Are you wondering what could be the best boots for rucking? If so, then I am happy to inform you that you have stumbled upon the right article.
Rucking is one of those activities you either do or just watch in awe from the sidelines It involves walking long miles for hours on end with a heavy load on your back. It can be done intentionally, as a form of exercise, or it can be a part of your regular job ( as for soldiers in the military).
It is similar to hiking, that’s for sure. But the key difference is the purpose. People usually go hiking with the purpose to visit certain places, while rucking is, as I have already said, a form of exercise with added resistance.
However, rucking can also be pretty much unintentional. Any time you have been traveling with heavy bags and suitcases, carrying backpacks filled with books to school, or even commuting to work – you have been rucking.
Carrying some sort of weight is a natural part of life, and it can be pretty beneficial, too. But, this activity requires appropriate gear, for sure, a.k.a. a good pair of shoes.
Some people say that a regular pair of sneakers will do the trick, while others believe that hiking boots are the best option.
The problem is that sneakers are usually very lightweight and don’t offer the right amount of support and protection for this kind of activity. While hiking boots are too sturdy, too tight, and oftentimes not breathable enough.
So, a challenging activity like rucking needs a pair of shoes that falls somewhere in between these two – they need to be flexible and lightweight, very supportive and protective, durable and comfortable, breathable and well-ventilated.
To find out what are the top 6 rucking boots which have all of these features, keep on reading this article!
What are the best boots for rucking?
1. Danner Men’s Tachyon Military And Tactical Boots
We are starting off strong with these Danner Men’s Tachyon Military And Tactical Boots. Due to some of their amazing features, these boots are definitely one of the most famous rucking boots currently on the market.
They are made out of 100% leather textile material, which makes them very flexible and sturdy. The flexibility is necessary because it ensures your mobility isn’t constrained, and you’re able to properly walk, run, or jump. And the sturdiness is important because it guarantees the boots end up being more durable.
The shaft of these boots measures around 6.5” from the arch, and they feature rubber outsoles. The outsoles are relatively flat which is fine for surfaces like sand or tile. They ensure good slip and abrasion resistance and traction attainment. However, this makes them less ideal for colder weather.
These boots are said to be extremely lightweight and comfortable. Some people even said that they feel like a regular pair of athletic sneakers. So, you can rest assured that you won’t be having any blisters with these boots, no matter how long you end up walking.
They are also very breathable and the feet inside them manage to stay dry even during the hottest weather. This is because this brand pays close attention to two important features, which are circular side outlets and open-cell polyurethane footbeds.
With these features, the air that otherwise gets trapped inside, gets to circulate, leaving the boots well-ventilated.
The disadvantages of these boots are that they are not waterproof and not fully approved by the military. Nevertheless, they are still among the best boots for rucking. They can cost anywhere between $110 to $180.
2. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Tactical Boots
Unlike the previous pair, these FREE SOLDIER Men’s Tactical Boots have a more urban look to them and therefore can be worn every day during winter, and not just for rucking.
They are made out of abrasion-resistant suede leather with Ripstop 1000D Nylon, which is a type of reinforced fabric for added protection and prolonged wearing. This combination of materials is extremely lightweight and breathable, but also comfortable, durable, and water-resistant.
These boots come with non-slip and wear-resistant rubber outsoles and with extra cushioned and shock-absorbent EVA midsoles. These features ensure great performance and provide enhanced protection and incredible comfort.
What’s great about these boots is that they come with removable POLIYOU insoles that are machine-washable, too.
These boots are also very flexible and great to wear on uneven terrain. They are perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, running, combat, military, and rucking, too. They come in a couple of neutral colors and cost around $60.
3. Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military Boots
The third on our list are these Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military Boots. They feel as light as regular tennis shoes while still offering the much-needed ankle support for rucking.
Made out of 100% suede, the construction of these boots also features durable nylon webbing and 8 metallic eyelets. Some people think that having 8 eyelets makes them too tight, but that’s an easily solvable problem – just make sure you don’t tie them too tight.
The materials these boots are made out of ensure they are very breathable and well-ventilated. These materials are said to be quick-drying, which is suitable for extremely wet areas and weather.
These boots come with PU breathable footbeds and EVA midsoles. These features ensure extraordinary comfort and flawless performance while walking for hours on end.
Of course, these boots simply have to be non-slip. Their outsoles are made out of durable, slip-resistant rubber with deep treads for amazing grip and traction.
These boots are said to run a bit smaller. So, keep that in mind if you decide to buy them, and go for half a size up.
Other than this sizing issue, these boots are truly one of the best boots for rucking. And their price is not that bad either. They cost around $170, but you can often find them on sale.
4. IODSON Men’s Ultralight Combat Boots
The fourth place on our list was taken by these very budget-friendly boots. Despite the price being so low, the quality of these boots is impeccable.
First things first, these are extremely lightweight. Made out of suede leather, these boots weigh only around 1.65 lbs, which is incredible for long routes. With this pair, foot fatigue will soon become a thing of the past.
This material also ensures the boots are breathable and well-ventilated. With these boots on, your feet will remain dry during both extremely cold and hot weather.
These boots are also very durable, and supportive, and offer great protection. The material is scratch-resistant, and the gusseted tongue prevents any dirt and debris from entering the boots. The ankle support and toe-reinforcement guarantee safety.
The dual EVA soles are there to offer cushioned comfort and stability and ensure good grip and traction on all kinds of terrain.
These boots are perfect for various outdoor activities, not just rucking. They are great for hiking, motorcycling, hunting, forest explorations, and more. And they only cost around $50.
5. NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Boots
These NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Boots are another one of the best boots for rucking. They are said to be perfect for hot weather because they keep the feet dry and ensure the air circulation is at its best.
Made out of high-abrasion leather, these boots are extremely breathable but also provide great foot protection. They come with removable, shock-absorbing cushioned insoles and flexible EVA soles which reduce foot fatigue and offer all-day comfort and support.
The outsoles of these shoes are made out of slip and abrasion-resistant rubber which will ensure you remain stable on the ground without any falling or slipping. Their outsoles also provide great traction, so they are perfect for various terrains.
These boots are considered to be both outdoor and indoor boots. You can wear them for your regular work and take them on hiking, hunting, climbing, cycling, and so on.
And, they are also very affordable and cost around $80.
6. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Boots
These Timberland boots are perfect for rucking in winter. When paired with a high-quality pair of wool socks, you can say goodbye to frozen toes and cold feet.
These low-top boots are made out of 100% full-grain leather. This means that they are extremely durable and able to withstand various conditions. They are also waterproof, which is an amazing feature for winter boots to have.
What’s interesting about these boots is that they are very environmental-friendly. The ReBOLT fabric lining is made out of recycled plastic bottles and the rubber lugs on their outsoles are also recycled. So, if these things matter to you, then look no further – you have found the right pair for you!
The rubber outsoles are slip-resistant and offer great traction. The toe box is roomy enough for your feet to feel free and not constrained, and there’s plenty of room for thicker and fuzzier socks.
Due to EVA midsoles, these boots are very comfortable and suitable for walking long miles for hours on end without any foot fatigue.
Their only downside is that their footbed is very thin. However, that can be fixed by wearing thicker socks or adding removable insoles.
All in all, these are some amazing boots and worth spending an extra penny or two. Their price is usually around $120, but they can often be found on sale.
