Quite a few months ago I had a comment on a post asking what type of boots and socks I use. I know in the past I have written about boots, blisters, and foot care ad nauseum. I suffered through a lot of bad blisters over the past couple of years, mostly to poor fitting boots. And I tried everything that was suggested to me by former Infantry guys and then some. Suffered is an understatement.
After wearing Naval steel toe flight boots, Army GI issue boots (23 years worth), reading a lot of boot reviews, talking to other joes, and a number of bad choices, I landed on Rocky boots, S2V type. I have rucked, did some running in them, and with around 500 miles over the last year and change. I, have not had any major foot issues since wearing these bad boys. The only 2 things I have done since the initial purchase was to replace the insoles with the same Rocky branded type that I bought direct from Rocky for around $30. I just wore out the original set out, so they needed replacing. The other was, I just used some GI suede boot cleaner/conditioner to keep the leather pliable.
This is not a sales pitch for Rocky boots, but I highly suggest a consideration if you are shopping for hiking boots.
The stitching is solid (triple stitched) and I have not had any separation of any kind anywhere on the boot so far. The Vibram soles still look like the day I took them out of the box and the laces have held up very well with no wear or rub marks from pulling them though the eyelets. The inside of the soles are made for Air Assault repelling (which is not something I do on my weekends) High Walled I think is the term Rocky uses along with a Cordura patch for abrasion resistance. Rocky thought these boots out for the person or warrior that will be living in their boots.
The point I am trying to make is, with so many kinds of boots on the market you may have to spend some money, do research to find the kind of boot that is right for you. I think an even bigger issue is you have to walk in them, with weight on your back. Just can’t get around it. You have to walk with a pack on your back.
Boots are like anything else you have to find what works for you. My friend wears Keens, I can’t I need the extra ankle support that Keen’s do not offer me.
Socks, again like the boots above. You just have to try different types out. I have worn cotton white tube socks, GI issue socks, Fox brand socks, and a couple others that I can’t remember the names of. I settled on Bass Pro Red Head Mountain Bear socks. Just can’t beat them in my book. The Red Heads are knee high, a wool blend that washes in a normal laundry cycle and dries quickly.
As long as you are changing your socks you won’t have foot issues. Just a fact.
I normally change my socks every 5 miles or so when I am rucking. Just having dry socks on (winter or summer) not only keeps your feet in good shape, but dry socks are a real moral booster.
What do you do with your wet socks? hang them off the back of your ruck and let them dry as you walk. Simple huh?
That’s my thought’s. Everyone is different, feet sweat more, or less. Need more ankle support, blister easy or less, wear their boots tighter or looser. But, to beat a dead horse, you have to ruck march with a weighted pack.
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