What are some highly recommended boots for Air Assault, more so focused on the 12 mile ruck March?

2018-08-16T04:19:06-04:00

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 4:26 AM

2018-08-16T04:26:55-04:00

I’ve currently been using the Rocky C4Ts for training, but on my rucks I get shin splints too early. Just bought the highly praised Garmont T8 Bifidas in hopes the cushioning will provide more comfort on my shins.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 4:34 AM

2018-08-16T04:34:37-04:00

Garmonts IMO

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 6:08 AM

2018-08-16T06:08:34-04:00

Belville ultra light Assaults

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 7:30 AM

2018-08-16T07:30:17-04:00

I don’t have a specific boot. You just have to find one that is comfortable to you. For sure whatever boot you get break them in before doing a 12 miler

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Aug 16 at 2018 7:58 AM

2018-08-16T07:58:23-04:00

I’ve done a couple 100 mile ruck marches and several 12 and 20 milers. What I learned is that it’s not so much the boot but the insole and your feet. You want some kind of sport/gel insole and you want your feet hardened (pre ruck marches). If you got soft feet then put mole skin on your heels and balls of feet with a nylon and good quality cushioning sock over it. Make sure the boot is snug not too tight or loose. Just use a boot that’s broken in. Stay in front of the pace man or you WILL NOT catch up. Run/jog downhills or flats. Good luck.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Aug 16 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-08-16T09:24:37-04:00

Regulation footwear of your choosing. Just make sure they are broke in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 9:35 AM

2018-08-16T09:35:23-04:00

I've used to Garmont T8 NFS for a while now, including during AASLT, and more 12 milers than I care to count. I've never had issues with them, or with getting blisters.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 9:37 AM

2018-08-16T09:37:15-04:00

All good feedback gentleman! Thank you!

Response by SFC Harry H. made Aug 16 at 2018 11:45 AM

2018-08-16T11:45:38-04:00

I wasn’t the best road marcher at all. I generally held my own, but I struggled. When I got to Air Assault School that was the only thing that I thought stood in my way. I was so worried. I was the first of all my peers to go too. Come to find out, road march was the least of my worries, it was sling loads. Not to worry you, but I watched so many drop around because of that event. “Attention to detail”. Once I made it past that with flying colors. The only thing that stood in my way was the dreaded 12 miler. I was told don’t kill myself and just stay out in front of the pace man. Nervous and excited to be so close to graduation, I didn’t want anything to do with the pace man. I didn’t want defeat nipping me in the butt the whole way. So I pushed on, leaned into it on the ups and ran the downs. I finished within the top 20 out of 100+ Soldiers. One of my greatest accomplishments.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 4:17 PM

2018-08-19T16:17:26-04:00

Look into Garmont NFS boots. They are lighter than the T8s, dry a little quicker, and provide a good amount of durability.