Boots for those with weak ankles

[towserthemouser]

My Meindls are about as stiff as I can stand.
I will say this about weak ankles based on my daughters experience in volleyball. Braces that protect your ankle as often prevent them from getting stronger because they are doing the heavy lifting. I hope your doctor who said you have a chronic strain has referred you to PT to actually strengthen/stabilize your ankles. I use one of those half yoga ball things and simply stand on one foot on it. You will be shocked at how unstable your ankles are - I was. Once you are good with your eyes open, close them. It was start everything all over again. It’s no impact, but does a great job of working the little stabilizer muscles. Good luck.

Try forming the habit of balancing on one foot every time you brush your teeth or shave. Over time it will really help develop balance and foot/ankle strength. When your ankles get stronger you can try a jump rope and build that up slowly. Then try jumping rope on one foot and switching to the other. Better than anything a doctor can do for you. It may save you from a devastating fall later in life, and can add functional years to your life and hunting career.

 

[Sourdough]

Greetings @Sourdough , how are you finding your Courteney Jamesons? I am thinking of getting a pair, easier to wear puttees with higher boots.

Greetings. I love them. So much so that I bought a second pair in case at some point in the future Courteney discontinues them.

 

[yfarm]

How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace

<p>An ankle brace, also known as an orthosis, is worn around the ankle to promote healing. A brace can protect the ankle and foot from further injury, stabilize the joint so it can heal faster, and provide compression and warmth.<br> </p>

mvhsc.com

Followed by Jim Green Numzaan leather lined for stiffness
I don’t have weak ankles but find the Salomon 4D gtx a very supportive and comfortable but lightweight boot for cool to warm weather hunting.

 

[Rare Breed]

I've got annoying ankles. They roll outward so far that I could walk on the sides of my feet, no kidding. I dislike hightop boots but if I don't wear them I'll be walking along, an ankle will roll, and I'll drop uncontrolled to the ground. It's been happening all my life to the point where my left ankle has what the doctor calls a chronic sprain.

I can't say how much I've spent on boots over the years searching for a solution I can live with. One that does, although unsure how noisy it would be in a heavy leafy area, is the Shadow Intruder 8" from Lalo. An interesting feature with these boots is you can cut a lace and laces won't loosen. Very practical but does slow down unlacing the boots. I haven't fallen with these yet (just jinxed that). Hope this helps others with weak ankles.

https://lalo.com/collections/tactical-boots/products/shadow-intruder-8-coyote

My friend although not for Africa I too pronate like you. My college football cleats at the end of a season would sit lying on their outside as you point out. In your off season getting ready for Africa find a shoe shop that will watch you walk then supply you with the Hoka shoe that will off set your outward pronation. It was life changing for me

 

[Sourdough]

My friend although not for Africa I too pronate like you. My college football cleats at the end of a season would sit lying on their outside as you point out. In your off season getting ready for Africa find a shoe shop that will watch you walk then supply you with the Hoka shoe that will off set your outward pronation. It was life changing for me

Thanks! That would definitely help. I’ll find a shop! Hmmmmmm. Maybe a belt sander.

 

[Pasme]

A few decades ago I read that people with high arches tend to have weak ankles and those with flat feet tend to have strong ankles. I have high arches and suffered MANY ankle sprains in my younger years so I am a firm believer in boots that protect my ankles. An ankle sprain at the gym or on a playground ball court is a whole different situation from a sprain 10 miles from the trailhead. Almost every time I hike my Asolo hiking boots save me a sprain and I am thankful for them. Doing exercises to make your ankles as strong as possible makes good sense too, but I would never rely on it. There are many folks who are not in the same situation. They hike and trail run in low top shoes with no ankle support at all and have no problem. That's not me and if its not you then use a good pair of boots and don't worry about the weight.

 

[HankBuck]

I've got annoying ankles. They roll outward so far that I could walk on the sides of my feet, no kidding. I dislike hightop boots but if I don't wear them I'll be walking along, an ankle will roll, and I'll drop uncontrolled to the ground. It's been happening all my life to the point where my left ankle has what the doctor calls a chronic sprain.

I can't say how much I've spent on boots over the years searching for a solution I can live with. One that does, although unsure how noisy it would be in a heavy leafy area, is the Shadow Intruder 8" from Lalo. An interesting feature with these boots is you can cut a lace and laces won't loosen. Very practical but does slow down unlacing the boots. I haven't fallen with these yet (just jinxed that). Hope this helps others with weak ankles.

https://lalo.com/collections/tactical-boots/products/shadow-intruder-8-coyote

@Sourdough: why not just go to a Podiatrist and have them prescribe a special Prosthetic brace ? Don’t worry about the “noise” of any Boot or Brace because it will be Less then You falling down and in pain. No regular hunting boot is going to solve a life long ankle issue and you risk ruining your hunt without a viable solution.

 

[Duke1966]

Most of these boots look like high-top sneakers to me. I prefer all leather. While I don't have weak ankles the Danner Fort Lewis has great ankle support. They are very durable, every pair I have owned has lasted me several years. I would get a new pair every other year for work and then use them for hunting.

Fort Lewis 10" Black

If the big one goes off, the only survivors will be cockroaches and these: our toughest law enforcement boots. We build them with a sturdy stitchdown construction and Vibram® soles. Women's sizes available.

www.danner.com

 

[Est.1970]

I’m not joking when I ask this.

Have you tried walking on your tippy toes regularly?

As high as you can go for as long as you can go. Use a wall or rail or whatever to balance yourself until you can develop some balance.

There are those who believe we stride out too much so those muscles get weak and our ankles roll. Walking on your toes regularly helps to redevelop those muscles and pulls ankles back in line.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Est.1970]

Amen to that. I’ve been strengthening my ankles with exercises all year and along with losing some weight it pays-off in the bush.

This?

Half Ball

 

[TheRookie]

I've got the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes and they are outstanding mountain boots, except sheep and goat hunting where I prefer La Sportiva. But for me they aren't what I want for Safari. I'm hoping Courteney's Jameson will be what I'm looking forward. Got em on order. Will report back once I have them and had a chance to wear them. Thanks everyone for your opinions.

I'm debating between the Courteney's and the Jim Green AR8 Buffalo. Let me know what you think of your Courteneys.

 

[HankBuck]

Try forming the habit of balancing on one foot every time you brush your teeth or shave. Over time it will really help develop balance and foot/ankle strength. When your ankles get stronger you can try a jump rope and build that up slowly. Then try jumping rope on one foot and switching to the other. Better than anything a doctor can do for you. It may save you from a devastating fall later in life, and can add functional years to your life and hunting career.

@towserthemouser - and if he can work up to jumping rope on a High Wire while riding a unicycle — his ankles & balance will really get better…and add “Years to his Life” (until he falls and breaks his ass).

 

[jpr9954]

Having broken my ankle about 10 years ago, I can empathize. Even now that ankle will stiffen and sometimes give away.

I used something like this for the last month of my rehab to support my ankle. A pair of these would give you plenty of support and allow you to use whatever boots you want.

https://medspec.com/product/aso-ankle-stabilizer/

I bought another one of these to replace my original. It is the equivalent of taping your ankles like an athlete but much easier.

 

[pilar]

Make an appointment with a podiatrist!
No off the shelf boots will solve a arch or ankle support issues
My podiatrist recommended some ankle support after I broke my ankle in high school
After stepping in a badger hole walking to a deer stand .
It became a on going problem till I started using the custom brace.
I wear it with Jim Green rangers, Merrill, Chippewa ,Cripi

 

[towserthemouser]

@towserthemouser - and if he can work up to jumping rope on a High Wire while riding a unicycle — his ankles & balance will really get better…and add “Years to his Life” (until he falls and breaks his ass).

I'm really just talking about clearing the ground by 1" or so when jumping rope, just enough for the rope to pass under.......

 

[NMAmateurHunter]

I'm debating between the Courteney's and the Jim Green AR8 Buffalo. Let me know what you think of your Courteneys.

I have both the Jim Green AR8 and the Courteney Jameson. The Courteneys are more comfortable underfoot but offer very little stability in the side to side movement of my foot even with the higher boot. The Buffalo on the AR8 is more stiff then the Courteneys so it feels more supportive.