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GORUCK Rough Runners – Are They Worth the Hype for Rucking Long Distance?

May 21, 2024 By Thad Forester


First off, I did a YouTube video review below. My article here will cover a little more detail, but the video will cover some specifics that I don’t in this post:


On May 18, 2024, I completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. This is an annual event that I’ve organized and led annually since 2011.


I used the GORUCK Rough Runners for my second long distance ruck this year. You can read my initial review from 2 months ago here. I go into great detail on these shoes.

I explain in the review linked above the surface of the JAG 28 Walk and why I thought the Rough Runners were a good choice. After spending 11 hours on various wavy/unlevel, mostly paved surfaces, I can now confidently say the Rough Runners passed my test and I can recommend them to anyone who needs a long distance rucking shoe (without ankle support–covered in the video).

Below are my feet after 28 miles, 11 hours, and pouring rain. We were soaked.


My feet were definitely soft after being in wet shoes for over 7 hours straight. But, I had zero blisters or hot spots.


Below are most of the surfaces we walked on. Although most all of them were paved, except for about 6 miles of gravel in the national forest, some of those roads were very wavy and after about 20 miles, felt sharp on the feet. This is where the firm, thick padding on the Rough Runners came into play for me. They are build for carrying heavy weight over long periods of time. They will bend and flex with the surface, without breaking down and getting too soft or marshmellowy.


Below was probably the worst surface on the route. We had a few roads like this, covering several miles, once we got up in the mileage that day. If you had on thin or stiff shoes, this surface really worked your feet. It’s what really worked my feet and ankles last year wearing the Ballistic Trainers (which I detail in this video and others linked in this post).


Some of the surfaces were very smooth, however the slope from the center to edge was pretty good.


This rucker was in so much pain by mile 26, that she took off her shoes to walk for a few minutes.


I hope my words and these pics, along with the other linked articles and videos, give you the info you need to confidently use or purchase what shoes you’ll wear for your long distance rucks, walks, or runs.

The GORUCK Rough Runners have proven to take care of my feet in wet and dry conditions. I like the time and space they’ve saved me from not having to change socks and carry so many extra socks. There is a reason why the Rough Runners and Ballistic Trainers were named the Official Footwear of CrossFit in 2024.

If you want to compare the Rough Runners to Ballistic Trainers side-by-side (which are also great shoes), click here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-footwear20

Of course, no matter how good the gear is, there is no substitute for training. I recommend training no matter what shoes or socks you’re wearing–there is no substitute. Never show up to a long event in untested gear.

In the end, we did the 28 miles all for this patch (well, kind of):

Filed Under: GORUCK Reviews Tagged With: blisters, endurance event, endurance walk, foot care, memorial pushups, memorial walk, rucking, walking

GORUCK Rough Runners Review – After 28 Mile Ruck and 80 Total Miles

April 22, 2024 By Thad Forester


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.

After 28 mile ruck with 30 lbs. Never change my socks or took my shoes off until the end.

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

Filed Under: GORUCK Reviews Tagged With: endurance, exercise, goruck, ruckin, running, walking

What Are the Best Shoes for Rucking?

February 24, 2024 By Thad Forester

**Take advantage of GORUCK’s Early Bird Specials on many items including up to 50% off shoes. I just got more Rough Runners for %50 off–that’s $70 shoes that are my absolute favorite for rucking now**

That question will be answered differently depending who you ask, but the most important fact to acknowledge right off the bat is no matter what shoes are most comfortable to you for running, walking or wearing around, things may change completely once you add weight for rucking.

First off, below is a detailed video I did on the best shoes for rucking. But, if you want just a simple list of the shoes I cover, with links and little info, continue on with this article.

If you’re new to rucking or want to start this activity, you’ll want to have good shoes. What does “good” mean? For me, it’s shoes that allow me to ruck with as much weight as I want, on various terrain, without my feet hurting or blisters forming, possibly with ankle support, and with good traction for the surface where I’m rucking.

There are a TON of options out there. And you probably have several different shoes in your closet that you can use. I’m here to share some good options that I’ve used over the years and what shoes I’ve settled on now, after being an avid rucker for 14 years.

The type of terrain you’ll be rucking is important. Off road/trail, paved path/road, sand, gravel, dirt, etc. Is there a shoe that is versatile enough to handle whatever environment you’re rucking in? I’m not sure, but some of the shoes I review here come very close to meeting all those needs in one.

Watch my YouTube video above for details on all these shoes:

Scarpa Hiking Boots (I no longer use these for rucking)
La Sportiva GTX Hiking Boots (I no longer use these for rucking)
MACV-1 (bought these mid-tops in late 2018 right after they were released)
MACV-2 (I don’t own these yet)
Mackall’s (I don’t own these trail running shoes)
Jedburgh’s (I prefer to use these in the woods for the grip and ankle support, not on paved or smooth surfaces)
Ballistic Trainers (great for cross-training, gym, running shorter distances, and rucking flat surfaces)
Rough Runners (what I’m using now for long distance rucks. Made for running or rucking with heavy weight. Here is an in-depth review of the Rough Runners).

GORUCK Rough Runners

GORUCK Rough Runners and GR1

GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots
GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots

Filed Under: GORUCK Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: ballistic trainers, la sportive, macv-1, macv-2, rough runners, rucking, running, scarpa, trail running, walking

Best Long Walking Path in Huntsville

April 30, 2023 By Thad Forester

Aldridge Creek Greenway

I train for a 28-mile Memorial Walk each year and yesterday I needed to get at least 10 miles to make sure my feet are ready.

I was looking for a specific path for this walk. Here were my criteria:

-did not want to walk along a busy road. Walking/rucking is relaxing to me and I do not like consistent road noise.
-wanted a long path so I could easily get 10+ miles without making the same loop many times
-needed some seclusion and/or restrooms b/c I drink a lot of water and have to go at least every hour
-prefer some sitting options so I can take a quick break to snack, drink, stretch and change socks if needed
-since the annual event is on paved roads, I want a paved path. My family and I make great use of the many hiking trails in the area, but this specific event is paved roads, so that’s how I typically train, especially for long walks

Fortunately, Huntsville, AL has many greenways and I’ve spent time on most of them. But, the Aldridge Creek Greenway is one that I’ve never walked on. So, off I went.

I parked at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on the corner of Bailey Cove Road and Green Mountain Road, and headed south on the path.

It was a perfect spring day, late April. Birds were everywhere, kids playing in the water along the path, many runners, walkers and bikers–both families and individuals; all ages. Since the path is wide, there wasn’t a problem with being overcrowded.

Smells always stick with me. I don’t know what caused the wet dog smell for about the first mile, but after that the honeysuckle and other pleasant smells took over.

There are benches about every 1/2 to 3/4 miles–plenty of them. Generous people have donated, often times in memory of a loved one.

I walked to Ditto Landing, covered that area just a little, found a bathroom at the pavilion, took a quick break along the river, then headed back.

Note: there are more paths at Ditto Landing, but I didn’t take them. Next time, I’ll check out the path along the river.

Went straight back to the church parking lot, which was 10 miles. Took me 3 hours and 20 mins. Step count was around 21,300.

My goal is always around 18-19 min miles b/c that’s the pace we’ll do during the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. I wasn’t far off, but didn’t stop my counter when I stopped to talk with a biker, sat and ate a few snacks and used the bathroom.

If you’re looking for elevation gain, this isn’t the path. Over these 10 miles, my gain was only 154 feet. When I want elevation gain, I have a great spot in Hampton Cove that is a burner!

The only time I encountered road noise was close to Ditto Landing.

The scenery along the path was beautiful. Also saw some brightly colored birds and a mama duck with her ducklings.

These walks (actually a ruck since I was carrying 20 lbs on my back) are my time to get away from my busy and loud life, listen to a podcast, listen to silence and nature, and think. Basically, rucking is perfect outdoor therapy.

I hope this post is helpful to you as you plan your next short or long walk/ruck. Huntsville is a beautiful area and has many great outdoor options. I’m not saying this is my favorite path, but it’s definitely one of my favorite. And since I was looking for distance and seclusion, I got it on Aldridge Creek Greenway.

Post a comment below on what you like or don’t like about this greenway. Also, please share other paths that you like and why. And if you’re new to Huntsville, welcome! I’m far from an expert on the area since I’ve only been here 2.5 years. We’re still exploring too.

If you’re interested in my playlist for this walk (when I wasn’t listening to nothing), here are the two podcasts I completed:

Our Town Podcast – Lisa DeFalco
The Ready State – Jon Gregory

Gear used (and always used for rucking): Bullet Rucker, Ballistic Trainers shoes, Simple Shorts, American Training Shirt; all from GORUCK–gear and apparel that I’ve tested and proven since 2015.

Filed Under: Exercise, Reviews Tagged With: aldridge creek, ballistic trainers, bullet rucker, cross training, endurance walk, greenway, north alabama, outdoor therapy, ruck, rucking, training, walk, walking

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