If you’re an avid hiker, you know that having the right gear can make a difference in your experience on the trail. One essential piece of gear is a good pair of hiking boots. It is especially so if you’re going on longer hikes or tackling more challenging terrain. When it comes to hiking boots, one of the most important features to consider is ankle support.
Ankle injuries are some of the most common injuries among hikers. It can be usually avoided with proper support. In this post, we’ll take a look at the 6 best hiking boots for ankle support. These boots will help keep your ankles stable on the trail irrespective of what type of hiker you are.
6 Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
- Vasque Women’s Breeze Hiking Boots
- Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX Boots
- Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid-Hiking Boots
- Salomon Women’s Quest Hiking Boots
- Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid-Hiking Boot
- SCARPA Men’s Kailash Hiking Boots
Vasque Women’s Breeze Hiking Boots
These boots are generally crafted from 2.0mm waterproof nubuck leather. They also use recycled polyester mesh and trim, and a rubber rand.
These boots offer breathable durability and most underfoot comfort and support. It has 20% recycled sugarcane and high rebound EVA midsole, the dual density EVA footbed. This provides immense comfort and arch support for long hikes.
Vasque Dry waterproof technology and waterproof nubuck leather are present in these boots. It makes sure your feet stay dry all day. And with the proprietary Vasque Trail Strider outsole, you’ll enjoy excellent multi-directional traction. Also, the defined heel brake adds to control and durability on even the toughest trails.
The boots feature a curved last with ample toe room and medium heel volume. These boots offer a long lace closure for a more adjustable, comfortable fit. They’re also available in medium and wide widths, so you can find your perfect fit.
But the best part? The Vasque Women’s Breeze Hiking Boots are environmentally friendly. They use 100% recycled content collar lining, webbing, and mesh. They also feature a 60% recycled content heel counter and 25% recycled content waterproofing (VasqueDry) and 20% recycled sugarcane/EVA midsole.
So, if you’re a hiking lover looking for a comfortable, durable, and environment-friendly pair of boots, look no further than the Vasque Women’s Breeze Hiking Boots!
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Environmental-friendly
- Durable
- Enhanced traction
- Adjustable fit
Cons:
- None
Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Looking for a reliable and durable hiking boot for your next adventure? Look no further than the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX. It is made with high-quality materials and advanced boot technology. This boot is the best for any outdoor excursion.
Crafted with a synthetic and suede upper material, this boot is both durable and flexible, providing support for your feet and ankles no matter what terrain you encounter.
The GORE-TEX waterproofing ensures that your feet stay dry even on the wettest of trails, while the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and humidity.
With a lace closure and nylon footbed, this hiking boot provides a customizable and comfortable fit that will keep your feet feeling great all day long. And with a sturdy rubber sole and 1.5-inch heel, you can be sure that you’ll have plenty of support and traction as you navigate any terrain.
So, if you’re looking for a high-quality hiking boot that will keep up with all of your adventures, look no further than the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX. Trust us, your feet will thank you.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Eco-friendly
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good traction
Cons:
- Limited color options
Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid-Hiking Boots
Are you looking for a high-quality hiking boot that can keep up with your outdoor adventures? Look no further than the Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot.
Crafted from 100% leather and synthetic materials, this boot features a Vibram sole for excellent traction on any terrain. With a mixed-media design that includes speed lacing hardware and a padded tongue and collar, you’ll enjoy both comfort and durability on your next hike.
The climate-control footbed ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable, while the polyurethane Monowrap frame and full-length nylon shank provide support and stability. And with a Vibram Evo outsole, you can trust that this boot will provide reliable traction no matter where your adventures take you.
So why wait? Invest in the best and gear up for your next hike with the Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Good traction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited color options
Salomon Women’s Quest Hiking Boots
The perfect waterproof backpacking boots for all your outdoor adventures! With a rubber sole and ankle support, these boots are designed to be grippy and supportive for tough conditions. The updated chassis targets sensitive articulations and wraps your foot for extra support.
The Quest 4 is not only light and cushioned with tail running shoe-adapted technology, but it’s also supportive enough for backpacking, so you can enjoy any path your way.
No matter if you prefer a local day hike or hitting the trails for a multi-day adventure, Salomon makes innovative hiking and backpacking shoes and boots for men and women to help you go the distance.
At Salomon, we believe that it’s time to play and conquer new distances, personal records, or events. Whether you’re into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, we’ve got shoes and gear for kids, men, and women to help you achieve your goals.
Get your pair now and experience the ultimate in boot technology, arch support, pronation control, and orthotics.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Grippy sole
- Supportive
Cons:
- Not available in wide sizes
- Limited color options
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid-Hiking Boot
Are you looking for a reliable and comfortable hiking boot? The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot might just be what you need! With its advanced features, this shoe is perfect for any adventure seeker.
The Merrell shoe is equipped with an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole that provides excellent traction and durability. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, so you can take on any terrain with confidence. The EVA midsole also adds to the shoe’s stability and comfort, making it ideal for long hikes.
One of the most notable features of the Moab 2 Vent shoe is the closed-cell foam tongue that keeps moisture and debris out. This ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable throughout your hike.
Additionally, the Merrell M Select FIT. ECO blended EVA contoured footbed provides added zonal arch and heel support, making the shoe comfortable and supportive for your feet.
If you’re looking for a hiking boot that provides both functionality and style, then look no further than the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot.
With its exceptional features and advanced technology, this shoe is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re trekking through mountains or exploring a local trail, this boot will keep your feet comfortable and protected.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons:
- Not waterproof
SCARPA Men’s Kailash Hiking Boots
Looking for a reliable trail boot that’s both comfortable and supportive? Look no further than the SCARPA Men’s Kailash. Made from 100% leather and featuring a durable rubber sole, this imported boot is designed to provide the perfect balance of flexibility and support for day hikes or lightweight backpacking trips.
Thanks to its GORE-TEX Performance Comfort technology, the Kailash offers waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability or durability, meaning your feet stay dry and comfortable in any weather conditions.
Plus, the Vibram XS TREK outsole provides dependable grip on a wide range of terrain, from steep switchbacks to slick granite slabs.
But it’s not just about performance—the Kailash is also designed for added protection and comfort. The reinforced molded TPU toe cap keeps your feet safe from tree stumps and rocks, while the lightweight PU midsole absorbs impact without adding unnecessary weight.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing trail boot that’s designed to keep your feet comfortable and protected, the SCARPA Men’s Kailash is a perfect choice.
With its advanced boot technology, arch support, and pronation control, it’s sure to become your go-to choice for all your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Waterproof protection
- Lightweight construction
- Dependable grip
Cons:
- Leather material may require maintenance
- Limited color options
How Do You Hike with Weak Ankles?
When it comes to hiking, ankle support is crucial, especially if you have weak ankles. A lack of ankle support can cause discomfort and pain during and after a hike. In this blog, we’ll explore some tips on how to hike with weak ankles and what to look for in hiking boots for ankle support.
How Do I Stop My Ankles from Hurting When Hiking?
If you’re experiencing ankle pain during or after hiking, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort:
- Take breaks: Take frequent breaks during your hike to rest and stretch your ankles. This will help prevent them from becoming fatigued and sore.
- Use hiking poles: Hiking poles can help to distribute your weight evenly and provide additional support for your ankles.
- Wear ankle braces: Ankle braces can provide additional support and stability for your ankles, reducing the risk of injury.
- Strengthen your ankles: Strengthening your ankle muscles through exercises such as ankle rolls, heel raises, and balance exercises can help prevent ankle pain and injury.
How Do I Strengthen My Ankles for Hiking?
Strengthening your ankles can help reduce the risk of injury and improve ankle stability. Here are a few exercises to try:
- Ankle rolls: Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Roll your ankles in a circular motion, first clockwise and then counterclockwise.
- Heel raises: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and raise your heels as high as you can, then lower them back down.
- Balance exercises: Stand on one foot and balance for as long as you can, then switch to the other foot.
Factors to Look for in Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
When choosing hiking boots, there are a few factors to consider to ensure they provide adequate ankle support:
- High-cut design: Look for boots with a high-cut design that provides support and stability for your ankles.
- Sturdy construction: Look for boots with sturdy construction that can withstand the rugged terrain of hiking trails.
- Cushioning: Look for boots with ample cushioning to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your ankles.
- Traction: Look for boots with a high-traction outsole that can provide grip on a variety of surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best hiking boots for ankle support is crucial for hikers with weak ankles or those who experience ankle pain while hiking. It is essential to choose hiking boots that provide enough support and stability to the ankles, while also being comfortable and durable enough to withstand long hikes.
To avoid ankle pain while hiking, hikers should also take steps to strengthen their ankle muscles through exercises and stretches. Additionally, using ankle braces or wraps can provide extra support and prevent further injury.
When shopping for hiking boots, hikers should look for certain factors that indicate good ankle support, such as a sturdy and rigid sole, a well-padded collar, and a secure fit. Brands such as Salomon, Merrell, and SCARPA offer great options for hiking boots with excellent ankle support.
By taking the time to find the best hiking boots for ankle support and taking steps to strengthen their ankles, hikers can enjoy their hiking adventures with more comfort and confidence. Remember, the right pair of hiking boots for women and men can make all the difference in the world when it comes to protecting your ankles and enjoying the great outdoors.
FAQs
Hiking boots should fit snugly around the ankle without causing any discomfort. The ankle should be supported but still have some range of motion for flexibility.
If you have weak ankles or a history of ankle injuries, wearing ankle support can help prevent further injuries. However, if you have healthy ankles, it’s not necessary to wear ankle support when walking or hiking.
High-ankle shoes can provide extra support and stability for the ankles during trekking or hiking. However, it’s important to ensure that the shoes fit properly and don’t cause any discomfort or restrictions in movement.
Tyler Looney is an avid hiking enthusiast and the author of HikingBootsPros.com, a website dedicated to providing helpful insights and advice on choosing the best hiking boots. His expertise and passion for hiking have made him a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced hikers alike.