Abstract: A lace-on pliable sleeve for the prevention of sprained ankles during athletic activities. A separate tongue portion is secured in place on the foot beneath the eyelets of the sleeve by passing one or more laces through holes in the tongue. The configuration of the sleeve itself resembles that of a sock cut away at the toe and the heel. The inner layer of the sleeve comprises a Y-shaped piece of pliable material, the arms of the Y being sewn together to form a seam disposed along the sole of the wearer's foot. This inner layer is reinforced and stiffened by a plurality of strips of material sewn to the outer surface thereof along the lacing edges, around the lower periphery and along and across the sides thereof. The stiffening strips reinforce the ligaments of the ankle and the metatarsal bones of the foot.