Decided to take up rucking but you can’t seem to find the right pair of boots? This detailed guide to the best boots for rucking will help!
At A Glance: Best Boots For Rucking
Rucking, though it offers a lot of benefits, is a physically challenging activity so comfort is one of the most important things to look for in the best rucking boots. But it’s not just about comfort – the perfect pair should be supportive, durable, and offer enough grip and traction to get you through rucking sessions anywhere. Read on to see which rucking boots will do all of the above, and find that one pair that’s just right for you!
![]() | Best Low Top Rucking Boots
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![]() | Best Military-Compliant Rucking Boots
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The Salomon XA Forces military boots are a good option if you want footwear suitable for all weather conditions. They’re designed for the Special Forces, so the boots are lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, and breathable, for ultimate performance in changing weather conditions.
The uppers are made from full-grain nubuck leather, with mesh inserts for improved breathability of the shoe. They’ve also got a dual-density midsole that absorbs shock and impact, as well as a comfortable Ortholite insole that offers support in your every step.
The Salomon boots are equipped with a Contagrip all-terrain rubber outsole, which provides plenty of grip and traction on different terrain types. Also, the quick-lace system means you can put these on and take them off in a matter of a few seconds, without fussing about with the laces.
These boots are available in full and half sizes, but only in the standard width. They fit true to size, so if you don’t require a wider cast, it won’t be too hard to get a pair that fits just right.
The Rocky S2V tactical boots are a good option if you’re specifically looking for AR 670-1 compliant rucking boots. They’re made from flash- and water-resistant leather and 1000D Cordura, for excellent performance regardless of the weather conditions.
These boots feature anti-microbial lining on the Rocky Air-Port footbed, so the interior of the boots stays fresh and clean for longer. The anti-microbial shield is paired with great breathability, which ensures that your feet stay dry and cool regardless of how hot it is outside.
The Rocky S2V boots also feature a fiberglass shank for improved stability, as well as a high-walled Vibram outsole that offers excellent grip and traction on all terrain. It’s a flexible sole with deep, multi-directional lugs that aggressively bite into the terrain, so you can go rucking anywhere you want in these boots.
In addition to that, the Rocky boots are available in Medium and Wide widths, as well as full and half sizes, so getting a pair that fits well shouldn’t be an issue.
The Under Armour Stellar boots are a great option for the ladies. They are made from leather and 900D nylon, for a lightweight but durable design of the uppers. This combination of materials is also quick-drying, which is great for wet weather performance.
The boots feature a molded EVA midsole with a reinforced TPU shank, which improves the stability, support, and protection they offer. They’ve got a low-profile rubber outsole with deep, multi-directional lugs, for excellent traction on all surfaces.
Breathability is another important feature of these boots. They feature UA Storm Technology, which is capable of repelling water without sacrificing the overall breathability of the boots, for the best performance in changing weather conditions.
The Stellar tactical boots for women are available in full and half sizes, plus they fit true to size. They require some breaking in out of the box, so be sure to take them out on test rides, before you put them on to go rucking.
The Goruck MACV-1 Mid-top boots are a great option if you want something exceptionally durable. They are made from full-grain leather and Cordura, with a 2” nylon webbing insert for improved ankle support. The webbing keeps out any water and debris, keeping your feet warm and comfortable even in changing conditions.
One feature that makes these boots an excellent option for rucking is the 13mm heel-to-toe-drop. The offset helps reduce the strain on your Achilles, as well as ankles, hips, and knees. The boots also feature a wider toe box, which will accommodate any swelling after long hours of rucking.
These Goruck boots also have a lightweight EVA midsole, an injection-molded plastic heel counter, and shielding drain holes that expel water. Each pair is equipped with a custom compression insert, for maximum rucking comfort. It uses a dense compression foam system, which can support your entire foot, from heel to toe. This includes contoured arch support, for maximum comfort in your every step.
The Goruck MACV-1 Mid-top boots are available in full and half sizes and they fit true to size. They’re not available in wide sizes specifically, but they do feature a wider toe box, so they should be a good fit for most people.
The Garmont T8 Bifida tactical boots are an excellent option for rucking. They’re made from suede leather, 600D nylon, and nylon webbing, for excellent performance in changing weather conditions. The materials are all breathable and quick-drying, so the boots should keep your feet cool in warm weather and dry in wet weather.
The tactical boots also feature a breathable PU footbed and an EVA insole that will keep your feet comfortable during long rucking sessions. It’s also worth noting that the T8 Bifida boots are remarkably lightweight, for maximum speed and agility.
They’re equipped with a rugged rubber sole from Vibram. It’s a very durable outsole with deep lugs that effortlessly bite into terrain. These boots will make you feel unstoppable, and you’ll be able to cover miles and miles of terrain without ever having to look down. They’re also slip-resistant, for the best performance in wet and cold weather.
Perhaps the best thing about these boots is that finding a size that fits well won’t be an issue. They’re available in standard and wide versions, with full and half sizes for both options, plus they fit true to size.
Finally, they’re AR 670-1 Compliant, so they’re a good option even if you’re looking for boots you can wear in the military.
The Tachyon boots from Danner are designed to mimic the performance of a shoe but in the cast of a boot. That’s because the brand has a long history of manufacturing work boots, and this fits right into their product range.
The boots are made from durable full-grain leather and 1000D nylon, for excellent durability and great performance in changing conditions. They’ve got a polyurethane footbed and an EVA midsole, for maximum wearing comfort. However, it’s worth noting that the boots are not lined, and they don’t feature any insulation whatsoever.
On top of that, they lack waterproofing, so they’re not the ideal solution for wet weather rucking sessions. These boots are best for warm weather conditions, mostly because of the excellent breathability that guarantees your feet stay cool and comfortable.
They’ve also got an aggressive Danner Tachyon outsole with pentagonal lugs that easily bite into the terrain, for plenty of grip and traction wherever you are. They are available in full and half sizes, as well as standard and wide casts, so finding the best fit shouldn’t be challenging. Women should go 1.5-2 sizes down for the best fit because they’re not made in a women-specific cast.
Looking for durable rucking boots that are also AR 670-1 complaint? The Belleville One Xero C320 boots are worth considering. They’re 8” boots and they’re made from leather, so they’re a great option for cold weather conditions. On the other hand, these combat boots also feature breathable nylon lining and ventilation inserts, for great performance in hot weather.
They’ve got a cushioned, Ultra-Lite polyurethane midsole that absorbs shock and impact, for maximum comfort. There’s also a removable single-density polyurethane insole for improved support.
The outsole of these rucking boots is Vibram Incisor with deep, aggressive, and multi-directional lugs. The boots perform incredibly well on rough and rugged terrain, offering enough grip and traction to get you through rucking sessions anywhere.
They don’t disappoint when it comes to sizing either. The Belleville One Xero C320 combat boots are available in full and half sizes, with wide and regular options for every (half) size. They fit a full size larger than running shoes, so consider that when purchasing a pair of these rucking boots.
The MACV-1 High Top boots are AR 670-1 compliant boots made from suede leather and 1000D Cordura. They are very durable boots that will protect your feet in changing weather conditions. These boots also have shielding drain holes that keep out sand and debris, as well as repel moisture, for the most comfortable rucking experience.
Although these boots are designed with the special forces and the military in mind, they’ve also got a couple of features that make them an amazing option for rucking. There’s the 13mm heel-to-toe offset that helps reduce the strain on your Achilles, ankles, knees, and hips, as well as the rugged, all-terrain outsole that promises traction and stability everywhere.
Just like the shorter version, these boots also have a wider toe box that can accommodate swelling in the feet and a custom compression insert that adjusts to your foot for maximum support in every step.
On top of that, the MACV-1 High Top combat boots have a premium suede heel counter, which helps stabilize the heel and prevent friction that usually causes blisters. They’re incredibly comfortable, supportive, stable, and lightweight, which makes them suitable for rucking and similar adventures.
The boots fit true to size and they’re available in full and half sizes. Goruck claims that there’s no break-in period, but it’s still smart to just take them out for a quick spin or two before you set out on a 6-hour rucking expedition in brand new MACV-1 rucking boots.
Keen Voyageur hiking boots are an excellent option if you’re not specifically looking for military-compliant rucking boots. They’re lightweight, durable, and breathable, for the best performance in hot weather. The boots feature mesh inserts on the sides for excellent breathability, which in turn helps minimize the chances of blisters.
The excellent breathability also reduces sweating and keeps your feet cool during long rucking sessions. The uppers of the boots are made from mesh and water-resistant leather, for the best performance in changing weather conditions.
Keen Voyageur hiking boots also feature a nylon shank for improved stability, as well as a contoured heel lock. They’ve got a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole and a metatomical EVA footbed, for maximum comfort. It’s worth noting that the footbed is removable, and you can replace it with something else should you require more support than the Voyageur boots offer.
In addition to that, these hiking boots from Keen also feature a rugged non-marking rubber outsole with 4mm multi-direction lugs. The rubber outsole is also rather flexible, so the entire shoe will bend with your feet.
The Keen hiking boots fit true to size and they’re available in both full and half sizes, allowing everyone to pick up a pair that fits them perfectly.
When in doubt, go with Salomon. The brand is truly a pioneer of all things outdoors, and you can usually find a good option in their product range, no matter what kind of shoes you’re specifically looking for. The Ultra GTX Low boots are primarily made for hiking, but the lightweight and supportive design makes them an excellent option for rucking as well.
The uppers of these shoes are made from durable synthetic materials. They also feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, for excellent performance in changing weather conditions. Gore-Tex is one of the best technologies in waterproof footwear – not only does it prevent water from entering the shoe, but the membrane also keeps the shoes breathable, allowing moisture inside the shoe to evaporate.
The Salomon hiking shoes are equipped with rugged Contagrip outsoles. They’re flexible and have deep and multidirectional lugs, for maximum grip and traction on rough terrain. On top of that, the shoes feature a comfortable Ortholite footbed, which offers plenty of heel and arch support.
These shoes fit true to size and they’re available in both full and half sizes. They also exist in a wider cast, so everyone should be able to pick up a pair that fits them perfectly.
Most people who take up rucking don’t just leisurely go out and walk for a mile or two with a mildly heavy backpack. They take it seriously, and they’re used to rucking for 8-10 miles at a time. If you’re one of those people, you need to make sure that you’re getting durable boots that won’t fall apart after just a couple of months.
Start with the materials. Look for genuine or eco-leather that’s mixed with either nylon or Cordura. These are all extremely durable materials that are resistant to abrasion and tears, and they will perform well on rugged terrain and in changing conditions.
Steel toe boots are also worth considering, especially if you’re used to rucking in extremely rugged terrain. They’re not the most comfortable option out of the bunch, but the steel toe protection will come in handy when dealing with rocky terrain.
Another thing to note is that you can always pick up proper military boots. They’re designed with durability in mind, plus they tend to be a bit more comfortable than the average rucking boot. Look for pairs that are AR 670-1 compliant, if you want to pick up a pair of rucking boots that soldiers would be envious of.
Rucking boots need to be comfortable and breathable, otherwise, you’ll barely be able to cover a couple of miles even if you’re used to covering a dozen. Ankle support, arch support, and comfortable insoles are all features you should look for in the ideal rucking boot.
If you require additional support or you often struggle with pain in your feet, look for boots with removable insoles. You can replace the factory insoles with your preferred ones, which will seriously help you stay comfortable.
Breathability is also very important for multiple reasons. First, you can’t go rucking in hot weather if your boots aren’t breathable. It won’t take long before you start to sweat, which is a recipe for blisters. Keeping your feet dry is essential for pleasant rucking, and they will stay dry if you purchase boots that offer good breathability.
It’s also important to note that socks play a big part here as well. Ditch the cotton socks and opt for Merino wool socks instead – they’re much more breathable and will perform better when rucking for long periods.
Finally, don’t forget to break in your rucking boots before you take them out for a spin. No boot is comfortable out of the box, especially if you’re going to walk around for several hours with a heavy backpack as soon as you take it out of the box. Take time to break in the boots to avoid blisters and painful feet after a long rucking session.
To get the most out of rucking you have to be confident in your every step. This won’t happen if you’re walking around in boots that offer zero traction – slipping around, tripping, and falling will be an issue in low-traction boots, so make sure that you’re only looking at pairs that offer plenty of grip and traction.
Look at the outsoles of the boots. They should be rugged, preferably made from durable and flexible rubber, with deep, multi-directional lugs that will bite into the terrain in front of you. Vibram soles are found in a lot of great rucking boots, so seeing the letter V on the outsole is a sign you’re on the right track.
However, it’s worth noting that not all of the best boots for rucking are equipped with Vibram soles. Many of the high-end brands manufacture their own outsoles, which can give Vibrant a run for their money.
Can’t decide on a single pair of rucking boots? Then go with one of our top three picks, depending on the style and features you’re prioritizing in your ideal rucking boots!
Go with the Salomon XA Forces tactical boots if you want low-top rucking boots that are weather-resistant and very comfortable. These are extremely lightweight with a breathable construction, which makes them an excellent option for rucking in hot weather. They’ve also got supportive Ortholite insoles and rugged Contagrip outsoles for the best performance.
Pick up the Goruck MACV-1 boots if you want lightweight boots made specifically for rucking. They’re made from premium materials, feature an extremely rugged outsole, and they’ve got a heel-to-toe drop that’s ideal for rucking. These boots also feature excellent breathability and water resistance, so they’re suitable for changing conditions.
The Under Armour Stellar boots are the best rucking boots for the ladies. They’re comfortable and supportive, with a rugged outsole that can keep you confident on any terrain. These boots also feature the brand’s proprietary UA Storm technology, which keeps them water-repellant without sacrificing any of the breathability of the shoe.
Follow the links in the post to see more photos and prices of all the rucking boots featured in this review. In case you want to check out even more options, you can find a lot of great alternatives in our related posts!
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