No. There is no scientific evidence ankle braces, even lace ups, weaken ankles. Ankles have to be immobilized in the “neutral position” for weeks at a time, like in a walking boot, to begin to lose strength and become atrophied. Hinged ankle braces like the Ultra Zoom actually keep the ankle joint strong because they allow full up and down natural range of motion necessary to enhance performance and keep the muscles and tendons around the joint strong.
