Rucking implies walking or hiking with a weighted backpack, so you require the right shoes to handle road bumps. The best boots for rucking can relieve the stress and strain of walking for hours. It can even deliver the service of maximum safety and comfort to keep feet safe, dry, and cold.
Anybody from military personnel to hikers might utilize rucking boots. Nowadays, there are many tactical boots available for the use of rucking with their excellent features. Here are some things to give importance to while buying the best rocking boots:
- If you serve as a military officer, you buy rucking boots that comply with the rules. The color should be tan or coyote. Also, the plain toe cap is better than steel. With a rubber outsole and leather upper, the around 8-10 inches shaft height is the best.
- It can be pretty uncomfortable to walk in the heat of the sun for too long. Search for breathable boots to keep your feet sweat-free and cool. These boot types contain vents and a breathable upper to allow the air in.
- Due to carrying a heavy rucksack, you don’t certainly intend to pull your feet with bulky boots. Looking for lightweight boots is the best to reduce the stress of walking for hours. These boot types typically incorporate an EVA midsole with a thin yet rugged fabric.
We’ll highlight more things to search for while buying a rucking boot with the buying guide below. Therefore, keep your eyes on things closely.
Top 6 Best Rucking Boots Reviews
1. GARMONT T8 Bifida Tactical Military Boot for Men and Women
The Garmont T8 Bifida features a lightweight rucking boot suitable for the mission-required speed. Even when you carry bulky weights, you are surprised you’ll still feel comfy with these breathable boots.
The combination of Suede and 600D nylon in the upper offers better ventilation. If your feet sweat a lot in warm weather, these boots will keep your feet dry.
Further, the polyurethane (PU) footbed feels shock-absorbing, and the EVA midsole seems too light that you are putting on running shoes.
This tactical boot has a Vibram outsole, which gives you plenty of grips. As a result, you can move through the ice, snow, and rough terrain smoothly without slipping.
Noted that the step has zero optical refraction hardware, a better thing as the laces run more fluidly. Also, this model works well in any environment, whether on the ground or in flight.
The T8 Bifida is lovely for ruck marching as it supports the calves while walking down steep hills. Even in harsh conditions, the metal eyelets and nylon webbing grasp well. After all, if it gets soaked in mud, you can clean it with water effortlessly.
Pros:
- Excellent breathability and ventilation.
- Zero optical refraction hardware at the instep.
- Comfortable even under a heavy load.
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole.
Cons:
- Sizes might seem a bit small compared to usual.
2. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
A renowned manufacturer of military-grade footwear for years, how could we not include this cute pair from Under Armour on our choice list for users? When it comes to price, it is even more affordable!
This Tactical Boot has 100% DWR-treated leather, including a 900 dernier nylon textile upper. It is an incredibly flexible and robust but breathable boot. Also, it has a minimalist design, which is stylish and quick-drying when exposed to wet weather.
Perfectly conforming to your foot, the midsole comprises a robust TPU shank, providing added protection and support while doing vigorous activity. Therefore, it performs well in protecting your feet while rucking.
A thick yet low-profile rubber lug sole ensures arch support. Besides, this Sole type protects your feet from protrusion and absorbs impact as your feet strike the ground. In truth, its construction is light enough to move on yet retains your security too.
The brand uses anti-odor technology, which is a supreme innovation. This technology is beneficial for preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria and reducing the risk of athlete’s foot and other podiatry diseases.
Pros:
- DWR-treated Leather and 900D nylon textile upper.
- Quick-dry minimalist design.
- Anti-odor technology.
- Reinforced TPU shank for protection and support.
Cons:
- According to the product description only for men, so not for women.
3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Boots Lightweight Jungle Boots
This NORTIV 8 design has become one of the favorite military boots of many to ruck on a warm day. The reason is that the jungle boot keeps your feet in well-ventilation. Applaud for the breathable upper fabric, allowing air in it.
Of all the features, the dynamic three-sole system is the favorite of most users. Its linen insole contributes to keeping the feet cozy and sweat-free.
On the other hand, the EVA midsole is suitable enough to provide stability while rucking through the desert. In addition to these, the rubber outsole seems adequately sturdy to walk on any terrain without slipping.
Your walk-in shallow holes and mud become tension-free as its leather wraps the bottom properly, which keeps the feet warm. Further, wide-toe users will enjoy a lot due to having extra room in the box.
The best thing for users is that the lightweight boot comes at a too-low cost. Even this model brings a warranty beneficial for amending any flaws.
Pros:
- Durable and breathable.
- Dynamic 3-sole system.
- Lightweight and protective.
- Free warranty and friendly customer service.
Cons:
- It might need a break time.
4. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8″ Military and Tactical Boot
The Danner Tachyon plain-toe boots have become the best friend for rucking users crafted from a rough-out layer and 1000 Danner nylon upper.
This Tachyon Military Boot brings an open-cell polyurethane footbed to offer higher shock absorption and improved air circulation.
This boot has an EVA midsole and a 100% rubber Tachyon outsole. Consequently, it provides plenty of resistance to the most challenging conditions.
Danner incorporates pentagonal lugs, creating the highest ground contact. Besides, these lugs distribute your weight equally across the boot.
It has a removable insole. So if you long to wear these boots for more stylish purposes, it’ll make your wish possible. You don’t have to maintain that extra protection if you don’t intend to.
Special hardware lets the user quickly tighten the upper laces from the toe. So, it creates a secure, tight, long-lasting fit. You can adapt them while walking, so you don’t need to slow your speed.
Danner has manufactured this boot in extended sizes to fit as many people as possible. So women can put on them but recommended to choose 1.5 to 2 full sizes smaller than usual to confirm a secure fit.
Pros:
- Removable insole.
- Nylon-made Shank material.
- Polishable toe for uniform compliance.
- Approximately 6.5″ Shaft from arch.
Cons:
- Customers say they are not waterproof.
5. IODSON Men’s Ultralight Combat Boots
IODSEN has brought another low-priced pair of shoes that many prefer to utilize for rucking. Although its price is affordable, the brand has not compromised on its construction quality.
Everything seems light except for the toe cap reinforced for maximum strength. The refreshed toe cap is potent enough to defend your feet from falling objects in the jungle. Most importantly, it has a lot of room to fit thick socks and move around.
You get better vent holes in the collar to remove heat if the temperature is too high. Also, its linen upper remains breathable to resist sweat too much.
The suede leather seems too soft, so it does not rub your heels. Moreover, the memory foam insole has enough cushion to support your heels from long hikes. Its non-slip feature of the outsole makes it decent to stay steady.
Pros:
- Low-priced yet quality-made.
- Mildweight with a reinforced toe cap.
- Vent holes and breathable linen upper.
- Cushioned insole.
Cons:
- Sizes may seem a little big compared to usual.
6. Rocky Men’s Rkc050 Military and Tactical Boot
Rockey has introduced the Rkc050 as tactical boots with better arch support. Surprisingly, this boot does not create blisters even while walking in the desert.
The brand uses the rubber sole for better traction on loose gravel, mud, and sand. Also, its sole will seem robust with pleasant ankle support. Its sizes are authentic for comfortable use.
This tactical boot feels like a sneaker compared to a bulky boot. Further, the inner lining contributes to wicking away to make the feet water-free while hiking along for a long.
Be happy to know it will keep your feet warm even when walking through inclement weather. Indeed, you can’t believe how durable its leather is. It is capable of resisting rapid flames and water holes.
Al-together, the Rock RkC050 is excellent enough to provide arch and ankle support for a more pleasant ruck. It is mentioned that it offers unbelievable safety against water, flame, and cold.
Pros:
- Wicking Dri-lex lining.
- Flash- and water-resistant leather.
- Air-Port cushion footbed.
- Roll-stop ankle stability to reduce injuries.
Cons:
- A single stitch to attach the sole to the boot.
Things to Consider for Buying the Best Rucking Boot
Purchasing rucking boots without any proper knowledge can seem quite troublesome. You may put an end to the wrong pair of boots compromising your goals if you don’t keep your eyes meticulously. We’ve put together the most significant factors to consider while buying the perfect boots for rucking.
Material
The ingredients utilized may say the durability and lightness of the boots. For these boot types, ingredients might change from Cordura nylon to full-grain and suede leather.
The viable boots are tear-resistant while protecting feet from sharp sticks and thorns. Full-grain leather boots feature high durability with adequate water resistance. If you require soft boots, which do not require break-in time, go for suede leather boots.
Steel toe safety doesn’t become a required feature for rucking boots. You may pick a composite material that makes the construction much lighter for rucking.
Traction and Support
Usually, the support and traction of the boot rely on the sole (insole, midsole, and outsole). Extra cushioning and better arch support ensure the insoles, whereas shock-absorbing benefits come from the midsoles. On the contrary, the outsole provides the required traction to prevent you from slipping.
The thick outsole contributes to protecting the feet from subtle rocks. Further, you can pick rubber outsoles, which provide better slip resistance. Vibram outsoles will be the best option to confirm the best quality.
For rucking on rocky terrains, you can take flexible ankle support. A boot with thick, deep lugs is needed to grip muddy or slippery surfaces well and reduce the chance of slipping. Use widely spaced lugs to create less dirt and have a better grip.
Water Resistance and Ventilation
A better rucking boot should have features that help keep your feet from getting wet. Find a waterproof membrane or material, making boots usable in moist weather. Avoiding walking through reservoirs is impossible, so looking for drainage holes to keep the water out is too realistic.
Breathability plays a significant role when you hope to keep your feet sweat-free. Therefore, find mesh or vents to reduce heat. The waterproof lining contributes to being a fruitful thing at wicking away sweat or moisture.
Uniform Compliant
If you work in the US Army or Air Force, confirm the boots abide by uniform guidelines. Also, if you work in the US Army and US Air Force under AFI 36-2903, find AR 670-1 compliance.
Followed by these rules, boots should usually be 8-10 inches high, including a tan or coyote color. The sole has to coincide with the color of the boot and must not be more than 2 inches in height. The upper and outsole should be crafted from leather and rubber, respectively.
Accurate Fit
Enjoying the comfort of boots is merely possible when they become fit well. Therefore, find boots with plenty of toe space for easy movement and to adapt to thick socks. About ½ inch is the ideal toe space.
Ensure that the boots don’t create blisters and do not rub against the skin. Indeed, one toe should suit your ankle and boot.
FAQs: Best Boots for Rucking
Do I Need Boots for Rucking?
Of course, you require boots for rucking if you use them for military training aims. These boot types feature lightweight and deliver the necessary support, making long walks more endurable.
What Boots Are Best for Rucking?
Like Cordura and abrasion-resistant full-grain or soft suede leather, the best boots consist of thin materials.
These usually have rubber-made outsole with lightweight EVA midsole and enough cushioning insole. They also have a breathable feature, which keeps feet sweat-free and cool.
How Do I Lace-up Boots for Rucking?
Using a surgeon’s knot is one way to lace up the boot for rucking, beginning from the point closest to when your foot top begins to flex forward.
Then, wrap the laces around each other twice, and next, drag them tight. Accomplish the same thing on the next set of lace hooks and end up lacing naturally.
Final Note: Best Boots for Rucking
Rucking will seem too easy when you put on the right kind of footwear. The best boots for rucking should be lightweight and capable of gripping any surface with breathability to keep sweat at bay in a warm climate.
