Rubber boots and ankle support...

[Problem Child]

....or lack of ankle support.I have a pair of LaCrosse knee-high rubber boots and they are great as far as being waterproof,warm,and light weight but after about a 1.5 mile walk with climbing stand,etc,my ankles start hurting pretty bad.I do alot of swamp hunting so I need something waterproof and light.Any suggestions?

[Ted Fry]

I have the same problem when hiking long distance in waders or rubber boots that are ankle fit , I started to wrap my ankles with duct tape like for a sports injury , works well but a pain to cut off each time.
When hunting lions in the winter I wrap my ankle with ace bandage then put on my pac boots.

[FOXXNTROUT]

maybe these, I was thinking about getting them as well.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=492962

Chota™ Outdoor Gear Marsh Boots.

[Problem Child]

Originally posted by Ted Fry:
I have the same problem when hiking long distance in waders or rubber boots that are ankle fit , I started to wrap my ankles with duct tape like for a sports injury , works well but a pain to cut off each time.
When hunting lions in the winter I wrap my ankle with ace bandage then put on my pac boots.

I don't know why I didn't think of that.    I'll try that.

[jrchambers]

i use extratuf boots all the time for long walking and roofing, if you put on a extra pair of wool socks they fit like gloves, quiet and have great traction.

[GingivitisKahn]

Originally posted by Problem Child:
Any suggestions?

Decide if you would rather have dry feet or supported ankles.  The boots you mention rock at the former and rot at the latter.

[blind one]

I work for an excavating company. We work pretty much year round. In the winter it gets very muddy and wet in the basements we dig for the new homes. We have to wear rubber boots. I had the same problem until I started wearing the ace ankle suports. They fit under my socks and dont move anywhere. Also easy to get on and off.

[matt schuster]

One other thing that works well is to rip the liner out of the boot and replace it with a very good insole such as a Powerstep or Superfeet, which are available at most sporting goods stores.   They provide a lot of arch support and stability.

[Bill Turner]

I purchased a pair of $80.00 Muck Boots and used them exclusively this hunting season. I came away very impressed. The most comfortable rubber boot I've ever worn. Easy on, Easy off. I hunt deep in public land and hauled out both deer and feral hogs over rough ground with these boots, with no discomfort. Can't say enough good things about this boot and the one I bought is not their top of the line. Contact the Muck Boot Outlet in Tenn. for additional info.

[dennis rice]

I too go a pair of muck boots and i will never have anything else

[TNstickn]

Futuro Sport Deluxe Ankle Stabilizer, Adjust to Fit,  buy them from walgreens for under 20.00. I hunt a cypress swamp when the waters low. Those short cypress knees just below the grass/water will turn a bad sports ankle in a second, especially in the dark hauling a climber, pack and a bow.

[Daddy Bear]

For athletic style hip waders that I can use to hike for miles in the mountains while wearing a heavy pack, I use these:

The Original Muck Boot Company™ Woody Marsh Sport Utility Hipper

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_100266_425014001_425000000_425014000_425-14-1

...in combination with wearing these athletic lace ankle braces under the boots:

ACE® Brand Quick Lace Ankle Brace

http://catalog.bd.com/bdCat/viewProduct.doCustomer?productNumber=207398

I've packed a number of miles in this combo which works well for me when I need to make numerous crossings and/or trudge and wade for miles through muck and water.

[stripe55]

I made the switch from Burleys to Schnee's 16" and I ain't ever going back. Good ankle support, good insole, much quieter walking, easier on/off. All day in the water may prove tough on these boots but that is not what I bought them for. They handled a couple hours in the water with no problems. So far, all good.

[toddster]

I have used a pair of much woodmax for 3 years and love them so much I bought a pair of there chore boots for work (Wet Milling).  They give me great support and are dry and warm.  I did buy a pair of LL Bean Maine hunting boots this christmas and have used them 3 times for stalking.  I love them for that, but don't see them as cold stand boots.  For the stand I have never had cold feet with my Mucks.

[GreatBay]

Any basketball ankle support would work well, I also use the Futuro as I have a damaged nerve in my spine that has caused numbness and weak muscles in my left ankle.

[fireball31]

have you tried the new LaCrosse boots.  I just got a pair of the Alpha Burly 1500's they have a new ankle support system and a sole that is more reminiscent of a hiking boot.  So far I love em.  I've haven't been walking through the swamp with'em yet but they have given me no problems in thick snow with walks of up to a 2 miles