One thing I’ve learned over my years of hiking is that I need hiking shoes with ankle support, especially if I’m tackling uneven or technical terrain. I tendsp to have weak ankles, and one wrong step in the middle of the hike can cause a painful sprain or injury.
Luckily, many brands make hiking boots and shoes that are comfortable and provide the right amount of ankle support to keep your feet protected and your ankles secure during all types of adventures in the great outdoors.
Here we’ll provide our list of the best hiking boots with ankle support so that you can find the supportive shoe that meets your needs.
editor’s choice
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
#2nd Best Choice
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
#3Rd Best Choice
Vasque Breeze at MID
Our Top Recommended Hiking Boots For Ankle Support
1) Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot
Additions like the molded rubber toe cap and rubber reinforced heel help protect both your foot and the boot from damage caused by sharp objects such as rocks.
This well-constructed waterproof boot provides the right amount of ankle support to prevent foot fatigue and keep you feeling stable on your feet. If you like nubuck leather, you’ll appreciate how the leather wraps around the entire upper of this boot.
We reviewed Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY and found this boot is also quite breathable because of the perforations in the nubuck on the top. I really liked the waterproof membrane underneath the leather, as it kept my feet completely dry, even when walking through a shallow stream.
It also could effectively wick moisture and sweat away from the foot. Along with the ankle support, this boot also has a nice grip because of its rugged tread that actually comes up around the side of the boot.
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With my weak ankles, having good traction always helps me to feel more secure when out on the trails, and this option does not disappoint in that area.
2) Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
The best part about this boot is that the uppers really wrap around your ankle to help it feel secure and provide the ultimate level of support.
Salomon always makes a great boot for many types of foot issues and various terrains, and the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is one of their best options. These comfortable boots are flexible but still protective and can handle any type of hiking environment you encounter.
They are also 100% waterproof. That, along with the easily adjustable lacing system, makes these some of the best ankle-support hiking boots.
They also make a great option for anyone that’s looking for a bit of extra cushioning. The footbed and midsole are nicely cushioned, adding to the boot’s comfort.
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I found that the chevron pattern of the rubber tread on these hiking boots gave me excellent grip, even on slippery surfaces, and I never worried that my ankle would roll if I took a wrong step.
3) Vasque Breeze at MID Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
These hiking boots provide great protection against water and winter weather and also excel at ankle support.
It’s not the lightest option you can buy, but for a mid-weight boot, it’s not terribly heavy, either. They are also quite breathable.
However, the larger holes in the mesh panels at the top tended to allow small pieces of dirt and debris to enter into the boot and also didn’t seem like it would resist tearing if put to the test in very rocky terrain.
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I could feel them hugging my foot in all the right places as soon as I tried them on, which gave me confidence that they’d perform well on the trail.
And, indeed, I was right. Vasque Breeze are some of the best hiking boots with ankle support on the market, and many other users reported the same thing.
4) Salomon Quest Element Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
The gore-tex lining gives them solid waterproof protection, and you can expect to keep your feet dry with them.
These hiking boots provide a good amount of ankle support while still remaining lightweight.
They won’t be as stable as a stiffer and heavier boot, but they felt like a really good in-between option for me and one that would work well for day excursions or light backpacking trips. I also liked that they didn’t require a long break-in period to feel comfortable.
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This boot consistently ranks as one of the best hiking boots available and provides excellent performance regardless of the trail conditions.
5) Asolo Falcon GV Hiking Boots
It’s lightweight for the amount of protection that it provides, which is great if you are hiking varied terrain or need to carry a heavy load.
This pair of hiking boots work great whether you’re sticking to the path or looking for off-trail adventures. It handles almost every type of terrain and keeps your feet secure and protected while doing it.
In many ways, this boot felt more like a hiking shoe, but with the high-cut of hiking boots necessary for proper ankle support. Proper lacing provides all the ankle protection you’d find with a much heavier and bulkier boot.
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One thing I found in my testing was that the Asolo Falcon didn’t have as much cushioning as some of the other options, so I added my custom insole to the boot to ensure I didn’t have any soreness after a full-day hike, and that worked fine.
6) KEEN Targhee II Mid-Hiking Boots
The ankle support on these is exceptional, and they have a durable waterproof cover that helps them hold up well in harsh weather.
Another option that works great for off-trail conditions is the KEEN Targhee II. So, if you’re looking for winter boots, this one would make a good option.
The classic style of this traditional leather boot really appealed to me, and I liked that they provide several unique color combinations other than the standard brown and black.
Regarding cushioning, these hiking boots also hit the mark in that area. Even when walking on a very jagged rock, I didn’t feel any noticeable impact.
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The lacing system on these boots also helps with their ankle support. It’s unique in that it allows for a very firm and controlled fit, much needed for people with bad ankles. Once the boots are laced up tightly, your heel won’t slip, and your ankle is not going anywhere.
7) Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
These made our list of best-hiking boots with ankle support because they’re not only comfortable and light but also great backpacking boots that can support heavy loads.
When we reviewed Lowa Renegade Gtx Mid we found it a bit stiffer than some of the other boots we tested, which gave great ankle support on rough trails and uneven surfaces.
I tend to prefer a more flexible boot that allows me to move faster but was surprised by how comfortable these boots felt, even right out of the box.
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These also have a waterproof membrane for wet conditions and reliable traction, even on very slippery rocks and mud.
8) Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Additions like the molded rubber toe cap and rubber reinforced heel help protect both your foot and the boot from damage caused by sharp objects such as rocks.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus hiking boots are a popular pair of women’s boots (the men’s version is the Plus II). Like most other Columbia hiking shoes and boots, this pair is lightweight but still durable enough to hold up to the elements.
They also work well in all types of weather, including rain (because of their waterproofing), and are affordable.
I really like just how versatile these boots are. The rubber outsole is substantial enough to provide a good grip, but they also look great, and I’ve worn them a few times casually.
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The lace-up closure on these boots provides a very secure fit, especially where you need it the most, to prevent rolled ankles. They’re also very cushioned, which makes them comfortable for longer treks.
9) Vasque Talus at Ud Mid Hiking Boot
Its well-defined arch, supportive leather upper, and stiff sole give it more support than your average hiking shoe.
Many other hikers who tried these shoes liked them because of their well-padded heel bed and tongue area.
I agree with this assessment and found them comfortable, especially in the tongue area, where I couldn’t feel the shoelaces.
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For hikers who want decent support but prefer hiking shoes over hiking boots, the Vasque Talus makes a good option.
10) Merrell Thermo Chill 6″ Shell Waterproof Sneaker
It’s referred to as a sneaker rather than a boot because the Kinetic Fit BASE insole is contoured like your foot and provides flexible but intuitive support.
These Merrell hiking boots are probably the best option on the list if you’re looking for something to hold up in cold weather and snow. This boot is very insulated, without being heavy, and will keep your feet very warm and dry.
I wore these for a full-day hike and found they remained extremely comfortable throughout 8 hours of hiking. Because of the high cut, my ankles felt supported the entire time.
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The treads on these hiking boots work great and allow you to easily scramble over rocky surfaces.
11) La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
The fit of these hiking boots is also nice and snug all around, hugging your foot like a sock.
The closing option on our list of best-hiking boots for ankle support is the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II. These hiking boots allow you to move fast through rugged trails without sacrificing support and stability.
Two things I noticed right away when I tried on these boots are that they are a very lightweight pair of boots and have great cushioning around the ankle collar, which I appreciate, as many other high-top hiking boots provide good support but aren’t super comfortable in that area.
I also noticed that these tended to run a bit small, and I had to order a half-size to get a comfortable fit.
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They’re also waterproof, which is a feature that’s important for versatility. These make a great option for off-trail adventures and mountain climbs.
Ankle Support Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide
Hikers who tend to roll their ankles or have weak ones need to look for certain features when buying a new pair of hiking boots to ensure their feet and ankles remain secure throughout their hike.
Here are some things to consider as you search for the best pair of hiking boots.
1. Boot Cut
You want to look for hiking boots with a high cut to best support the ankle on difficult terrain. Lower-cut boots and most hiking shoes do not provide enough ankle support.
If you prefer a hiking shoe over a boot, make sure that you buy one that’s stiff and has a more supportive midsole.
2. Heel
You want to ensure that your foot stays secure in the heel cup of the hiking boots. If your heel slips while you walk, it can also cause your ankle to slide and not remain supported.
3. Sole
One of the most common causes of ankle injuries and rolled ankles is slipping while walking on mountain trails or other types of uneven ground. A thick rubber outsole with good treads and lugs will help prevent slips and reduce the chance of ankle injury [1].
4. Weight
You want your hiking boots to be as lightweight as possible while still remaining very sturdy. Luckily, lightweight hiking boots do exist that hold up well and keep you stable even when carrying a heavy load.
5. Cushion
You want hiking boots with good cushioning around the feet for the most comfort. However, if you’re concerned about injuries or sprains, also look for boots that have an ample amount of cushion around the ankles as well.
Not only does this provide comfort, but it provides additional ankle protection as well.
6. Comfort
Look for hiking boots that feel comfortable and provide great ankle support. Our selection of the best hiking boots covers both of these areas.
You’ll probably want to check for boots that absorb shock well while you’re on the hiking trail and have a nice snug fit without feeling too tight, especially in the ankle area.
7. Material
Hiking boots should have a well-constructed upper with great durability, like full grain leather, nubuck or suede leather, or textile.
Leather hiking boots tend to be the best for providing great ankle support, but many combinations of leather and textile boots work well too, like ones that have a leather and mesh upper.
8. Good Laces
The way you lace your boots makes a big impact on how much ankle support they provide. You want boots with a system that allows you to customize how tightly you can lace up the boots to get the right amount of support that your ankle needs.
Do You Really Need Boots With Ankle Support?
Boots with adequate ankle support are important if you plan on hiking in an area with a challenging environment, such as lots of rocks, steep slopes, mountains, or uneven surfaces.
If you’re mainly day hiking on a flat, well-maintained trail, you do not need hiking boots with ankle support and may opt for shoes, normal boots or trail runners instead.
Opting for low-cut shoes for these types of hikes will help to strengthen your ankles over time. However, if you’re prone to a lot of ankle sprains, you might prefer boots with more ankle support [2].
Additionally, you can read our article where we debate if you need ankle support or not, and give tips on how to strengthen your ankles.
Does an Ankle Brace Offer Better Support Than High-Cut Hiking Boots?
An ankle brace can provide excellent ankle support if you want to wear low-cut hiking boots.
However, it doesn’t necessarily offer better support than high-cut boots.
A good ankle brace can also offer additional ankle support for people who are extremely susceptible to rolling their ankles while hiking.
So you may want to even pair an ankle brace with a mid-height or high-cut hiking boot for maximum support.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular Shoe and a Boot with Ankle Support?
A regular shoe, like running shoes, does not come up high or fit around the ankle. Instead, it allows the ankle to move freely. Ideally, these types of shoes help strengthen the ankle because they don’t limit its movement.
A boot with ankle support considerably limits ankle movement, so you don’t have to use those muscles as much while you hike.
This stabilization of the ankle helps prevent any soreness during a long hike, which you’d likely experience if you wear regular shoes as your footwear instead.
Related Articles:
- Top Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
- Quality Hiking Boots For Wide Feet
- Best Flat-Feet Hiking Boots
What Else We Considered When Ranking the Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support?
As we tested our options for the best hiking boots for people who need good ankle support, we considered the following areas before making our final decision.
Feedback
We always consider other customer feedback as well when we evaluate products. This time, we considered what other people who needed more ankle support said about how well the boots performed in this area.
Shipping
We looked for hiking boots that offered fast shipping at a reasonable cost. We also considered return shipping and how easy it was to make an exchange or send back boots that didn’t fit.
Warranty
A good brand will always stand by its product. We assess the manufacturer’s reputation, its popularity, and whether or not the boots have any type of warranty. Even if boots hold up well, it’s good to have an option against any possible defects.
Our Number One Pick
Although all the top hiking boots on our list performed well in the area of ankle support, the Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry was my top pick. These boots excelled with durability, waterproof capabilities, and ankle support.
They also had some great extra features as well, like the self-cleaning lugs and rubber toe and heel caps.
I felt confident wearing these on various hikes and felt like my ankle area always remained fully supported, especially when it came to their excellent traction.
