Do Hiking Boots Prevent Sprained Ankles?

Hikers ankle

Many hikers feel that when carrying a big backpack, you should wear leather hiking boots because they provide greater support for your ankles and help prevent ankle injuries. However, there is not any research or scientific studies that support this claim.

Wearing a hiking shoe, trail runner, or minimalist shoe with a lower centre of gravity, on the other hand, should result in fewer ankle rolls because your foot is closer to the ground. Hiking shoes with softer soles, as opposed to stiff trekking boots, are more likely to provide better tactile input about the ground you’re hiking on, allowing you to modify your stride faster and avoid mistaken footfalls that can cause ankle injuries.

But do hiking boots prevent sprained ankles? If so, which boots are the best for preventing sprained ankles?

Let’s dig in.

Do Hiking Boots Prevent Sprained Ankles?

Hiking boots have become the standard for long-distance hiking. They provide extra support and cushioning for your feet, reducing the amount of stress on your ankles. But do hiking boots really prevent sprained ankles? The short answer is no.

Over the years, many people have turned to hike boots as a way to prevent ankle injuries. While hiking boots have their advantages, they can also cause various injuries to the feet and ankles. This is because hiking boots are not designed to provide the same amount of support as traditional boots. Instead, they are designed to be lightweight and provide a lot of flexibility.

Hiking boots are designed to provide maximum support and stability for long hikes. They have stiffer tread and higher ankle joints than conventional hiking shoes, which help prevent injuries such as sprained ankles. However, hiking boots also reduce flexibility and offer less comfort compared to conventional shoes.  Arguably the most common hiking boot is the Gortex® boot.

Hiking boots are often thought of as a necessity for long excursions into the wilderness, but new research is showing that this specialized footwear may actually increase the risk of a common form of an ankle injury. The theory behind this is that hiker boots constrict the blood flow in the lower leg, which can lead to muscle strain and sprain, rather than an ankle injury.

This new piece of research, which was just published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, suggests that hiker boots may only be protective for those who hike with a light load, or those who hike with their legs extended. This is because, when hiking with a heavy load, the muscles in the lower leg are usually kept extended to prevent the buildup of pressure in the Long hikes that can strain your feet and legs. When hiking with a light load, the muscles in the lower leg are shortened. This allows the muscles to relax and reduce the risk of injury.

When hiking with a heavy load, the muscles in the lower leg are kept extended, which can lead to ankle sprains. In addition, the longer the hiker boots are worn, the more likely it is that the muscles in the lower leg will be shortened and the more likely it is that sprains will occur. 

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Does Hiking Strengthen The Ankles?

Hiking is a great way to exercise and get fresh air. But do you know it can also strengthen your ankles and build stamina? When you hike, small muscles in your legs are used to support your weight, which builds strength in the muscles and tendons. This improves your balance and reduces the risk of an ankle injury.

The ankles are important for many daily activities, from walking to jumping to running. But hiking can take a lot of strain off your ankles, making them stronger and healthier. By putting pressure on your ankles when you walk or hike, you can build up the muscles and ligaments in your ankles and prevent ankle injuries. This also helps your ankles to stay strong and healthy. 

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What Are The Best Boots to Hike With?

 Hiking boots protect your feet and help prevent sprains, ankle injuries, and blisters. But which boots are best for hiking? Our experts weigh in on the best brands and styles to help you find the best pair for your needs. 

These boots vary in price, texture, brand and quality.

Here are some of the best boots to hike with;

I. Salomon Quest 4 GTX

This boot is one of the best when it comes to ankle stability and support. They are also built for rugged terrain. It is important to know that they are expensive but they are definitely worth their price.

II. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

This boot has waterproof features. It is very comfortable to wear. They are very lightweight, but they do not offer much ankle support and stability. They cost about $165.

III. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

These boots are suitable for hikers who trail rough terrains. They offer great durability and foot protection. They also provide ankle support and maximum stability. The renegade is definitely high quality and an excellent choice for anyone looking for durable and dependable boots. 

IV. Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

The Merrell Moab 2 WP Mids are a wonderful pick if you’re searching for a solid bargain boot that doesn’t skimp on quality. These boots, as well as the Moab Low shoes, have long been a favourite among hikers because of their comfort, durability, and affordable pricing.

They aren’t our first choice for long-distance runs because they feel a touch bulkier than other of our lighter options.

V. La Sportiva Nucelo High II GTX

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots are ideal for trekking and backpacking in more challenging terrain where substantial foot protection and sticky traction are required. The Nucleos are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day, and their attractive style adapts well to non-hiking activities, despite their ruggedness and durability.

If you like a soft, cushioned feel underfoot, you could choose to add aftermarket insoles. However, we find the Nucleos to be really comfortable and would suggest them to anyone looking for a boot that strikes a good combination of strong support and lightweight.

VI. KEEN Targee III Mid WP

If you like boots with extra toe space, this boot might just be the right fit for you. They are built with extra toe space and it has a comfy feeling even if worn all day long. Hikers who like ankle protecting boots might find them a little less protective than other boots on this list. However, they have a good balance of support and flexibility.

There are other boots that are not on this list but they definitely offer ankle stability and support. To get the best result, test the boots you are planning to buy before taking them out.

What Are The Common Ankle Injuries for Hikers?

Hikers carry a lot of weight while hiking, ranging from heavy backpacks to water bottles and this extra weight relies on the ankle. Most hiking related injuries occur around the ankle area. Here are some of the common ankle injuries for hikers

  • Twisted Ankle
  • Strained Ankle
  • Achilles Tendonitis or Tear
  • Ankle Fractures.

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Conclusion

Hiking boots are very important while hiking and for a hiking adventure to be smooth, your boot has to be 100% perfection.

However, not all hiking boots offer ankle protection and stability and support. In order to avoid ankle injuries while hiking makes sure you get boots that can offer extra protection for your ankle.

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Written by Jane Miller

I'm Nomadic Jane, a digital nomad and travel blogger. Since 2009, I've been traveling the world and exploring cultures through my travel blog.