After completing a 28 mile City Ruck and training in these shoes the past 13 months, it’s time to provide an honest review of the GORUCK Rough Runners.

Note: if you’d rather watch my YouTube Review of these shows, see below. However, this article provides some details that I forgot to add in the video.

Background

Prior to these shoes, I never considered running-type shoes for rucking. I always used high tops for the ankle support (like the MACV-1) or the Ballistic Trainers. So, this was a big change for me. I decided to give the Rough Runners a try b/c after our 28 mile Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck in 2023, my feet were very sore. I think it was due to the wavy surfaces on the paved country roads and gravel roads.

Intro

This particular city ruck event in March 2024 consisted of 28 miles (supposed to be about 26.2, but we got a little off course and had to correct), carrying 30-35 lbs in my rucksack, and these shoes took tremendous care of my feet and ankles–no blisters or hot spots.

Why I Even Gave Them a Try:

Per GORUCK: “Rough Runners™ will last longer and perform better for all who live on their feet, from endurance ruck/running junkies to the Fight Club Class taking 20K steps a day just doing the work.” With a bold statement like this, and my history with GORUCK, I trusted they know what they’re talking about.

Details of My Rucking Surfaces

I think this is important. All of my miles so far are on paved surfaces–sidewalks, paths, roads, parking lots. But, as I said in the intro, our annual 28-mile event in Haleyville, AL consists of many miles on paved, but wavy, unlevel country roads. The flexibility and thickness of the Rough Runners is why I want to try them out on this particular surface.

Below is a good example of the roads in our annual 28-mile event. They are paved with tar and gravel, but not super level.

Comfort

Probably most important to me–specifically, I’m talking being comfortable for a long time, not just feel good when trying on and walking around the store before purchasing. These shoes need no break-in, have no stiffness, and felt great on my feet from mile 1 to mile 80. I’ve had zero rubbing on my heal, ankle bone, and no hot spots on my feet. After 28 miles in Nashville with heavy weight, I had a crack on my right heal that was a little painful for a few days after. This had nothing to do with the shoes, but more with my feet prep and slight compensation due to my weak left achilles from surgery.

Sizing

These unisex shoes are true to size, especially compared to all other GORUCK shoes. I wear an 11.5 (US) in almost every brand of shoe and shoe type, including all other 4 pair of various GORUCK shoes. If you are really in between sizes and could go up or down easily, go up. I say this mainly b/c your feet will swell after lots of miles on your feet.

Note: They do not come in wide, only D/average. They have a True Fit calculator on the site to compare to other popular shoe sizes to help you determine what size you need.

Breathability

Plenty of polyester mesh to allow breathing and water drainage.

Water Drainage

I’ve not gotten them soaking wet and continued to ruck or train in them, so I can’t speak honestly on this topic yet. But, as with all other GORUCK shoes, I have zero doubts they don’t drain easily. GORUCK prides itself on how well their shoes and clothing drain and dry. Also, as said earlier, the polyester mesh allows breathing and water drainage and they will air dry quickly.

Better for Rucking, Walking, or Running?

Yes, all of the above and more. I’m a rucker and walker, not a runner. My running consist of under 2 miles at at time, so 99% of the miles on these shoes are rucking. They are built with maximum support for moving with weight. That means, the “cushioning” won’t wear out and get more “marshmellowy” over time.

I won’t try to provide advice for runners since that’s not what I do. I’d love input from runners though–what works, what doesn’t. How they compare to other running shoes, etc.

In the picture below, I’m carrying 30 lbs in my GR1 rucksack and two 44 lb sand kettlebells.

Sole Inserts

The custom high-density insert is the same as what comes in the Ballistic Trainers. Once again, made to support heavy weight over long periods of time.

Tongue Position

I’ve always been annoyed when the tongue in shoes slides down and/or to the side. The tongue in these keeps its position and needs no adjustment. It also doesn’t rub my ankle when wearing low profile socks. Small thing, but something I notice.

Reflectivity

Highly reflective pull tab on the back heel keeps you visible on the road or trail.

Conclusion

Of course there are many options for comfortable shoes. However, there are very few options that hold up to long miles with heavy weight (rucking), with quality that matches GORUCK. If you use them, or try them based on this review, give me some feedback – was I accurate? Did I miss anything? Did they feel comfortable from the first time you put them on? You can read about them on GORUCK’s site for all the specs and heal to toe drop.

I did a follow up post to this article in May 2024 after another 28 miles walking/rucking event here.

Side note: use the GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks with these and any other shoes. They are comfortable and snug and dry fast. Or, I also like to use the Balega Hidden Comfort socks for everyday and short rucks.

Here is a related article on the best shoes for rucking from Feb 2024.

For other GORUCK gear and apparel, visit these pages:

GORUCK Men’s Training Shoes (Ballistic Trainers and Rough Runners)

Train with Sand

GORUCK Apparel

Travel Gear