I am getting ready to go to a school that requires a LOT of ruck marching. They only allow issue boots but you can gucci them out if you like. Does anyone out there have any suggestions of boots to buy that are ISSUED to the army or authorized army issue boots? Any favorite brands already used? Also does anyone know of a good online resoling service?
Get yourself a pair of good insoles, for whichever boots you end up getting. Makes a big difference when rucking.
Sole insoles are pretty much top of the pops.
http://www.amazon.com/Sole-Unisex-Softec-Ultra-Insole/dp/B001N0LDVQ
I wore Belleville 390s on rucks ranging from 5-18 miles over the past few years. They’re sturdy, inexpensive, light and comfortable. I wore nothing but issued socks (never changed during the ruck) and I never had hot spots or blisters.
You probably know about all of the moleskin, sock preference, insole, etc. crap so I won’t get into that.
Just came out of a school that authorized only “issue” boots. A lot of guys wore the Blackhawk Warrior Wear boots and the Cadre did not have a problem. I wore my issued Altama Hot Weather boots for ruck-marches and almost all of my toe nails are now black and about to fall off.
To play it safe, I’d recommend wearing the issue Belleville Goretex/Cold-Weather boots. Make sure they give you enough room in the toe box, and you can duct-tape some of the seams inside the boot to avoid rubbing. My Cold Weather Bellevilles are infinitely more comfortable than my Hot Weather Altamas and are waterproof to boot. Finally, mole skin the shit out of your hot-spots before you move (but you probably already knew that). Good luck, and I hope this was helpful.
I’ve used Oakley hot weather boots for a few years. I had no problems with my feet at the EFMB qual ruck march (or any other event) during or after with them. Left the standard insoles in and used issue socks and LOTS of foot powder.
I hate playing the “issue” only game. I know exactly what you mean.
I highly recommend going to a place like “Fleet feet” that custom cut and even fit store bought insoles. They check your step with 1K more care than even the most sincere Drill Sergeant at Benning. I always bring my desired boot to them and have them check 'em, and fit my insoles.
As far as insoles go I love my Green Superfeet, your color choice may vary on foot type, but most guys use the green ones.
For boots that fit the issue requirement I use my Belleville 390 Deserts. I lucked into a pair in 2003 and they do the job. I recently got a Nomex pair that are only slightly heavier but give great support. Nothing beats my LOWA’s, but unfortunately Big Army hates them.
Good Luck,
SOS
I wear my winter boots, which I am pretty sure are Bellville. They are way more comfy than my summer Wellco boots.
Bring lots of moleskin, powder, and get some really good socks from your local outdoors shop. Anything to cut down on friction and moisture.
I once attended a Army course with a great deal of importance was placed on land nav and rucking.
I used the green jungle boot, that had been gutted (heel and toe caps removed), with vbram soles. I had the best insoles and socks I could buy.
I also made “foot repair” kit I put in the top flap of my ruck. This was so I could fix any blisters or hot spots I had quickly and get back on the move. Good luck and don’t quit.
Great info, thanks for that!
It’s my TOP 3 choice of best boots for rucking:
Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Side Zip Boots
Danner Tachyon Duty Boots
Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Boots
These boots are extremely lightweight, comfortable and have an outsole with good resistance.
If you need more information about these and other best boots for rucking you can use this materials free - SHILL URL
[QUOTE=Bootsgeek;2694796]It’s my TOP 3 choice of best boots for rucking:
Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Side Zip Boots
Danner Tachyon Duty Boots
Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Boots
These boots are extremely lightweight, comfortable and have an outsole with good resistance.
If you need more information about these and other best boots for rucking you can use this materials free - SHILL URL
Made an account here just to revive an ancient thread and to drive clicks to your website? Sweet move, good luck with that plan.
Not only that, but the OP is about issued boots. None of those boots are issued and I know just from the name that the S&Ws are far from even authorized.
Please, don’t be so rude, fellow. It’s my opinion about rucking boots based on 10+ year experience in hunting and hiking.
I’ll be appreciate to you for your own opinion about these boots or any other.
https://whois.icann.org/en/lookup?name=Bootsgeek.com
All pictures in the About Me are stock photos. Uses Amazon affiliates to make money.
Hmm…
The best boot for rucking is the issued hot weather boot. Have the toe and ankle cups pulled out, lace it with gutted 550 skipping the lace holes over the crease at the ankle. Put in whatever Superfeet insole fits your foot profile, or pony up the coin for custom orthotics.
Do not do the full SOPC Special most do when they pull the cups. That sole is slicker than snot if you so much as touch mud. I had a pair that I wore for shit like log PT or kit runs when we would be on hardball, but I honestly hated them.
If you can get away from issued boots, I have a soft spot for the Garmont T8.
So does literally everyone I know that’s ever tried them. I’m the only person I know of that hates them.
[b]I’ll appreciate you paying to become an advertising sponsor, and not leach off our bandwidth. You did the same thing at two other websites I visit.
You also did not post the appropriate info in your sig line, in violation of forum rules.
So, bye.[/b]
If anybody spots a new user that smells like the shill I just perma-banned, let a mod or staff member know.
Thanks.
Whoever could you be talking about fellow?
I had the best luck with re-soled Jungle (hot-weather) boots. I don’t remember exactly which soles I got, but they were soft, with good traction, and a smoother heel to toe angle (instead of the pronounced OEM heel that comes on those)
Once you figure out your boots - add the following to your setup:
- several pairs of good WOOL socks.
- “bag-balm” - (comes in a green metal can) literally lather your feet in this stuff before you put your socks on. Pretty sure they still sell it at Wally-World. (May sound silly, but trust me it works!)
This literally made the difference between almost not making 18 miles thru the mountains and 3-4 days of painful blister recovery vs literally run-walking and zero blisters (not even a hot spot) and zero down time the next time, when I used it.
