Rucking in Singapore, How to Choose Boots and Footwear.
- Alastair Hunt
- Oct 30
- 6 min read
Updated: 16 minutes ago
Do you hike with a weighted pack, or ruck? What footwear or boots are you currently using? Sooner or later, once you increase weight, intensity or get off the tarmac - you will need to buy some boots. In this article - with a focus on rucking in Singapore - we review options for boots and footwear, to help you get the most out of rucking, safely.
A good pair of boots are the most important investment that you can make in your rucking journey.
Why? Because you need to take care of your feet: to avoid injury, for comfort and to not ruin your perfectly good (and costly) running shoes. This is based my experience as a regular rucker (in the UK this is called tabbing) in tropical Singapore and my previous experience in the army. In Singapore, many men will have their own experience with army issue boots from National Service - so feel free to comment at Bottom of Page!
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment.
Singapore Rucking Terrain and Climate
Selection of footwear depends on terrain and climate. Based in Singapore, I prefer lightweight 'warm weather' military boots. Specifically, breathable footwear with full ankle support. These should not be waterproof (Goretex or equivalent) boots that retain moisture in the heat.
Boots allow me to be confident carrying my weighted bergen (rucksack) on uneven trails as found in MacRitchie or Bukit Timah Hill - popular areas with hikers, runners and ruckers alike.
Trails are typically like these shown below, hardly 'rough' terrain, potentially muddy after a downpour. They do pose the occasional hazard, especially when under a heavy load.
Soles - Selection
To negotiate different, off-road, terrains, I prefer a stiffer sole that has 'proper' lugs, as opposed to smoother, flatter soles that feature on many boots. If you stay on tarmac, the smoother soles may well serve you better. Chunkier lugs and a heel allow for less sliding on rocky surfaces, they grip better on steps.
For very muddy areas - off trail and likely not encountered by ruckers - the classic Panama sole is well proven.
In Singapore? A Note on Shipping
While some boots may be available in Singapore, most brands below are from the USA. Amazon may not ship items to Singapore, so either you need a friend to handcarry or use a 3rd party service such as https://www.ubuy.com.sg/
Always research if boots fit "true to size" prior to purchase as returns can be problematic.
Boot Selection: Mid and Full Height Ankle Support
Some people happily ruck in regular running shoes or mid-height boots. These can be comfortable, lightweight and cost effective. Running shoes do not provide the protection and support that higher cut boots provide - especially when carrying a weighted rucksack where even a small trip or stumble can sprain an ankle.
For mid-height boots, the Merrell Moab 3 is a popular option. Price: S$166
How this might compare to a cheaper option, even for ankle protection or durability, such a boots from Decathlon (below), I do not know. Sporthunt 500 SOLOGNAC Reference: 8645926. Certainly these should perform well when carrying lighter loads. Price: S$75
An established and likely well recognised option - certainly for ruckers who are fans of the US brand GORUCK - is the MACV-2 - Mid Top - Black Price: S$226
A rugged - albeit markedly more expensive - boot is the AKU Desertica (if you are familiar with / remember the Karrimor KSBs - they are remarkably similar!) UK brand - AKU Model: DESERTICA DS Price: GBP235, approx SGD401
Military Boots
In the US brands like Bates, Danner, Belleville are often the army issue boots. There are other brands also popular for self-purchase.
Garmont - T8 NFS
A lightweight, leather, sneaker style boot from Italian company Garmont. A best seller in the US and arguably the most highly recommended boot online. US$185, approx S$240. (Reviews say fits true to size).
OTB - M Flex 8
A close competitor to the Garmont above, from US company OTB. (Reviews say fits true to size) US$170, approx S$221.
Altberg - MILITARY TABBING BOOT SF-MK3
A popular UK military option, a somewhat more traditional boot than the options above. Note the substantially higher price... GBP215, approx S$368
Also comes as a jungle boot, with classic Panama sole option.
Other brands to consider: Belleville (Flyweight C320), Danner (Tannicus), Nike (SFB), Oakley, Rocky (S2V).
Classic Jungle Boots
Finally, if you want that old skool vibe, consider Panama sole Jungle Boots. These boots may require more breaking-in compared to the sneaker style boots but that's just part of the fun and the process.
McRae: Generation 2 Hot Weather Black Full Grain Leather / Olive Drab Cotton Duck Tropical Boot with Vibram Panama Outsole
US$193, approx S$250. Check sizing.
Belleville: CANOPY Olive Drab Jungle Boot BV503PR
US$127, approx S$165. Check sizing.
Lastly, the time tested, issue Rothco Jungle boot (US$58) is always an option.
Final Thoughts
I hope these suggestions are of use. Whether you are Singapore based or not, let us know what works for you and why. We have a growing series of articles on rucking - from the basics of how to get started, hydration specifics, to routes in Singapore... learn more here.
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Related Studies
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Paradise SL, Beer JR, Cruz CA, Fechner KM, MacGregor AJ, Fraser JJ. Prescribed footwear and orthoses are not prophylactic in preventing lower extremity injuries in military tactical athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ Mil Health. 2024 Jan 25;170(1):64-71. doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001955. PMID: 34785586.
Yeo EXS, Chhabra K, Kong PW. Influence of combat boot types on in-shoe forces and perceived comfort during unloaded and loaded walking. BMJ Mil Health. 2024 Jan 25;170(1):37-42. doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-002061. PMID: 35296550.
Lavoie, E. M., Holden, L. D., Vangala, S. V., Santee, W. R., Pryor, R. R., Friedl, K. E. Looney, D. P. (2023). Effects of modern military footwear on the oxygen costs of walking in US Army personnel. Footwear Science, 15(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2022.2164622
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