Ever heard of a very difficult military training called, “Ranger School?” Well, you have about a year before you should be looking at your calendar to see the first class opens to volunteers.
In order to even apply to Ranger school, you have to be at least in the rank of E 1-5. As a volunteer for Ranger School, you should prepare yourself by investing in boots that will support your feet with proper structure, traction, and comfort. If you’re in the market for the right boots, this article should give you some insight in the market for Ranger boots.
Before we start, let’s define the boots we’re talking about, what features to look for in boots, and how to identify the best pair of Ranger boots.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmont Men's T8 Bifida Tactical Military | Best Overall |  |
| Smith & Wesson Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots | Budget Pick |  |
| Rocky Men's Rkc050 Military and Tactical Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Garmont Men's T8 Bifida Tactical Military
Pros:
- Made for Military operations
- These boots are built to last; Garmont has a reputation of producing some of the most reliable footwear on the market
- You will be safe in these; the T8 Bifida has a steel shank
- Truly waterproof
T8 Bifida is a solid and rugged military boot built for extended periods of wear and tear. The upper leather and nylon mesh construction is conducive to breathability. The treads are aggressive enough for getting hard work done while still providing exceptional traction.
The T8 Bifida uses Garmont’s G Fit system for an excellent fit out of the box.
The liners are made of dual-density Dri-Lex with an anatomic shape and padded tongue that contours to the foot.
2. Oakley Men's Light Assault Boot 2 Boots
Pros:
- Waterproof leather and nylon construction
- Rubber sole
- Breathable, molded PU insole
- Lace placement allows a wider fit
- Protective, comfortable toe guard
- Durable constructions including an oil-resistant midsole
- Breathe-o-Prene fabric at tongue and lining
- Snug fit with excellent ankle support
- Compatible with a wide selection of duty gear
Cons:
- The front toe section is a bit heavy
- The metal parts are exposed, so they could chip or rust
Oakley is a top-of-the-line manufacturer of tactical gear and military boots. Their Men's Light Assault Boots II is equipped with everything you need to keep your feet protected and supported on the patrols.
The mesh fabric lining works to keep things dry when the weather turns up. The ankle and heel are secured with a powerful, yet soft padding, a feature that makes these boots appropriate for long missions.
The sole of this US Army Ranger boot is also one of the most important features. It has a rubber compound that can take on whatever obstacle the task requires. Just like the rest of the boot, the sole is built to face any weather condition.
3. Rocky Men's Rkc050 Military and Tactical Boot
Pros:
- Great ankle support
- Water resistant, so you can jump in any mud
- Pretty rugged
- Good traction
Cons:
- Samsons might be slightly better for long hikes
- Strap is a little difficult to adjust
The Rocky RKCO50 is a very functional work boot mostly meant for medium-sized feet. It is a reliable, heavy-duty boot with a narrow profile.
Although it’s not approved for climbing, it’s one of the most comfortable boots for rangers, thanks to its relaxed ankle support and padded tongue and collar.
The uppers are 100% nylon with an oil-resistant toe and a waterproof lining …’”“to be specific—, Gore-Tex. The uppers also have a leather lining on top of a two-way zipper. They are hot out of the box but you will adjust as you break them in.
4. B Belleville Arm Your Feet Men's ONE Xero C320 Ultra Light Assault Boot
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Great ankle support
- Great price
The Belleville ONE Xero C320 is an ultra light tactical boot made of a carbonized rubber material which has a little bit of elasticity, just enough to help you get the boot on and off but not enough to stretch out and make your feet feel like they’re being squashed when the boots are laced up.
The Belleville ONE is a waterproof boot thanks to its rubberized material, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet. You won’t have to learn how to lace the boot in either. The lace system has a great rigid structure thanks to the semisynthetic leather which makes your feel stable and balanced while sprinting across rough terrain.
The Belleville ONE Xero C320 is also a great cold weather boot. The Belleville ONE Xero C320 has a specialized lining which will keep your feet warm, and the rugged rubber sole offers good traction on most terrain.
5. Smith & Wesson Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots
Pros:
- Designed to be rugged and durable
- Great ankle support
- Very affordable
8.5 M US
As well as being among the most popular footwear of choice for law-enforcement professionals, these boots are also among the most popular choices for men looking to graduate boot camp.
The S&W Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots are known for being tough, comfortable and affordable.
6. 5.11 Tactical ATAC Men's 8" Leather Jungle Combat Military Coyote Boots
Pros:
- Water resistant leather, but not guaranteed to repel water
- Lasts a long time
- Comfortable as well as durable
Cons:
- A little on the heavy side
- Not good in extreme cold, but is fine in mild conditions
These combat boots are perfect for those who plan to put them through a lot of action. The VIBRAM® TEX® outsole is designed to handle anything you can hunt, from the jungles of the Amazon to the mountains of Afghanistan. The soles have deep pods, which provide great traction and support when on rough ground and an increase in surface area for greater stability.
The upper shell is made of genuine leather, is rated waterproof, and receives excellent reviews from those who have worn them through rainstorms without having their feet get wet. The insole and tongue are padded and absorb shock well. You won't experience the pain of hard hits and jolts while wearing these boots.
The lace-to-toe design, pull loops, and pull straps are there for quick on and off. The five lace eyelets in the instep provide the best fit for the widest range of feet. The lacing system is easily adjustable and can be adjusted while wearing the boot.
7. Original S.W.A.T. Men's Classic 9-Inch Tactical Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof: The waterproof membrane boots you from the inside but also keeps moisture away from your feet
- Durable: The feet protection from sharp objects
- Stable: The sole of this boot will make sure that you do not lose your balance on rough terrain or carry a heavy load for long distances
- Comfortable: The height of the inner sole will make sure that you feel comfortable when walking for long distances
Cons:
- This is not the ideal boot for winter months when snow and ice are common because of the lack of insulation
- The weight of the boot can be uncomfortable after a long time, especially over rough terrain
This is the best tactical boot in the market right now. It can be worn by beginners and professionals alike.
8. Danner Men's Desert TFX G3 8-Inch Duty Boot
Pros:
- Great for field work
- Very well made
- The Desert version is lightweight for hot weather duty
Designed to be the best military issue combat boot and they deliver in this regard. The Vibram MegaGrip sole is infused with aggressive traction for greater grip in rocky terrains, and the lugs are placed to shed mud.
For those who have to venture out in tough, waterlogged terrains during their duties, the TFX Combat boots have a Gore-Tex liner that extends the feet’ dryness three times longer than the standard nylon line boots.
The boots also have abrasion resistance on heel and toe. Their shock absorption properties are developed using a composite midsole, which is why these duty boots have much less impact on your body when you run compared to the standard leather boot.
9. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” Duty Boots
Pros:
- Good for stomping around in water
- Good grip on mud, slippery surfaces
- Strong and durable
- Good for all kinds of seasons
- Good for all kinds of weather
- You can wear these boots in all weather conditions
- It can be an outdoor boot, an indoor duty boot
- It is the best military boot
Cons:
- It is heavy
- It needs some breaking in
- The boots could be better with waterproofing
- The boots could be lighter
- They can be a little hard to break in
This is one of the main reasons why this boot is on our list. It is perfect for flying over and through obstacles. The boot has light, impact-resistant uppers made of Brown Nubuck leather.
The Tachyon is a solid boot made of a strong leather upper. They are ideal for all seasons because of the Omni-Heat insulated lining. These thermal systems make it so you can wear these boots with socks or without.
Another good choice for durability is the fact that the Tachyon has a traditional stitch-down construction, which means the upper and the insole are stitched together. It’s another way the Danner has designed their boots to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of boots do Navy Seals wear?
The reason the Navy SEALs have become so popular over the past decade is because their hardcore training approach has caught on with the media. I love it when special forces operatives show pics of their rucksacks and what they carry with them. An operator’s go-to gear can tell them where they are based and when they joined the service.
In my experience, Navy SEALs wear a lot of La Sportiva S1V boots. When these guys head out to train in the field or on a mission they wear these great boots which is kinda cool.
What are the best boots for rucking?
While most ruckers prefer minimalist boots, some prefer big, monstrously padded boots. These people tend to be older or those who are more experienced. Why?
It’s actually just preference. What works for some people will not necessarily work for others. One of the biggest factors with boots is the fit of the boot. If they are not comfortable, then they will trip your form up and they may not protect you when you need it most. Some people are used to enormous boots from years of military service/life, so for them, anything with less padding doesn’t feel right.
My personal recommendation is to stick with minimalist boots with a uniformed style (laces at the top). However, if you already have a high-end, ankle-high, wide-toe boot, then stick with it.
What boots do special operations wear?
Most special operations forces wear things like the Rocky S2V or the Bates GX-8. Keen boots are also popular. Basically, just about anything that is comfortable and lightweight, yet provides ankle support. Timberland boots are also popular for everyday use but not for deployments.
Are free soldier boots good?
Yes. They are good. They are great even.
You can find free boots from your local Army recruiting station, at some Army surplus stores, used online, or even on eBay.
Before you buy any boots, be sure to take measure of your foot size and gait pattern to find the best boots for you. Obviously, you want boots that fit you well and offer the best comfort and performance. You also want to choose a boot that has a sturdy sole, which is important when hiking long distances and walking over uneven terrain.
Conclusion
Be sure to find a pair that fits properly, offers great stability and weather protection, and improves footing on difficult terrain for the benefit of your knees and ankles.
Pick a pair that is built heavy-duty that is going to last and offers great protection from the elements. Do not underestimate the wisdom of getting advice from other veterans when it comes to selecting a pair of new boots for the rigors of Ranger school.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmont Men's T8 Bifida Tactical Military | Best Overall | |
| Smith & Wesson Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots | Budget Pick | |
| Rocky Men's Rkc050 Military and Tactical Boot | Upgrade Pick | |