I once had a sales rep explain that there is a difference between boots that offer ankle protection and ankle support. Ankle protection essentially just makes sure your ankles are protected from scrub and sticks. Ankle support means the boots have more structure in the ankle that actually supports you. 

I think he said ankle protection is more common than ankle support. I have Vasque Breeze boots that the sales rep said had ankle support. 

But, I've never heard this anywhere else and I can't independently verify it's accuracy.

My best guess is that you're trying to carry too heavy of a load on difficult terrain. I know that when I get tired, my foot placement gets lazier and I'm more prone to make a mis-step - especially if I'm carrying a lot.

Is double carrying when the terrain is extra tough or your tired an option for you?

Also, I'm so sorry, that hurts and sucks so much. 

CanoeClaire wrote:

I once had a sales rep explain that there is a difference between boots that offer ankle protection and ankle support. Ankle protection essentially just makes sure your ankles are protected from scrub and sticks. Ankle support means the boots have more structure in the ankle that actually supports you. 

I think he said ankle protection is more common than ankle support. I have Vasque Breeze boots that the sales rep said had ankle support. 
...

I think that's a really good way to describe the difference and yes the Vasque boots would be likely to provide good ankle support. 

I'm really liking tho looks of the Vasque boots, I might have to go check them out at SportCheck. 
My girlfriend just got me a pair of Merrell hiking 'shoes' which I think I'll have to return for something that offers ankle support.

Part of the problem may have been that the first ankle hadn't healed yet, and still had your attention - conscious and non-conscious.   It doesn't take much, especially if you are compensating unknowingly, or you are focusing on one versus the other.  Last year I fell with the canoe for the first time since I was 17, so whatever 51 - 17 is that's a pretty good span.  What got me was a very small nub of a root that I saw but didn't care because it was so small.  My ankle crumpled like tin foil and down came the boat-shaped hat.  I hadn't been nursing an injury, just terrible ankles to begin with, and I would be embarrassed to show you how small that root was.  Just a bump. But it takes so little.  I was lucky, my ankle came out of it with no injury.

My ankles are on the weak side for sure, the joint doesn't align well, I had some physical therapy years ago for pain in there that involved some stretching and certain exercises, and the difference was remarkable.  But they remain susceptible to crumpling when there's strong lateral influence, and sometimes just picking my way through junk in the garage I struggle for balance.  My boots are Keens, I like them a lot, but as far as ankle support goes...meh. I'm sure they would classify as ankle protection not support.  STILL, I think I prefer that.  The difference would be wearing something that prevents the ankle from moving, and in my mind, I want the ankle to be able to move around over the variable terrain.  It helps retain flexibility and even develop a little strength there.  If I wear something that significantly restricts that motion, the knee has to deal with more of the lateral strains that it isn't built for, and if the boot is severe enough, it is pretty easy to lose your balance in general.  I think of it this way - with ankle protection/moderate support, probably more than what I wear, my ankle adjusts for uneven terrain.  If I restrict that significantly, I can't get "good" on an uneven surface, and it doesn't take a whole lot to topple me.  A boot with ankle support that still allows your ankle to engage in some motion is probably part of the answer, and part of the answer is, as the ankle said to the foot, "let me heel!"    I hope you get past these injuries quickly, I know that pain well, it is anti-fun.  

I've always had terrible ankles and I still roll them (I wear a pair of Vasques I just don't recall the brand) and have rolled them less.  Typically when I do roll my ankles, they don't sprain anymore.  The tendons are so stretched I end up hobbling from the damage there.
Although it still happens occasionally to me, I've also made a better point at Stretch my ankles and warming them up before the day.  There are numerous stretches and exercises to do and I have noticed I recover faster. 
To expedite your healing process, although sprains are often times FAR worse than breaks (in healing time) RICE them up and DO NOT wear unsupportive footwear like filp flops while you're back at home. 

Good luck with the heal and definitely try the warm ups before you hit the trail, it just might help you as well!

I ended up purchasing Merrell Phaserbound boots at Ramakko's in Sudbury. The boots weren't on sale unfortunately and were a bit pricey for me (249.99+) but I'd rather cough up the coin vs. break an ankle in the middle of nowhere when I'm on a solo trip. I tried on some Vasque boots as well, which were around the same price, but I prefer the leather vs. the goretex membrane. The lady at Ramakko's was superb! She knew her stuff that's for sure.. so glad I went there instead of SportCheck here in North Bay. I have already done one trip on the new boots (Mag-Misty-White Trout-Timberwolf-Out) and they were great! The difference between the new boots and my old worn out Merrell's was significant. Very happy with my purchase thus far. 


Another factor was the Vibram sole.. my old Merrell's had the same sole (just much older) and you couldn't ask for better grip on wet rocks, roots, etc.

Last edited by ATVenture (8/22/2017 7:19 am)

Ankle injuries really suck so I hope you recover soon and that there is no long lasting damage. I know that as I get older my ankles tend to complain more. I used to regularly jog but perhaps too much because I had tendinitis in my left ankle, most likely due to constant use and abuse. I decided to stop recreational jogging and instead decided to go on long rugged walks with the dog. Now, 3 years later my left ankle is feeling better but for some reason my right is causing some pain. I ascribe this to being middle age and getting older. Dialling back the activity a little and with a bit time should help it should heal.

What follows is just my opinion and might not be applicable to anybody else. I don't believe in ankle support footwear. Generally, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons should be enough to support weight on your foot. Footwear protects the soles from cuts and rough surfaces but your body is designed to support your weight (plus a little extra) all on its own. I find that Keen watershoes are good enough for portages, except perhaps in the winter weather. On day hikes in deep snow I prefer running shoes and insulating socks as its much more comfortable and warmer than heavy boots. What I'm saying is that appropriate footwear in the right situation helps you but ultimately you need healthy feet and ankles to carry you through the forest.

Last edited by solos (5/21/2018 10:04 pm)

Wow, a lot of ankle rollers here... is it a canoeing thing? Same here, I've rolled each ankle 30+ times. Seen sports med and physio, here's their recommendations:

1) Proprioception training is really important in reducing the risk of future sprains. This is the balance and nerve sensation of the position of the ankle. This has really helped me. Google ankle sprain proprioception exercises. 

2) Strengthening ankle stabilizing muscles is just as important as proprioception. The proprioception exercises will help, but there are band-based exercises in addition. 

3) As someone said above, daily wear of ankle braces is crazy and will only lead to weaker ankles that will sprain more. 

4) However... My footwear system consists of Teva sandals and neoprene booties. For solo trips, poorly maintained, or for long portages, I do put ankle braces on - they are pretty light, and an ankle sprain can be pretty significant when 4 days away from a road... 

Cheers
Marko