all I can say is New Balance. I have ridiculously wide feet (5-6E) so by and large even NB is a little tight, but it's the best I can get.

as far as ankle support, yes it's true that it's more about whats under you foot than around it.

That said I HAVE messed up my ankle pretty good before (slid down a bit of sand stone and my ankle whipped into the rock) I advise carrying an ace bandage and trekking poles, the poles will protect you ankles as well as any boot would and an ace bandage works fine for an ankle brace if you do mess yourself up, and is lighter than the boots - shoes weight.