Yes, hiking shoes are suitable for rucking since my hiking shoes are often lighter than regular boots and more flexible (due to the use of durable textiles, both synthetic and natural), but they provide less ankle support.
This lack of restriction and support in a typical training session helps your feet and lower legs acquire greater mobility and strength.
I spent months studying and testing boots and shoes to find the finest rucking boots and shoes, understanding what makes them fantastic and who they’re ideal for.
Here is a list of benefits that I like in hiking shoes for rucking:
- Quality material
- Good grip outsole
- Great effect on breathability
- Sizeable height
- Better comfort
- Allows significant amount of weight
- Very durable
Now, let’s look at the characteristics of a shoe that make it suitable for rucking.
Material
Leather is the best material for rucking boot’s outside. Synthetic leather, full-grain leather, and split-grain leather are the varieties that are the most used varieties.
The primary distinctions are in the breathability and durability of the material.
In most cases, manufacturers combine nylon or Cordura with leather. Cordura is a robust fabric that is both abrasion and water repellent and is resistant to harm.
Outsole
The grip offered by the soles of a pair of rucking boots helps ensure that the wearer will not fall. The rubber should make up the whole of its composition.
Breathability
Breathable boots may spare you from discomfort and keep your feet dry to avoid serious blisters.
When shopping for the right pair, make sure they’re breathable enough to let air flow in and out.
When it’s hot outside and you’re rucking, breathability is even more crucial.
The material of the footwear has the most significant impact on breathability.
Despite being highly durable, full-grain leather is not highly breathable.
Split-grain leather has the most breathability, but it forgoes abrasion resistance. The limited airflow of synthetic leather also contributes to hot, sweaty feet.
Additionally, you ought to be aware that waterproof boots are less airy and require more time to dry after being wet.
Height
The taller the boot, the greater the amount of protection it offers. Rucking boots are typically available in three different sizes.
The typical height of low-cut boots is between four and five inches. You may use them for more minor everyday duties, shorter excursions, or lighter weights, all of which need less effort.
The recommended use for the shoe is in more metropolitan locations.
The best foot protection will come from boots with a mid-cut (six inches) or high-cut (eight inches) shaft.
They are a fantastic choice for walks of a longer duration and for carrying more oversized loads. These boots will perform to their full potential on the more rugged ground.
However, remember that the air circulation within the boots is less due to the higher cut.
Comfort
The discomfort caused by your shoes can ruin your rucking experience.
Luckily, the most refined rucking shoe models contour to your feet and are comfortable in both the bridge and the heel.
In terms of the toe box, there ought to be sufficient area for your toes to bend normally.
When going downhill, your toes should not be in contact with the front of your boots.
Insoles work to preserve your arches and prevent discomfort by absorbing the stress generated with each stride that you take.
The insole of the boot is the component that genuinely determines how pleasant the rucking experience is.
Insoles also offer additional padding, which might be useful when your toes are tired and suffering after a busy day of rucking.
Weight
Every kilogram matters when your feet are supporting your whole body mass and load.
The lightweight your rucking boots are, the simpler it will be for you to move about in them.
Consider getting a pair of boots that weighs less than two pounds if you value speed and comfort.
Remember that lighter boots are less durable, so unless you want to purchase new boots every year, don’t go crazy with your search for the perfect pair of lightweight boots.
Durability
When looking for the finest boots for rucking, one of the most important factors to take into account is durability.
After all, lifespan is the fundamental distinction between rucking boots and the shoes you wear daily.
The material and construction of the boot are the primary factors that decide its longevity.
Are hiking Boots Good for Rucking?
Yes. Hiking boots are for rucking since the most significant indicators of whether or not a hiking shoe is beneficial to you are how well it performs over time and in a variety of different environments.
You can use the following qualities to get the best hiking shoes that you can go rucking with it:
- Material
- Outsole
- Breathability
- Height
- Comfort
- Weight
- Durability
