trogman wrote:I noticed that of the list of caves you have used these boots in, only one required a long hike to the entrance (Ellisons). I was curious how well they performed not just in the cave, but also on the trail getting to the cave. That has always been my problem with finding the "perfect" caving boot; those that are good in the cave are usually not good on the trail, and vice-versa. Also, a boot needs to perform well for ridgewalking, which is a whole different thing than walking on a nice, worn trail. I own one pair of lightweight boots that does great on trails, but they suck for ridgewalking, because they lack the stiffness and ankle support needed.
Trogman

Good question. I may have strong ankles as they do fine for me in both long walking caves like Tumbling Rock/Limrock and walking up the mountain to the dug entrance of Ellisons. But, I see your concern. All I can say is I feel that I got my $37 monies worth.
If you do purchase high boots like this I would NOT get the steel toe version. You don't really need that protection unless you are carrying rocks around the cave or are expecting an avalanche

. In a tight passage at Pettijohns the only thing I could move to push me forward was my feet and toes as there was nothing but gooey mud to put my hands in (I don't like Pettijohns

). If I was not able to have moved my toes digging them in the mud pushing me forward inch by inch, I may still be there. I'm a little large and my abdomen and back were squeezed pretty tight in the passage. It was one of those passages that you have to take your helmet off and push it in front of you so your head will fit.