Ranger school is both physically and mentally demanding. The course is designed to push the limits of what a person can endure.
When you are out in the field, you need to be ready for any weather and terrain that comes your way. That’s why it’s very important that you have boots that will keep your feet dry and blister-free all day long.
For this reason, we have created a list of some of the best boots for Ranger School. We hope that our list would help you choose the pair that is perfect for your needs.
The 9 Best Boots for Ranger School and Buying Guide 2022
The urge to put on your boots and head out into the wilderness; to be one with nature. But you can’t because you’re not in ranger school yet.
This is when it hits you: you need the perfect pair of boots for Ranger School, but where do you even start? Well, I’m here to help. Here are the best boots that will get you through Ranger School.
1. Smith and Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Boots
This very durable brand has a long lifespan, you don’t have to worry about it wearing out any time soon.
These boots are high-quality boots that are built for long-term wear and to keep you safe. The boots have rubber heels and toes with synthetic upper. The boots also have steel shanks for added stability and support.
The exterior is made of ballistic nylon and the interior is made of a waterproof breathable fabric called Dri-Tech. The material is lightweight and the boot is breathable.
They are made of high-quality leather that is water-resistant and durable. They are also reinforced on the sides of the leather to avoid any tearing.
What We Like:
- It protects the toes with reinforced toes.
- Lightweight design for running or walking.
- Its Innovative rubber outsole provides maximum grip.
- Overall solid construction that was made for support and comfort.
What We Don’t Like:
- Higher price point.
- Not as durable as other boots.
- Not waterproof
2. Garmont T8 NFS
With this brand, you don’t have to compromise style for other features, as this is made specifically for people who want stylish ranger boots
The Garmont T8 NFS is a great boot for military personnel who don’t want to compromise style for comfort. That’s because this model has all the functional properties required by light infantry soldiers, including the Rangers.
The T8 NFS surely does not lack style as it comes in 3 colour variations to choose from while being made from premium suede leather and nylon mesh materials. The suede material it is made of ensures adequate flexibility while providing support.
The nylon mesh ensures comfort through proper ventilation while helping promote quick drying times after getting soaked during special operations in wet weather.
What We Like:
- Its design ensures excellent levels of comfort and support.
- No need to wait for the break-in period, it can be put to use right away.
- A great pick for warm weather or naturally hot feet.
- These boots are highly breathable, ventilated and quick drying.
- Its super lightweight design makes it perfect for long, stressful days and intensive training.
What We Don’t Like:
- Like any other leather boots, they would shrink due to drying after getting wet.
- Boots can take on significant damage over the course of intense training.
- The sole is rock hard which might cause discomfort when running
3. 5.11 Tactical ATAC Combat Military Boots
These military boots are the ultimate footwear. Whether you’re training, or just kicking back, 5.11 Tactical Combat boots have you covered.
The Tactical ATAC Combat Military Boots are some of the best boots on the market. They are comfortable, durable, and have a variety of features that will meet any military personnel’s needs.
The boots are made out of a synthetic material that is both lightweight and durable. They are also waterproof which is great for military personnel who are often in wet environments. The boots come in a variety of colours, so there is something for everyone.
What We Like:
- Built to last a lifetime, the boots will outlast the competition.
- With a zipper for easy on and off, it can be worn as often or as little as you need.
- Bouncy and springy, these boots will always make your feet feel good.
- A great all-around design, lightweight and durable.
What We Don’t Like:
- They don’t take as much time as other boots to break in. If you don’t like wearing stiff boots for a long period of time, these might not be the boots for you.
- The heel is a little high.
4. Danner Desert TFX G3 Duty Boot
Specially designed for the toughest missions, has all the features to give you the support and protection that you need.
This boot can take quite a beating and still perform well. It is an excellent option for anyone looking for a new, comfortable boot. Made with rough-out leather uppers and rugged denier nylon, this boot is built to take a hit.
The unique lacing system lets you achieve a custom fit like never before while the cross-stitched construction will provide durability to the boot.
What We Like:
- Its unique sole design does not allow water to enter, these boots are waterproof.
- Its innovative tight fit lacing provides you with a personalized experience.
- Built with quality materials and cross-stitching, the boots are durable and provide good support for your feet.
What We Don’t Like:
- They can be heavy out of the box.
- They take some time to break in.
- They are not waterproof.
5. Oakley Light Assault Boot
Oakley Light Assault Boot is great for those who need a lightweight, all-conditions boot with superior grip, protection and comfort.
The Oakley Light Assault Boot is a favourite because of its proven ability to stand up in rough circumstances. These boots have the look and form factor, but aside from their appearance, they feature the performance you need in a boot for ranger school.
The shoes are made to allow constant airflow so as to ensure your feet stay dry, even if they happen to get wet. The midsole is made of an EVA foam which provides maximum injury protection so you can jump around on hard surfaces without fear of hurting yourself too much.
What We Like:
- Extremely lightweight and portable.
- The breathable design allows for good airflow and lots of ventilation, so your feet stay cool during hot summer days.
- It’s very comfortable to wear, so you can comfortably wear this for long periods of time without any discomfort.
- The high-quality laces let you wear your boot tight enough to feel stable on your feet.
What We Don’t Like:
- Oakley does not offer a waterproof option for these boots.
- Oakley does not offer a boot in a size 19.
- The boot is a little bit heavy.
6. Rocky RKC050 Military and Tactical Boots
Rocky is one of the most sought-after boots because it features a rugged, yet lightweight construction with a speed lacing system.
Get yourself this sturdy pair of US-made boots to make your next Ranger School course a walk in the park. They are waterproof, fire-resistant and come with S2V Sieve technology that helps keep you protected from anything that nature might throw at you during Ranger training.
The state-of-the-art Dri-lex lining will wick away any sweat making them comfortable for your feet even during long treks. And they come in camouflages so you’ll be stylish as well as practical.
Also, they offer you an easy way to navigate terrain that can seem near impossible to overcome at times. We think the hybrid tongue technology gives you the stability and support of lace-up boots while keeping up with the versatility of slip-on shoes, making it easier for anyone who needs to step into action at any given moment.
There’s no need to worry about things like injuries or sprained ankles, so be sure to keep these Tactical Boots by your side.
What We Like:
- Fuller, wider heel and ankle support makes them perfect for different terrains such as rocks and steep inclines
- Super comfortable, thanks to instep cutouts that give you a custom feel and high-quality materials that won’t break down or lose their shape over time
- Rubber tread provides excellent traction even on wet and steep surfaces.
What We Don’t Like:
- The boots are made in such a way that they can be worn with thick socks and still provide ample room for the toes to move around. This makes the boots too large for individuals with smaller feet to wear.
- The boots cannot be worn in wet weather conditions. This is because the boots do not have any kind of waterproof material in them.
7. Belleville One Xero & C320 Ultra Light Assault Boot
Designed especially for rangers and special forces to meet the requirement of lightweight and fast-drying waterproof assault boots.
The lace-up design is best suited for tactical situations, timed runs, and long rucks due to its lightweight yet durable construction.
It’s also an ideal boot to carry around in already heavy packs during intense movements. The classic suede and leather design ensure this Ranger footwear pair lasts you years of intense use, no matter if it’s on the trails or through tough terrains like mountains or jungles.
What We Like:
- Its stress-free design made it compact and lightweight for easy movement.
- It’s one of the most comfortable shoes around and the snug fit is perfect for all-day wear.
- The Vibram sole and aggressive tread ensure reliability and grip in all kinds of weather conditions.
- The spacious toe box means comfort and breathing room, especially for those with wide feet or bunions.
What We Don’t Like:
- The midsole is a little narrow in comparison to most boots.
- They are not as durable as other heavier boots.
8. Bates GX-8 Desert Composite Toe
A favourite of those who want the stability of a steel shank with the lightweight durability of an all-leather upper, including the toe area
The boot comes with a Gore-Tex membrane and 100% waterproof construction. Its composite safety toe is ASTM rated, which means it has the highest level of protection.
The nylon panels on the upper will keep your feet feeling comfortable and well ventilated. They come in handy when trying to make sure that your feet don’t get too hot or sweaty.
The padded collar and tongue, along with a removable insole and mesh lining work to give you overall comfort no matter what the situation might be.
What we like
- The patented rubber sole is designed with a special anti-slip coating to maintain a grip on all surfaces, making it perfect for various conditions.
- Composite toe delivers protection from blows and abrasions during missions and can be replaced when worn out.
- Lightweight construction makes the shoe easy to walk and run in, and the cushioned midsole and padding offer unmatched comfort.
- It’s unique high ankle support.
What We Don’t Like:
- Toe is not as high as some other boots.
- Construction does not hold up.
9. Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot
These boots are great for rangers or law enforcement officers that are required to be on their feet all day long.
This model is of high quality. You can tell because of the thick rubber soles, which are quite lightweight but at the same time give you a good way to keep your grip on your surroundings. The boots have a classic suede appearance. Other features include nylon webbing, metallic eyelets, and Gore-Tex.
It has an EVA insole and a PU breathable footbed which shows the boots are made for comfort. Though they are not really lightweight, they won’t weigh you down during your missions, runs, and training. The boot is durable and has excellent ventilation.
What We Like:
- Non-slip treads for a secure grip on all surfaces.
- Durable construction with strong stitching and protective details.
- Super breathable, drying quickly and providing excellent ventilation.
- No hot spots, it is all-around comfort.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not enough arch support
- The sole is inflexible
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Boots For Ranger School
Below are the important factors to consider before choosing boots for Ranger School.
i. Lightweight
Your choice of boots should be something lightweight, you wouldn’t want something that would be heavy to lift and end up being a drag.
ii. Traction
Because you are going to walk a lot and would be required to manoeuvre various kinds of terrain, altitudes, and inclines, you have to give traction a priority when considering the best boot for Ranger School.
iii. Cost
There are affordable great pairs of boots that you can choose from, you don’t have to break the bank to get them. The fact that it is expensive doesn’t mean it is quality and that the boot is affordable doesn’t mean it is of lesser quality. Quality is what matters.
iv. Durability
Check out the durability testimonials before you choose your boot. You need something that can withstand the elements, the actions, and perhaps mishaps. Pick something that would withstand the wear and tear with grace.
Conclusion
The boots you choose are a critical part of being physically prepared for the course at Ranger School, so you can’t afford to choose wrong. We hope that our list would make selecting the appropriate boots for Ranger School easier for you.