Best bets (or boots) for ankle protection

[joshtampa]

I've been wearing a pair of Gaerne GP1 boots, and I've had two wrecks that have left me with ankle sprains, though thankfully not the same ankle. I don't have a history of ankle problems, so I don't think this is a case of a pre-existing physical issue. I got the boots originally because they appeared to have pretty good lateral support, but now I'm wondering if I should change.


So first question: is there a better pair of boots that I should be looking at (I was checking out the Sidi Mag-1's)? Also, does anyone do anything to supplement the protection of boots? Like wrapping your ankle or something? At least until it's fully healed I want to make sure I do everything I can to protect it.

[Capitalview]

I have a pair of Sidi Vortice that I have crashed in and they did a wonderful job.  I also use a pair of Alpinestars Supertechs that I really like.

[twilkinson3]

Sidi Vortice - given my last crash only broke the fibulas in both legs and didn't twist anything out of place (I was flying while tumbling...) I have to give these the nod...the boots didn't even look crashed afterwards

[Capitalview]

I saw that crash and can vouch for how bad it was. Had to go and red flag the race because of you!   :)

[franikk]

I have crashed the A*'s SuperTechs with no issues (knock on wood)!  The only thing that I do notice is wear on the boot from rubbing on the hard parts.  But, I would rather have the smooth outer shell as to no catch on the rear-sets, etc.

[sonicnofadz]

I have some big crashes in the Gaerne GP1's and no ankle injuries (including 100mph+ highside).  Every crash is different, if your feet catch/smash the pavement the right way its going to do damage no matter the brand.  Personally I like the Gaerne's but I think I'm going to switch to sidi st's

[JNSRacing]

Josh, I'll add to the comments on the Sidi Vortices... they do offer amazing ankle protection, in addition to all other areas.

I won't lie, they are NOT easy to wear at first! They do take a lot of time to get on and adjusted properly, but with each use, it goes quicker.
They are Lorica, so they don't break in as well as cow-hide, with regards to flexibility, but eventually you just get used to them.

I had mine for a really long time before I started using them regularly - at the start of the 2014 season, I wore them out on a track I did not know, and the lack of feel, time it took to put 'em on, and stiffness was too much for me to deal with, while concentrating on learning a new track... I ended up spending most of the season with those $450 boots collecting dust, while I wore my cheap-O boots that had amazing feel, and great control!
I am glad I only had 1 crash during the season, which was quite innocuous, as those cheap-O boots would not have done much for me in a bad crash, but finally I wore through the toe sliders, and rendered the cheap boots junk, and was forced to put the Sidis back on.

To my surprise, it really didn't take long for me to just get used to how they feel, and now I'm very happy with them, because if almost ANY part of the boots break, they can be fixed with replacement parts - franikk mentioned the wearing of the boots on hard parts, and that is one of the sweet things about the Vortices... I like sharp, knurled pegs, for good grip, but when the sole wears out, I simply unscrew the old sole plate, and replace!

Anyway... old thread, but I wanted to give you additional food for thought, though you've likely already bought what you're going to run!