The Best Boots for Rucking

[@GruntProof]

Become useful in tough situations, follow these links: Combat Fitness kzbin.info/aero/PLY_LDVvBRvjTQXObN7xwpdfE6WnNO7wrM Rucking kzbin.info/aero/PLY_LDVvBRvjQRj50lWiZSR5Uk96AGv4bK

[@flatchdaddysadventurevault4132]

I’m a lil bougie, I got me some solomons. Stay away from under armor tactical boots. They don’t last that long. Fell apart after a three weeks of training

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I love it when someone speaks from actual experience as opposed to theory. Thanks for the vid. My old man taught me that your footwear is the one area where you don't skimp on when it comes to work.

[@nateminegar6974]

Been rucking with ALICE for years, did 5 miles today with 50# in 68 minutes. Ordered the rocky boots this evening, can’t wait to get them out there. Thanks Randall!

[@John_439]

Best advice I have ever gotten for boots and rucking especially for using issued boots is... "Boot companies make good boots, insole companies make good insoles, rarely does a boot company use really good insoles that are good FOR YOU. Go and get yourself some good insoles for your specific feet and any well made boot will be comfortable." I run issued boots with insoles specific to me and whatbi need and they make the issued boots awesome.

[@charlesquick3091]

E6000 glue is the best glue i have found for repairing my boots its flexible, waterproof, and strong... I repaired my tac boots for work and two years later it's still holding.... It comes in several size tubes and i suggest the small tube because once open they will harden up in the tube..

[@jay-by1se]

So I come from a different generation, I wore jungle boots resoled with an EVA foam pad. But when I was training up for SFAS I stopped wearing socks based on advice from old Vietnam books i read, I just wanted to try to toughen my feet up, but what I learned was socks actually caused the blisters. When I didn’t wear socks I never had blisters because the sweat lubricated my foot in the boot. When I went to selections I put my socks back on thinking it would make life easier. Instead just like most people I got horrific blisters that stacked on top of each other so you could see the muscle tissue in my foot. for low intensity just comfortable boots, but it’s something you might want to think about to increase the lubricity of your foot by not wearing socks.

[@jamescrowe7892]

The one obvious disadvantage to the GI jungle boondockers, in my opinion, is that they don't come with and adequate insole. At least 35+ years ago they didn't and that is because of the capability to drain water in a tropical environment. But, they have a nice somewhat aggressive tread pattern and if you add a decent insole with arch support and stay out of the water, it is a decent shoe.

[@xc8487]

Ankle support isn't really a thing unless you're wearing a boot that's as stiff as a cast, at which point the stress is just transferred to your knees and hips. The advantage of 10 inch boots is that they keep dirt, rocks, plants, and bugs out of your boots and socks.

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Very true. And yes these modern shoe boots break down so quickly. Today Everything is glued together and falls apart on modern shoes boots. I personally bought 4 pairs of USMC wellco goretex coyoto brown boots. Their leather and codura with toe caps and vibram soles top of the line everything!!!! And I only paid 74$ a pair brand new in box on eBay. Ther is 8 eyelets and their like walking on a cloud and water proof with the goretex. And if the sole gets destroyed their made to put a new sole on at a boot repair store. They have the USMC logo on them made in USA. I love em.

[@dylanbeaird2972]

I’ve been hiking a lot here recently and I have been hiking in the Bates Mountain Combat Boots and I know you said they’re mainly for winter conditions but they have given me almost no issues other than the break-in period while hiking in 70 degree weather. Haven’t had any hot spots form since the first time I hiked in them and even then they weren’t that bad but I just threw some foot powder on and no issues with hot spots since. Just finished a 6.3 mile hike today while wearing them and no issues (75 degrees today) Longest I’ve hiked so far in them. They do get a little toasty at the beginning of each hike but after about 15min the feeling goes away and I don’t notice it as much. Will probably get another pair of lighter and more breathable boots however just to have for days with absolute unbearable heat. Love the vids and the MCBs.

[@smoothitalianleathereater6045]

If you're looking at a lower profile, but sturdy base shoe, look at salewas. They're fantastic, but it'll feel like walking on tombstones

[@indycharlie]

Merrill Moab's hiking till it's hot . Then Altra' Trails . In BCT Knox Jan 69 . A guy said to shower in the issue boots , wear them to sleep in overnight . He was right . Thought those boots were great , until . Nothing since the O.D . jungles issued in RVN have ever been as good . Brought two pair home , cried when the last pair were done . Salomon Tundra's are they way to go for winter wear , hiking and in the snow . Feet never get cold . Stay safe out there brother . . Gubs

[@abm2958]

Try a set of Quest.

[@indycharlie]

@@abm2958 Quest 4D GTX ? That is what I have . 3rd pair . But the Tundra's for winter .

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thank you Randall, that's good to know. Quite a few years ago I bought a pair of Bates M9 boots ( If I remember right on the M9) very comfortable and they are warm for the winter. Also have a pair of gore-tex Belleville boots that are lighter weight for summer. Got them at a local military surplus store and got them on sale for great prices under $100.👍🤘

[@lucassmith2332]

Idk how the military does it. Now granted I'm 195 and with a 40lb pack I can't get a pair of boots to hold up. I've tried milsurp boots and they didn't fall apart but, they broke down super fast.

[@russellromig8969]

I just hopped on Altama's site, haven't worn jungle boots since 2003-ish. A pair go for $200 now, I guess it's not to bad considering the rise in cost of everything nowadays.

[@GruntProof]

I found some super cheap ones that actually held up

[@concernedcitizen2898]

I didnt expect anything less than the best from Randall, and I was not disappointed.

[@sean_mccormack]

The best boots I’ve found are the British army wellco junglies which I’ve found for about £30. They’re essentially the us gi boot but in all black or MOD brown with speed lace hooks. Would highly recommend.

[@billb5732]

Firm sole: Rock plates are the answer. Merrell Nova are like Moabs but have a rock plate to protect your feet. They are my new favorite low shoe. Metatarsal pain: Dr Scholl's Metatarsal pads can be stuck to whatever insoles you have with Gorilla Tape. They go behind the actual metatarsal joint, but slightly ahead of the arch. Takes a few tries to get them right, but I found the Gorilla Tape lasts forever once you find the right spot. Still looking for a light, ventilated, full-height boot for Summer. Maybe Under Armour?

[@jakemontell.7415]

Got the standard issue bellville boots at basic last year. Hated em. Especially because I got a size half too dang small, once I got proper size I figured best ones I've used so far. Garmont T8 Bifida, the NFS models are narrow. The Danner Tachyons are awesome. Super light and sneaker weight. Merrell Moab 2 Vents, can't really do Goretex cuz I'm in Georgia. Love em. So comfortable

[@GruntProof]

Yes!

[@tadcobert1307]

Nice vid, do one on socks, they might be as or more important than the boots😊

[@floydvaughn836]

McRae jungle boots. My Panama sole, speed lace, Nam style pair cost me 140.00 at Gonzales Military Surplus in Gonzales LA. 6 months and going strong. Made in North Carolina, U.S.A.

[@alramlebsi549]

There are so many people who wear muck boots instead of combat boots when out in the woods. Many would carry a pack and hike long distances, when hunting and packing out meat for example. Certainly some terrains are better suited for combat boots, and some are better suited for muck boots. Anyone who can speak on this, please do.

[@GruntProof]

I wear mucks around my property in wet, snowy weather, but definitely not for walking a lot

[@jerimiahreece8507]

I wear Muck/Muds brand boots on the ranch on Montana. Awesome for mud, water, snow, subzero. I would never hike in them.

[@josephcole8875]

Lots of people talk about breaking boots in, not enough mention to use neetsfoot oil or some other leather conditioner to really help it along, also makes your boots last a lot longer great video though, I liked it I wear Jim Green African Rangers, looking to get some Razorbacks someday as well. Love them

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Cool vid! I've been thinking over the last couple days that I need to do something to begin getting back in shape and although it can consume many hours in the week, rucking has been a great workout for me in the past.

[@billb5732]

Agreed about Moab mid-highs: Too squishy and not tall enough. I have a pair of Moab Tacticals that are excellent. Nice firm sole and tall like a boot should be. They have a GoreTex-like membrane which makes them waterproof. They breathe some, but not enough for warm weather. Oddly, Merrell doesn't make proper-height hiking boots in wide sizes. That's why I got the Tacticals, which are great for hiking on rough trails with a pack. PS: SOLE makes insoles with metatarsal pads which support the ball of your foot. I was a little sensitive in the same spot that you point out in the vid; the "SOLE insoles with met pad" solved the problem. Theoretically we are supposed to land on the outsides of our foot rather than the inside (where you point out), but even doing that was not sufficient in my case.

[@GruntProof]

cool thanks!

[@billb5732]

@@GruntProof FWIW, you can make your own metatarsal pad out of inexpensive foot foam. It goes BEHIND the metatarsus. You don't pad where the pain is, you pad behind that spot, which relieves some of the pressure on the metatarsus. The bump ("met pad") in the SOLE insoles is fairly tall, like a double-thickness of foam, maybe. The SOLE insoles aren't cheap, but they have the advantage of long life and a good warranty.

[@tadcobert1307]

I have the same M… hiking and tactical boots, the tac boot-wear it for SAR missions/ground team searches. The best boot I have tried is Original SWAT. Very comfortable and durable. For hiking boots, I just switched back to Keens, extra wide sizes, tough and durable, I prefer the NON WP ones in all but dead of winter. Ruck On!

[@billb5732]

@@tadcobert1307 Agreed about WP for Winter. I will be looking for a non-WP boot with a stiff sole for the Summer. Under Armour Valsetz is light and airy. Will try Original SWAT, too. Thanks. I don't see any Keens that are both proper height and non-WP. They have an insulated Winter boot with glass in the tread for traction -- that looks interesting. Which boots do you like?

[@geroldknoebel3836]

Randall, laugh. You have once again expressed yourself very diplomatically. In my 7 years over 40 umpteen years ago, in the paratroopers, I learned very quickly what it means that the shoes mean whether you get through or not. Most importantly, the jump boots, whether USA, UK, Russia or Germany, are all very good jump boots. They have to fit the foot and the footbed. The best thing to do is to pee in new Springer boots, leave them overnight, then wash them out. And don't forget, the socks must be good, preferably not new ones. If you put on cheap dirt today and have problems, you should think logically beforehand. In a high stable boots, has more security, against the all the weaknesses of the so-called hiking boots. Laugh, I prefer to drive a car, with slippers, my Arctic Cat, only with Springer boots. Best regards from Frankfurt

[@duffers29]

Alt berg boots r the best boots u will ever buy ! their pricey but worth it , if you know u know .

[@markusschaffer9712]

Enjoying my Canada West combat boots,Temperate,issued to Canadian troops a few years ago. Leather and Gore Tex,Goodyear welt,resoleable and built to last. Comfortable after a few days of breaking in.

[@GruntProof]

cool

[@markusschaffer9712]

@@GruntProof maybe as my old CF mk 3 combat boots . Pain in the butt to polish,but two pair lasted me three years.

[@abandonedotter4270]

As far as boots go Danner makes a good boot for me. As far as foot care goes, especially during the winter ( my feet and hands crack ) I use Vicks 44D chest rub and have used DG brand too. I take a shower, slather my feet up, and go to bed. Keeps my feet pliable.

[@Legionnaire7777]

Altberg, Lowa, Meindl, Aku, Iturri, Solomon, are all highly recommended boots. Also don't forget good quality socks are a must!

[@joeygoguen1525]

Altberg thats some Guchi

[@Legionnaire7777]

@@joeygoguen1525 Not really Gucci kit we in Britain use to be issued them, the current issued boots are Aku, Iturri and Wellco. And British forces are testing the Haix commander boots also.

[@Legionnaire7777]

@Bush Pig My apologies Hanwag should of also been mentioned, good shout out! Hopefully Haix have improved their quality as I think we Brits maybe getting the new Haix commander boots minor some safety features added like all closed lace hooks.

[@Legionnaire7777]

@Bush Pig The Haix boots I was issued in the past we're pretty decent in my opinion, I've never purchased Haix boots privately so can't comment on civvie models.

[@duffers29]

@@Legionnaire7777 alt bergs r the dogs rod I still have mine from 15year ago good kit done plenty of tabbing & still like new .

[@MrJihadkoplo]

i love this guy...true grunt...being effective dirt cheap

[@richardrocha702]

I have had my new Bellville's for about 30 days and they are just now convincing my feet to form up...🙂

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

511 makes some pretty decent tactical boots for 100-150 bucks. I just wore out a pair Desert coyote 3.0's in a little over a year of almost daily rucking 10-20 km on the west coast shore line, just received the jungle 3.0's and gonna give them a shot. The only problem I had with the last pair is the sides blew out because I have wide feet, also the tread breaks away A LOT in the first 2 weeks

[@journeyman7189]

Good stuff Randal. I'm running some swat boots at the moment and they are doing the job but I'm not hauling heavy.....yet. Nate

[@johnsteele2986]

Randall, Enjoying the bulk videos coming out, I look forward to watching every new one that comes out! Random question but what boots did you used to wear back in the BDU days?

[@GruntProof]

I believe they were bates

[@wvscout6983]

Awesome as usual. Scouts Out!

[@willieluv]

I have been using Blackhawk boots everywhere I go when I am not working in nyc combat boots give the best support less pain from the bone Spurs in my heel. I have been on my feet for 40 years working security standing post I can only use combat boots at this point

[@GruntProof]

A lot of my buddies love them

[@markusschaffer9712]

Soft sole boots can be a nightmare. Bad for the feet,which leads to problems with ankles and knees. Buy boots with a firmer sole… your legs will thank you.

[@g.backwoods2216]

Smith and Wesson make a damn good boot been training and wearing them daily for at least 4 years

[@scottcampbell2585]

Army navy warehouse Idaho Falls,ID great selection

[@jamesjeffri9604]

Been a us soldier for couple of years now and for me garmont t8 NFS are undefeated

[@GruntProof]

I've heard good things

[@jamesjeffri9604]

@@GruntProof try them you won’t regret it

[@thralldumehammer]

My only problem is I need a size 14EEEE. I can barely find shoes that fit, boots are easier, but I have to get them online cause nobody stocks a size like that locally 😔

[@cantstartafire]

Outstanding!

[@tracyrreed]

I still don't understand the problem with tennis shoes. Why do I want a rigid sole? I suppose I can understand ankle support for not rolling your ankle but that's never been an issue for me or anyone I've ever hiked with. I did 8 miles with a relatively light load yesterday. It was great!

[@GruntProof]

It's about the ruck weight. Our feet aren't designed for that in floppy shoes. I've seen way too many stress fractures and chronic shin splints. Boots give your feet sturdy support for the heavy pounding

[@markusschaffer9712]

Floppy shoes are not designed to support body weight plus weight of a loaded rucksack. Too many people have acquired stress fractures in their feet,carrying 30 pounds or more for multiple 100s of miles. Those rigid soles truly do protect your feet and knees from unnecessary pai and injury.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@markusschaffer9712 All the more reason to wear solid boots.

[@DigitalCleaner]

Surprised you didn't say anything about Danner's

[@SoldouttotheTruth]

Garmont boots. NFS. Are awesome and they Last!!

[@alaverga173]

Have you ever tried garmont boots?

[@lonestarbrigade5959]

I would not buy Rocky Boots anymore; had a brand-new pair on my last trip to Afghanistan when we were closing it down; they lasted a month and a half. Now all their boots are made in China; they use to have good stuff; not anymore. I would look at Lowa; the Zephyr and Z series. They are not cheap; takes a while to break in; they are comfortable, and tuff. Buy once, cry once.

[@thetovarish100]

amazing, thanks!

[@ericaddis7414]

Danner Acadia but they don't make the 6" boot any more. $400.

[@kevinbeck6419]

I have BELLEVILLE BOOTS

[@TAVAAR7]

I'm still trying to break in a pair of Belleville summer weights....PITA so far. Doing some patrol drills tomorrow in em, going to try your gorilla tape idea since moleskin hasn't been working.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

I couldn't ever get them to a point where they are comfortable. Just gave 'em away this morning, actually.

[@Bluestatesurvival]

Randall-Any advise on re-adhering the sole of the cold weather boots to the upper?

[@GruntProof]

Shoe-Goo

[@trident1012]

Magnum classic also is good shit

[@joeygoguen1525]

I have a pair of military intermediate cold weather boots love them. I don't get people, what's wrong with combat boots they're designed for people that are on their feet all day.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

I wore combat boots for about the past 2 years, and I loved them. Comfortable, lightweight, protective, and even waterproof. What I didn't like was that despite their high price point, they also didn't last very long.

[@johnruckman2320]

Do the even make the old style solid leather boots anymore? One thing that pisses me off is the cloth interiors come apart super early and shred your socks. You'd think they'd use some kind of ripstop material. I remember as a kid wearing plain leather boots. I like the ankle support. What is the best type of lacing style that won't tear up your laces. Eyelets, various speed laces, etc.

[@GruntProof]

Yea there are some good brands and I'll review them before the summer

[@russellromig8969]

Altama, they still do the old school basic and jungles, cost around 200 for a pair.

[@xc8487]

Nick's Boots in Spokane is the ultimate leather boot. They now have a tactical style that has a rubber midsole and polyurethane sole for added water resistance.

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Very good. I like it.

[@bd3199]

what about belleville?

[@trailurchin7369]

The Rocky S2V’s HATE mud. While they are comfy, they don’t dig in clay and ssssslip!

[@nateminegar6974]

Here’s a question for Q|A: do you shoot for the 15 minute per mile standard or other and how much does your ruck weigh typically? I usually shoot for 50 to 65 pounds. I’m a volunteer firefighter so when I’m geared up I’m wearing about 60 pounds which includes the air pack.

[@GruntProof]

I'll add that, thanks

[@nateminegar6974]

Randall, maybe a better question in terms of weight would be not how many pounds should we carry but what percentage of your body weight should you ruck. 25%? 40%?

[@GruntProof]

Now that's a tough one

[@tracyrreed]

@@GruntProof And if we're talking % of body weight please specify that it's % of *healthy* body weight. We don't need obese 300lb folks thinking they can go out with 300*.25=75lb of Coca-cola and Twinkies in their ruck! :)

[@albertw6461]

Hey Randall Thanks a lot for the advice. Thinking about getting a lowa zephyr and training for some rucking events. I am a bit concerned about the goretex material for ventilation/draining…any thoughts on that?

[@GruntProof]

I really believe waterproof boots especially goretex is a marketing lie. In my experience they just take longer to dry out. I'll talk about this more later.

[@albertw6461]

@@GruntProof i agree - GoreTex is good for mountaineering but not built for rucking. Thinking about getting a none-goretex version given their light weight

[@floydvaughn836]

Go to Homemade Wanderlust re: Gore Tex footwear. O.K., it's a woman, and a backpacker, not a badass ruck marcher. BUT...so called amateurs learn by doing, not by rote. My own experience with so called waterproof boots breaks down like most others. If your waterproof boots are six inches tall, you WILL step in a seven inch hole. Your waterproof boot will be soaked and take forever to dry out.

[@betaomega04]

KNow it's been a couple of years since you posted this, but try to look for a cobbler in your area or a shoe hospital. The should be able to put some life back into your boots.

[@asmith7876]

The ultralight crowd with the dyneema packs and 20 pound loads in their dainty trail runners are all having a stroke right now! Imagine 5 pounds of boot! I was an experienced backpacker and hiker before I joined the Army so boots and a pack were no big deal, except the boots back then sucked. No better than a piece of car tire rubber with a leather upper and some laces. Cheap shit and the sand ate them through them like nothing. I hope newer stuff is better, sounds like it is!

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Sure wish I knew what “rucking” was !

[@GruntProof]

I just completed an entire series on it

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

@@GruntProof Excellent! Where is it and what is it called? I searched and couldn’t find it.

[@GruntProof]

kzbin.info/aero/PLY_LDVvBRvjQRj50lWiZSR5Uk96AGv4bK

[@marcoantonioretamoza]

Pon un negocio aquí en mi ciudad De Venta de Botas Militares Tijuana BCN!!!

[@GruntProof]

wut?

[@johnsteele2986]

Did you ever use the CFP90 that came out in woodland that was supposed to replace ALICE?

[@GruntProof]

No

[@johnsteele2986]

@@GruntProof I had one for a bit and it seemed quite comfortable but it would almost certainly fail the gruntproof test!

[@asmith7876]

My Gregory back pack was off getting replaced under warranty and I needed a pack for a trip coming up. Walking through a consignment shop I see some odd pack, turns out to be the CFP90, minus the smaller pack that comes with it. I didn't know that, but it was only $22 and although just a tad dusty appeared to be brand new. It's HUGE. It will easily hold more than you can lift. It's basically a civilian design mountaineering/backpacking pack in woodland camo with the holes for the ALICE clips, plus straps galore. I used it for packing in 3 miles into the woods, loaded like a sherpa for a glamping-style weekend. Had a good 50 pounds in it going in. I couldn't quite get the fit dialed in but I only used it the one time. Got my new Gregory finally but I'll keep the surplus pack just in case. I've seen them for sale new for $200. I wouldn't pay that for it, but I'm a cheap SOB. Pick one up cheap enough and give it a shot. It really is gigantic! Oops, I see your comment, you already tried one. Not sure how durable it would be in the long run.

[@joeygoguen1525]

@@asmith7876 I never had an internal frame bag any quirks compared to external frames?

[@GruntProof]

I've tried a few but not my thing

[@jeremystill5442]

🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@concretecowboy4212]

👍✌ 💯 🇺🇸 thxs