Stiffest Mountain Boots Available?

[Western Hunter270]

What is the stiffest mountain boots a guy can buy these days? Last winter I got in a horse wreck and blew my foot and ankle all to hell. I've had 3 surgeries on it, including joint fusions, so as you can imagine I have hardly any mobility and am in almost constant pain because of it. The best investment I made before this past hunting season was a pair of Kenetrek everstep orthopedic boots, which helped tremendously allowing me to get around well enough to punch my bull tag and I wear them every single day now, but they're still just not as supportive as I would like. They allow too much movement in my ankle which becomes agonizing by the end of a long day even just at work. So I'm just wondering if there are any other options out there that are even stiffer. I would even consider a mountaineering type boot, I just really want as little ankle movement as possible in hopes of being able to get around the mountains a little better. Looking for any advice. Thanks

 

[Tod osier]

What is the stiffest mountain boots a guy can buy these days? Last winter I got in a horse wreck and blew my foot and ankle all to hell. I've had 3 surgeries on it, including joint fusions, so as you can imagine I have hardly any mobility and am in almost constant pain because of it. The best investment I made before this past hunting season was a pair of Kenetrek everstep orthopedic boots, which helped tremendously allowing me to get around well enough to punch my bull tag and I wear them every single day now, but they're still just not as supportive as I would like. They allow too much movement in my ankle which becomes agonizing by the end of a long day even just at work. So I'm just wondering if there are any other options out there that are even stiffer. I would even consider a mountaineering type boot, I just really want as little ankle movement as possible in hopes of being able to get around the mountains a little better. Looking for any advice. Thanks

If you aren't familiar look at plastic mountaineering boots. I'm not recommending, but they do exist and seem to fit your needs.

 

[Montana Slim]

INVERNO

Our workhorse plastic double boot for cold, high-altitude climbs, the Inverno combines a durable Pebax® shell that remains flexible even in bone-chilling temps, with our High Altitude Liner to provide expedition-worthy warmth. Ultra durable and warm High Altitude liner included Proven on...

us.scarpa.com

Could try something like this?

 

[LongWayAround]

If you're trying to immobilize the ankle, maybe try to Lowa Tibet Hi?

I previously tried the Lowa Alpine Expert and Vajolet, both felt ski boot stiff and I sent them back. Those might also be worth a look.

 

[tater]

I'm not a podiatrist, but i have some serious hardware in my left ankle so i get it.
Fit is critical for super stiff boots, as they don't really "break in". I have a narrow heel/mid fore foot and have found Scarpa (Mont Blanc/Grand Dru) and Salewa (Raven Combi) to work well.

You might also find a good PT that can show you how to properly tape your foot and ankle for support, and then boot shop.

 

[Stud Duck]

I've worn Asolo, Kayland, Crispi, and Scarpa.

Scarpa is the stiffest I've worn. My oldest son says they're stiffer than his Kenetrek Mountain Extreme.

 

[Trogon]

Plastic double boots are stiff no doubt, but they are made for very cold conditions. I would not recommend for normal hunting or your feet will be soaked with sweat, and uncomfortable as all hell. I think the scarpa grand dru or fuego is a good reco. Might also try the Meindl Glockner. Keep in mind that even stiff mountaineering boots are typically made to allow ankle flexibility, so tape + stiff + tall might be the way to go.

 

[24valve]

I have some Scarpa mountaineering boots I don't wear anymore since I've made the switch to less-supportive footwear for hunting. I haven't used kenetreks to compare, but stiffness-wise they are similar to my backcountry touring ski boots. Very rigid soles, but the uppers are not necessarily as stiff as downhill ski boots - there is still a little flexibility.

PM me if you're interested in trying them out, I'd be happy to ship them to you to try out and sell them for cheap if you decide to keep them.

 

[Marbles]

True mountaineering boots have very stiff soles and some ankle flex.

If truly looking for maximum ankle support, back country touring ski boots. People mountaineer in them, however I'm guessing that is far more stiffness than you need; but that would be the stiffest option.