Ankle problems while hiking

Lately I've been rolling my ankle a lot while hiking, usually after a long hike and I'm plenty tired. Towards the end it's been straining me a lot and I wonder if it's the shoes I'm wearing that are doing it (just sneakers). I was thinking about getting some dedicated hiking boots, but only have serious gear for winter. Anyone else get this? think it's related? Or could it be something else?


I notice a lot less flexibility down there, a misstep a few years ago never bothered me but now it'll put me off my feet for a day or two if it's real bad. but them again, this past week i've been hiking a good 5-10 kilometers (a day) on terrain i haven't in over a year, without real boots.

thoughts?

Due to a fused ankle from an accident 15 yrs ago, I need to wear proper support when hiking and have boots for winter and summer. Now if I go any distance hiking without them, I pay for it.

So it is probably a good step to protect yourself.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op is where I get my gear. Seeing as how you're somewhere in the Great Wet North, hopefully you're near one.

A pair of quality high top lace up boots reduces the ankle twisting issues. I "sprained "my ankles frequently in the military. Only after leaving the service did I sprain one again and went to a civilian doc and he asked me how many times had I broken my ankles, I said never AFAIK and he showed me an Xray of my ankles and it looked like I had been shot in the ankles with bone fragments, he said I had broken them at least 15 to 20 times. Thanks USAF.

Karl, get yourself a real pair of hiking boots. They'll save your ankles time and again. I've hiked in sneakers many years ago and found out that is not the way to go. Get a pair of high tops and take time to get used to them.

Real hiking boots, and for me, glucosamine/chondroiti​n/MSM supplements also help keep the cartilage from wearing down as fast. I used to roll one or another ankle practically weekly and spend forever getting it back to feeling normal. Now it's rare, and I recover quickly (within a couple of hours, or better).

I've had good luck with this company when it comes to hiking boots, among other things. Years ago, I purchased a pair of Italian hiking books in Reno at full retail price, well over $200. A year or so later, I found the exact same pair on close out from Sierra Trading Post for $70. You do need to know what brands and sizes fit you, but if you do, sometimes you can find an amazing deal there.

http://www.sierratradi​ngpost.com/mens-boots~d~137/?perPage=9​6

Try a lighter camera body and lens combo.

I recently purchased a pair of their lightweights, that's how over the top these boots are: http://www.limmerboot.​com/

They took the better part of a week to break in, but now that I'm past that phase I have to say..they're awesome.

Karl,

Yes, you need some proper footwear. But what's even more important is that you see a physical therapist and start doing exercises specifically geared towards strengthening the ligaments in your ankle that are weak. Staying dedicated to strengthening your ankles will make a world of difference and is the best way to stay trouble-free for the rest of your life.

Bryan