An external ankle brace is disposed on the exterior of a shoe having a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole, and oppositely disposed sides. The external ankle brace comprises a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion, configured to receive the heel of the shoe, and a forward portion having a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall for collectively and concurrently at least partially encircling the sides of the shoe. A lateral upright extension includes a lateral reinforcing strut. A medial upright extension includes a medial reinforcing strut. A lower fastening system comprises at least one lower connecting strap for extending underneath the sole of the shoe. An upper fastening system comprises at least one upper connecting strap for selectively connecting the lateral sidewall to the medial sidewall across the top of the shoe.
