Swelling and Inflammation

Powered by our Comfort-Fit Technology™, this sleeve applies consistent, gentle pressure through the ankle joint and arch. That compression improves circulation and reduces fluid buildup: key for relieving swelling after a sprain, strain, or just standing too long in the heat.

Supports Soft Tissue Recovery

The ribbed knit zones are engineered to stabilize the ankle without restricting your movement. Whether you’re recovering from an ankle sprain or managing tendonitis, this sleeve helps protect the joint and speed up healing while still allowing you to stay mobile.

Relieves Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain

If arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or nerve sensitivity are part of your daily life, you know how hard summer activity can be on your joints. This sleeve provides subtle warmth and compression to soothe pain, reduce stiffness, and support your steps from morning to night.

Disappears Under Socks and Shoes

Unlike bulky braces that can feel too hot or awkward in the summer, this sleeve is slim, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It fits easily inside sneakers, work boots, or sandals with coverage ,no rolling, bunching, or sliding.

Slip-On, All-Day Wear

Designed with Comfort-Fit Technology™ and a soft sock-style shape, it’s easy to pull on and wear for hours without discomfort. Whether you’re working, traveling, or chasing kids at the park, this sleeve keeps you supported without slowing you down.

When to Wear an Ankle Compression Sleeve

Not sure if it’s time to use compression? This sleeve is a great tool if you’re dealing with:

• Mild ankle sprains or strains
  

• Soreness from standing or walking
  

• Overuse pain and tendonitis
  

• Early signs of plantar fasciitis
  

• Arthritis-related ankle stiffness
  

• Swelling from heat or poor circulation
  

It’s also perfect as a preventive support during travel, long work shifts, or any high-activity day where your ankles might need a little backup.

Stay Active, Stay Supported

Your summer plans shouldn’t be sidelined by ankle pain or injuries. With a little preparation and the right support, you can keep your body moving comfortably, no matter how long your to-do list (or your hiking trail) is.

Ready to give your ankles the care they deserve? Try the Comfort Knit Ankle Compression Sleeve for yourself and feel the difference that comfort-first compression can make. Whether you need help recovering from injury or staying ahead of foot fatigue, this ultra-soft, breathable sleeve is your go-to support system for a pain-free summer.