Best Hiking Boots For Ankle Support in 2023

Best hiking boots for ankle support

When it comes to hiking boots for ankle support, four things matter: comfort, ankle collar, sturdy sole, and weight. To keep your feet and ankles happy on the next trail, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best hiking boots for ankle support. These hiking boots vary in support, weight, ankle collar length, and cost. There’s trade offs for each type of hiking boot. This post will deep dive into the pros and cons of each hiking boot and explain what to look for in your next pair of hiking boots for ankle support.

If you’re in a rush here’s the top picks based on ankle support alone:

  1. Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex (check price on Amazon)
  2. La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX (check price on Amazon)
  3. Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex (check price on Amazon)

Related: Best Hiking Boots Under $100

Complete List

Name

Ankle Support

Cost ($$$- High)

Prices

Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex

Above Average

$$$

La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX

Above Average

$$$

Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex

Above Average

$$$

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 Mid GTX

Average

$$

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid 

Above Average

$$$

Vasque Breeze 3 GTX

Above Average

$$

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof

Above Average

$$

Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid

Average

$$

KEEN Targhee 2

Minimal

$

Merrell Moab 2 Mid

Minimal

$

Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex

The best lightweight hiking boots for ankle support is by far the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex. Clocking in at just 1.85 pounds (size 11 men’s) these hiking boots will have you trailblazing on your next adventure. Although this pair is so light, these hiking boots still offer good traction and stability so your feet and ankles stay happy miles and miles later. The Gore- Tex waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions. 

The downside to this shoe is in the midsole. Because this shoe is so lightweight, the midsole is on the thinner side of hiking boots. This means you’ll feel more of the trail beneath your feet as you’re hiking compared to other hiking boots. That’s a tradeoff I’m willing to make for the weight of this hiking boot. The rubber toe cap provides some extra protection from stubbed toes. 

What makes the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 significantly different from the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 are the ActiveSupport wings in the Mid 4. The ActiveSupport wings add stability to your foot after tying your laces. These wings help your feet stay snug and in place over rugged terrain to lessen the chance of a rolled ankle. This feature in combination with its comfortability and breathability make the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 one of the best hiking boots for ankle support. 

Pros

  • Extra lightweight (1.85 lbs men’s size 11)
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Toe cap

Cons

  • Thinner midsole

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex is the best lightweight hiking boots with ankle support. If you’re planning on backpacking and clocking in lots of miles, I highly recommend considering Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex. 

La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX

This is the best waterproof hiking boot for ankle support. Its tall ankle collars provide ankle stability and the toe cap provides additional protection from stubbed toes. The outer sole provides great traction for wet or muddy conditions. If you plan to be doing a lot of hiking in wet conditions, I recommend considering the La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX. Their narrow soles are both a pro and a con. It’s great if you have narrow feet, but if you have wide feet then look into their wide sizing option. Many reviews online also complain about the lacing system, saying it takes extra time than the average hiking boot to lace up. 

Pros

  • Best waterproofing
  • EVA midsole
  • Toe cap
  • Tall ankle collars
  • Good traction
  • Lightweight (2.4 lbs for size 11)

Cons

  • Need to be broken in
  • Not the easiest to lace up
  • Narrow boots 
  • Ankle collar not as comfortable as other hiking boots (tall pair of hiking socks required)

Overall, if waterproofing is most important to you, then you should consider La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX. It’s on the list of best hiking boots for ankle support because of its tall ankle collar, extremely waterproof, and lightweight. Other boots have better ankle support and offer better comfort around the ankle collar, but you can’t beat the waterproofing.

Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex

A pricier and heavier hiking boot but for good reason. This boot meets the definition of best hiking boots for ankle support with tall ankle collars and a stiff sole. The Gore-Tex waterproofing makes this boot waterproof and breathable. But it comes at a price: weight and breathability. This hiking boot is heavy clocking in at 2.9 lbs (size 11 men’s). Because the ankle collar and therefore the waterproofing run well past the ankle, on hotter hikes these hiking boots can get sweaty. A good pair of hiking socks is key to wicking the sweat away from your feet and minimizing blisters. Check out Darn Tough Hiking Socks here. 

As bulky as this hiking boot is, it delivers in comfort. Thanks to its Ortholite Sockliner and Sensifit which helps absorb shock as you’re hiking. The tall ankle collar is flexible so you have quality range of motion on your next trek. 

To add to the support, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex has the same ActiveSupport wings as the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex. This gives you the best ankle support you could have in a hiking boot.

Pros

  • Ample ankle support
  • Waterproof
  • Comfortable
  • Good traction
  • Tall ankle collars
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy (2.9 lbs men’s size 11)
  • Expensive
  • Hot on longer hikes

If you’re looking for the best hiking boots with ankle support, and don’t mind a little extra weight, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex should be top of your list. It’s pricier than most boots, but you get what you pay for.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 Mid GTX

This pair of hiking boots were made to help you move quickly while staying dry through rugged, technical hikes. The Ultra Raptor 2 Mid GTX took everything we love about your typical hiking boot but made it light. It has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, comfortable ankle collar, nylon shank to add more support, and quality outsoles for good traction on technical trails. 

If weight and comfortability are important factors to you, then La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 Mid GTX should be top of your list. These durable hiking boots will last for years to come. All leather boots tend to offer more ankle support than these hiking boots, but typically leather boots come with extra weight. All in all, these are one of the best lightweight hiking boots for ankle support. 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable, minimal to no break in time
  • Breathable
  • Good Traction
  • Decent ankle support
  • Protective toe cap
  • Durable

Cons

  • Run a little small (order ½ size up)

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid 

This is the best hiking boot with ankle support, good traction, and comfortable. This is one of the tallest hiking boots you’ll come across offering extra ankle support. This hiking boot is also designed with a full length nylon shank providing additional stability in rugged terrain. Another unique feature of this hiking boot is the design of the toe box. The toe has a rocker design which helps by providing traction on rocky hiking paths.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Tall ankle collars
  • Great ankle support
  • Comfortable
  • Good traction

Cons

  • Heavy (2.9 lbs men’s size 11)
  • Expensive 
  • Water resistant

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is one of the best hiking boots for ankle support because of its super tall ankle collars and sturdy sole. Both of these features provide great ankle support overall. Other hiking boots are more waterproof than the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, but may not be as supportive. Although it’s a heavy boot, it’s made to withstand the test of time. This is a good option for those who go on longer treks and need a durable boot.

Vasque Breeze 3 GTX

This is the newest version of the Vasque Breeze and it’s the best version so far. It makes the list of best hiking boots for ankle support because it has everything you need in a traditional hiking boot. It’s comfortable right out of the box, water resistant, and it’s durable. Not to mention, the Vasque Breeze 3 has ample ankle support. 

What I personally love about this boot is the combination of breathability and waterproofing. It has a Gore-Tex membrane that will keep your feet dry and mesh panels to allow for optimal breathability. Although the Gore-Tex membrane is waterproof the mesh panels will eventually let some water in after many miles of abuse. The Vasque Breeze 3 are the best hiking boots with ankle support for hot feet. 


The main downside to this hiking boot is the weight. It’s a heavy boot, but the extra weight comes with extra ankle support. The tall ankle collars are comfortable and supportive. The sole is sturdy and has a shank built in to add stability over rugged terrain. 

Pros

  • Great ankle support
  • Durable
  • Comfortable right out of the box
  • Good traction
  • Water resistant
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Sizing runs narrow but there are wide size options

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof

Oboz is a neat company from Bozeman, Montana. If you know anything about Montana you know it snows! These hiking boots are made to withstand the wettest conditions. Made from all leather, these boots are extremely waterproof. 

The Oboz Bridger Mid makes the list of best hiking boots for ankle support because of how sturdy and durable these boots are. 100% leather makes these one of the most supportive hiking boots in the market. The all-leather is also a con because these boots need to be broken in properly. They are very stiff and not very flexible but with patience and a good plan to break them in, these boots have the potential to be your next go-to hiking boot for all conditions. 

The Oboz Bridger Mid is a good option for those who plan to do a lot of backpacking with a heavy pack, and have the time and patience to properly break these boots in. The construction of this hiking boot was made to last years of abuse. 

Pros

  • Very stable
  • Tall ankle collars
  • Great ankle support
  • Waterproof 
  • Durable- made to last
  • All leather
  • Protective toe cap

Cons

  • Long break in period
  • Very stiff

Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid

The Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid is a great lightweight hiking boot with ankle support. Like many Altra boots, it has a wide toe box giving your toes plenty of wiggle room. These hiking boots are still comfy after a long day of hiking. The midsole is soft and the upper part of the boot is made of a flexible textile material making it comfortable on most trails. On a more rocky trail or rugged terrain, this soft midsole will have you feeling more of the trail than other boots. 

Because of the soft ankle collar, this hiking boot is more flexible than most. The tall ankle collar provides decent ankle support but an ankle collar made of leather would provide more stability. These hiking boots will provide enough support for longer trails and a light pack. The lacing system provides additional stability and security to keep your foot snug and minimize the chance of a rolled ankle. 

This is the best hiking boot for ankle support if you’re looking for a lightweight, zero drop hiking boot. A “zero drop” hiking boot has no difference in distance off the ground from heel to toe. It’s entirely level to the ground and flat. 

Pros

  • Lightweight (1.84 lbs men’s size 11)
  • Water-resistant
  • Zero Drop
  • Ultra wide toe box
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Breathable
  • Average ankle support

Cons

  • Not as durable as other heavier hiking boots
  • Thinner midsole

Keen Targhee 2 Mid

These mid-height hiking boots are the best affordable hiking boots for ankle support. On Amazon for $85, these hiking boots are waterproof, comfortable right out of the box, and have good traction. The rubber toe cap adds extra protection while you’re out on the trail. 

One feature of the Keen Targhee 2 Mid-Height boots is the eyelet set up on the boot. There are 3 lower eyelets, 1 in the middle, and 1 upper eyelet. The middle eyelet raps around the heel giving you additional support in the heel and ankle after tying your laces. 

These hiking boots have a thick sole and a shank called the “Torsion Stability ESS” (External Support Shank). A shank is a piece of metal or in this case nylon/resin that’s placed between the insole and outsole of the boot. The purpose of this is to add stability and lessen foot fatigue while hiking. 

The main downside of this boot is the low ankle cuff. There’s only one eyelet above the ankle, making this a shorter hiking boot. This offers less ankle support than other hiking boots. If you’re willing to pay more, there are better hiking boots for ankle support.

If you’re mainly doing casual hiking or looking for your first pair of hiking boots, I highly recommend the Keen Targhee 2 Mid. You can’t beat the price and quality of this hiking boot. This is the best affordable hiking boot with ankle support.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Waterproof
  • Good traction
  • Comfortable sole
  • Roomy toe box
  • Stiff/sturdy sole
  • Lightweight (2.37 lbs for a size 11 men’s)

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Low cuff height

Although Keen has made an “updated” version of this hiking boot called the Targhee 3, I would still recommend the Targhee 2 over the Targhee 3. The Targhee 3 has a softer insole that provides additional comfort but less stability. The upper part of the Targhee 3 is made of less leather than the Targhee 2 providing more comfort but once again less stability. 

Merrell Moab 2 Mid

If you’re really considering the Keen Targhee 2 Mid it’s only right to throw Merrell’s Moab 2 Mids into the mix. These hiking boots are so comfortable out of the box. It competes with the $200+ hiking boots in terms of comfort. It has a Gore-tex membrane to make this mid-height hiking boot waterproof. These hiking boots have a lower ankle cuff so they would flood in smaller streams compared to other hiking boots. If you live in a drier climate than this shouldn’t matter as much. For the price of these hiking boots, they have decent ankle stability but not the best. 

They do have a nylon shank built in to help absorb some shock over difficult terrain. They also have a Vibram sole to provide great traction over wet/ muddy conditions. 

These hiking boots are great for someone who is looking for a versatile hiking boot who may not be doing a whole ton of backpacking. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of hiking boots with ankle support then the Merrell Moab 2 Mid might be for you. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Waterproof to a certain degree
  • Comfortable (minimal to no break in time)
  • Average ankle support but not the best
  • Great traction
  • Protective toe cap

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Low cuff height

How to Choose a Pair of Hiking Boots for Ankle Support

Comfort

No matter what, the best hiking boots with ankle support need to be comfortable for you. If your hiking boots are uncomfortable or painful, you’re not going to wear them. To make sure your hiking boots are comfortable, you need to get the right size. Just because you’re a 7.5 in tennis shoes does not mean you’re the same size in hiking boots. Depending on the company, you might want to size up or size down. The only way to truly find out if a hiking boot is right for you is trying it on. If you’re ordering hiking boots online, be prepared to send them back if they don’t fit. 

Ankle Collar

The taller the ankle collar the better support you’ll have. In theory, a mid-height hiking boot has more ankle support than a low top hiking shoe. This is because your ankle is physically restrained in a high top hiking boot making it less likely to twist an ankle. This also depends on the material of the shoe. The best hiking boots for ankle support are made of leather or a sturdy synthetic mesh. When you try on your hiking boots, make sure the ankle collar is tall and made of quality materials.

Sturdy Sole

The sole of the hiking boots also matters. A sturdy sole provides additional stability while hiking on rugged terrain. To check for stability try flexing or twisting the sole of the boot. The more flex it has the less support the boot will provide. The best hiking boots for ankle support have a sturdy sole that doesn’t twist or flex easily. 

Weight

Believe it or not how heavy hiking boots are also affects how much ankle support the shoe will provide. The heavier the shoe, the more effort and energy you’ll have to exhaust while hiking which ultimately puts more strain on your body. A 1984 study by the U.S. Army Research Institute reveals that one pound on your feet is equivalent to five pounds on your back. The best hiking boots for ankle support should be relatively light. This isn’t easy to find considering the amount of additional material it takes to make a hiking boot vs a hiking shoe. If you’re only planning to hike short distances in your boots (less than 10 miles) this might not be as important to you. Weight is an important factor if you’re planning multi-day backpacking trips. 

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