[at-l] boot question - nylon vs. steel shank - ankle turning

[TrailR at aol.com (TrailR@aol.com)]

In a message dated 4/14/2005 12:59:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time,  
Slyatpct@aol.com writes:

If weak  ankles are a problem, strengthening them is probably best.  How do  
you do that?  Hike, slowly at first.   



**
 
My ankles turned about 600 times on my thruhike (not an  exaggeration).
Thank goodness for poles to take weight off them as they turned.
My ankles were a big worry when I started my hike, then just turned
into a daily event (turning them), that did no "real" harm (they stretched 
out, and I survived). I wore Lowa tempest mids, and still turned my  ankles.
Boots protect your ankles, but don't stop you from turning them, unless 
they are high, and laced VERY tight (which most peoples are not). The 
stiff boot sole as I walked over rocks caused the turning action. The 200 
miles I hiked in trail runners, I turned my ankles less, the sole "gave" 
more & didn't "turn" as easy. JMO, YMMV.
 
hotdog AT 03