Do Combat Boots Weaken Ankles During Training?

Combat boots are essential for any soldier in training. They provide the support and stability needed to complete the strenuous activities required in boot camp. However, some experts have argued that the boots’ weight and the soles’ rigidity can weaken ankles during training.

So, are they right or not? Do combat boots weaken ankles during training?

Combat Boots do not weaken ankles. A lot of effort and research has gone into ensuring boots provide sufficient ankle support. It is very rare to buy a combat boot that does not support your ankles.

Something has to give, though. I mean, if it’s not combat boots, something else must be the culprit. So, what is weakening ankle during combat training among military recruits? Read on to find out!

What Weakens Ankles During Military Training?

In a 2014 Nurses and Physicians Within War report, ankle sprains were among the most common injuries among athletes and recruits. As you’d expect from these professionals, they conducted a study to determine the cause of this phenomenon.

They found several -important- risk factors. Here are some of the factors listed in their report:

• High BMI (Body Mass Index)
• History of ankle injuries
• Poor muscle strength or previously damaged nerves
• Proprioceptive disorder
• Range of motion (ROM) limitations
• Balance

As you can see, they did not list combat boots as one of the risk factors for ankle sprains. Combat or military boots are designed to protect the ankles from injury.

They have special padding that helps to absorb the impact of a fall or a blow to the ankle. The boots also have a higher heel that helps to support the ankle and prevent it from rolling over.

In addition to risk factors, the Nurses and Physicians within War report outline strategies to prevent ankle sprains and injuries. If interested, check the link above for the strategies.

Did You Know?
According to MSD Manuals, ankle sprains:
1. Commonly occur when we twist feet.
2. Don’t show up in X-rays (Though doctors may need X-rays if they think you have broken some bones)
3. Are treated by Protecting the area, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (PRICE)
4. Most heal without medical intervention. In severe case, you may need surgery

Check out this page for more quick facts about ankle sprains!

Do Combat Boots Hurt Your Feet?

Combat boots should feel comfortable around your feet. They are not meant to hurt you at all. I repeat, it is not normal for combat boots to hurt your feet every time you put them on. If they do, it is probably due to one or more of the following reasons:

New Boots

New boots feel snugger than they are supposed to when new. That’s why we have to break them in before we can put them to good use.

It is normal for boots to hurt feet while breaking them in. You might earn a blister or two, but it’s worth adapting the boots to your feet!

Too Tight or Too Loose

Yes, properly fitting boots feeling very snug at first is normal; feet hurting even after wearing the boots for a week or two isn’t.

Make sure boots fit you properly before taking them home. Otherwise, since there is no remedy for ill-fitting boots, you’ll have to return them or give them to someone else.

Heavy Boots

Heavy boots are often associated with durability and performance. That’s a peddled misconception with severe consequences.

Heavier boots quickly tire out feet, ankles, knees, hips, etc. Tired muscles force larger muscles to overcompensate. In time, the overcompensation is a health hazard with severe injury implications.

It’s time you hang those bad boys in favor of lighter, breathable boots. If you need a sign, here it is!

Arch Support

With every step taken, feet withstand a lot of impact from the ground as a counter to the force we exert on it. Ground Reactive Force (GRF) is the name of this reactive force from the ground!

Our arches need enough support to hold their own against GRF. Lack of which can cause serious health problems such as plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. Simply put, hurting feet!

As you can see, you need to ensure your feet have all the support they need in all critical areas. When all things are said and done, lack of support is a leading cause of hurting feet.

Consider custom boots to cater to your feet’s structure. If that is a stretch for you, ensure any boot you buy has all the support you need!

Can I Work Out in Combat Boots?

Ideally, we want to work out with the least weight on our bodies. Who can blame us? A lighter body is much easier to work with than a heavier one.

However, you can work out in combat boots. Most soldiers prefer running in boots to specialized running shoes. Lightweight combat boots reduce your workload while giving you access to all their added benefits.

Fortunately, we are spoilt for choice with lightweight combat boots. You can pick and choose the best one for you.

Bonus Section

Since you’ve made it here, let me reward you with a quick list of the top 5 best-selling (ankle-supporting) combat boots on Amazon today! Here you go:

Men

Women

Wrapping Up

As you have seen, combat boots have all the support ankles need. Modern technology has another win by making all that possible.

You don’t have to look any further than the military itself. Soldiers openly talk about how they love running and training in lightweight combat boots. They often choose them over shoes dedicated to such activities (e.g., running shoes).

What does that tell you? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comment section below!