Most men and women buy hiking boots for ankle support. But many mid-cut hiking boots don't actually add much ankle protection. For example, the best-selling Merrell Moab has below average ankle support, and the mid-cut Altra Lone Peak isn't made to protect your ankles. Lucky for you, I've hiked more than 15,000 miles without any ankle injuries, even though ankle problems run in my family. With all that first-hand experience—and my experience managing footwear at Appalachian Outdoors—I know the best hiking boots for ankle support.
john l. from texas
The people at REI really didn’t understand what kind of hiking boots I needed for my ankle problems. Now I can go back and show them your article on Hiking Feet, so they might better understand what I'm looking for."
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Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
LA SPORTIVA NUCLEO HIGH GTX
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Ankle Support
Main Benefits:
Most lightweight hiking boots lack ankle support department, but the Nucleo High GTX has high-cut ankle collars. This gives it decent ankle support for a lightweight hiking and backpacking boot. Made with soft nubuck leather, this good-looking boot is relatively light yet relatively supportive for its weight. I wore Nucleos for a year of rocky Pennyslvania day hikes and a couple backpacking trips without any ankle issues. Fit-wise, Sportivas run narrow and may require you to size up more than normal; however it's also available in wide.
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Men's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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Women's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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LOWA INNOVO GTX
Day-Hiking Boot with Ankle Support
Main Benefits:
With three lace hooks over the ankle, the LOWA Innovo has more ankle protection than most mid-weight hiking boots. Even so, it's a modern hiking boot that's not burly or heavy as old-school hiking boots like the LOWA Renegade below. When I tested and reviewed the Innovo, I had no ankle issues, even on tough terrain. If you do more day hiking than backpacking, the LOWA Innovo may be a good choice for hikers who need more ankle support.
Men's LOWA Innovo GTX Mid
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Women's LOWA Innovo GTX Mid
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SALEWA MOUNTAIN TRAINER 2 GTX
Alpine Hiking Boot with Ankle Support
Main Benefits:
Stiff and supportive, the Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX is a mid-weight hiking and backpacking boot made for 3-season alpine use. It offers solid ankle support, thanks to its sturdy outsoles and ankle collars, 3F fit system, and heel stabilizer, which locks hikers' ankles into place. It's a nice hiking boot for technical trails and rock scrambling, too, thanks to its grippy outsoles and climbing lace that extend to the toes. Fit-wise, the MTN Trainer series isn't as narrow as most Salewas, but U.S. hikers may want to size up more than normal for their best fit.
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Men's Salewa MTN Trainer 2 GTX
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Women's Salewa MTN Trainer 2 GTX
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LOWA RENEGADE EVO GTX
Leather Hiking Boot with Ankle Support
Main Benefits:
Updated in 2025, the LOWA Renegade EVO is classic hiking and backpacking boot for hikers who want good ankle support. With sturdy leather uppers and PU midsoles, this beefy boot offers above average ankle protection. It also checks plenty of other boxes, too, such as GORE TEX waterproofing and Vibram outsoles for solid traction. Fit-wise, the Renegade is also available in narrow, regular, and wide widths. I've personally tested and reviewed the Renegade EVO and can personally vouch for its solid ankle support.
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Men's LOWA Renegade EVO
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Women's LOWA Renegade EVO
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SALOMON QUEST 5
Best Backpacking Boot with Ankle Support
Main Benefits:
Updated in 2026, Salomon Quest 5 is an iconic backpacking boot that’s dominated award lists in backpacking magazines and outdoor gear sites for years. The Quest is built on the chassis of a trail running shoe, but it nearly matches the support of heavy-duty backpacking boots. In other words, this boot's sturdy soles and ankle collars offer excellent ankle protection in an athletic package. Plus, its locking shoelace system makes it easier to snug down that ankle support. I've personally owned three pairs of Salomon Quests over the years for their ankle support. This is a great backpacking boot. But, if you need bomber ankle support, it's doable for day hikes, too.
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Men's Salomon Quest 5 GTX
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Women's Salomon Quest 5 GTX
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How to find hiking boots with good ankle support
It takes more than a mid-cut ankle collar to provide hikers with good ankle support. For the best ankle support, you should look for hiking boots with these three features:
tall ankle collars
The higher a boot extends up your ankle, the better the ankle support. For above average ankle support, look for hiking boots with at least two eyelets above the ankle bone. Taller ankle cuffs may prevent more ankle injuries.
sturdy ankle collars
At the same time, light and flimsy ankle collars won't provide much protection. For better ankle support, you want stiffer, sturdier material around the ankle to help lock in your ankles on uneven terrain. Both leather and synthetic uppers fit the bill—as long as they're stiff and sturdy.
stiff soles
Many hikers don't realize that a hiking boot that's stiffer underfoot can also reduce the risk of ankle injuries. Boots with sturdy outsoles, PU midsoles, and integrated shanks or chassis add stiffness for better torsional rigidity—resistance to twisting—that may prevent your ankles from turning over on rocks and roots. The less flex underfoot, the more ankle support.
Ultimately, traditional Alpine trekking boots provide the best ankle support. However, those hardcore hiking boots are heavier and more expensive than the average hiker and backpacker needs.
My pro picks above are geared towards more typical types of hiking and backpacking—and reflect the hiking boots that have worked the best for me and for my customers at Backcountry and Appalachian Outdoors.
PRO TIP
When marketers use the phrase "out of the box comfort," that's usually code for crappy ankle support. The best hiking boots for ankle support usually require some break-in time.
buying the best hiking boots for ankle support
My Dad needed reconstructive ankle surgery—and my lower body is built just like his. Even so, I've been able to hike more than a thousand miles every year since 2011 without a single twisted ankle. I've worn or sold each of the boots above and know that they provide more ankle protection than the average hiking boot.
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