If the mountains are calling and you must go, then please don’t forget to carry good hiking boots with you.
Hiking is oftentimes characterized as a long and strenuous journey across rocky terrain, broken paths, and mountain trails. Hiking is very different from regular treks, which consume more energy and require much more experience.
One thing that is absolutely crucial when hiking is to have the right gear. From the boots you pick to the backpack you will carry, everything needs to be in perfect order. In this article, we’ll share with you the best hiking boots for ankle support that will help you pull off the hike of a lifetime!
Why Invest in Hiking Boots?
Before we jump into that, let’s take you through the why and how of it all.
Why do you need comfortable boots?
How do you know what kind of boots will work best for you?
Let’s take you through a few points that will help you get on the right track. No pun intended!
- Weight: When you’re hiking, or even walking for that matter, your shoes need to have a sturdy and comfortable interior sole that can support your body weight. Your shoes shouldn’t wear out mid-hike or crack under pressure. You need to be careful about the weight of your shoes. You will probably already be carrying a heavy backpack, so you can’t afford the extra weight on your feet. Always choose a lightweight and supportive option when it comes to your hiking boots.
- Avoid Blisters: There is absolutely no way to save yourself from nasty blisters if you don’t invest in high-quality boots with a firm base. By firm, we mean a sturdy, soft, and supportive sole that both envelopes your feet and keeps them dry and safe even on the nastiest and rugged trails. Hard soled boots simply do not offer the same kind of flexibility and will quickly become uncomfortable after you start walking.
- Waterproof: Are you confused or scratching your head as to why we don’t recommend waterproof boots? Waterproof boots aren’t the best choice for hiking because your feet might not get the space to breathe and, as a result, will end up sweating more than usual. Also, these boots only offer a temporary solution and can’t keep your feet dry for long periods.
The fact of the matter is, you need to be thorough with your requirements to get the kind of gear that you want. All you have to do is understand the terrain and do your research, then you can choose a good pair of boots to match your specific needs.
Top 5 Best Hiking Boots For Ankle Support
There are so many brands and designs available for great hiking boots, but the crucial thing to remember is that it needs to have a built-in ankle support system that will keep you comfortable throughout the hike. The following guide was made to help and direct you towards finding the perfect fit for your feet. This guide features hiking boots for both men and women and even lists their pros and cons if you’re in a hurry to shop! Let’s find out what we have in store for you!
1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Ankle Boots
The boots are manufactured with the trademark logo on top, which gives it maximum authenticity, and sturdy rubber soles that will help keep the boots dry for a longer period of time in the case of muddy and wet terrain. The sole is also crafted using superior grip technology that will hold your weight together and reduce the chances of slipping or falling due to friction.
The boots are ideal for hiking through rough terrain and are aimed at professional hikers.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 Inches
- Weight: 1.1 Pounds
- Material: Leather
- Color: Black
- Sole: Rubber
Pros
- Come with a padded collar, have a matte black finish
- Removable, dual-density EVA footbed for maximum comfort
- Uppers are made from high-quality, full-grain waterproof leather
- Sealed top prevents water from entering without making your feet sweat
- Laces up for maximum hold and grip
- Perfect to carry in your backpack
- Can be worn casually
- Covered by the Timberland Limited Warranty
Cons
- Leather may cause blisters
- Might not work for those with wider feet
- Frequent use can cause the leather to come off
2. NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots
The boots’ large opening can comfortably accommodate wide feet without smashing your toes together. This feature definitely ensures that your feet won’t get any unwanted blisters while hiking.
Considering the price bracket, these boots are quite a steal and are guaranteed to last for a long time.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.9 x 4.5 Inches
- Weight: 2.55 Pounds
- Material: Synthetic Leather
- Color: Army/Green/Black/Orange
- Sole: Rubber
Pros
- Boots are available in a 6mm insole with a shock absorption midsole
- Padded tongue and collar make them a comfortable pick for rough terrain
- 5mm-deep lugs and a rubber covered toe cap provide extra stability to the foot and ankle
- Water-resistant for up to 4 hours
- Rugged rubber outsole has Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) to improve grip and durability
- Iconic MD midsole provides extra stability
Cons
- Not true to size
- Heavier and not suitable for uneven terrain
- Not as waterproof as they should be
3. Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots
The boots are both waterproof and lightweight to ensure maximum comfort. The height of the boots is ideal for women looking for something sturdy and durable. They also have built-in ankle support for that extra stability.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.02 x 11.54 x 5.28 Inches
- Weight: 1.85 Pounds
- Material: Synthetic Leather
- Color: Black
- Sole: Rubber
Pros
- HydroGuard seam-sealed internal membrane lets your feet breathe and keeps them dry for longer periods of time
- A padded collar grips your toes tightly to prevent skidding or falling in colder temperatures
- EVA Capsole embodies an integrated composite shank to support your ankle, provide stability, and absorb shocks
- Extremely versatile and functional, can be worn casually
Cons
- The waterproof feature is not up to industry standards
- Customer service is not helpful
- Not ideal for regular hikers
- Frequent use may lead to blisters
- Insides don’t have adequate padding, may lead to unnecessary friction and bruises
4. FREE SOLDIER Outdoor Men’s Tactical Military Combat Ankle Boots
Free Soldier hiking boots are completely different from your traditional hiking boot because their suede material gives that extra durability we’re all looking for. The boots come in a combination of full-grain suede and light leather, which also makes them one of the lighter boots on the market. Not to mention, the moisture-wicking technology goes a long way in keeping your feet dry even in the most difficult and wet terrains.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.3 x 4 Inches
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Material: Full-Grain Suede/Polished Leather
- Color: Beige
- Sole: Rubber
Pros
- A combination of full-grain suede and polished leather makes these boots scratch resistant
- Moisture-wicking mesh lining keeps moisture out for all-day comfort
- The anti-collision protective toe cap is suitable for tactical kicking
- EVA Midsole offers maximum comfort and shock absorption
- Extremely lightweight and waterproof
- Premium insoles with extra-cushioned lining offer full ankle support and protect your feet from blisters
Cons
- Not ideal for men with wider feet
- Might be a weird, pungent smell when you first open the box
- The upper collar can be stiff and cause poor shin comfort for heavier people
5. ROCK ROOSTER Hiking Boots
The rubber soles, in addition to the smooth and soft memory foam insoles, add to their character and are what make them a highly favored pair of boots! Not to mention, they are waterproof and are a great option for both professional hikers and trail runners.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.87 x 11.42 x 5 Inches
- Weight: 3.2 Pounds
- Material: Leather
- Color: Black
- Sole: Rubber
Pros
- Black texture and high-grade matte leather are aesthetically pleasing and stylish
- The insole is made from high-quality, shock-resistant memory foam that reduces vibration, evenly distributes weight, and provides maximum comfort and support
- Moisture wick technology keeps sweat at a minimum on hot days and provides excellent insulation on cold days
Cons
- Design can be over the top for traditional hiking boots
- Not as waterproof as they should be
- Soles are not suitable for freezing temperatures, might cause skidding or slip
Buying Guide
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to always choose lightweight hiking boots for your adventures. However, sometimes lightweight boots can become a nuisance when you face heavy and rugged terrain. Waterproof boots are a crowd-favorite, but they can make your feet sweaty and uncomfortable. Before purchasing your new pair of hiking boots, you need to figure out your preferences and choose the pair that best fits all your criteria.
Below are some pointers to consider before making your decision on what boots are best for you. Let’s get started!
- Stylish and versatile: Style is important, especially if you’re more of an Instagram hiker. You want to look your best and, honestly, why not? With your entire gear already coordinated, why leave behind the single most important thing? There’s no denying that Timberland offers the most stylish hiking boots, thanks to their years of experience in the field and a well-accomplished team of designers. The Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots come in a variety of colors, so take your pick and look your absolute best!
- Comfortable and accommodating for wide feet: Comfort matters! If you’ve been hiking for a long time, then you know how annoying it can be to get blisters on your feet. Unfortunately, most hiking boots come with a narrow toe cap that doesn’t adequately accommodate those with wider feet. NORTIV 8 hiking boots are one of the few ankle-length boots that offer options for wider feet. These are also extremely stylish, so it’s a win-win!
- Can handle rugged terrain: Lighter boots can quickly become uncomfortable on tricky hiking trails because they might not have the best sole. The small, sharp stones found on rugged terrain can damage the exterior of the boot. You need boots that can withstand extreme weather, temperature, and route conditions. Although Free Soldier hiking boots are a tad heavier, their rubber soles are extremely sturdy and will keep you going for a long time. The EVA midsole feature is also shock-resistant and helps provide ankle support.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pair of hiking boots might seem like a tricky affair, but it doesn’t have to be! Our guide offers updated information on today’s best hiking boots, so you can spend less time researching and more time purchasing. Didn’t see your favorite hiking boot listed? Let us know and we’d be more than happy to include it in our future blogs!
