Best walking boots with ankle support

In its favour

• The listing gives a calf-height shaft, the tallest cut in this guide for wrapping the lower leg.
• Leather upper and leather insole are both stated, a firm build for carrying a heavy rucksack.
• Gore-Tex in the title for a waterproof liner, with autumn and winter listed as seasons.

Good to know

• A tall, firm leather boot is heavier and stiffer than most walkers need on good paths.
• The listing does not state a B rating or crampon fit, so check with Lowa before winter mountain use.

In its favour

• Listed as a high-top boot, so the cuff sits well above the ankle bones.
• A Vibram Biometric sole in XS Trek compound is named for grip on mixed hill ground.
• Gore-Tex Standard ePE is stated and described as PFAS free.

Good to know

• The listed weight of 585 g does not say whether it is per boot, so compare with care.
• Suede and nylon uppers need proofing to keep shedding water in long rain.

In its favour

• Leather upper with Gore-Tex in the title, a firm and waterproof combination for rough ground.
• Listed for all seasons, so it can serve as a year-round hill boot.
• The listing gives 1.13 kg, a moderate figure for a leather boot if that is per pair.

Good to know

• The listing does not say whether the weight is per boot or per pair.
• La Sportiva sizes often run differently from UK brands, so check the maker's chart.

In its favour

• Ankle-high leather upper is listed, a cut that covers the ankle bones on uneven paths.
• Gore-Tex in the model name for a waterproof liner in wet British weather.
• A leather insole and textile lining are listed, a mix that is comfortable and dries reasonably fast.

Good to know

• Water resistance is listed as water resistant in one field, so check Lowa's details.
• The listing gives 1.8 kg without saying whether that is per pair.

In its favour

• The listing names waxed nubuck leather, which sheds water well when kept treated.
• A leather lining is stated, a hard-wearing and comfortable inner for long days.
• Listed for all seasons, so it can work year-round on lowland and hill paths.

Good to know

• No membrane is named and it is listed as water resistant, so it relies on the leather and wax.
• The listed weight of 1.99 kg does not say whether that is per pair.

In its favour

• Listed as a mid-top walking boot, with a cuff that covers the ankle without a tall shaft.
• Gore-Tex is named in the title for a waterproof liner.
• An EVA insole is listed, which adds cushioning on hard paths and long descents.

Good to know

• Water resistance is listed as water resistant in one field, so check Mammut's own page.
• The outsole compound and maker are not named in the listing.