Boot Help - Weak Ankles

OldJake · Jun 15, 2012

Any of you guys have really weak ankles like me? I swear my ankles are the worst out there. I have to constantly watch myself on my hunts as to not have a sprain ruin my hunt. I curently am using Vasque boots and I still have problems. One other problem is that I tend to have "hot" feet.

I have been looking at the Kenetrek boots, Crispi, and Lowa. Do any of you have weak ankles and have found a good boot to help you stay sprain free?

Please Help!!!! LOL

hank4elk · Jun 15, 2012

>Any of you guys have really
>weak ankles like me?
>I swear my ankles are
>the worst out there.
>I have to constantly watch
>myself on my hunts as
>to not have a sprain
>ruin my hunt. I
>curently am using Vasque boots
>and I still have problems.
> One other problem is
>that I tend to have
>"hot" feet.
>
>I have been looking at the
>Kenetrek boots, Crispi, and Lowa.
> Do any of you
>have weak ankles and have
>found a good boot to
>help you stay sprain free?
>
>
>Please Help!!!! LOL

I have the same problem since I broke both ankles years ago,can sprain an ankle on a pebble if I don't watch it. I have been wearing higher boots than before,with better ankle support. I use my Miendel Ibex from Cabellas mostly.I use Cabellas stalking Sneakers if it's hot or easy ground. And Kenetrek Grizzly Packboots in cold and snowy times.Merino wool socks are the best. They actually wick better and my feet rarely get hot.

feddoc · Jun 15, 2012

It might pay better dividends to try this: http://www.google.com/search?q=ankl...Yd-k_n6E&oq=ankle+exercises&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=

or a device like this:

The point is that by providing your foot with stiffer boots or a brace, you aren't teaching the muscles which support your ankles to do anythting except become lazy. Make those muscles do their job instead, you'll be better off for it.

OldJake · Jun 15, 2012

feddoc, I'm sure my muscles aren't what they should be, but my problem is in my ligaments in my ankles themselves. They are stretched like you have never seen! I will do great for quite a while and get to where I "trust" my ankles and as soon as I do that and quit paying such close attention, Bam! I'm on the ground! Those that have ankles like mine probably know exactly what I'm talking about. LOL

OldJake · Jun 15, 2012

Hank,
I have noticed if I wear higher boots that I do better. Those short-topped Vasque's get me every time. I hadn't sprained an ankle in 2 years and this year on the turkey hunt I sprained my right ankle in camp wearing them around while setting up camp! Kinda gave the gobblers the edge!

peez3006 · Jun 15, 2012

I know what you're talking about. I have the same problem with my right ankle. Stemming from an old injury. It's not a strenth issue. I can walk over just about anything, but the moment that I'm not paying attention and step on a rock or in a hole it wants to roll. I wear Zamberlan Steep 760 hikers and Lowa Tibet boots. They do a pretty good job, but I think I'm gonna look into a little taller boot next time. I just hate the extra weight.

Don P

fowllivin · Jun 17, 2012

I am going to buy a pair of Under Armour speed freaks. I tried them on and walked in the store for about 45 min and they felt great. I have also heard that they are great in the woods as well.

sheephunter · Jun 18, 2012

Try the Kenetreks. Best ankle support I have seen in a hunting boot.

coues52 · Jun 18, 2012

LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-12 AT 04:46PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-12 AT 04:44?PM (MST)

1+ rolled my ankles a few times..Danners were Ok,but a few years ago was told about the Miendle,s ($225. cabelas) they have a full length shank, you,ll think your part goat,lol.. I am looking at the 13" kenetreks for the deep stuff..have a friend who has the Kenetreks 8" ($400ish) he really like them.. 1+ on the Merino wool socks...~Danny

OldJake · Jun 18, 2012

Sheep Hunter and Coues

Is there a specific Kenetrek boot that you would recommend?

huntindad4 · Jun 18, 2012

I like russels but they are not for everyone. They are tall and support my ankles very well and are insulation free because my feet tend to get hot too. They are a custom made boot that have a moccasin type construction that keeps out water when oiled and has no liner. You take measurements per their instruction and they make them.

Some people that I have talked to who have used them don't like the fact that thereis a stitched seam down the back of the heal but I can't feel it and I am getting ready to send mine in for their third set of soles and a couple small stitch repairs. The uppers wear like iron.

Bill

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of
ignorance, and the gospel of envy.

You have enemies? Good. That means you've
stood up for something, sometime in your life.

- Winston Churchill

sheephunter · Jun 19, 2012

I like the uninsulated Kenetrek Mtn. Extreme boots. Real good ankle support, great tread pattern, requires very little break in. I've used them in NOV here in CO but I don't sit much. I also have their Hardscrabble hikers that are shorter. I have weak ankles from nerve damage in my back from surgery. These are the best ones I've used and I've pretty much tried them all in 30 years of mountain hunting.

pwrlineman · Jun 19, 2012

Do the kenetrks fit to size or should I order up one size. My foot measures as a 10 but most boots feel small as a 10.

sheephunter · Jun 19, 2012

LAST EDITED ON Jun-19-12 AT 09:56AM (MST)[p]I wear 11 Nike and order an 11 Kenetrek. I am D width and just get the standard width. Call them

dryflyelk · Jun 21, 2012

If I were you, I'd get Hanwags. I tried all of the boots mentioned so far and a few more head to head, and for what you're describing, the hanwag is just the ticket. It's a sturdier upper than the others and is built like a tank.

I go over many of them in this video.

Vi Et Armis Invictus Maneo

OldJake · Jun 21, 2012

Thanks for the replies.

I watched your video dryflyelk. I still don't know which one to try. I hadn't considered the Hanwags or the LOWAs. I wonder how comfortable the Hanwags are. Would I need to get the meindl perfekt footbed for them or something different? Or is the one they come with good?

sheephunter · Jun 22, 2012

Tried the Hanwag Lites in the Yukon on a sheep hunt a couple of years ago. Rained everday for two weeks. Didn't like them at all very poor ankle support. Maybe the leather ones are better. I've had several pairs of Meindls over the years the Kenetreks are better IMHO. I'm sure several boots will work for you. I'm a sheep hunter, elk hunter so ankle support while side hilling is a big deal. Lots of good advise here. Good hunting.

dryflyelk · Jun 22, 2012

Jake, Right out of the box the hanwags were certainly the stiffest of the bunch I had there. They are solid. They would take some breaking in. You could use whatever you'd like as a footbed - lathrop and sons sells one that a lot of people love, or superfeet, or just run them how they are and see if that works for you.

The lowas were comfortable for me right out of the box. The flip side to that is that they may not give you the same level of ankle support.

The other thing to say here, and has been said already, is that by wearing stiff boots, you are weakening your foot and ankle muscles. Many guys are now training in very minimal shoes or bare feet to strengthen those muscles. I'm not sure that would help in your case, but it wouldn't hurt to find out more in that regard.

Vi Et Armis Invictus Maneo

OldJake · Jun 22, 2012

I do ankle exercises on the edge of the stairs. A college sports trainer taught me a few of those exercises. My last year in HS I sprained my ankles 6 times during basketball season, each time tearing the "tape" as well (my coach taped my ankles for each practice and game. At this point I wish I had not even played basketball. I have sprained my ankles too many times to count while roping calves and bull dogging. And my hunting trips I have to be really careful or I sprain them on those too. I no longer jump creeks etc.

I have yet to see someone with worse ankles than mine. You know that little bone on the outside of your ankles? Well, it is actually more than one bone. When I rotate my ankle to the inside, that bone splits apart into two bones (about 1/2 to 3/4"). I'm sure I need surgery to help my problem, but I have seen those surgeries just restrict the mobility of a few guys that I know of that had them done.

For now, I am on a search for boots that offer up the least chance for a sprained ankle on a hunt. In the past, I have always bought the cheaper boots (which I'm sure has added to the problem).

sheephunter · Jun 22, 2012

Get a set of Leki hiking poles and use them even if you only use one while carrying your rifle or bow. Makes a BIG difference to ankles.

OldJake · Jun 22, 2012

Thanks Sheephunter. I was planning on getting some hiking poles and you answered another one of my questions (which kind), so thanks! For this year, I bought a J34 pack so I could put my rifle out of the way and have my hands free for poles and such. I have been testing it out(without the poles) and I can tell that hiking poles will make a huge difference.
Thanks again!

325wsm · Jun 23, 2012

You just need to go try them on for yourself, I am currently using meindles and kenetreks. I think the ankles are a lot stiffer in the meindles. The kenetreks feel like I'm wearing a gym shoe. I have a new pair of lathrop boots one the way so hopefully they can replace the kenetreks I bought. A lot of guys really like the kenetreks but I havn't ever been more disappointed with any boot more that I have been with these kenetreks. After one season the heal and toe on the soles are almost completely worn out and they just don't seem to have the same support in the ankles as the meindles. The only thing I do like about the kenetreks are they are really comfortable to wear.

mcfly83 · Jun 27, 2012

I like the lowa hunters. I haven't found a leather boot with more support. I think it would be impossible to twist an ankle in those. Plus they are on sale for about $280.

liecabucks · Jul 16, 2012

My ankles don't sprain anymore.....my ligaments are that messed up but I can still role them at anytime. I just bought a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme's and so far they are amazing for support in that area.

Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...