MTB ankle protection recommendations

[Nigel_O]

For reference, I’m in my mid-60s and I’m mostly into flowy trails and definitely not into gap jumps and huge drops. I just enjoy a bit of trail riding with my two sons. That said, I’m no dawdler and have a couple of top-ten YTD Strava times on my local trails.

A few weeks ago, I caught my left foot fairly lightly against a rock at c 10mph. The shoe/rock interaction didn’t hurt, but it did kick my ankle back into the crank arm, which did hurt….

After a couple of weeks of the expected bruising, it was all settling down and I was about ready for another ride. However, I needed to make a 300+ mile car journey and by the time I got back, I was in agony, could hardly stand up, never mind walk, and my left foot was quite badly swollen, with new bruises. I didn’t wear shoes for a week (benefits of WFH)

Five weeks later and my ankle is still a bit puffy and tender, but I want to get out riding again. Clearly, I’m going to be careful, but another knock against the crank or the frame is going to put me back even further, so I’m thinking of some ankle protection.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Bill]

Did you get it checked out at all?? Asking because it's a bit odd to have a big flare up without another injury.

[Nigel_O]

Bill said:

Did you get it checked out at all?? Asking because it's a bit odd to have a big flare up without another injury.

No - I did the usual 60-something action of ignoring it, hoping it would go away… TBH, if it wasn’t gradually getting better, I’d have gone to the doctors by now. I suppose it’s a consequence of ‘getting on a bit’, having longer recovery times and also being on blood thinners (I bruise really easily…)

It’s a lot better than it was, but it confused me too why it should suddenly get worse after two weeks of gradual improvement. I’m guessing five hours in a car didn’t help, especially as I have a habit of holding my left foot just above the clutch pedal, instead of using the footrest.

[Bill]

Nigel_O said:

blood thinners

I was wondering about DVT until you posted this...

More bruising is still a bit but could simply be a flare of arthritis. No history of gout?

[Nigel_O]

Bill said:

No history of gout?

No - never

TBH, I think it was something simple - I was recovering OK and I went and made it worse by driving for 5 hours and holding my ankle in a slightly awkward position.

Anyway, it’s feeling loads better, but I don’t want a repeat, hence thinking about some kind of cushioning as a safeguard

[benny.c]

I’m still wearing a pair of these which refuse to wear out and die.

https://www.perpetualdisappointment.co.uk/adidas-t...

They have a protective pad on the ankle which has done its job over the years. I don’t know if the current five tens that derived from these offer as much protection but it’s worth a look. I find mid boots more comfortable than shoes as the tongue doesn’t dig in to the top of my foot but appreciate most people seem to prefer regular shoes.

From the review above….”The inner ankle has a D30 protector patch, which we loved, as the feeling of banging your ankle into the cranks is very unpleasant.”

Edited by benny.c on Wednesday 6th May 22:57

[benny.c]

I’ve also got a pair of these Five Ten versions but the neoprene makes them a little harder to get on and take off.

https://bikepacking.com/gear/five-ten-trailcross-m...

[JQ]

My mate wears a pair of FiveTens that have an ankle proctor built in, he loves them.

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/fiv234/five-te...

[addey]

Get some football ankle guards if you purely want protection from impacts on the ankle bone. A few options on prodirectsoccer, the Nike ones look decent. Probably a load cheaper than anything designed specifically for the MTB market too!

Edited by addey on Thursday 7th May 07:19