Knees are largely shot, so let’s skip that part. :rolleyes: Let’s say for the sake of discussion that I wanted to do a little rucking for PT. I need some MAJOR impact-absorbing boots or shoes to cushion the impact of briskly walking under weight.
Recommendations?
Hmm, the Nike’s have always gotten good marks for road marches with their lightweight, but I wouldn’t expect them to have much padding. My Rocky S2V’s are very sturdy so they may be a better bet for you. Lots of ankle support too if that matters. I’d avoid the issue boots, they messed me up in OSUT and my joints are normally pretty resilient. I remember my Blackhawk Desert Ops boots as being pretty good too, aside from them not breathing too well. Hands down my best boots would be the LOWA Zephyr GTX but they’re pricey with the Gore-Tex. I think they make a non-GTX version though so maybe that’s the way to go. Very padded and supportive, without being overly-so, and deceptively lightweight.
I’ve always been a fan of Lowa boots too. I love my new Lowa Zephyr Mids.
I too am a fan of Lowa boots. My Renegade GTX’s just wore out after 5 years. Made it through many fun hikes from TX to Alaska. Vet comfy and good support for my feet and loads.
One more thing to consider aside from the boot itself are the insoles. I have orthotics due to falling arches and such, but there are some really good off the shelf bin soles out there from Superfeet or Sole than will alleviate some wear and tear.
Do they stay in place after much walking though?
My custom orthotics and my Superfeet insoles have never shifted on me.
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I really read that thread title wrong…
Anyway, I really like my Superfeet insoles.
Infantry school I found vibram soles were great. But then they made us use the standard issue ones in airborne and ranger and now I have planters faciitis. So the moral of the story is good boots are a soldiers best friend.
:lol:
You’re Ranger qualified?
And my buddy also got plantar fasciitis from issue boots at OSUT.
Yup. No issues with them staying in place. Wet or dry. The orthotics are customs trimmed to the shoe when you get them so they don’t move about. The Sole or Superfeet are also trim to size by you. I just use the factory insoles as templates.
Have you ever considered trekking poles? (Or even just a set of used ski poles) Not great when hunting or something when you need your hands free, but a life (or knee) saver for regular hiking/ just getting in shape type walking. I thought they were for pussies until about three weeks in on the AT then I changed my mind completely. I have horrible knees- they don’t line up right so basically I’ve had degenerative arthritis since I was born. Trekking poles have kept me in the hills, especially when carrying weight. Still hurts like hell when I’m hunting and don’t have them, but… pushing 40 and still out there.
Of course good insoles and boots help too.
Me also. The Zephyrs are great boots!
If your knees are bad why would you add more weight to your body and “walk briskly” in a physical training effort?
That’s probably a major contributing factor to what got you here.
It is a good point. Something low-impact like biking or rowing may be a much better option.
In the very least until excess body fat was lost and a basic level of cardio-vascular conditioning was obtained.
Shot knees indicate that you should consider exercise other than rucking. Walking, even walking briskly, is an excellent form of exercise that will fit your needs.
I have knee and hip problems from too many jumps and ruck marches. Cycling has become my exercise of choice. I walk regularly but not with a ruck.
I have a pair of Keens that serve me well. The Keens replaced Lowa low cut hiking shoes. When I replace my current pair, it will be with Lowa or Keens.
I bike several times a week and do my Elliptigo (Google it, it’s just like running but no impact) on the trainer twice a week also so it’s hardly like I’m starting out cardio-wise. I was running and biking until 2011 when the pain forced me to phase the running part out. I had to adopt other methods of cardio while the perceived difficulty of running was fresh and I could tweak the biking and Elliptigo to that level.
I occasionally add in speed-walking (4 miles in ~ 50minutes) to my repertoire as I’m a firm believer in a “body weight over distance” exercises as quite practical. God forbid an emergency arise and you HAD to step it out you’d maintain the ability to do so. So kills two birds with one stone: fitness and practicality.
However, I’d like to be able to haul a modicum of weight over distance too. Well, that and convince myself I’m not 48yo and it’s 1985 (I’m 20 then and humping and jumping in the Army!).
I was thinking about rucking like once a week just to be doing something different, as I’m sure you guys can relate to how mundane the same things over and over can be. I ain’t planning on humping a 70+lb ruck in the Hindu Kush, maybe 45lbs for 4-5 miles. Brisk but not bone-jarring pace (less intense cardio I do for longer periods of time than I would, say, running).
So that is why I inquire about good footwear.
For a while now I’ve preferred Garmont boots. I regularly ruck 70+ pounds and when paired with some good Fox River socks, I have yet to get a blister, even when soaking wet.
I’ve heard great things about Garmonts from a few buddies. They’ll be my next pair since improbably won’t be needing Goretex again.