Trail runners for weak ankles

goalie2

Folks,

Does anyone know if there is trail runners that support weak ankles? Had to wear normal runners yesterday in WAR, was grand until got to Djouice where off road very wet.

I work on the ankles but need something that will support them.

lgk

I'm not aware of any trail runners with ankle support, people who run on trails a lot don't need ankle support. Separate ankle braces/supports are the only product that'll give you more artificial support. More running over rough, uneven ground will strengthen your ankles to the point where you no longer need extra support.

spurscormac

I have seen some trail running boots online, but they're more like attached gaitors to prevent debris getting in, I don't think they provide much in the way of ankle support.
There are some trail shoes which provide some pronation support if that's what you're after.

It will depend on what type of trail you'll be doing to be honest - if its very rough bumpy stuff, you'll shouldn't need pronation support as you're more likely to be on your toes picking your way through the terrain.
If it's more hardpack terrain, where you'll be running similarly to how you do on the roads, then it may be of help.

What will be of much more help will be getting the right sole on the shoe for the conditions you'll be running in - that'll give you a better grip in the conditions & should prevent any slipping on ankle rolling you'd suffer in standard shoes.

goalie2

Thanks for the replies folks, much appreciated.

lgk

spurscormac wrote: »

I have seen some trail running boots online, but they're more like attached gaitors to prevent debris getting in, I don't think they provide much in the way of ankle support.

I have the Inov8 debris gaiters, they provide as much support as a pair of socks.

dna_leri

You might want to try trail runners that have some motion control. Something like these: http://www.wiggle.com/salomon-xr-crossmax-guidance-climashield-shoes/

I used a pair of Salomon trail runners (different model) a few years ago when I needed motion control but still wanted to run trails. I ended up discarding them about 6 months later as I found them too heavy and too controlling.

The usual best advice for these situations is to get your gait assessed by a competent retailer such as Amphibian King in Bray and get some suggestions for what you really need.

spurscormac

lgk wrote: »

I have the Inov8 debris gaiters, they provide as much support as a pair of socks.

This New Balance boot was what I was thinking of, but as I said, I don't think it gives any support - certainly not in the way a hiking boot would & nothing like pronation support.

lgk

Wow, hadn't seen those before. They look quite different...to be nice about it. Wonder how secure the fit is with the zip closure.

sconhome

goalie2 wrote: »

Folks,

Does anyone know if there is trail runners that support weak ankles? Had to wear normal runners yesterday in WAR, was grand until got to Djouice where off road very wet.

I work on the ankles but need something that will support them.

There is no trail shoe that is supportive in this way. In facty most trail shoes will be less supportive that their road brethern allowing the feet to flow over and around obstacles rather that twisting and being wrenched.

You will also notice that most will be closer to the ground with less build up than the road shoe. Again this is for stability as the closer you are to the ground the less 'snap' you get when going over an ankle.

The lighter, flexible shoes do take a little getting used to but make a big difference in confidence, especially in wet conditions when you can trust you foot to dig in rather than skate along the ground.

I believe there were wet railway sleepers on the course, these are lethal full stop. Only shoes with nails will give you grip on there! (Or specialised orienteering shoes)

dna_leri wrote: »

The usual best advice for these situations is to get your gait assessed by a competent retailer such as Amphibian King in Bray and get some suggestions for what you really need.

+1 Have to agree with this suggestion

sconhome

spurscormac wrote: »

This New Balance boot was what I was thinking of, but as I said, I don't think it gives any support - certainly not in the way a hiking boot would & nothing like pronation support.

lgk wrote: »

Wow, hadn't seen those before. They look quite different...to be nice about it. Wonder how secure the fit is with the zip closure.

Look like the stitched boots that are used in MdS.

PS I'm surprised Spurscormac didnt link to this: http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Product-View-Terrafly-297-GTX.html?L=26

nerraw1111

Apparently, a good way of strengthening your ankle is closing your eyes and balancing on one leg.

Try it, it's amazing how hard you work your ankle trying to stay upright. That and running trails.

sconhome

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Apparently, a good way of strengthening your ankle is closing your eyes and balancing on one leg.

in your barefeet.

(not correcting, just adding info.)

geld

Maybe the Walsh PB elite boot may be what you are after? - I can't speak for the support bit but they have one of the best sole grips of all trail/mountain running shoes.

http://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/products/walsh-pb-elite-boot.htm