Military Rangers: The Complete Guide to Combat Boots

Did you know that every military shoe, regardless of the brand, is designed for a specific purpose and will cater to a particular type of mission? Making a mistake in choosing your shoes can therefore be disastrous in the field, which is why we offer you this practical guide dedicated to one of the most important pieces of equipment for a soldier: the military rangers.

We consider that there are 4 important points to take into account when deciding to buy a new pair of military shoes:

• The type of mission
• The technicality
• The material
• The comfort

For which mission?

Whether you are a soldier, a member of the police force, or a healthcare worker, the choice of a pair of shoes is primarily based on the type of mission. Therefore, find out about the requirements of your mission:

• What will the terrain be like? Mountainous, desert, urban...
• What will the climate be? Hot, temperate, cold, tropical...
• What actions will you be required to perform? Running, patrolling, rappelling...
• And finally, how long will your mission last?

Also, refer to the rules established by your hierarchy regarding your regulatory attire, what is allowed or not (authorized clothing effects vary according to the branch and unit, or even according to the advice of the chief) and comply with them, this will save you any administrative or at least hierarchical inconvenience.

Technical characteristics

Once you have in mind the requirements of your mission, and you know what is allowed or not, you will then have to choose from many technical characteristics that a military ranger can have. Here are the most common options:

Stone guard: This is the reinforcement at the level of the toes, it can be made of rubber or leather. Military boots with this accessory obviously offer better protection.	Anti-crush toe cap: Mostly found on PPE shoes, this toe cap is also found on some military rangers. Those made of composite materials are lighter than those with a steel toe cap.
Anti-static sole: Necessary for EOD specialists, these shoes will also be perfect for anyone who has to pass through a security gate several times a day.	Open or closed lacing eyelets: Both exist, but if you have to parachute, it is imperative that the eyelets are closed, no hooks!
Waterproof-breathable membrane: Waterproof combat boots are designed to wick away sweat and keep your feet dry. Gore-Tex is one of the best-known waterproof-breathable membranes on the market, it is one of the technical characteristics of the standard issue ranger of the French Army, the Haix Nepal Pro boot.	Zipper closure: Designed for quick donning and doffing, the rangers with side zip are a significant asset in the field. However, be careful with the durability of the shoe which can be affected due to the zip opening. This type of shoe is often recommended for use in urban environments, for example.
Mesh fabric shoes: Unmatched in terms of comfort and flexibility, military mesh shoes are ultra-light and thus significantly reduce fatigue. They will also be very breathable and suitable for use in hot environments.

What is a military ranger made of?

Like any shoe, a military ranger is essentially composed of a sole, whose primary function is to absorb the shocks caused by walking and to protect the sole of the feet, and an upper that includes the vamp, quarters, and tongue, constituting the upper part of the shoe.

A 3-in-1 sole

The sole of a combat shoe has three elements: the insole or comfort sole, the midsole or cushioning sole, and the outsole or wear sole.

Insole: it serves to drain the sweat from your feet, for this it is interesting to favor an open-pore polyurethane foam insole, it will wear out less quickly than a normal insole and will more effectively wick away sweat. The most well-known technology in the field is Ortholite, which generally also provides an antimicrobial and therefore anti-odor treatment.

Midsole: it is located between the outsole and the insole. It is a crucial part of the ranger as it will largely determine stability and cushioning. There are two types of midsole, the PU (Polyurethane) midsole and the EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) midsole which, thanks to its bi-density, will be by far the most advantageous due to its strength and the shock absorption it provides.

Outsole: this is the sole that is in direct contact with the ground. Its primary function is to protect the foot and contribute to its anchoring and stabilization on the ground while ensuring a good "roll" of the foot when walking. Made of PU or more generally rubber, the technology to favor for a military ranger is the Vibram sole which will significantly improve grip and has anti-abrasion and anti-vibration properties.

The upper

The upper constitutes the upper part of the shoe that surrounds the foot, it is generally made of fabric or leather, or both. The most well-known manufacturing materials are:

Cordura fabric: it is a nylon fabric, that is to say, polyamide. Very resistant, it resists abrasions and tears. These properties mean that it is found in almost all combat shoes using textile.

Full-grain leather: very strong, full-grain leather simply refers to skin leather, which will have the highest fiber density.

Suede leather, suede or nubuck: obtained from the inner side of the leather, it is characterized by its soft side and flexibility. The desert rangers often have parts in suede leather for more lightness.

Synthetic leather: unlike genuine leather which is made from animal skin, synthetic leather is made of polyester with a polyurethane coating. Less strong than genuine leather, it is nevertheless more affordable financially and remains perfectly suitable for daily to moderate professional use.

Military rangers and comfort

Last but not least, the comfort of the combat shoe. For good comfort, your rangers must be well adjusted to your foot to avoid friction and heating as much as possible.

When you put on your boots, you should immediately feel this sense of comfort while having very good foot support (this is your guarantee against heating, blisters, and other sprains...). If you feel that the foot "floats" in the shoe, it means that the size is not right. Also, be careful that your foot is not too compressed in the shoe, keep in mind that after a walk, for example, the foot tends to swell, if the shoe compresses your foot too much from the start, injuries may occur. In short, it is about finding the right balance between freedom of movement and support.

Little tip: when you put on your shoes for the first time, try to move your toes and especially curl them. If you can do it without too much difficulty, your rangers are probably well adjusted. If not, you may need to go up a size.

Another element to consider: the socks. a bit like your weapon that cannot function without cartridges, your shoes will only be comfortable and perfectly adapted depending on the socks you choose, to learn more, refer to the guide "Socks, the essential accessory"

Finally, know that military rangers are often very rigid at first and it will take several days for them to form to your foot, then you will feel like you are wearing slippers.

Napoleon said "an army marches on its stomach", it's true, but it can only do so if it has good shoes!