Hiking should, in a nutshell, be all about fun. Challenging, yes, sometimes even hard and possibly even annoying, but fun and relaxing.
To be able to fully enjoy the experience and focus solely on the track, it is absolutely essential to have proper equipment. And the most important part of your equipment is your shoes.
And it actually makes a lot of sense since you’ll be spending the most important part of your trip on the trail, hiking, which means you’ll be mostly on your feet.
This means your ankles will be under a lot of pressure, so you’ll need as much support as needed. That’s why getting boots with ankle support is important.
Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex
- Best For Budget: Merrell Men’s Moab 3
- Best For Comfort: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Boots
- Best High Ankle Support: NORTIV 8 Ankle High Waterproof Boots
- Best For Waterproof: KEEN Men’s Targhee 2
One of the most important benefits of ankle support is to lower possible injuries in case a hiker steps on an uneven terrain or slips and twists an ankle, as shown in studies. Although they won’t entirely prevent it, there won’t be as serious consequences in terms of damage.
How to Choose Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
Now that you know the benefits of ankle support boots, it is time to learn how to choose the best to provide ankle support properly.
Boot Height and Collar Design
Boot height and collar design are the first two things to consider when looking for the best. There are three options when it comes to height – high, mid and low ankle cut. High-cut boots are the ones that are the most sturdy, and they rise a few inches above the ankle.
In combination with laces and collar, it will sit snug against your leg, keeping your ankle firmly locked in place.
Mid-cut boots are medium-sized, a bit more flexible, but still firm enough to keep the ankle in its place in case of slipping or rolling the ankle. Although mid-cut boots won’t keep the ankle firmly in place, they would, without a doubt, prevent serious damage.
Low-cut boots give the ankle the most freedom but also can lead to possible problems when stepping on an uneven surface. On the other hand, you’ll have more joint mobility.
Lacing system
Now, that you’ve found your ideal boot height and collar, it is time to learn a thing or two about the lacing system. Most hiking boots have two-zone lacing, so you can set different tensions at different parts of the foot to customize pressure.
Zone 1 sets the tension at the forefoot and midfoot using eyelets positioned over the instep. In Zone 2, there most often are not any eyelets but lace hooks.
Combined with the right knot, it will give your foot an optimal feel while keeping it safe. However, it may need some practice and time to find the best knot.
Cushioning and padding
This is completely based on your own preference and what feels the best on your foot. Try different versions of materials, and find the one you enjoy the most.
By being bigger, high boots offer more cushioning and padding, leading to more relaxed feet.
Flexibility
Hiking boots with ankle support come with a cost, as your foot won’t be as flexible when wearing boots that provide ankle support.
The ankle support works in such a way that it limits the ankle movement, preventing it from rolling inside or outside.
Material and construction
When speaking about construction, most often, these boots have two options – high-cut or mid-cut. This means they will either go high above the ankle or just above the ankle, covering it along the way.
As for materials used for the upper parts of the boot, most manufacturers go with leather. It is strong, smooth, and nice-looking, and it is also breathable and waterproof if treated properly and maintained regularly.
Also, you could run into leather variations like suede or nubuck, while some modern manufacturers are trying to find alternatives, like microfiber, but leather is by far the most used and, so far, the best material.
Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
Because there are many different options out there that can make it a bit more complicated to find the right one, we’ve narrowed the search to the Top 5 choices of hiking boots for ankle support, depending on the type of activity.
1. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex hiking shoe is a leader among all-purpose shoes. This mid-cut shoe with a heel of approximately 1″ allows the user to get on any trail.
With the agility of a trail running shoe combined with the stability, grip, and waterproof protection, it will give you all you need for your hike.
Thanks to the new chassis, it provides waterproof hiking and ankle support without affecting the movement. Thanks to the Contragrip MA outsole, it grabs the terrain no matter the slippery surface.
What makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is lightweight, so it can be used for any purpose – running, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering. These shoes are a great choice, and along with that – they are suitable for men, women and kids.
And to top it all, they come in many different colors, so you’ll have the option to choose the one that you like the most and that looks the best for your next adventure.
2. Merrell Men’s Moab 3
Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid is a hiking boot with a rubber sole whose shaft measures approximately ankle from the arch. Known as extremely comfortable, these boots are mid-cut but are considered to be among the best when it comes to ankle support on rugged trails.
With a Kinetic Fit footbed, the foot comfort reaches its maximum, while the protective rubber heel and toe cap serve its purpose very well. What makes it great, however, are the Merrell Air Cushion, which absorbs maximum shock during movement, and the Vibram TC5+ outsole, providing amazing traction, no matter the terrain and conditions outside.
This makes it a great choice for any harsh terrains and problematic areas, while keeping your feet as comfortable as possible in that situation. Also, they are among the most affordable hiking boots you’ll find that offer top-shelf quality.
3. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Boots
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is among the priciest options but has been proven as one of the well-rounded hiking boots. With great materials and waterproof ability, it is also great in providing pretty good comfort. It is also lightweight, so it has clear upsides.
However, it has to be mentioned that it may not be as stable and protective on a technical terrain when carrying a full load.
However, it is on longer trails where it really shines. The collar and tongue are connected so you won’t feel you have anything on your feet, while any outside effect won’t affect your joy.
It is well-padded, and thanks to the 3D Flex ankle hinge, it allows a restriction-free stride during climbing and descending steep terrain.
4. NORTIV 8 Ankle High Waterproof Boots
NORTIV 8 Ankle High Waterproof boots are a cost-effective, affordable option made out of synthetic. Their main strength is the fact that they are waterproof, which makes it, combined with a pretty good price, a great choice for wet weather.
However, that’s not all – thanks to high-quality rubber soles, they will lower the chance of slipping to a bare minimum, so you won’t have to worry that you’ll slip unexpectedly and suddenly as they offer firm stability. With removable and shock-absorbent cushioned insoles, your ankle will have high-quality support.
On top of that, Nortiv 8 Ankle High Waterproof boots are lightweight, so you could use it for any activity related to spending time on the trail – from backpacking over hiking to running the trail or climbing.
5. KEEN Men’s Targhee 2
KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 are all-terrain boots with high-quality rubber outsole that have a high traction grip and keen, dry, waterproof, breathable membrane that will keep your feet dry.
But that’s not what makes it such a great choice, even when taking a bit of a higher price into consideration.
External support shank and mid-cut height provide good ankle support and balance on uneven terrains, preventing your ankle from rolling and twisting. At the same time, the contoured heel adds up to its stability.
When you add a mid-profile upper fit for comfort with a padded tongue and collar, you’ll get a boot that will keep you dry and safe and lower the chance of injury as much as possible.
They also come in many different color options, so you’ll be able to buy the ones that you like the best.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Ankle Health While Hiking
Although they will help, ankle support boots are not the only way to keep your ankle healthy. There are some stuff you can (and should) do before or even during your trip that will keep it in optimal shape.
Start by doing stretching exercises. Warm-up is an essential part of any sporting activity, and hiking-related activities are among the most difficult ones, so it is more than recommended to stretch your ankles regularly.
This is also helpful when you feel tired, so you should stretch your ankles both before you start and after you finish your day.
The second good thing to think about is using trekking poles, as they will move part of the pressure from your ankles to your shoulders and arms.
Thirdly, when starting your hikes, don’t give it all instantly. Gradually increase hiking intensity and, most importantly, do not push if you feel fatigued. Give your body a chance to rest.
There are also many strengthening exercises for ankle stability (you may hit a local gym and ask for advice). If you want, you could also consider using ankle braces or wraps to offer additional support.
FAQs
Are high-ankle boots good for hiking?
Yes, although sturdy, high ankle boots are not only good but great for hiking, as they offer stability when walking, prevent you from slipping and keep your ankle safe while keeping your feet comfortable along the way, especially if you’ll be hiking an uneven or slippery terrain, where there is a higher chance of twisting your ankle.
How do you hike with weak ankles?
The first thing to do is to try and make them stronger by doing exercises and stretching regularly. Then, you could add trekking poles for stability and help distribute weight more equally to your upper body, then use the ankle support boots for additional stability. And lastly – do not force anything. If tired, rest. Listen to your body and you’ll be OK.
How do I keep my ankles from hurting in hiking boots?
Although comfortable, in some situations, hiking boots can lead to ankle pain. First of all, make sure they fit well on your leg. Also, make sure there is enough padding in the tongue to prevent them from becoming painful when going uphill or downhill, and before you hit the trail, make sure to try them on with the socks you’ll be wearing during your hikes.
Do boots help ankle pain?
The shortest possible answer is – yes, they do. Boots with ankle support will keep your ankle in place, without it being able to move much, so they’ll be more-less immobilized, which means, if snug properly and without any issue with the size of your boot or sock problem, you won’t have to worry about ankle pain.
Summary
When the time for hiking comes, are the ankle support hiking boots a good choice? If you plan to go on an even terrain, then you should be good with whatever shoes you like. However, any uneven, steep, rough terrain means an increased chance of slipping, twisting, or rolling your ankle, so you should use anything that goes in your favor and helps you keep your feet secured as much as possible. Ankle-support hiking boots will help with that, so you can focus on your trail instead of worrying about possible injuries.
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