Low-cut or high-cut hiking boots?
Q. Hey Gear Guy, this question has been nagging me for so long: If I’m going backpacking should I wear boots with high ankles or ones with low ankles?
—Puzzled John, Nashville, Tenn.
A. If you’re going on a true backpacking trip and carrying a fully loaded pack, you’ll be more prone to rolling your ankle on unstable/uneven ground. So you should be wearing boots with plenty of ankle support. The higher-cut boots also protect your ankles from sharp rocks and thorns and keep you drier in wet environments.
If you’re carrying a very light pack or just doing a day hike, low-top hiking shoes are fine. They are going to be lighter weight, more breathable and more comfortable.
If you can afford two pairs of hikers, by all means, buy both, and then pick and choose. But if you are a ‘thrifty’ scout, buy high tops, which can, and will, serve in any circumstances.
Always buy the higher ones–more support for the ankles and more protection against snakes.
All of my hiking boots are high cut even though I go hiking or backpacking. Reason is to prevent dislocating my ankles.