Ankle brace? Not bulky, quick to put on?

[InvisibilityEquipped]

I've long had a problem with lax ligaments in my ankles. (Lax ligaments allow my feet to roll outwards on uneven ground but I also have over-pronation).

I've been strapping both ankles for sports for years and its done the job pretty well until now. Now I'm finding that at orienteering the terrain can really be tough on my ankles. I've hoped that with light strapping my ankles would start to get stronger but they haven't adapted. I've tried a neoprene wrap-around ankle support but it was no better. Now I'm looking at strapping much more heavily (although constant cost of strapping tape already feels too much) or going for a firmer ankle brace.

So, I'm wondering if there's any such thing as an ankle brace that gives a lot of support but doesn't require you to go up a shoe size. And, is there something in that category that is quick and easy to put on? (It's always frustrating being slow and taking longer than everyone else to get ready because I have to strap both my ankles - something quicker would be a huge bonus).

Finally, for those experienced in both - which do you think is better - strapping tape or a brace? And why?

[Tatty]

My husband and son use "Active Ankle" support braces. You get from from the USA via the web.

[madmike]

Good recommendation from Tatty but one question first - have you been to see a physio to get ankle strenghening exercise?

My experience is that light taping didn't help at all on rough ground, a brace was better and I wore one for several years. However, when I had a separate ankle problem and ended up in physio, the physio commented that I had the weakest ankles she had ever seen. I did exercises to strengthen muscles to make up for damaged ligaments for a number of months and was eventually able to wean myself off the brace and orienteer without one. I still do the exercises but less frequently and,pretty much have no problems now.

If you haven't yet - go and see a good physio

[LostAgain]

Use the orienteering boot.
Never had a problem since I started using it 15 years ago, beofre that I was blighted.

[Ant W]

I find the Jalas X-Control boot to be more tolerable than the Active ankle insert, while giving a similar feeling of security in the ankle. I'm now on my second pair.

They take a bit longer to put on than a normal shoe (2x lacing), but pretty straightforward.

[Liz P]

I've been using the Aircast A60 for the last couple of months - not cheap but fits into my Oshoes with no problems. Ankle and size specific.

[Ant W]

Oh, and brace/boot vs. strapping - apart from the time it takes to strap/unstrap, I find that in marshy/boggy conditions the tape's adhesion to the ankle can be weakened when it gets soaked through. I also found my achilles plays up more with constant taping than with a boot.

[HarryO]

Definitely the ankle-supporting O boots. I was plagued with ankle injuries but since I've had my Jala boots I haven't had an injury, despite going over on my ankle several times. (Touching wood!)

[DeerTick]

Definitely the ankle-supporting O boots. I was plagued with ankle injuries but since I've had my Jala boots I haven't had an injury, despite going over on my ankle several times. (Touching wood!)

So, does that mean that the boots don't prevent you going over on your ankles? And/or, do they reduce the damage when you do?
I'm moving towards the view that, for typical "weak" ankles, simply running regularly in forest terrain is the best solution. As a severe over-pronator with long-term ankle difficulties, I wear Brooks Beast for road running (you certainly won't blow over in strong winds), but am quite happy with Inov8 O-shoes.

AP

[HarryO]

I'm always falling over - but have never torn ankle ligaments or sprained ankle whilst wearing the Jala boots - despite feeling my ankle beginning to go over on its side. So I believe the support of the boot has prevented the ankle getting to the point of injury.
Hope that helps.

[DeerTick]

I'm always falling over - but have never torn ankle ligaments or sprained ankle whilst wearing the Jala boots - despite feeling my ankle beginning to go over on its side. So I believe the support of the boot has prevented the ankle getting to the point of injury.
Hope that helps.

I too fall over a lot, but it's my knees that take the punishment (foot stuck under brashing,etc.). I find it's best to take the fall and try to save my knee(s). Shoes are irrelevant in this situation.
I also find that sweary words help when you find yourself face to face with heather or bracken, and they may even scare ticks.