Rucking in Singapore, How to Choose Boots and Footwear.
- Alastair Hunt
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
Want to ruck? What footwear 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 popular options for boots, 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 an regular rucker (in the UK this is called tabbing) and from my own, experience in the army. In Singapore, many men will have their own experience with army issue boots (which we do not cover here) - 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
Selection of footwear depends on terrain and climate. Based in Singapore, I prefer lightweight, 'warm weather' military boots, specifically, footwear with ankle support. Boots allow me to be confident carrying my weighted bergen (rucksack) on uneven trails, to protect from twists, turns as found in MacRitchie or Bukit Timah Hill - popular areas with hikers, runners and ruckers alike
Trails are typically like these, hardly arduous, but can pose the occasional hazard...
Boot Recommendations
Click on the images below to go to the brands' own websites. Purchase via Amazon or other online retailers. Note that shipping from US to Singapore is sometimes restricted on Amazon, you'll need to use a 3rd party delivery service or ask a friend to bring them!
A word on sole patterns / design... To negotiate different, off-road, terrains, I prefer a sole that has 'proper' lugs, as opposed to smoother, flatter soles that feature on many boots. If you never go on trail, the smoother / flatter soles may well serve you better. Chunkier lugs and a heel allow for less sliding on rocky surfaces, they grip better on steps.
Garmont - T8 NFS
A lightweight, leather, sneaker style boot from Italian company Garmont. Very popular in the US and arguably the most highly recommended boot online. US$185, approx S$240.
OTB - M Flex 8
A close competitor to the Garmont above, from US company OTB. 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, Danner, Oakley, Rocky.
Classic Jungle Boots
Finally, if you want that old skool vibe, consider Panama sole Jungle Boots. These will require breaking-in compared to the sneaker style boots.
McRae: Generation 2 Hot Weather Black Full Grain Leather / Olive Drab Cotton Duck Tropical Boot with Vibram Panama Outsole
US$193, approx S$250
Belleville: CANOPY Olive Drab Jungle Boot BV503PR
US$127, approx S$165
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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Alastair
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Related Studies
Ryan BJ, Spiering BA, Hoogkamer W, Looney DP. 'Super boots' for soldiers: theoretical ergogenic and thermoprotective benefits of energetically optimised military combat boots. BMJ Mil Health. 2025 Jul 23;171(4):291-294. doi: 10.1136/military-2023-002614. PMID: 38658041; PMCID: PMC12322378.
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.
Orr R, Pope R, Lopes TJA, Leyk D, Blacker S, Bustillo-Aguirre BS, Knapik JJ. Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 11;18(8):4010. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084010. PMID: 33920426; PMCID: PMC8069713.
Nesterovica D, Vaivads N, Stepens A. Relationship of footwear comfort, selected size, and lower leg overuse injuries among infantry soldiers. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Nov 15;22(1):952. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04839-9. PMID: 34781944; PMCID: PMC8594192.
Godhe M, Helge T, Mattsson CM, Ekblom Ö, Ekblom B. Physiological Factors of Importance for Load Carriage in Experienced and Inexperienced Men and Women. Mil Med. 2020 Aug 14;185(7-8):e1168-e1174. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usaa050. PMID: 32248224.
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Knapik JJ, Jones BH, Steelman RA. Physical training in boots and running shoes: a historical comparison of injury incidence in basic combat training. Mil Med. 2015 Mar;180(3):321-8. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00337. PMID: 25735024.
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