Lightweight boots?

[robert b]

Hello all.   Ive been digging through the forum for advice but most of what ive found was several years to a decade old.  Im on the hunt for some lightweight backpacking boots.   Unfortunately I have terrible ankles that roll even when Im sitting down (jk) so I have to have good ankle support.  Ive used the Lowa Renegade in the past and they worked ok, but Im hoping to find something lighter.  I wear a size 13 so even light isnt very light.  Im hoping something new has come out in the last few years given the UL craze.  Ankle support and weight are the biggest concerns, and while I’d rather not pay $300 I will if I have to to get the weight down from my 4.2lb pair of Lowa Hunter GTX. Id rather have non-waterproof but GTX isn’t a dealbreaker and it seems most choices include GTX.   Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[JCH]

I have 2 thoughts, both of which you may have already investigated…

I love my Altra Timp 5s and they have recently released a mid version.  Might not provide the support you are after, but could be worth a trip to REI to try them out.

Second, have you considered adding an orthopedic ankle support to a hiker (like the Timp)?  Amazon has many options with free returns. This might give a lightweight system with the ankle support you are after.

Best of luck in your search.

[David D]

Check out the Topo Trailventure 2 (only available in WP though).  There’s also the HOKA
Anacapa 2, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid

Also this: https://runrepeat.com/catalog/hiking-boots

I was surprised that my Renegades barely weighed more than my old “lightweight” Salomon Quest Prime GTX.

[robert b]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  I will definitely check them all out.  I am a bit worried a mid wont be enough ankle support however.  There has to be a somewhat light high boot somewhere.  Or maybe not. lol

[Bill Budney]

UnderArmour Valsetz are light, more supportive than mids, and breathable (no Gore-Tex).

Merrell Tacticals are similar but do have effective WPB.

[robert b]

Those UnderArmour look interesting. Thanks for the suggestion.  Do you know how stiff the footbed is in those?

[Bill Budney]

Both of those boots are very stiff under the metatarsals (forefoot, like rock plates) and flex some under the arches for easy walking.

[David D]

Hi robert, I’m on the same path as you.  Butter ankles that would roll playing cards.   Both are shot.  Broke each twice, tore each multi times, leading to this.  Also used Renegades for years as a result.

This year I decided to try and transition to supportive shoes after finally (after years of looking) finding a pair that fit(tish).  Merrell Moab 3s in wide, not WP.  More supportive than a trail runner, a decent transition from a boot.  As back up I carry in my bag a single ankle brace similar to JCH’s rec but a specific brand that pro athletes wear (Curry, Murray, its big on the ATP/WTA):

https://medspec.com/product/evoankle-stabilizer/

I’ve used it for over 10 years playing basketball and tennis (which requires a lot of sudden lateral direction changes) and have never ever had an ankle roll while wearing it and it doesn’t impede natural motion or feel overly constraining.  It’s great.  I’ve met a through hiker that wears it and liked the experience.   Weight is 4.1oz/ea for a large, which would fit you (I’m size 14 2x to 3x wide and it fits me). IME it can get ripe though so that’s a consideration.

I still turn ankles at times but nothing serious.  I try to be even more deliberate in my foot placement now.

I like the transition and we’ll see how it goes, but its another option.

[Brad W]

I have been a fan of lightweight boots ever since I had a bad ankle injury in 2004. I understand their limitations and they offer just enough protection from skinning my ankle bones and preventing the last bit of range of motion that is painful on my left ankle. These won’t prevent a rolled ankle, but can help a little. If you want total ankle roll protection you need a stiff boot, not lightweight.  Good, non-waterproof, light boots are hard to find. If you find one that works-buy many multiples. Also note-Most of these are not too durable. If I can get 200-400 miles I am happy. I also hike off trail often and am hard on shoes. Here are some that worked great for me. These have wide toe box FWIW.

Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid. Might be worth checking out their current Lone Peak Hiker 3

Topo Trailventure 1, 2 and 2 waterproof for winter hiking. These are discontinued but maybe can find used. Decently durable.

I have a small cache of Trailventure 1 and 2 and look for used when I can. If those run out I may try the Altra Lone Peak Hiker 3.

[JCH]

That Evo brace David D linked to looks the business!  Inexpensive too boot.

[robert b]

All great suggestions.  I will check them out for sure. Thanks

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