Combat Boots

[Josh1012]

Hey Rip, I have a quick question about shoes. I really can’t buy a pair of weight lifting shoes right now, but I just got issued a new pair of Army combat boots. Would these be a good substitute for all lifts? Thank you for your time.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I don't have any idea what they look like. Maybe you could post a picture.

[Josh1012]

Shared album - Joshua 1012 - Google Photos

Hope this helps!

[Mark Rippetoe]

Better than Chucks or running shoes.

[Josh1012]

Thank you. One more question. Why are they better than Chuck’s, or even barefoot for that matter? I know some lifters who swear by both. On a side note, when I was a kid, I used to read Megalith comics. The main character Joe Majurac (Megalith), when he was a kid, would lift a calf every day until it was full grown, just like Milo. At the time, I was obsessed with the idea of gaining strength like that, and regretted I didn’t live on a farm. When I read the opening pages of your book, and you brought up Milo, I knew I had stumbled upon something awesome. I felt like a kid again. Thank you for everything you’re doing.

[Mark Le Comte]

More heel raise than chucks. Less squishy sole than runners.

I went through a phase when I squatted in work boots and they worked pretty well.

[Josh1012]

I look forward to trying it out. Thank you.

[Ayrsson]

Great looking boots, btw!

[VNV]

Shared album - Joshua 1012 - Google Photos

Hope this helps!

Guess at the tread life?

[Ayrsson]

One problem with tall boots like those, is a lack of ankle flexion when they're laced-up. I'd recommend only lacing them to the ankle, or you're going to have trouble moving your knee out over your foot when you squat.