I need boot recommendation...read why

[hootyhoo]

In Sept I rolled my ankle. This injury is a result of a weak ankle from an injury that I got in the military. It was bad this time. But I am not a quitter.
Anyways. I have been doing my training hikes in Altria LP 3.0 and love them. But there is no way I can start the trail in them.
I just finished 45 miles on the Foothills Trail wearing my Asolo 520’s because I still need the support. These boots are super supportive, but also very heavy.
Recommend me some supportive boots, not goretex, with wide toe box, AND good grip on wet trail.
Thanks, Hootyhoo.

[Uncle Joe]

Light and supportive might be hard to come by as added material helps stability. Have you looked at the mid-height version of the LP 3?

[Feral Bill]

See if you can get the VA to help you out on this, financially. It is their job.

[hootyhoo]

I did look at the Altra middies, but it is too hot. The fit is great on them as well, but not much support. I might go back to Keen or try the Merrill’s. But both of those boots have proved “slippery” to me in the past. Although, I
loved the fit of the keens, and they were very durable.
I really have not been in the boot shopping business for a long time.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I'd suggest getting a decent ankle brace instead and continuing to use the shoes that otherwise work for you.

[gracebowen]

I second what elf said. I have the same problem with my left ankle. Then again my experience with the brace is it hurts too. I'll probably take brace and wear it on the more difficult parts.

[DrL]

Or instead of the brace, try wrapping the ankle with some self adhering tape. With proper application, I find that it provides some extra support.

[ldsailor]

Ditto on the ankle brace. I sprained my ankle in 2016 as I approached the Fontana shelter. It swelled up and hurt like crazy. I tried wrapping it (actually another hiker did it for me). The wrap was fine for awhile, but eventually my circulation was restricted. You really have to know what you are doing when you wrap an ankle. I took off the tape and used only an an ankle brace, and it helped immensely. I still had periods of swelling and pain, but the brace helped me push through it.

When I finished my hike (a LASH - 532 miles), I went to the VA and they sent me to a private therapist. The therapist had me do a bunch of ankle exercises that strengthened my ankle. I was told you don't "heal" a sprain, but you can strengthen the ankle. in 2017 I continued my LASH (another 750 miles) and I had no problems. I wore the ankle brace for awhile, but eventually took it off towards the end of the hike.

Moral of the story - strengthen the ankle (most important) and wear a brace.

[ldsailor]

By the way, I forgot to mention that I wear Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II boots. Very comfortable and light. They didn't prevent my sprain, but made the going a little easier.

[JoeVogel]

I really like the Vivo Tracker FG (https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/off-road/tracker-fg-mens?gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-L6D-aQF5O7VQdVWTrT2EdhE95BS7I2v5OqKCsZiqdrL-gQzHNewoQhoCVrAQAvD_BwE). I really like the whole "barefoot sole" thing. Super lightweight, supportive, waterproof, and surprisingly good traction... not to mention they look great... not that it matter too much.

Unfortunately they are pretty spendy.. but you can get them for a little bit cheaper on amazon (http://amzn.to/2lPyJ49)

[sethd513]

Moab mid ventilator? Bulky compared to a trail runner but supportive.


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[TX Aggie]

Merrell just brought out a Moab mid tactical boot that I got. So far I like it a lot. A little warm for summer, but for now until June I think it will be just fine. Fairly light for the size boot it is, and it still has the same Moab tried pattern.

There are also some good lightweight tactical boots out there I can point you towards if you need a taller boot.

[TX Aggie]

Merrell just brought out a Moab mid tactical boot that I got. So far I like it a lot. A little warm for summer, but for now until June I think it will be just fine. Fairly light for the size boot it is, and it still has the same Moab tried pattern.

There are also some good lightweight tactical boots out there I can point you towards if you need a taller boot.

[hootyhoo]

I like the look of the Vivo boots. Sweet. Moab’s - I will try those and whatever Keen has that resembles the old Targhee
Thanks everyone.
My injury is not classed as a sprain it is a grade 2 tear. From the ankle bone and 8” up the outside of the calf. I have a protrusion that sticks out the front of the ankle bone as well. But it is a lot better than it was 2 months ago. I never gave it a chance to “set-up” on me. I kept moving it as much as possible until I could put a little weight on it. My biggest day since Sept was 9.7 miles from Sassafrass Mt to Table Rock State Park...and it’s low miles, but I am proud of it with what I am working with.
Thanks for all the support. WB community rocks the support.

[Leo L.]

I really like the Vivo Tracker FG (https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/off-road/tracker-fg-mens?gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-L6D-aQF5O7VQdVWTrT2EdhE95BS7I2v5OqKCsZiqdrL-gQzHNewoQhoCVrAQAvD_BwE). I really like the whole "barefoot sole" thing...
Funny thing, to name a boot "barefoot".

I once had a bunch of torn tendons around the ankle, and it took a long time to heal up to a level that I can live with it. PT would have been great, but all I did was pressing through the issue myself.
What finally helped to really clear out the issue was walking barefoot (really barefoot). It was just a few km apiece at the beginning, and after 2-3yrs I was ready to perform whole hikes barefoot and I still do this occassionally, but I aways carry some light shoes or flipflops as backup.
Walking barefoot strengthens the ankle and all muscles and tendons around it enourmously, after years I could finally see how thick the ankle had become (thick by strength, not by being swollen).
One very positive thing about walking barefoot is, that you hardly ever can overdo it at the beginning. The pain on the soles will tell you when to stop.

[madgoat]

Merrell makes their Moab 2 mid boots in wide width. I had a pair of them for a while but they just weren't wide enough for my 4E feet. They might be worth looking into.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mother-of-all-boots-ventilator-mid-wide-width/27936M.html

They are available in mid or low, goretex or non.

Keen, Lowa, and many others also make boots in wide widths, but they are only available in goretex versions.

[Two more miles]

Check on tactical Boots, There are several out there that are under 16oz. You can find them in 6" or 8" 'water prof or not.

[JoeVogel]

Funny thing, to name a boot "barefoot".

I once had a bunch of torn tendons around the ankle, and it took a long time to heal up to a level that I can live with it. PT would have been great, but all I did was pressing through the issue myself.
What finally helped to really clear out the issue was walking barefoot (really barefoot). It was just a few km apiece at the beginning, and after 2-3yrs I was ready to perform whole hikes barefoot and I still do this occasionally, but I always carry some light shoes or flipflops as backup.
Walking barefoot strengthens the ankle and all muscles and tendons around it enormously, after years I could finally see how thick the ankle had become (thick by strength, not by being swollen).
One very positive thing about walking barefoot is, that you hardly ever can overdo it at the beginning. The pain on the soles will tell you when to stop.

That's what I thought too when I first saw them. I prefer their trail runners to give more of the benefits of going "barefoot". But the Trackers are a very good compromise for cold weather hiking to keep your feet warm.

I would agree that after spending a few years going completely barefoot whenever I could It really help improve the strength and endurance of my feet and ankles. But the Vivos do a very good job at giving you the benefits of going barefoot without exposing your feet to cuts, sharp rocks, etc.

Since then I started working as a carrier for the postal service and required to wear overly supportive shoes. I have noticed a drastic increase in fatigue and foot pain after long distances. Now that I have quit I will have to build up the strength in my feet again.

[Another Kevin]

A lot of your ankle support actually comes from the sole and heel cup rather than from the boot. I know that my ankle and knee problems were helped a lot by custom-fitted orthoses, much more than by any change of boot that I tried.

[poolskaterx]

I have the Asolo boots and hiked with a broken ankle for 12 miles... I started the hike with the broken ankle. Boots are so supportive I never had an issue. I purchased some lighted boots that offer nearly the same support however they are goretex so I am not sure you wante em; I use then in summer and they breath quite well: La Sportiva Omega GTX Hiking Boots. My ankle is healed now and my experience with the lighter and "oh so comfortable" lasportivas led me to getting my new "go to" boots the synthesis mid... takes a while to get used to hiking with a boot without a midsole shank.

[poolskaterx]

I have the Asolo boots and hiked with a broken ankle for 12 miles... I started the hike with the broken ankle. Boots are so supportive I never had an issue. I purchased some lighted boots that offer nearly the same support however they are goretex so I am not sure you wante em; I use then in summer and they breath quite well: La Sportiva Omega GTX Hiking Boots. My ankle is healed now and my experience with the lighter and "oh so comfortable" lasportivas led me to getting my new "go to" boots the synthesis mid... takes a while to get used to hiking with a boot without a midsole shank.


lol, I meant to say "lighter boots" not lighted :)

[Venchka]

Moab mid ventilator? Bulky compared to a trail runner but supportive.


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The limp mesh in the Mids offered no support.
Extra weight. Extra cost. Zero extra support.
Full leather offers support.
Beware of the Asolo 520s. The soles separated from the uppers on my pair.
Sierra Trading Post has several over the ankle boots from LaSportiva, Alico, etc.
Good luck.
Wayne

[Berserker]

I'll add in another plug for an ankle brace. I got a significant sprain a few years back, and went and got one of those simple braces from a drugstore (like CVS or Walgreens) that is basically just an elastic compression tube with a heel cutout. It worked great and allowed me to keep walking on the ankle until it healed up. The brace was also minimally intrusive when worn inside of a trail runner, which was nice because I wasn't sure if wearing a brace inside of a shoe might cause other issues.

[blw2]

not that I am by any mans knowledgeable in this sort of thing....
my 1st thought when reading was ankle brace instead of a boot.....I'm thinking not like something you'd get form walgreens, but something much better....maybe from an orthopedic doc.
then I thought of KT tape. I recently was watching some youtube vids of how to use it for shoulder and neck pain and posture. Found a video by a physical therapist that was quite interesting. I have to think that it might be worth paying for a few PT visits, IF you could find a good one. Someone very knowledgeable re. the anatomy of your injury just might be able to show you two things... how to tape for support, and how to properly strengthen to support. No doubt you've likely already had PT for the injury....but I'm thinking that, like almost anything, not all therapists are equal....

[chiefduffy]

Lowa renegade hightop. You wont be disappointed. Usually available at REI.

[Venchka]

Lowa renegade hightop. You wont be disappointed. Usually available at REI.
The Leather Lined Model. Not Gore-Tex.
Wayne

[Shutterbug]

Everyone is different, but my suggestion will surprise you. I also had weak ankles. I wore heavy leather boots that caught me when I turned my ankle. I thought the leather boots were protecting me from injury, but I still had some pain from the turned ankles. About 9 years ago, I switched to Vibram FiveFinger Shoes. I have not turned my ankle since. I discovered that the reason I was turning my ankles was the heavy boots. I couldn't really feel where I was stepping. With the Fivefinger Shoes, I feel the trail and don't turn my ankles.

They aren't for everyone, but it is worth a try. They worked for me.

[blw2]

I read a blog by a guy a few years back that had hiked the grand canyon several times. One time he wrote about hiking rim to rim along with his daughter in 5-fingers. he talked about every other time he hiked the canyon his "dogs" would be barking at the end of each day when he pulled his boots off to soak them in a stream. Not so with the 5 fingers.
I've never tried them personally, but i think your suggestion seems very plausible, shutterbug

Personally, I'm considering getting a nice pair of hiking sandals. Similar idea.

[ZombieDust66]

My daughter wanted low top basketball shoes and I told her she should wear for high top for ankle support.

I did some research and what I found out there is little to no data to back up the statement that high tops add any significant ankle support (these are high tops. Not those boots that rise 6”-10” above the ankles)

However, wrapping ankles and plastic ankle supports will be more effective than high top boots. Volleyball players wear plastic ankle supports with low top shoes.


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[Shutterbug]

I read a blog by a guy a few years back that had hiked the grand canyon several times. One time he wrote about hiking rim to rim along with his daughter in 5-fingers. he talked about every other time he hiked the canyon his "dogs" would be barking at the end of each day when he pulled his boots off to soak them in a stream. Not so with the 5 fingers.
I've never tried them personally, but i think your suggestion seems very plausible, shutterbug

Personally, I'm considering getting a nice pair of hiking sandals. Similar idea.

About 9 years ago, I was hiking in the Grand Canyon coming back from Clear Creek. I was wearing some very expensive hiking boots and my feet were killing me. I had a pair of fivefingers in my pack to use as camp shoes. My feet were hurting so bad that I was limping. I took off the boots and put on the fivefingers. I have never gone back to boots. I have worn the fivefingers on trails all around the world. The only times I have wished I had boots have been in crossing snow fields. If I walk more than 1/4 mile in snow, my feet get cold.

[sketcher709]

My orthopedic surgeon told me (after my third ankle break) that the most important thing in footwear for ankle stability is a good heel cup. Also, after the last time I broke my ankle and had surgery to put me back together again, it took me about two years to regain my strength and that was finally because I moved from the city where I had been working and always walking on flat surfaces, to living in a horse farm where I was doing weight bearing work on uneven ground. Use it or lose it. Or I should say, use it or it will never strengthen up again. I had stepped on a crack in the sidewalk and went down due to instability in my ankle. I just thought my ankle was toast even after PT. Nope. It just needed to be used under all sorts of conditions. Every day.

[hootyhoo]

Thanks for all the replies to this thread.

[egilbe]

The joints in your body alternate between stability joints and mobility joints. Ankles are a mobility joint. They are meant to flexible with the terrain. I've they don't flex, that tension is passed to the next joint in line, which is a stability joint, the knee. It's designed to flex in direction only, front to back. Next joint up is your hips, a mobility joint, moves in multiple directions. Then your lower back, a stability joint. Upper back and neck are mobility joints. It's a complete system. When part of that system is restricted, it causes stress elsewhere. Inflexible ankles or hips causes problems with your knees or your lower back. Don't restrict your mobility joints, and it won't cause problems with your stability joints.

[Tipi Walter]

The limp mesh in the Mids offered no support.
Extra weight. Extra cost. Zero extra support.
Full leather offers support.
Beware of the Asolo 520s. The soles separated from the uppers on my pair.

Wayne

I hear ya brother---my Asolos on an 18 day Cohutta trip---

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpacking2013-1/18-Days-in-the-Cohutta/i-XkRSdqb/0/f53ed893/L/TRIP%20142%20617-L.jpg

All the talk now is about wearing next to nothing footwear but I'm a believer in the full leather boot. Most definitely especially in the winter. My faves (and 520 replacements) are a pair of Zamberlan Vioz's which come in wide sizes. Heavy sure but there when you need them and awesome when heading down a snowy nutbusting trail with a 75 lb pack---

41840
Zams in action.

41841
And they're waterproof for those tricky 1 inch to 6 inch creek crossings.

[TheMidlifeHiker]

The limp mesh in the Mids offered no support.
Extra weight. Extra cost. Zero extra support.
Full leather offers support.
Beware of the Asolo 520s. The soles separated from the uppers on my pair.
Sierra Trading Post has several over the ankle boots from LaSportiva, Alico, etc.
Good luck.
Wayne

I really like my Moab Mid Vents... and I disagree with your statement that they don’t add any additional support over a trail runner. Certainly more support around the ankle although yes, less than a full leather boot.

Chris

[Venchka]

I really like my Moab Mid Vents... and I disagree with your statement that they don’t add any additional support over a trail runner. Certainly more support around the ankle although yes, less than a full leather boot.

Chris
I had a different experience with the Moab Mids.
Glad you liked them.
Wayne

[TheMidlifeHiker]

I had a different experience with the Moab Mids.
Glad you liked them.
Wayne

It’s why there’s so many boot companies - different preferences! Happy hiking.

[Venchka]

Don’t I know! I’ve tried more than a few.
Wayne

[MuddyWaters]

I really like my Moab Mid Vents... and I disagree with your statement that they don’t add any additional support over a trail runner. Certainly more support around the ankle although yes, less than a full leather boot.

Chris

Nope.
No such thing as any significant ankle support.
At least not without a full boot laced tight enough to be clunky for walking.

Think figure skates. Thats support. Even then its not enough for me to even skate in figure skates, my ankles flop around. I need hard hockey skates.

Dont confuse support with sensory feedback and a cozy feeling. Its a sales buzzword to bamboozle consumers.

[TheMidlifeHiker]

Nope.
No such thing as any significant ankle support.
At least not without a full boot laced tight enough to be clunky for walking.

Think figure skates. Thats support. Even then its not enough for me to even skate in figure skates, my ankles flop around. I need hard hockey skates.

Dont confuse support with sensory feedback and a cozy feeling. Its a sales buzzword to bamboozle consumers.

Surely there are degrees... to claim that support only exists as a rigid structure that prevents your ankle from bending at all isn’t accurate. Why do high-top sneakers exist? Why would you wear a sleeve on your knee or elbow? Both examples provide support but allow the joint to move. Just my opinion.

Chris

[MuddyWaters]

Surely there are degrees... to claim that support only exists as a rigid structure that prevents your ankle from bending at all isn’t accurate. Why do high-top sneakers exist? Why would you wear a sleeve on your knee or elbow? Both examples provide support but allow the joint to move. Just my opinion.

Chris

Nope.
Enjoy your Kool-Aid.

When football linemen tape their ankles that provide some support. At the expense of flexibility. You surely wouldn't want to hike like that....very far. The ultimate in ankle support ...ski boots.

[TheMidlifeHiker]

Nope.
Enjoy your Kool-Aid.

When football linemen tape their ankles that provide some support. At the expense of flexibility. You surely wouldn't want to hike like that....very far. The ultimate in ankle support ...ski boots.

I do love the Internet - black and white with no room for gray.

Have a good hike.

[Thefurther]

oboz ... i use oboz but that is me . that is my go to shoe for hiking . they are a great long distance shoe and also give you great support under foot as you pound your feet down the trail . you are just going to have to find your happy place with the shoes . keep searching until you find the right fit for you . make sure you are fit properly for your shoe and you understand more about fitting the shoe than the person who is helping you when you are buying the shoe . i see a lot of people getting the wrong size stuff and needing to buy it again because the first time it was wrong . it is nice to have different gear for different terrain so good luck .

[BuckeyeBill]

Nope.
Enjoy your Kool-Aid.

When football linemen tape their ankles that provide some support. At the expense of flexibility. You surely wouldn't want to hike like that....very far. The ultimate in ankle support ...ski boots.

If you look closely, most football players as well as some other athletes, they run on their toes. Track runner's shoes only have spikes under the toes. Ski boots do offer ultimate ankle support at a cost of depending on the knees and hips for player support and mobility in addition to the poles they carry.:)