Best Shoes/Boots for GORUCK

What are the best shoes or boots for rucking? That’s the question we posed to our readers in early 2017 with our first annual “Best of Rucking” survey.

Below are the top three shoes/boots recommended by our readers, especially for those looking to complete a GORUCK Light, Tough, or Heavy.

NOTE: GORUCK has officially launched its own rucking boot, the MACV-1 which looks to be a serious contender for best rucking shoe/boot. Check it out.

#1 – Salomons

The contest wasn’t even close. Salomons won by a long shot, getting 4 times more recommendations than their closest competition. Salomon XA Pro 3d were named most frequently with other Salomon X series shoes as well.

Best rucking shoe according to readers. Click to shop for Salomon XA Pro 3D.

#2 – Moab Ventilators

While not as popular as the Solomons, the Moab Ventilators came in second place in our voting. As the name indicates, they have a lot of ventilation which is not only good for keeping your feet cool, but it makes for great drainage whenever your feet get wet.

The Moab Ventilators are a great rucking shoe. Click to shop for a pair.

#3 – Rocky C4T or 5C5

While the vast majority of shoes recommended are shoes, Rockey did manage to crack the top 3 with just a few less votes than the Moabs above. If you’re considering boots over shoes, it would appear our readers would point you in the direction of either the Rocky C4T or the Rockey C5C.

Looking for rucking boots? Shop for a pair of Rocky.

Honorable Mention

A common theme in the survey results is that shoes are a great way to go. Two other popular shoes in the survey were Brooks adrenaline and any Nike running shoe.

Notice any shoes/boots left out of our top 3 that should be included? What do you wear for your GORUCK Light, Tough, or Heavy? Let know in the comments below.

7 Comments

Thomas

March 7, 2018 at 6:56 pm / Reply

HI. I appreciate all the information here. I am new to rucking – I have a few group rucks and rucks on my own under my belt, with a GORUCK tough event coming up at end of April. Looking to nail down my shoe. I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the Salomon X Ultra Prime. The universal standard seems to be the Salomon XA Pro 3D, but that is a heftier pricetag. After buying a ruck, plates, the cost of the event, I’m ok with cutting a corner. My main question is will the X Ultra Prime handle water like the XA Pro 3D. They promise us we will get wet. This is my last concern before I buy. Any opinions?

thanks,

Ryan Burns

March 7, 2018 at 7:17 pm / Reply

I ruck in LaSportiva Wildcats, so I can’t speak to the Salmon’s specifically. My recommendation is that if you have an REI near you, see if they carry a pair. REI has a 100% return policy, even if you’ve worn the shoes. So, take them out, soak them with a hose, and go for a walk to see how they drain. Also, I’ve done events in my Brooks running shoes and did just fine. Shoes are important, but they are easy to overthink. Find something that feels good and drains. You’ll be fine.

March 8, 2018 at 1:48 am / Reply

Thanks Ryan. I did end up buying. I think I was putting too much thought. Ended up buying. Will put them through this test. I still have time to figure this out.