My ankles are not as strong as they used to be , not funny what effect age has on you. Also once I got used to boots with good support it’s almost impossible to go back.
As far as getting out more; I work outside , and am in boots 6-7 days a week !
That is why your ankles are weak. You are always wearing boots. So they never get strong. I use to wear boots too. Then I met this trail runner and learned a lot from him. You can use any and all excuses or you can start training and build them up. I am not young and I have a lot of hard miles on my body. I have climbed a lot of mountains and hike thousands of miles. I DH and Freeride mountain bikes. I snowboard and surf. Getting my ankles squared away was one of the best things I have ever done for my body.
Another thing to think about is your ankles get all that support but there is still load and torsion transmitted from your feet. Now that just moves from your ankle to your knees.
The only thing impossible is what you tell yourself is impossible.
