Break in Your Boots… or SUFFER!! | Special Forces, Ranger School, Infantry, Ruck Marches

[@alicantuncer4800]

I'm not American. We have mandatory military service in my country. Once we arrived at the training, they gave us our fresh clothes and boots. One of the guys who was also doing his service told us: "Take off your boots, take off the laces and place the the boots here". He then commenced on stomping all over our boots, like literally smashing them almost as if they were all flatting. He kicked them around, stomped them more. Till all of them basically became raggedy, soft messes. Then he told us: "Now, clean them with water and polish them again". We thought he was just pulling some prank on us. Later, when we changed units, I realized, once I saw guys from other units having blisters on their foot all the time, he actually blessed us. By stomping on them at various angles, he basically softened them to the point where they weren't causing much blisters. God bless that guy.

[@hawkinatorgamer9725]

On Fox River sox. My first tour, Baghdad Iraq 2008. I came into my bay to rack out after ECP guard, it was early morning, like 0200 or something. I grounded by body armor and kevlar, hung my M4 took my boots off and socks, laid my socks on my boots to dry. I woke up around 0600 for mission and my buddy Fox was already out, either on guard or mission dont remember. He slept on the top bunk beside my top bunk. My socks were gone, I just assumed Fox took them, it would have been a Fox type thing to do. Not with malice, just, hey dry socks, Hawk wont mind...No biggie. About a week(not sure exactly, aprox) Fox was KIA. It was a bad time, it sucked really fucking bad....Again, time frame unsure of but it was about a week after Fox passed onto glory. I got a package from ADO(the Army). It was 6 brand new pairs of OD green socks, from Fox River Industries. Hit me like a brick in the face. It hit me harder when I went to his grave years later, to have that beer with him we said we would do once we got home, and he was buried in a graveyard right beside the Mississippi River. It gave me peace, that in my mind, Fox reached out from heaven and was like "here Hawk, I took your socks, here is some new socks." All true, sounds ridiculous, but to me it was everything. Former 11B, 4th ID, 3 BCT, 1-68 CAB out of Ft Carson. RIP Fox, Never forgotten brother.

[@knight8825]

I’m sorry for your loss brother.

[@hawkinatorgamer9725]

@@knight8825 Thank you for the kind words brother.

[@grinch45]

The long march at the end of SFAS (April 1989), the bottom of my feet were burning. They had been perfectly good for the preceding three weeks as my boots and socks worked well for me. I would stop and take off boots and socks and feet bottoms visibly red. I kept going and made it and got selected. The problem would be the next day, my feet began itching while sleeping and I wake with one eye lid red and swelling shut. Poison Oak was the culprit and it occurred in a team event where they had designated two team members casualties and we had to carry them to a lake, make a raft and poncho rafts and swim across the lake. I had walked in poison oak. The feet got progressively worst and I had to travel back to home unit, I could not walk out to the plane in Fayetteville until I drained the blisters with a needle which caused my socks to stick to my feet by the time I got home. I had to soak feet to get the socks off and I lost all the callus and it took two months to get back rucking again. Poison Oak would come back to haunt as in phase one got recycled for a complete upper body exposure as vines used to make fish basket in a survival phase also allergic and unable to continue as ruck straps would of blister skin same as feet. They issued prednisone and I bummed more from other students to take three pills a day for 30 days as skin would only turn red and not blister. I will end the story with - best 18E of the 90s as I retired in 1999.

[@captainchaos3053]

Your lucky as often skin allergies will be enough to rtu or worse still discharge.

[@milesrost6674]

Godspeed

[@thespacebanana1307]

Never been in the military but I, too have a terrible allergy to poison oak and ivy

[@GardenGuy1942]

U should grow some thicker skin

[@hope4ourfallen]

That crap is NO JOKE. It is wild to see the sheer hell stuff like ivy, sumac, or other skin irritants can do to a human. Stuff can make someone look like they got blasted with radiation or chemical weapons if they get enough on em. I can't even begin to imagine the level of suck ya had to endure with that peachy experience 😬

[@HeyItsJoe1]

As a national guard soldier, i dont always have access to my NCO's, especially not in the way active duty does. All your videos and the knowledge they give have been really helpful since the beginning of my army career. Thanks

[@GrittySoldier]

I’m glad! That’s the aim of this channel so I’m glad it is helpful to you.

[@coocoococoapuffs1884]

Lol that's bs.

[@Aussieboy329]

@@coocoococoapuffs1884 how do you know

[@coocoococoapuffs1884]

@@Aussieboy329 cuz I was in the guard and you see your NCOS every month and you should have each other's contact info atleast at my unit we did and would check in after every drill to know we made it back home

[@Quawnn]

@@coocoococoapuffs1884 Facts lol. I had my 1sg and commanders number if I ever needed anything. Including the weekly check ins with my SL. Either this dudes unit is all fucked up or he’s just full of shit

[@jacksonsinclair2615]

This is actually excellent advice for people working in the Timber industry and other related fields. I used to do Forestry work doing a lot of Timber surveying as well as logging and wildfire fighting. Often times we were hiking 10 plus miles a day in rough brush and marshes. At first didnt have proper fitting boots and tried to tough it out then I got huge blisters and couldnt work for a couple days which cost me money! I invested in Danner boots, expensive but worth it.

[@user-c4b9b]

Yup. Trust the people who walk for a living. Remember to check toe drop when buying boots, carrying weight with toe drop designs will set you up for a metatarsal injury. One of the most painful and out-of-nowhere injuries you can get even AFTER your feet are broken in and you've been pushing miles. Garmonts here, probably your Danners too - are Zero Drop, so share that word with your co-workers, it's more than just brand. I like Rockies s2v myself that's another kick ass boot, zero drop, neoprene liner on leather or 1000D Nylon jungle - can't go wrong.

[@MartinLaforce]

I was just gonna say, hiking in and finding a little cherry on your heels effin sucks, I like to wear in new boots around town for errands before using them for work.

[@climatechangelumber5480]

Dammers are good, but that Japanese company isn't as good as the companies in spokane like nicks, Frank's and jk's. They make the best

[@rossfortner]

If youre on Bragg for SFAS go to any boot shop and ask them for the "SOPC Special". Also, after a ruck march when your feet are raw rest them in Isopropyl Alcohol. Let them sit in there for awhile. Maybe ten minutes or so. Alcohol is a drying agent and helps to toughen your feet and the calluses you’re building. Having your calluses in place and hard before selection makes a big difference. It impacts your performance in the long run.

[@BlockchainBey]

Absolutely I just got two pair.

[@drakedworak636]

Should I shower after soaking my feet ? And can I soak with open and closed blisters ?

[@rossfortner]

@@drakedworak636 make sure they are fully dry before you shower. You want that skin hard. Yes you can, and probably will, soak with open blisters. Let’s just say it’s a “character building” experience.

[@drakedworak636]

@@rossfortner kind of cool how quickly my hot spots calloused and the skin thickened in the span of 4 weeks of rucking

[@junkymunky2741]

Awesome information. Honestly this type of information should be included in basic training. It’s amazing what troops never properly get trained in…

[@warhawkofchogoris8555]

My training company told us on day one the importance of breaking in your boots, finding your hot spots, using mole skin and foot care in general.

[@ross.58008]

I wear magnum stealth force 8.0 boots for everyday. They keep me warm, are comfortable and are quite light. I wear them to work, just the same as if I was going for a walk in the mountains. Good info mate. Even for us civvies🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪

[@GrittySoldier]

👍

[@michaelw2263]

My boot-sock combo are the Garmont T8 NFS 670 (thanks to your suggestion) and Under Armor socks. Best combo! When it came to breaking them in, I literally just bent them, twisted, folded, and worked them through a daily range of motion with my hands. I took them for a few short rucks and even wore them around the house a bit. Now they are fully broken in and WOW they feel amazing! Usually my feet get kinda achy and grumpy after 6 miles, but at 6 miles now, my feet don't feel like they have been working very much at all.

[@MrJMB122]

Nice

[@devinviltan2564]

lowa+darn tough combo has got me through some long days. (Both in distance and time)

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

Love the smart wool and Merrell tactical boot combo.

[@Ramirez1of08]

Same

[@ahill209]

You speak truth about the circular shoelaces coming undone! Retired Army officer here. Best boots I had were German paratrooper boots with vibram soles I picked up in Germany. Speed lacing very comfortable. I used those boots for yard work for at least 10 years after I retired. I remember in 10th Mountain Div the infantry guys doing regular 25 mile rucks. You gotta believe they appreciated broken in boots and good socks.

[@alexharshman7025]

I complained to my friend/brother long ago after he came out of basics about how my boots was killing me and I rather just go barefoot cause all I had was steel toe boots 😂. Without missing a beat he said ‘take a shower with them on’ I said ‘how am I suppose to wash my feet’. Well, now every time I get a new pair of boots I fill up a tub or something with hot water stand in it for a few minutes then get to moving along. Best advice I’ve ever got 😊

[@whiskeythree1622]

You're right on the money -- outstanding info. Ya gotta take care of your feet ( and ensure your Soldiers do the same ) or it will be a damn miserable time. Can even result in degraded mission results or failure. I found having a secondary set of boots ( the rucking / work set ) that were 1/2 size larger made all the difference -- during extended training, feet can swell. That was a real surprise. This is an outlier result but ... attended Airborne in 2011 and picked up a brand new set of Belleville Khyber Mountain Hybrids -- they were absolutely good to go for the 3 weeks, start to finish. Got em at the Lee's store at the small PX. Trade-off was, they had more of a suede construction & their long-term durability wasn't so great -- they lasted about 3 years. Love those sexy Garmonts! Got a pair & they're super comfortable. Did switch out the flat laces for the more typical type tho.

[@ScottSmith7964]

I would love to see how you balance your workouts as a hybrid athlete. Keep up the great work! 💪🏼

[@manofaction1807]

110% spot on. THIS video is required reading for everyone who puts boots on. Your thumbnail is the bottoms of my feet after a 10 miler, because I didn't do that with the old black leather ones. and that bullshit about nylon socks.... No one tells you back in the day that the combination of cotton and nylon in those old boots heated up for hotspots, and blisters on compression points on your feet... For those new boots.... the hell with it, I want some of those. A couple things, though- 1. If I was going in, or even getting ready for the schoolhouse, I'd have 2 pairs of these same boots that I prepped in the exact same way. 2. Make sure you have some good insoles, or making sure your foot condition is squared away, (such as if you have the arch issues, or deeper instep) BEFORE you get on the road with the new boots. Don't wait till halfway through a 24 miler for record to figure out that you have arch issues, like some guy I know. 3. Pay attention to your shins. With the new boots, make sure your padding is squared away, and use the time when your kitting out your boots to add in the cushion and figure out if your soles of the boots are good to go or not. If not- change the soles out, and put on something else with the softer road soles, or some different traction. (You'll know by the hot spots and rub points.)

[@GrittySoldier]

Excellent information thanks!

[@wayneevans6377]

Wish you were around in 99 when I joined. Wod have been much easier. I'm glad your here for the new generation. Don't think they have the training we had. Thank you brother

[@mitchcross1005]

Great info, most new grunts don’t know this.

[@mudweiser007]

I must add that in the northern elements I do not use ventilated boots. It's a quick way to freeze when its very cold in my experience

[@personalaccount8914]

While you do need to break in the boots to your feet, you also have to break in your feet. Some people have only ever walked from the fridge to the couch. I actually specifically wear oversized work boots at my civilian job to get callouses and toughen up my feet. Also, some boots break in quickly. I did a 6 mile ruck run with my garmont bifidas straight out of the box and my feet were completely fine.

[@GrittySoldier]

Agreed

[@MrQuattro75]

Hi, I was a member of SF's until 2018 and served as a training instructor until 2022 - all in one Central European country. I have served in the Army since 1995 and in the SF's continuously since 1998. You say the right things, I would just add that the most important thing is good foot condition! For demanding trainings and operations, it is very beneficial to always take care of the nails - well cut and rounded, because sharp nails can cut other toes. Some of the brothers in the team were helped by baby powder for the feet, personally, medical petroleum jelly was more convenient for me, because the toes in the shoe slid well against each other, they were not sensitive to sweat, and the skin of the feet did not absorb water during a long stay in a large and wet environment. I still carried a small box of medical petroleum jelly in my FA kit. All the best. Do you still miss adrenaline and fear like me?

[@TimberwolfCY]

Those particular socks look like they have a good toe seam on them, but oftentimes I find myself turning my socks inside-out so that the seam is on the outside, thus eliminating a rub point. Depends on the sock and what I'm doing though of course; my really good wool socks already have the toe seam sewn on the outside so I don't have to turn them the other way. Good insoles are worth every penny for sure. The method of break-in you describe here is super thorough and I really appreciate that. Usually I just try to wear my new boots for a week or two before I use them 'for real' the first time, but this is much more pro-active. Thank you.

[@Maxspeed996]

"I need to return these boots. Don't mind that I submerged them and walked a mile in them."🤣 They aren't for me. Brother you rock. I dig your channel!

[@mmal7982]

I was not military, but this applies so well to outdoorsy (hiking, backpacking, hunting and canoe tripping) types like me. I totally agree - find a boot sock combo that works for you and stick to it. For me its Wigwam wool socks and Merrell boots (Danner's if super load-bearing required). I totally agree that gore-tex not needed - no matter what you will get wet, but non-gore-tex will dry way better. Thank you for your video. I kinda perfected my system years ago - only once did I deviate and paid the price - kinda gross to look at your own heel and realize you can use a depth micrometer on your own skin's hot spots :). Nice video this has a lot of cross applications - Thank you for your service! Side note - I respect that Danner discloses if their products are USA made and sourced, USA assembled or totally imported. I wish all our boots and outdoor gear brands did that.

[@1775Q]

Wash the bottom of your feet with a bar of soap. Use dress socks inside out with regular socks, extend them out as far as possible and roll them together at the top to keep them nice and tight. This technique is what finally allowed me to ruck 12 plus miles without getting a blister.

[@Lapran3]

Yo absolute coincidence, that model of Garmonts are the exact same ones I use! I’ve been using them ever since I was first authorized to buy my own in AIT, now I’m a couple months into my first duty station, they’ve been serving me well. Even though I haven’t done a 12-miler in them yet I’ve done shorter rucks with full battle rattle, never had a single blister. At most I’ve had a couple hot spots that went down after just a day

[@IsaacClarke74]

Got the boots and socks, 40 km in, works perfectly! Thanks for the highly detailed description about the gear and rucking and training techniques, even down to how to lace up the shoes! These are tremendously helpful reviews!

[@patslee1394]

good boot advice 👍. i think round laces are because of youtube channels advice about using paracord for fire lighting so sellers use them as it makes them look more tactically useful.

[@CarlosRodriguez-kb9jc]

I guess I’m lucky. I never had to worry about breaking in boots. 20+ years, never got any blisters. Got trench foot once after standing in 2 feet of water for 12 hours.

[@ChineseChicken1]

Same here, 4 years in the Marines and many 15, 20 - 40 mile humps and never had a blister. I felt bad for my friends. Recently did the 17 mile A. P. Hill march in Civil War Brogans at 42 years old. Still no blisters.

[@scotthays2376]

I love my Darn Tough socks! Big plus to getting your boots soaking wet to break them in. Most comfortable boots I ever had I swam across a pond in and then did a few miles in. Fit my feet like a glove! I did not know about the lacing tips.

[@mangoman9290]

We used to soak new boots in hot water for 15 mins and then walk around in them for a few hours to help wear them in. The hot water makes them more pliable and form fitting.

[@craigbrewer433]

My go to boots are my resoled Bellevilles i got in the sandbox. Had them for a decade and they are well broken in. As for the socks, i got Carhartt work socks. This combo has not let me down yet

[@willway9378]

Thank you so very much for clear, concise recommendations. I could have use this information 20 years back, and I still benefit. That sock and boot combo works very well for me. I’ve not tried the liner sock from Fox River, but due to that previous study recommending a two-sock system I’ve been considering it. It just makes it necessary to move up a full size and wide width. I often use a half mattress suture (double wrap) that the crossover point both to lock the heels back and to be able to use different tensions on foot (or vamp) and on the shank without having to use two pairs of boot strings. I’ve had issues keeping even my shoes tied since I was a boy, and my mom taught me a double tie which was bulky. I which to the alpine knot once I learned it and without the bulk. If your bow turns in line with the boot the strings will untie more easily. Without going into massive descriptions you can just start the initial wrap backward to what you are doing now and the bow should lay perpendicular to the length of the boot. Still I use the Alpine Knot (Parisienne in dress shoes: double wrap initially and again around your first dog war or loop, pull tight; the first double wrap or half mattress suture seems to be great for locking the tension where you want it and to hold better while completing the knot; this technique will also take up a bit of excess boot string length): it is more secure, not tall or bulky, and doesn’t seem to result in greater breakage, which is a huge issue in climbing and not a small issue on training and more so in harms way. Anyway getting the boots wet is something well known here but is an art that is being lost among city dwellers. Everyone or almost everyone used to buy their new pair of boots, go stand in a Horse trough to soak them, step out, and get to work squishing out the water with the hot sun drying them quickly. Much different kind of boots though and for more of a custom fit as well as breaking them in. I won’t pretend to know a tenth of what you put out in your videos, but my feet have become sort of hyper mobile and flex a lot in my running -something I noticed starting around 30yo. That led to my big toenail starting to click the end of my running shoes. I hated that: it is beyond just annoying. So suddenly I had to change to a full size larger running shoe and similarly larger boots, especially when carrying a load. Also the narrow toes on most running shoes has resulted in my toes breaking through on both sides, and I don’t even have especially wide feet compared to some of the monsters I’ve known over the years. Big men with big feet! Thanks again!

[@GrittySoldier]

Thanks for all the information! 🙏

[@dave_h_8742]

Yes did that to my heels after foot and mouth desease was running rampant across the UK. fooked myself up good style, took over 2 yrs to get over it.

[@joshuamorales1095]

An interesting method I’ve found that works extremely well is taping the inside of the boot. Begin with a decent thickness of foam double sided tape (as durable as you can find) then tape the area that rubs and blisters Pad the area with double sided tape, after cover with extra strength duct tape in large enough quantities to make a slope from the foam to the leather. Then finish with clear packing tape as it allows for less resistance on the sliding areas. If you are still blister prone adjust as necessary, and pre apply mole skin on the area before the wool socks then slide into the boot It’s what worked for me

[@GGHarvey]

Perfect time for this! I recently got Garmont NFS boots and it’s a rough start. I want to stick with my regular ones but really want to give these a fair chance to get used properly.

[@GrittySoldier]

👌

[@markusschaffer9712]

Bought a pair of Garmont Bifida boots,based on this recommendation. I need the slightly wider toe box,in order to placate my old dogs. Stay hard,Gritty Soldier!

[@michaelconnolly7499]

Trick I picked up from high school. Breaking in new football leather shoes with cleats. Using a hard dry bar of Ivory soap turn socks inside out. Rub the bar over the toe and heel areas leaving a slight film of soap imbedded in the fibers. Of course reverse the socks once application is complete. What happens is sweat and body heat melt the soap and causes it to become a lubricant. Never had problems with new football shoes/cleats again. Used this method sometime with new running shoes.

[@vernonsmith2479]

Excellent info for young man headed to West Point. Foot care is job one. Thanks

[@isaacphillips8543]

Bro, love you videos!! Full of knowledge. Been in active duty coming up on 8 years in two weeks. And just relacing my boots how you have shown, instant difference and ive been wearing my Garmont T8 Extremes for roughly 6years now just laced how they come. Immediately felt the difference in comfort on just that piece alone. I love my garmont t8s and may have to give your version of t8s a try. Especially with wanting to go to SFAS soon. And fox river socks are absolutely the go to sock. Army needs to give them a contract for issue 🤣

[@Jac2587]

It's funny, after 15 years, I still love the issued green sock. But that goes right into what you were saying: once you find a combination that works for you, stick with it. And spend that extra time breaking things in.

[@jasonzimmerman288]

Not a Military Boot, used for Hunting, purchased a pair of Crispi "Wyoming" boots this year due to the wider toe box design of the sole. I have flat wide hobbit feet. These boots have made a world of difference. Also started using Darn Tuff socks. I have never been more comfortable. We hunt Ft Walker (AP Hill) almost every weekend from Oct to Jan, and during scouting season easily put in 5 to 8 miles of hiking to scout TA areas. Also run these for hiking the AT during off season.

[@907travelalot]

This is very informative thanks. I haven’t had problems with the original laces.

[@maybeblakemclemore]

im not military or anything yet as i'm 16, however i've found for me that (so far) redhead coyote combat boots with timberland socks work great. very comfortable and durable boots and the socks don't cause any problems as they're very soft. just found this channel with the field stripping an mre video and i can't wait to try it out on my next ruck, keep up the good content!

[@TheZuperDave]

The best tip I've found for foot care for long-distance backpacking with high-mileage days was to wear two pair of cheap nylon dress socks - the tightest weave you can find. The inner one sticks to your foot and all the friction happens between socks or the outer sock and the boot. Another thing I have to do (learned from the book: "Fix Your Feet") was to tape my two outer toes together. Even when I have the right amount of room in my boot or shoe, (and I have to buy wide) my small toes hook in and the next toe ends up scrubbing on it. I clean my toes with alcohol, put a foam ear plug between the outer two toes and tape them together - secure, but not tight. Caution: AVOID loose weave socks! After 10+ miles, or less if wet, it will feel like your boot liners are cheese graters! Thin and tight is the key for that inner sock.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

Alternatively, I've found that wearing a liner sock works really well. I've been using liner toe socks for years now, and they're a game changer for my sweaty toes. Recently, I've switched to using merino wool ones, and they're even better. They last a long time too. I wasn't super prone to blisters before, so I am not entirely sure if they helped reduce that, but they overall helped with making my feet more comfortable overall. At first, I was using foot powder to keep my feet dry, but that was messy and kinda expensive after a while. I hated the feeling of my toes sticking together, and the liner toe socks really helped with that.

[@andrewb325]

My boot/sock combo for rucks and field is also the Garmont NFS and Fox Rivers. I’m really lucky as I can literally put on brand new NFSs and ruck with them the same day with absolute ly zero issues. No BS I even wore them with issued cotton socks (don’t ask, I don’t know why I did it either) on the Star course and did just fine. 😎 They fit me that well.

[@Nobody13325]

Going through older videos on boots. I have Bates, meh, Merrell, love. But, just bought a pair of NFS's. For better ankle support amd netter breathability while rucking/running 👍 Love your content Bro 💯

[@ScottWilliams323]

I have a very similar approach to breaking in boots, but with some changes. I soak my boots in hot water in the bathtub to get them wet. I then wear them around my neighborhood. I then do some exercising with them on to get them bent and twisted around. Lastly, I wear them the next day while they are still damp to break them in more.

[@CrazyMaori24]

When i did my basic our Sargent made us wear our boots while showering, i thought “wtf? That sounded stupid, but man that was the best tip ever and ive used that tip for my boots ever since.

[@jacobpuakea7651]

Foot care kit from FNG Academy is gold for rucking

[@mmancino1982]

I love my Lowa Zephyrs with those Fox Sucks. Amazing combo

[@valseyer4486]

I was static post on the gate 'entry control' for 2 years straight. Yeah, good boots are a must if ur gona be scanning C.A.C. cards at the gate for two years straight.

[@user-c4b9b]

Thanks man. I'm a "POS Civ" but I've walked a fuqton more than any other teletubby out here and I'll say - Stellar video. Thanks for the recommendation on boots as well, gonna need to take these Garmonts for a spin. I knew just about every tip you had on here except - in my opinion - I think mentioning drop is important. I'm a HUGE advocate for zero drop footwear, meaning ZERO 'heel' or 0" Heel-to-toe drop - which obviously these boots are and many others used and loved by 11B-11X lightfighters are the same zero drop design as well. I'm too old now, Vets in my life told me not to join (army's changed) and the 2 times I tried were during stand down, wasn't in the cards. Hey but I DO appreciate the channel. Raise the battle standard.

[@hope4ourfallen]

Anyone remember the joys of the good ole black leather boots. Pepperidge farm remembers.

[@Midwestupland]

Mole skin is a life saver

[@daniellee8565]

Silverlight socks. Unbeatable.

[@tonysanta3497]

Breaking in I dropped them in a bucket of water and wear them while I cut grass. I used to wear OD green padded socks, Altama Jungles for field in hot. Bates winter field boots and Oakleys for garrison. 0 injuries or foot issues for 10 years.

[@hmy4062]

I got myself a pair of Altama jungle boots recently, the insole is about 15mm longer than my foot, and I think it is large for me. May I ask how much longer the altama insole you have than your foot? Thanks!

[@IsaacClarke74]

Have used this sock and boot combo just recently for a 62 mile hike within less than 19 hrs. The lightness of the shoes was incredible. However, it could be that they are half a size too big since I developed huge blisters in the heel area after around 31 miles. Maybe it’s the battle lace style that gives the feet too much space to move over that distance. It’s difficult to say, since doing the Norwegian foot march with 19 miles was no problem, though, even without breaking them in. Will try to switch to the regular lacing to test whether it sufficiently restricts the movement without creating a new hotspot.

[@ezenami]

that's one hella sound advice! Always glad to see someone giving good practical information - I was taught this as a kid - and now looking back realizing I grew up in a country with mandatory military service and my father remained in the military long past the mandatory term I wonder if that's where breaking in boots "ritual" actually came from in our home. Water for the stretch and alcohol to tighten parts of leather boots that felt too loose or not form-fitting (I have unusually narrow feet so it's been a saver for me!) Any advice/video on conditioning weak ankles would be greatly appreciated - post-injury, fully healed and flexible but still feeling weak and would love to get back to trail running and serious hiking but kinda afraid to push it, especially on rocky uneven trails. Would also love to stop relying on high boots for support and wearing them for paranoia's sake

[@dakota7665]

Coming through ITB I remember standing knee deep in a puddle, the whole formation was there, and then proceeded to hike and move and wear those boots without being afforded the chance to change into my dry boots. They dried around my feet and I gotta say those were the comfiest boots I have ever worn ha. Terrible way to break them in though

[@norwegiangadgetman]

Way back in the boot camp(RNoAF) we used some older model low boots. They were stiff and heavy, pretty much the definition of uncomfortable. But it was what we were issued. And in the beginning we used sports tape on all 'in risk' areas, so it worked. Then nearing the end of boot camp was 'the march'... 30Km with backpack and weapon. One of the guys didn't get to tape up because we ran out. He marched anyway, but ended up with 2" wide bleeding sores on both heels. The problem? If you wanted the 'marching medal' you not only had to do it in 4Hours 30minutes, but you were required to be 'fit for duty' the next day. (A soldier who can march fast but is unusable the next day is a net loss for any fighting force.) The Sarge told him to report to medical to get the wounds looked at, but that would mean being declared unfit for duty that day. So he refused. He still didn't reconsider when we were being told that we would be doing marching drills, or even when we walked towards the big drill area... And right past to the building where we had theoretical courses. That was in the 80s. After boot camp I got proper M77 boots. Basic black full-grain leather and rubber soles. Fit a woolen insole, wear ling, thin socks with thick woolen socks on top, and you're good to go. Liked them so much that I'm on my 4th pair since the military. Soaking the boots in a bucket of water was a classic method for wearing them in, but we also used palstic bags on out feet when we did this. ;-) These days, I believe Kiwi have a special grease you rub on to help wearing them in. They're my go-to fall/winter/spring or hiking boots, and I'm not careful with them. I just make certain I give them a bit of loving and some Kiwi polish every once in a while. Just NEVER EVER skip the woolen socks, or let then slide below the edge of the shaft when they're new-ish... I went outside to get my mail one summer day... Just stuffed my feet in the nearest footwear and did a quick tie off... The trip to my postbox is down one set of stairs and 20 meters. By the time I got back, I had a red stripe around each leg, and actual bleeding one or two places. The leather is STIFF and the upper part of the shaft takes a long time to soften. The Ukrainians are using them, also... Hopefully, not just because we gave them a metric ton of them...

[@davidrimanich5050]

Dude I did a ruck march at Ranger school at Fort Benning with wet boot ,wet feet my suffered from being rubbed raw ,when I finish I was walking in bloody boots, had to have the medic clean my bloody feet and wrap them. You are killing me Sir with your advice.

[@christiancrais]

input is welcome if y'all have any: I wear Danner MEB GTX Mojaves on a daily basis. They're the best pair of boots I've ever bought and I will probably buy the hot weather version after deployment. The only issues are 1. They are Gortex lined and have no vents, 2. They are heavy as hell and rough on the hips for any type of run, 3. I wore them on a 7 mile hike and it felt like I was walking with wooden planks strapped to my feet. They obviously aren't field boots. However, my Rocky's, which I broke in on a 5k hike and never gave me trouble, felt awesome during and after a 20 mile, but I hate wearing them day to day. Main point being: I have yet to try a marine corps boot that actually works well everywhere. OP mentions the consistent boot/sock combo as if it's law, but I don't know anyone personally who doesn't switch up their boots regularly. Maybe it's a marine corps thing and we just aren't authorized to wear the good stuff, but that's just been my experience.

[@Liam1991]

Alt-Breg, AKU, Haix, and Iturri makes great boots 😊

[@georgethompson3202]

Somthing else for breaking in tough boots is cheap shaving foam, we use it for new Motocross boots also that are solid when new, Amazing video though more people need to think about break in

[@ashleyrosser9979]

My favourites, I wish I'd bought several pairs; are Bridgedale socks made from Bamboo fibre. They have the same properties as silk, anti bacterial and of all the socks I've owned no holes anywhere; they're now in their thirteenth year. Unfortunately they no longer make them. Never a blister with them also a shout out to Seal Skinz socks, great if your hiking shoes or boots are wet at the beginning of the day. Great channel BTW.

[@marktourville3751]

Maybe I’m weird but thru Ranger school 1985. SF Q course 1989 I needed brand new jungle boots used them with two pair of socks always. Harder and newer the boot the better. Never ever ever had foot problems. And yes graduated from both!

[@maboechler]

thanks for making this, glad I happened to order a pair of NFS's recently!

[@lyleadams4367]

Every pair of boots that I've worn since the mid 70's I've always filled them up with HOT water, let them stand for about 5 mins then put them on and walk them dry. Never had any problems with boot fit or feet problems.

[@Alliedcompany22]

Just got me some brand new miltech boots and i did what u said and there well comfy now,thanks boss.

[@viniciusbraga5846]

That’s golden information right there !

[@GrittySoldier]

🤜 🤛

[@dusty265]

Great information here, back in the Stone Age when we did PT in Boots and Fatigues A GOOD pair of broken in, AKA Wore out boots was a necessity, by that I mean boots that felt like a good pair of gym shoes, just so long as they still took a shine, And in the Spirit of Full disclosure. I was a Tanker, so we did not walk anywhere, LOL except in Korea, you did a mandatory monthly 12-mile ruck with dismounted crew serve weapons, for time, The Soak the Boots goes WAY back, Great tip

[@polygun5336]

Wish I got to see you out at Bragg. I was there from april to dec last year at 4th batt. Your vids helped me tremendously. Unfortunately, old age caught up to me and I was med dropped. I still use your vids as sounding boards for all things I plan on doing that are outside. God bless you, brother.

[@jasonbarrios2265]

I have found a way that works and doesnt take weeks of rucking and going through the constant pain of having the arch of your foot being pierced my the boot. I tried the wide boots but its more of the same. I would get plantar fasciitis and i knew it wasnt the insoles of my boot but the actual arch of my boot causing the pain. Ive went to many “specialist” ie; shoe repair shops, the people that issue the boots (they dont help for shit), and so forth. But they either told me to tough it out to break it in or i need a custom shoe. Ive found a proven method thats so simple youll think, “is that it?” You can fix the arch overnight. Step 1: remove the insole, the insole isnt the problem in this case and will shape naturally overtime without pain. Step 2: completely submerge boot in water. Inside and out. The goal here is to mold the actual arch of the shoe down so it doesnt dig into your tendons. Step 3: once you dump the water out your boot. You need something very heavy and stable with a small controlled point to target the arch area. Im talking about underneath a bed frame or desk. Anything heavy with a leg will do. Make sure to place something of moderate weight on the other side of the boot to keep it from bending towards the heavier object. Step 4: keep in area for acouple hours then try on to check. The arch will be molded down and not pierce your foot anymore. If you try it on and still feel a slight pierce, simply move the boot to the area and leave it to flatten out again. Overnight works best. Step 5: Once you try it and its perfect leave outside to dry in the shade, NOT OUT IN THE SUN!!!! Could damage your boots depending how hot it is. Once dry re insert your insoles and youre done! Flattened out arches for people that want to avoid the pain of plantar fasciitis. Hope this helps.

[@justsomerandomasian408]

david goggins is the type of person to wear a brand new boot every day of training to make it harder

[@andrewbieszk3264]

Definitely learned this one the hard way... Tore up my heels on the side of a mountain in Afghanistan in a new pair... Peeling off a nasty pair of socks caked in dried blood after the wounds were trying to start the healing process was... quite unpleasant 🤣🤣🤣

[@bigpunisherfan7294]

Damn I’m a civilian and I watched this video just to know how to break in my new boots. I could’ve used this video back when I worked in the oilfield lol.

[@j.robertvillarreal5926]

Powder, keep the feet dry when you can. Even if you have to use camp ash. That will keep blistering away especially when you don't have fresh socks. Camp ash is easy to obtain. If you can super glue before hand will keep your feet from falling apart. These methods are more universal when you can't choose the boot and can't get fresh socks. I still Ruck 6-36 miles a day with 45-65 pounds strapped to me to the day. When you stop to rest on the march take your boots and socks off and let them dry out. While you are barefoot knock your socks out and repowder every time you stop. This works. The camp ash will also combat foot rot. Camp ash is potassium hydroxide, a key ingredient in making soap. Sweat will activate it. Hold the Line

[@Seongbin-0]

Just got my self a pair of danner tachyon boots,thanks for the video!very informative even outside of the context of sf selection!and i also got a pair of fox river socks lol

[@jeffcarter4500]

Just found the channel, really appreciate all the wisdom! I've had soft baby feet my whole life, am I the only one who wears cotton athletic socks under wool? Gonna give rucking a go with my well broken in Danner Tachyons.

[@MelbaOzzie]

Two suggestions: I always wore two layers of socks. A thin one underneath, and a thick one over. That combo dissipates the friction, and I never had any blisters. I always wear a boot with a formed heel cup. Most boot manufacturers now try to save money by making the boot cup square up. You can see what I mean by a square cup by looking at the boots recommended in this video. A definite no from me. The square cup guarantees that the back of your heel will develop blisters. So avoid this by only wearing boots with a shaped cup.

[@TAVAAR7]

I've had good results with a couple pairs of Belleville (c320 and 790v). Soaked the c320 and went for a sunrise 5 miler during summer with just a 3l hydration pack and Nalgene bottle (mainly to keep the boots wet and used sprinklers at a park too). Comfort wise they're basically like slippers now. The 790v I took out for an 11 mile birthday ruck the following year in a July thunderstorm. Had to rub water into the outer with my hand and fill up the boot before tying the laces. Still got a tad bit of a hard spot on the reinforced achilies part, but I got them for the cold and wet PNW winters with the idea of wearing thicker socks with them, and doing that worked great doing rucks in 4"-10" of snow without gaiters. Best socks I've used are from Covert Threads. If youre looking for more socks to try I'd check em out. Their jungle socks dry super quick, the Ice socks are nice and warm for winter, and the desert socks are good for shoulder seasons (kinda counter intuitive but I've found they're way too hot for desert use in the day and jungle work better for me). All of them are comfortable too if you want to use them as daily wear socks for different weather. Some of their socks have different lengths too, for example the jungle has a short length that goes an inch or two over the ankle and that works really nicely for summer wear with running/tennis shoes. The variety of Darn tough I have are good but a little stiff even after breaking in. The Fox River fatigue fighters are comfy for around the house, but I stopped wearing them for outdoor stuff because they make the outside of my foot (opposite the inside arch) ache if I'm doing even just a couple miles under load unlike any of the other socks I have. I tried those arcj support inserts and man lol, my feet are apparently far to flat for using anything with a solid piece for the arch.

[@Mariiaax16]

Basic That actually the way I did mine. Wet feet for a little while. Works perfectly.

[@TF68]

Maybe it's the generational gap but for Gen X like me, I spent 15 years in the Boy Scouts (sure, laugh it out if you want) before serving and silly as it might sound but it made my life so much easier. I knew how to break in boots, how to set up a backpack for long rucks and other useful skills. Granted it was before Internet was what it is today but I really believe modern kids would benefit greatly from the experience.

[@timlongstreet1801]

I grew up working hard, and wearing logger style boots or cowboy boots was very common in the area i was raised. When i arrived at basic training at 17 years old amongst men that were much older than me i could not believe the whinging about foot problems. Many never wore boots or spent time in the woods hunting or rucking. We never wore flip flops,sandals, or sneakers in my family growing up. Sneakers we wore strictly for pt growing up. These kids who walk around barefooted all the time or with flip flops are asking for problems going into basic or later selection. In short wear boots all the time and youll have tough feet and better posture.

[@USMCGrunt-jd8je]

Great video! Thanks for the links. Love my Bates lights Durashocks.

[@noahbeutel9529]

Garmont T8 BIFIDA and Fox River, best boot sock combo

[@Xpnential999999]

@Gritty Soldier Have you tried Lock Laces? I put them on my intermediate cold boots for rucking and hunting, and love them. The maintain tightness, give when necessar, and never come untied. I now put them on every casual, hiking, or running shoe I buy.

[@TheJimtanker]

When we broke in our boots in basic back in 1986, we dunked our boots in a barrel of water until they were soaked, put them on, and then walked 10 miles. I think that was week 1 of basic.

[@sapperjaeger]

spot on!

[@TheArizonaRanger.]

Garmont NFS is my go to, but sorry I'm Darn tough gang for life 😂. Funny thing is I've always skipped that little grommet for the Garmot NFS but I've never heard the term "battle lace".

[@GrittySoldier]

Yeah it’s pretty common with the NFSs I’ve seen a lot of Soldiers do that.

[@boksfilmy]

Nice! Thanks for this advise 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

My boots & socks: MACV-1 & fox rivers. Till the day I die.

[@terry58501]

Breaking in new boots also applies to construction, railroading, oil field work. Any heavy labor jobs. I work on concrete floors at the Bobcat factory in Bismarck and I can't tell you how many people get injured feet from new safety boots.

[@3BigChins]

Oakley boots and Carhartt merino wool socks! They’re perfect for moisture and long enough to give a nice comfortable blouse without straps

[@elzav9293]

Thank you for this video! Do you have any advice other than obvious looseness on how to tell if a boot is too big? Also, any recommendations on boot laces? The laces that came with the Danner’s I just bought have some spots that seem like they might not last but I’m not sure. PS: As a physical therapist, I really love that you say ankle stability should be built from the ankle itself rather than depending on the boot. I’ve been trying to drive home to my clients that you should not just automatically reach for external support without a second thought.

[@gregoryjd6583]

Thank you for the Information

[@muerte.eterno]

Believe it or not, Doc Martin combat boots have been a HUGE plus with my ruck marches. They have an air cushioned sole with non slip tread i just did 8 miles yesterday in Chicago with 10 degree weather and my feet were warm. > make sure your boots are tight (no wiggle room) but not too tight! so you wont get any blisters with a loose boot Haven’t had any for the past three marches i done already.

[@russellromig8969]

Docs get alot of hate. I have owned mine for 24 years and take them on hikes, but no real rucking with them. For me they fit like a glove, but after 24 years the leather is starting to crack, hoping to get 1 more year out of them.

[@davidparmly8828]

I recommend Superfeet insoles. Never tried Easyfeet, but you've got that experience. When shopping, bring the Hi-Speed Insole with you, pull out the (usually) garbage insole, put in the Superfeet insole then fit them on your foot. Having a stiff platform for the foot is better than "soft". You youngsters have plenty of adipose tissue in the soles of your feet. "Soft" and "comfortable" compresses and degrades over time. That's not good.

[@asmith7876]

The boots in the mid-80’s were medieval technology, thin leather, no lining, sucked sucked sucked. I had been backpacking for years before I joined the Army so it wasn’t a big deal but we also didn’t have options to buy anything nicer. I like your videos.