Ah, something this noob knows a little about. I don't wear boots much for ankle support, I don't believe I've ever had a sprained ankle. As a kid we got Brogands because we wouldn't tear 'em apart before we outgrew them.In the Army and in jobs since then they were required. They help prevent snake bites and debris from water to rocks from gettin' in. My legs are strong, weight is not an issue. My feet hurt because I'm fat, the possibility of feeling rocks through a soft sole is very much an issue. That being said, I just bought a pair of Moab mid hikers and I'll shed the Steel toed Red wings and give them a try.