high top vs low top

[edwin012290]

my coach says high tops can prevent inversion sprains, but i've been hearing things that they only help by a small percentage. and there are those popular low tops like the new LPs and the dartagnans...my li-nings aka chinese shoes are ok i guess...but i'd like a more slidey feeling when i lunge. its like im plucked to the ground with the li nings and end up with a not so effective lunge...maybe its just me

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Yeah, they can prevent ankle sprains. But if you twist, and your ankle doesnt move, guess what does? Your ACL. I'd rather get shot in the foot than tear my ACL.

[prototoast]

Yeah, they can prevent ankle sprains. But if you twist, and your ankle doesnt move, guess what does? Your ACL. I'd rather get shot in the foot than tear my ACL.

Yeah... I don't think wearing high tops is going to increase his odds of a sprained acl. Generally, I don't think they're worth it. They often provide minimal extra support. Most people I know who really need extra support will just wear an ankle brace instead.

[keropie]

If you have weak ankles, and won't/can't strengthen them, get high tops. Or if you're going to play some basketball. Otherwise, low tops are better for most people.

[achilleus]

Hi-tops do nothing physically.

They remind the brain to keep the ankle in line.
There's a word for it, but being the simple fencer I am, I don't know it.

Basketball and volleyball are two sports with high incidents of ankle injuries, yet true hi-tops aren't used anymore. Studies show that mid cut shoes provide the same mental cues as do hi-tops but provide more mobility. As a result, true hi-tops really only exist in small market sports.

If you have weak ankles, strengthen them. If you need serious ankle support, get a brace, or tape up, or buy the new balance socks. If you just like hi-tops, well then, more power to ya.

[JEC]

Hi-tops do nothing physically.

They remind the brain to keep the ankle in line.
There's a word for it, but being the simple fencer I am, I don't know it.

Propioceptive input...

Nevertheless, they do provide some additional but minimal ankle support. In my case, I was able to take my ankle brace. Having said that, the most critical question if you get frequent ankle sprains is why? is your footwork that bad? or do you have a biomechanical variant that makes you prone to ankle sprains (for example, too much of a high plantar arc). If that is the real problem orthotic soles are going to be the answer, and ankle braces, hi-tops or other devices would not solve the problem.

[Reebek]

I'm going to disagree - a little. I suffered a serious spain many years ago - non fencing related accident. Since that time, that particular ankle tended to sprain easily, but eventually stabilized. When I started fencing, things seemed fine until a bizarre fleching incident (with collision) caused my first sprain in over 15 years. After that, it was pretty much just folding over at the slightest strain - usually direction changes. I got the rocket sock ankle brace on the advice of a trainer, which was wonderful, and wore that for about a year and a half after the third sprain. When my Asymetrics wore out, I got the high tops. I haven't had to wear the brace since, though I keep it in my bag just in case.

[RITFencing]

After fracturing my left ankle (and I suspect having it heal incorrectly) I tried high tops and found that the support was minimal. I now use a low topped shoe and a good ankle brace, which is the only way I can get into a good en garde stance without really feeling it in the ankle. I do notice that it puts a bit more strain on the knee, and I've considered wearing a knee brace as well. Does anyone know if this will help prevent ACL damage?