What is that one thing that allows you to surpass all limitations of adventure? Your military and tactical boots. Owning a good pair will not only allow you to push boundaries but also help you remain comfortable in anything you’re doing. A good pair of boots will keep you from slipping, dampness, jolts and abrasions, along with keeping your feet supported in the best possible way.
Crossing uneven ground without the use of good footwear can get in the way of adventuring. Plus, having comfortable wear for the feet is a must because it is those big boys that will be doing the most work out there. Whether it’s climbing, hiking, hunting, saving lives or just walking, robust footwear that promises comfort is a must-have.
Military and Tactical Boots come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and specifications that you can choose from. It is always great to go with a selection that fits your specific requirements and specs. Fortunately, through this guide, we will help you nail down your choice of the best military and tactical boots for your situation!
Our choice of the Best Military Boots
- 11 Women’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Tactical Side Zip Military Combat Boot
- 11 Women’s ATAC 2.0 6″ Tactical Side Zip Military Combat Boot
- Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
- Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military
- Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Military & Tactical Boot
- NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots
- Oakley Mens Light Assault 2 Boots
- 5.11 Women’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Tactical Side Zip Military Combat Boot
Best Military Boots for Ladies shopping for Full Stability (8") option
These boots come in a side zip style for easy wear. The heel flexes for enhanced comfort and flexibility. The durometer Ortholite foot bed and breathable tongue provides additional comfort. Robust and study, you can surf through all kinds of harsh terrains with these boots because they have shock absorption properties.
The boots feel rather tight and narrow and reviewers recommend ordering a full size larger for good support. If you are a lady with normal to wider feet, the men’s boot may be a better option for you. (reviewers recommend one size smaller in Men’s than your normal ladies size for this boot)
For a little extra security, the boots come with a hidden knife pocket located on the outer side of the boots. The hidden pocket is between the padded top and the fabric edging. These boots have a leather lining, a polishable leather toe, and nylon upper body for maximum protection.The classic design will help you stand out in the crowd of your fellow adventurers.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: 5.11
- Package Weight: 2.82 Pounds
- Sizes: 5-10
- For: women
- Color: Black
- Can you polish and shine them up: Yes
- Waterproof: Features a SlipStream waterproof BBP membrane
Pros:
- Boots are lightweight and offer maximum ankle support and stability
- They come in an athletically pleasing design
- An overall utilitarian pair of boots
Cons:
- Tends to run tight and narrow. Reviewers recommend ordering a full size larger or ordering from the men’s collection a size smaller (solves the width problem)
2. 5.11 Women’s ATAC 2.0 6″ Tactical Side Zip Military Combat Boot
Best Military Boots Option for Comfort where Full 8" Support is not required
The 6” 5.11 version of the ATAC 2.0 side zipped boots come with all the same great materials and attributes of their 8” counterpart, except there is no knife pocket. The 6” version still provides ankle support, and allows a little more movement than the full stability 8” model . Same as their big brother though, the dual durometer Ortholite foot bed and Achilles heel flex zone provides the utmost comfort and flexibility. With a breathable tongue, shock-absorbent attributes, and slip-resistant sole, these boots are perfect for jagged topographies.
The sturdiness of the footwear comes from the combination of nylon and leather. The rubber sole is what gives all that extra comfort. This 5.11 6” tactical boot ladies option is more true to size than their 8” tactical boot, but many still recommend ½ size larger. The boots are well suited for patrol, missions, or law enforcement activities.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: 5.11
- Package Weight: 2.62 Pounds
- Sizes: 5-10
- For: women
- Color: Black
- Can you polish and shine them up: Yes
- Waterproof: SlipStream waterproof BBP membrane
Pros:
- Classic narrow design eliminates the boots from looking clunky
- The boots offer stability as well as traction
- Ideal for hardcore traversing
Cons:
- The insoles may not be as comfortable as desired if you are going to be on your feet all day long so you may want to replace them.
- There is a little stiffness that can go away once you break the boot in over time.
3. Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
Best Military Boots Unisex Option for better grips when navigating uneven grounds
While this Bates 8” tactical boot model indicates they are a men’s version, the wide range of sizes makes them a great Unisex option too. These boots come in sizes 3-16. Especially nice for ladies who like a little wider shoe that the typical men’s cut can provide. Generally speaking, a lady would order a men’s shoe 1.5 sizes smaller than their normal ladies size. For example, a ladies size 8 equates to a men’s 6.5, etc. These boots are made in a combination of 70% leather and 30% nylon which gives the pair their robustness and comfort.
The boots are lightweight which comes as a surprise because the look seems heavy. Combined with a side zip, you won’t have to worry about lacing them up each time once they’re broken in. The boots are moisture-wicking and come with a breathable lining that will keep your feet cushioned securely for a long time.
This version of the Bates tactical boot has better/higher reviews than the Bates ladies boot options. The rubber outsole is slip-resistant which makes it a great pair to don on for hikes or rock climbing..
Specifications:
- Manufacturer : Bates
- Package Weight: 3.2 Pounds (each boot weighs about 1.4lbs depending on size)
- Sizes: 3-16 with several X-Wide options available
- For: Unisex
- Color: Black, Coyote
- Can you polish and shine them up: Yes on the black, no on the suede coyote
- Waterproof: Yes on the black model to an extent, except for the fabric parts of the upper. Coyote suede is not waterproof.
Pros:
- The boots bend with the feet
- There is more lightness and space because of the absence of the built-in toe shield
- The breathability of the inner sole allows the air to pass through the feet which keeps away the sweat.
Cons:
- A new pair can squeak on the linoleum flooring which can be a downside if you’re trying to be sneaky
- There is no pull tab or loop to assist in wearing the boots
4. Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military
Best Military Boots for all-around performance and durability
If you’re looking for a pair of boots that has outstanding quality and attention to detail, then this is the pair you should go for. The construction of the boot has been made keeping ventilation, durability, and comfort in mind. The boots are made with durable nylon webbing that aid in foot movement. The eyelets that hold the laces can be adjusted to grip the foot better.
The lightweight properties of the boots keep the feet protected and comfortable even in heavy-duty assignments...
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Garmont
- Package Weight: 3.09 Pounds
- Sizes: 4-14 with several Wide options available
- For: Men
- Color: Coyote
- Can you polish and shine them up: No
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Great grip on wet and muddy terrains
- The boots support the calves
- The sole design boosts speed when walking.
Cons:
- All man made materials
- The tongue design and the way it is sewn-in can put unnecessary pressure on the sides of your ankle at the front of the boot. You can avoid this by doing the lace up according to the exact pressure you need and where you need it.
5. Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Military & Tactical Boot
Best Military Boots for Great Comfort over Long-Term Durability
These lightweight boots come in a durable synthetic leather and fabric textile upper which makes them a very comfortable pair of boots to have.
The boot conforms to the shape of the foot and bends along with the ankle, giving support that is much needed in activities like hiking and mountain climbing. The TPU toe cap is great for protecting the toes from bumping into rocks. A welded PU film surrounds the whole circumference of the boot and resists abrasion.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer : Under Armour
- Package Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Sizes: 8-14 with several Wide options available
- For: Men
- Color: Black
- Can you polish and shine them up: No
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable to wear for long periods
- Lightweight properties allow easy maneuverability
- The boots do not have any false arch or pronounced heel of the insoles
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer much protection against the elements – Not Waterproof
- You can get ankle rub on the first few tries till you break into the boots overtime
6. NORTIV 8″ Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots
Best Military Boots for Both Indoor and Outdoor Protection
A pair of high-quality outdoor boots that are durable and breathable. The ankle-high length is ideal for the protection of the ankles and the side zip allows for easy take on and takes off. The boots are made from genuine leather and a lightweight breathable mesh. The fabric lining keeps the feet cool and dry. The leather protection ensures that the feet remain safe from shocks.
The flexible foam insole is removable, the EVA mid-sole absorbs shock and impact, and rugged rubber outer sole ensure that the feet remain cushioned and less fatigued when worn for long hours. The slip resistance makes the boots ideal for any outdoor terrain. The boots are suited for both indoor and outdoor environments.
The boots also come with or without (-d color options) a toe cap that is resistant to water and adds good protection to the toes.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Nortiv 8
- Package Weight: 3.35 Pounds
- Sizes: 6.5-15
- For: Men
- Color: Black, Black-d, Dark grey, Sand, Sand-d, Black Suede
- Can you polish and shine them up: Yes for black, and black-d models
- Waterproof: Water resistant, not waterproof.
Pros:
- The ankle support of the boots keeps the ankles from rolling.
- Extremely cost-efficient
- The boots fit true to size so order your regular size
Cons:
- The boots are water-resistant and not waterproof. A waterproof spray may help.
- Counting on the zipper alone will not give you that nice tight draw. You will need to pull the laces for added pressure.
7. Oakley Men’s Light Assault 2 Boots
Best Military Boots for Lightweight Flexibility
For all those who want to live an active outdoor lifestyle, the breathable and supportive Oakley light Assault 2 boots are for you. The shoes are built keeping mobility and protection in mind so don these on before embarking on an outdoor adventure.
The mobility of the insoles works as per your mobility for added support. The boots feature plush shock absorption and a synthetic structure that gives long-lasting ventilation and comfort.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer : Oakley
- Weight: 14 oz per pair (based on size 9 boot)
- Sizes: 7.5-14
- For: men
- Color: Coyote, Blackout, Desert, Sage
- Can you polish and shine them up: No
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- The boots fit true to size
- Lightweight and well made
- The nylon laces come with a lace lock which keeps the boots nice and tight
Cons:
- The boots provide minimum water resistance which can be a downside if you’re traveling in moist environments
- The outer sole can squeak especially when wet
- The insoles might not be as comfortable and will require a replacement
In Conclusion
In our Survival Experts’ opinion, these are the best Military and Tactical Boots. They made it to our list for various reasons. Some are comfortable while others have full support for stability. Some are rugged and some are lightweight.
Carefully consider your unique needs and circumstances when choosing the right one for yourself. Do not overlook the fashion sense. Never hurt to own a pair of military and tactical boots that are built for extreme situations and still look good on you.
In any event, going full-on survival mode calls for robust gear to help you survive the elements, and these boots will fit the category.
