Top 10 GORUCK SEALFIT Event Boots

Every week, athletes get ready for GORUCK and SEALFIT events and they always ask: ‘Hey Coach, what boots do I need?’

It’s a big deal for these tough missions as you need your feet to help you finish the drill. You can do a 100 pushups and ruck #100 pounds – but if your feet fail – you are done.

So, we’ve put together a solid list to help those warrior athletes pick the best boots for their feet. We want them to learn from others’ experiences and make smart choices. Good luck out there!

There ain’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer, but a boot that’s just right for your feet and broken in real good? That’s like finding gold in these endurance runs. The perfect boots make a massive difference, giving you the support, comfort, and reliability you need in a GORUCK mission. Check out these boots that’ve been through the wringer in GORUCK missions. They’ve proven themselves in some seriously tough conditions.

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#10 OAKLEY LT ASSAULT 2

SGPT athlete Mark Clingen used the Oakley Assault boot to finish his event.

“I used Oakley Assault boots and they were great. They dry quick in 15 minutes. I like their lightness. A woman in the Canadian Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan recommended them to me.”

Check out the interview with Mark Clingen here:

The Oakley LT Assault 2 Boot impresses with its exceptional performance and lightweight design, earning high praise from users worldwide. These boots are AR670-1 compliant in have a light tan coyote color. They also feature a Lace Lock System that keeps the laces securely in place, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Boasting a shaft height of 8 inches and a weight of 14 oz. (based on size 9), these boots offer versatility without compromising on durability.

Check price at Amazon.com

#9 NIKE SFB BOOT

From Dave Merrett SGPT Athlete:

I used Nike SFB Special Field Boots on events. The only boot I have used so far and they have been through numerous GORUCK events including Heavy, Challenge, Light and most recently HCL.

“No blisters, very few hot spots. when they first get wet, they hold in the water and you feel like your feet are swimming but once everything on the boot has soaked in the water they drain quickly after that. These boots are above the ankle and give you plenty of extra support while ruck hiking with a load.” Dave Merrett

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Question: What is a good way to protect your toes and feet from getting blisters during hiking?

Put this on your toes and feet and add a good pair of socks and you will be good to go.

We know guys who have used this cream and gone through GORUCK and Spartan Races with no blisters at all.

You can pick up a tube or Trail Toes for about $13 and this is cheap insurance to protect your feet. My buddy got blisters on his toes and I let him borrow a little bit. I bailed him out and he bought me dinner later so it was a good deal for both of us.

#8 ROCKY C4T

I wore the Rocky C4T Tactical boot with double socks. A thinner pair as my base socks made of 66% merino wool, and a slightly thicker outer pair.

I applied body glide to my feet before I started. Had absolutely zero blisters or foot problems.

I changed my boots to sneakers with 1.5 hours only because we had a 15 minute break and I had the luxury of doing so. People who wore minimalist shoes or Vibrams five fingers tended to have the most issues. JJ Wellemeyer (GoRuck and Kokoro grad).

Check price at Amazon.com
Check price at Optics Planet

#7 INOV-8 TERROC 330

In no way would I recommend a minimalist shoes. I used a pair of Inov-8 Terroc 330. They worked fantastic.

Not heavy so great while running then perfect for any rough terrain cause it has great traction.

Another plus is when we did a 1.5 mile creek walk they drained and dried quickly for the rest of our 10 adventure. Keep in mind you want to keep your feet happy.

If your feet start hurting blistering your in for a miserable event. I wear my Inov8 Terroc 330’s daily at work. hold up great. I use them as trail running shoes often.

Get ready for some “Good Livin”. These are a good value  and they will last awhile. Trey Jones (GORUCK Class 220)

Check price at Amazon.com

#6 UNDER ARMOUR VALSETZ

I wore Under Armour UA Valsetz bootsfor GORUCK and 20X events.

They are very light and comfortable, although not good on slippery surfaces. I wore Smartwool hiking socks.

I used Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm on my feet and that helped not get blisters.

These boots drain very well and are lightweight and have a good value for the cost. Laurie Lovvorn (GORUCK Tough and SEALFIT 20X grad).

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Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

#5 GORUCK MACV-1

I used the GORUCK  boots with thick wool socks and inserts. I used Vermont darn tough socks as those have been my go to sock for trail running and hiking.

I used superfeet inserts which give your feet a little more arch support. I know that this helps my feet and achilles tendon as it takes impact during a long endurance event like this.

I used body glide all over my feet and had no blisters. The boots drain well and feel great on a long event.

I also wear those same boots to coach all of the 20X and Kokoro events and go on hikes with the athletes.

These boots drain well which is important in an event like GORUCK.  I never have to worry about my feet during the long distance endurance events.

Check price at GORUCK

#4 Merrell Chameleon Vibram Stretch

I wore Merrell Chameleon Vibrams.

For challenge or light just use running shoes.

For socks I personally think the Darn Tough brand is way better than Smartwool.

Yes I use body glide on my feet, crotch, all over! Mike Sharpe (GR graduate):

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#3 NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM v2

I’ve worn New Balance Fresh Foam V2 Trail running shoes for two long endurance events.

No complaints.

Planning on just wearing my USMC Bates for the next one in June.

(My New Balance’s finally died after event, haven’t replaced them).

That is the only reason I’m switching) Jeff Brytczuk:

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SOCK TIP

Mark Sperry GORUCK Finisher: Following on Coach Brad’s repeated advice to go with double socks..

I have been using the Injinji 2.0 Lightweight Toesocks “toe-socks” as the “liner” sock. No blister issues ever. Even after 3 miles under log & ruck in just the socks!

Also – “Shoes are a privilege, not a right.” –Cadre Bert Kuntz, to Team One Meatheads, GRC Class 1000. Said advice given as we finished the last few miles in our socks.

#2 New Balance MT10BS2 Minimus Trail Running Shoes

I wore my New Balance MT10BS2 Minimus Trail Running Shoes with no problems. I read the same information you did about people not completing due to minimal shoes. Like you, I had been training in them for some time and was concerned.

I think they are primarily referring to Vibram Fivefingers (VFF) in that warning, and I would agree with that. DO NOT attempt a GoRuck in VFF. However, your shoes will get wet… it will happen. So don’t wear a bulky running shoe either. Stick with a light weight minimal style shoe and you will be fine.

Also, don’t forget at least two pairs of extra socks. Change them often to prevent blisters. We had a girls feet explode about 2 miles from the finish and we had to carry her the rest of the way. Good luck and welcome to the GoRuck Tough family. GOOD LIVING

We recommend all athletes to find great socks that fit you and use a balm to help lubricate your feet. Donald Rice GR class 198

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#1 INOV-8 F-LITE 230 CROSS TRAINING SHOE

I just did the Manchester, NH GORUCK yesterday.

Wore Inov-8 F-Lite 230 Cross-Training Shoe, no problem.

I also used BodyGlide on my heels, balls of the feet and top of toes.

Had a chance to change socks two times and reapplied each time.

I feel the 230’s were the right choice for me. They drained quickly and gave enough support. David Sailor New Hampshire GoRuck graduate

Check price at Amazon.com

INSOLES

We like to put Superfeet Green Premium insoles in our boots to help reduce impact and keep our arches from sagging.

The inserts are not too expensive and your feet will feel a ton better even from just wearing them around on a normal ruck march.

I put them in my boots and can definitely feel the difference.

Best socks for GoRuck would possibly be the ProSoks or Darn Tough Merino Wool Micro Crew Sock.

Dave Merriott wore the Columbia Men’s Drainmaker II Water Shoe during his GoRuck event but said they wore out quickly.

From Jake Brown: I did a Goruck Challenge in Chicago a week ago. I wore some Salomon gore-tex trail running shoes. They worked well.

They are lighter than boots and the reduced weight probably lessened fatigue, they drained moderately well after coming out of the water, ankle support was sufficient, and I came out of it without any blisters or hot spots.

My feet were a little sore at the end from all the mileage, but it wasn’t anything too bad. I’d wear them again if I did another Challenge but would wear my Asolo Fugitives if I did a Heavy. The specific model was the Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX

Questions from our readers online.

Question: Do you know any athletes that have worn Keen boots or Belleville boots for a GoRuck Heavy?

We dont personally but we are sure that some have worn Keen boots for the GoRuck Heavy. Check out the list above for boots that have been worn in the past year.

Question: Do you have any reviews for the Rocky S2V boots? Yes; check out these reviews:

Ryan Stafford comments on the Rocky S2V
Yes. They’re excellent especially if you’re moving over a lot of uneven terrain. They hold they’re grip well and are extremely durable. I’d highly recommend them.

Zack Bowman comments on the Rocky S2V
Really comfy, durable and they have crazy good grip. That said, I prefer my Garmont T8s.

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GoRuck Training Tips
John Maris GoRuck Selection graduate interview
GoRuck Interview with JJ Wellemeyer
GoRuck Interview with Lauri Lovvorn
GoRuck Interview with Mike Kalinowski
GoRuck Interview with James Adams
GoRuck Brick Wrapping
GoRuck Challenge Packing List