[pct-l] ankles

[shelly skye]

I'm not too much of a physical science gal but I can say, simply from
personal experience, the last time I had a serious ankle sprain (swelling,
bruising, etc) was the last time I hiked in my Lowa boots. It is possible
that this has something to do with the attention to where I am stepping, but
mostly I think I have strengthened the lateral muscles of my lower legs and
thus, less turning of the ole' ankles. If I were mountaineering and climbing
in a different environment than the PCT, I would probably switch out, but
for the kind of hiking usually found on the PCT, no high boots are needed.
However, if you do all of your training in boots, then you probably need
them and I say, lace 'um up. I don't think anyone cares, one way or the
other, if someone wears boots, trail runners or goes barefoot. I guess most
of the response here has to do with trying to help with the anxiety some
folks have regarding footwear.
Shelly