What is the best boot for use in Ranger School/ SFAS?

2017-12-26T16:06:42-05:00

Which is you alls favorite all around boot for non garrison? Looking to purchase a new set of boots for FTXs and Ruck Marches

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 26 at 2017 4:14 PM

2017-12-26T16:14:50-05:00

You'll get 20 different answers from 20 different folks as well as some uniform Nazis who don't understand the difference between garrison and field work, but I always liked Danner. If you have some leniency with the regs in schools like that Merrill makes great boots/hiking shoes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-12-26T16:37:46-05:00

Altama Mil Spec Army Hot Weather Boot, 423002, Tan is a good boot for long distance rucking. I've never had to do any of that crazy rip out the liner, soak it in the blood of an 18 year old virgin to break in, and have it retreaded with the hide of an albino Sasquatch to get them comfortable to walk in. The biggest thing you can do is make sure you have a sole insert that breathes (rubber ones make your feet sweat and wet feet means soft feet), and that you have your arches supported well (some people get custom inserts and they make a world of difference in making a boot fit right to your foot). You'll also want a boot that dies fast so a boot with more nylon materiel as opposed to more leather is better. The extra thick soft foam between the sole and the leather upper in the Altama boot helps out with absorbing the repeated shock of walking fast with a heavy ruck, but they are a little heavy so that's the negative trade off.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 26 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-12-26T17:20:25-05:00

Never thought of going to Ranger school, I've always used good old combat boots, but you'll want something that is rugged, yet comfortable.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 5:43 PM

2017-12-26T17:43:13-05:00

Never been to Ranger School but have humped a bit. Best answer - a well broken-in pair with good support. Not the time to break in a new pair unless they are some proven high-speed low-drag boots. I believe there is a lot of water during phases, so moisture and drainage should be considered. I've read about a segment that was at Eglin in FL. May not still be but I've read about hyperthermia cases. Plenty of hard chargers on RP could offer best advice. Maybe query some of the SOF blogs also. Ask some friends what worked for them. Socks are important too. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 6:09 PM

2017-12-26T18:09:20-05:00

I used these bad boys and loved them when I went. I also had a pair of Danners version of nikes boots. Tried some standard issue in pre Ranger that tore my feet up so I don't recommend those at all.

Response by MSG John Joseph made Dec 26 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-12-26T18:32:40-05:00

That question will probably overwhelm you with more info than you need. Everyone has their go to model which are probably going to run in the high dollar range. Never had issues with Raichle boots which were issued in 10th SFG. I'm still using them this day after 10 years. Not sure how your unit would view you wearing them but better ask some questions before throwing out the money then told to keep them back in garrison. If I remember, SFAS and Ranger school both used the standard army issued BS at the time and didn't stray to give anyone an advantage. The Q-course did allowed us to modify our equipment and uniforms so there was allot of good things seen from guys from Ranger RGT and Infantry units who moved forward from SFAS.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 26 at 2017 11:41 PM

2017-12-26T23:41:52-05:00

Can't speak to the SF applications, but after a career spent traipsing the steel decks of ships (as opposed to dirt, sand, mud etc, mind you), I've found that you can't go wrong with Red Wings.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 8:42 AM

2017-12-27T08:42:34-05:00

I used the standard issue Altama boots for IOBC and Ranger school. Before that I tried several different boots on ruck marches and they all tore the bottoms of my feet up. Then I was introduced to Soles insoles. They're about $30 a pair but I put them in my boots and went through IOBC, Ranger School and a tour in Iraq and never got another blister on the bottom of my feet.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-01-15T09:36:53-05:00

Like MSG Joseph said, there are a ton of great boots. In my experience the most commonly used boot was the T8 Bifida and NFS. Pretty light, dry well and have great ankle support. I loved them and used them almost exclusively in all three phases. For Darby and Mountains, they're by far my favorites.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-01-17T12:02:35-05:00

Garmonts man. I have a pair of T8 Bifidas and the NFSs. They both lasted through ranger school and then some. The only issues I had was that they take a bit longer to dry than some other boots like Nike's. But they take care of your feet, they're comfy, and sturdy enough to not fall apart.
Make sure to have good socks. Darn Tough socks and Garmonts got my feet through school.

Response by Samuel Lantor made Feb 4 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-02-04T08:45:59-05:00

Yeah I agree with John Joseph, there would be a lot of choices. For example I was using Danner Tachyon Duty Boots they are standart for US Air Force AFI 36-2903 (https://bootsgeek.com/best-boots-for-ranger-school/). But I don't know standarts for your ranger boots. So maybe you would ask your ranger school. Because my boots were not heavy, so I could run fast without any problems.

10 best boots for ranger school in 2019 picked by Expert [Buying Guide]

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Response by Paul Parker made Jun 18 at 2019 10:09 AM

2019-06-18T10:09:46-04:00

There are a lot of shoes for ranger school. My opinion is that you just need one thing that is tight in picking out wet. I'd in person accompany the Garmont T8 for normal daily use. Here is the articles link that you can find the details reviews. https://footweargeeky.com/best-boots-for-ranger-school/

The 7 Best Boots for Ranger School, Ruck Marching & SFAs in 2019 - FootwearGeeky

Are you trying to find the best pair of boots for your next ruck march or a Twelve-Mile Run? Let us break it down for you!