A good pair of tactical boots will be one of the most important purchases you can make if you need footwear that is:
- Reliable
- Breathable
- Protective
- ... and able to handle rough terrain
For this list, we reviewed 36 pairs of tactical boots currently on the market. As a result, we picked out the 7 best tactical boots, each for the following categories:
- Overall best tactical boot for most people
- Best affordable / budget tactical boots
- Best water-resistant tactical boots [leather]
- Best water-resistant tactical boots - [synthetic, Gore-Tex]
- Most comfortable tactical boots [best for hiking]
- Best lightweight 4" tactical boots (for running)
- Best lightweight 8" tactical boots
... and 10 honorable mentions that didn't make it to our tactical boot list, but are still solid picks you might want to check out.
Ready? Let's get started...
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top Pick
This boot can be worn with all applicable Operational Camouflage Pattern variations and is uniform-compliant in settings that call for a GSA/TAA compliant boot.
Compare Best Tactical Boots
P.S. tap the blue links below to check the latest price.
| Image | Product | Height | Material | Waterproof | Side Zip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Rocky S2V Predator - Best For Most People | 9" | Leather/Synthetic | No | No |
 | 2. Salomon Quest 4D - Best For Military | 6" | Leather/Synthetic | No | No |
 | 3. 5.11 A.T.A.C. - Budget Pick | 8" | Leather/Synthetic | No | No |
 | 4. Thorogood Gen-Flex2 - Full Leather Waterproof | 8" | Full Leather | With treatment | Yes |
 | 5. Lowa Zephyr - Most Comfortable For Hiking | 8" | Leather/Synthetic | No | No |
 | 6. Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX - Best For Running | 4" | Leather/Synthetic | Gore-Tex | No |
 | 7. Danner Tachyon GTX - Best Lightweight 8" | 8" | Leather/Synthetic | Gore-Tex | No |
7 Best Tactical Boots Reviewed - For Military, Police, Rucking, Hiking, Hunting, etc.
1. Rocky S2V Predator - Overall Best Tactical Military Boot For Most People
Why It's Our #1 Pick
Rocky S2V's are well-known in the tactical gear community. S2V is your proven, basic tactical military boot. They hit the sweet spot with bang for the buck - cheaper than more premium brands - Salomon, Lowa etc., while still delivering premium performance.
Side note: This is one of the tactical boot pairs that Garand Thumb of Youtube fame recommends for range school. They're practically made for tactical operations, and certainly one of the best combat boots available.
Let's take a closer look.
- Material: Leather and Nylon
- Ankle Height: 9"
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Side Zipper: No
- Colors: Black, Tan
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
Construction
Rocky S2V Predator is made from a mix of Leather and 1000D Cordura Nylon. If you're not familiar with textile fabrics, 1000D Cordura resists tears, abrasions, and scuffs better than any other fabric of its kind. It's the toughest nylon on the market - reinforced by triple-stitching everywhere, so it is excellent material for the best combat boots.
The fabric of the boot is PTFE-coated for flame resistance. Rocky S2Vs are approved for wear with all applicable OCP variations and are GSA/TAA compliant.
S2V is Rocky's "S2V Sieve technology". It's the drainage holes you can see on the sides of the boot. They increase water dispersal and breathability by 300% compared to other boots. The sieve system is built to circulate air in and push water out. This allows you to "walk the boots dry" quickly.
This baby comes with Vibram soles. If you're not familiar with Vibram soles - they're the best rubber outsole you can get. A benchmark of quality that most high-end boots come with. The slip-resistant soles are also resistant to abrasions and oils. Despite the boot's size, the sole also provides decent shock-absorption due to its design.
Since all boot models in this list are built to take a beating, it's difficult calling any one of them the most durable tactical boot. But if we had to rank them, then the Rocky S2V Predator would be at the top of the list.
Finally, Rocky S2V is probably the one of the best-looking tactical boots on our list. There are boots that look good, and then there are boots that perform. Rocky S2V manages to do both. There is something cool about:
- The combination of fabrics
- The wave-like sole design
- The lugs on the sole sticking out slightly
Don't know about you, but we give this one 10/10 in the looks department.
Comfort
As any pair of tactical boots, Rocky S2V's adjust to your feet and become comfortable when you wear them in.
It's not the best tactical boot for running, as the arch support is not strong enough for fast sprints. Also, don't be fooled by the "lightweight" appearance - the Cordura fabric on these ones is thick and won't let any air through.
Bottom Line
A pair of Rocky S2V Predators is going to last you a long time. These are possibly the best combat boots on the market, and the boots that our soldiers wear on deployment. If you want to buy a pair of tactical boots and have 0 regrets - go for these. They're worth every cent.
Click "play" below for a live demo.
2. Salomon Quest 4D Forces - Best Performance Tactical Boot For Military / Operators / Police
Also Great
Best choice for full mission profile with closed lace eyelets that wont interfere with MFF or fast roping. 4D Chassis gives you the support of a mountain boot, but still has the flexibility to take a knee or sprint to the target.
What's Special
Quest 4D Forces are Salomon's full mission combat boot. The 6" boot are built to be military boots -specifically for the military - making it one of the best pair of army boots on the market. Most importantly, it has been proven & tested in the field by operators on real deployments. They closely resemble the design used in standard issue tactical boots.
Note: Salomon Quest 4D is not #1 on our list because it's about $50 more expensive than Rocky S2V. But performance-wise - it's the top.
Let's take a closer look.
- Material: Leather and Nylon
- Ankle Height: 6"
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Side Zipper: No
- Colors: Tan, Black
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
Construction
Salomon Quest 4D tactical footwear is made out of anti-debris mesh and nubuck leather. The outsole is Salomon's non-marking Contagrip - which is their own Vibram-like technology, with comparable shock-absorption as the S2V above.
This "Forces" version of Salomon 4D quest has non-reflective matte coloring. There is also a civilian version of this boot that comes with reflective coloring. The rubber outsole is oil and slip resistant.
At 6" in height, the boot is lighter than full combat boots. Still, you get plenty of protection. There's excellent ankle support for hiking, plus high quality extras like:
- Mudguard
- Rubber heel cap
- Rubber toe cap
Our troops trusted these military boots with their lives when they deployed to Afghanistan. They can take everything that you throw at them. The one area where they don't excel is in extreme cold conditions.
Comfort
The 4D chassis is made to be comfortable all around. It gives you the support of a mountain boot, but still has the flexibility to take a knee or sprint to the target.
The boots run about half a size bigger and the break-in period is about 2 weeks.
Bottom Line
Salomon Quest 4D Forces are professional combat boots that real soldiers use on deployment. It's the best mlitary boot on our list. And if they could handle Afghanistan, they'll sure as hell handle everything that you can throw at them.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
3. 5.11 A.T.A.C. 8" - Best Affordable / Budget Durable Tactical Military Boots
Why It's Our #3 Pick
Introducing our budget pick - 5.11 A.T.A.C. 8" boot. Budget tactical boots are a popular topic:
- Are they worth it?
- Will they fall apart?
- What are the risks?
- How do they measure up to the expensive models?
We tested them out and made our judgment - here are the results.
Construction
- Material: Leather and Nylon
- Ankle Height: 8"
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Side Zipper: Yes
- Colors: Black, Tan
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
There is a "tactical knife pocket" on the side of the boot. It's big enough to fit most foldable EDC knives but too small for bigger blades.
A.T.A.C is your basic black side zip tactical boot - just as you'd expect for the price. Everyone knows the quality of 5.11's gear. But these boots are made in China and you get what you pay for. Don't expect any kind of "superior" tactical performance out of these.
So instead of talking about what they have or don't have, let's talk about why/whether you should get them in the first place.
These are not the best combat boots, and not a pair of boots that you can take out on deployment. They're not built for serious tactical action. You won't cover difficult terrain and they won't survive extreme weather conditions.
Instead, 5.11 A.T.A.C. 8" boots are some of the best police boots for law enforcement officers, or simply as reliable work boots. They're a good tactical work boot for urban and indoors conditions:
- Walking around
- Driving
- Office work
Which is what most people end up using their "tactical boots" for anyway. Especially considering that they're light, breathe well, and come with side zipper.
At this price, the main issue of these boots is durability. It's like a lottery - some pairs will last 2+ years while others will fall apart in 6-8 months. It all depends on what you use them for. With that being said, the sole is oil and slip resistant if you manage to get a good model.
Similar Models: 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C. 6" Side Zip is the 6" version of the ATAC boot.
Comfort
The boots are comfortable once they wear in. They're easy to put on and take off with the side zip. There is no pull loop on the back - a little detail, but still annoying.
Bottom Line
5.11 A.T.A.C.'s are the best tactical boots that you'll find under $100. They're built for the city, not for the country. Don't abuse them too much and you'll be fine.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
4. Thorogood Gen-Flex2 Jump Boot - Best Full-Leather Water-Resistant Tactical Boot
Why It's Our #1 Pick
Thorogood boot needs no introduction. And Gen-flex2 is your best "bang for your buck" full leather boot on the market. They check all the boxes of a reliable, solid military boots that will keep your feet dry in any kind of weather:
- Full-Grain Leather
- Goodyear Storm Welt Construction
- Solid brand
Construction
- Material: Leather
- Ankle Height: 8"
- Water Resistant: With treatment
- Side Zip: Yes
- Colors: Black
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
Thorogood Gen-flex2 are made from full-grain leather. It's the classic army jump boot design. They're polishable and you can get your military shine on.
The full-leather construction gives these tactical boots that classy, "authority" look. This is a boot that'd look perfect on a policeman or a prison guard. Especially if you shine up the toecap.
Full-leather also means that you can treat these boots to make them waterproof. Even the Gore-tex models with their moisture-wicking liner will let some moisture through after prolonged exposure, so full-leather construction with treatment is your best bet for having proper waterproof tactical boot on your feet. Put on some warm socks, and they'll serve you well in winter as well.
The composite outsole is decent. It will get the job done. It's not as strong as on some of the more expensive boots we've reviewed. Rocky, Salomon, and LOWA all have better outsoles, but they're some of the best tactical boots on the market.
Any kind of Goodyear Welt construction is a sign of a boot's quality. It means that the sole is stitched to the boot, not glued. The Goodyear Storm Welt on this boot gives it better water resistance and durability compared to boots with glued soles. This also makes them a good work boot.
Side note: The toecap is not as shiny in real life as in the picture.
Comfort
The boots are comfortable and take a few weeks to wear on. At first, they will squeak when you walk with them. But the squeaking goes away after a few weeks.
Bottom Line
You won't find a better full-leather tactical boot for the money than Thorogood Gen-Flex2. It's a great "all-rounder" boot that is built to last for a long time. But if you need to operate in hot weather conditions - consider getting a leather and nylon boot for better breathability.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
5. Lowa Zephyr - Most Comfortable Tactical Boots For Hiking
What's Special
Lowa Zephyr is another example of solid military boots recommended by soldiers, for soldiers. It may look more like a pair of hiking boots than one of the best combat boots around, but with Zephyr, that's the idea - you get the comfort of sneakers in a high-performance armored boot. This is the most comfortable tactical boot that we've tried.
Let's take a closer look.
Construction
- Material: Leather/Synthetic
- Ankle Height: 8"
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Side Zip: No
- Colors: Black, Tan
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
I'll keep this short. Because let's face it - this is LOWA. We could write a short essay on why LOWA boots are great. But we'll let them do the talking instead.
What makes the Lowa Zephyr pair of tactical boots special is the strong slip-resistant rubber sole that wraps around the boot, giving the bottom of your foot extra protection. Because of the outsole, people call it the "armored boot". The boot also comes with moisture wicking lining.
All you need to know is that these boots are made to be used and abused. They're the top of the line when it comes to quality.
Comfort
Because of the cushioning, it's the most comfortable pair of tactical boots that we've tried. According to reviews, the break-in period is also shorter because of the added cushioning.
Bottom Line
The thing with LOWA is - they cut no corners. These boots will last you for a long time. But they're not cheap. You'll get more bang for your buck with Salomon or Rocky's. But if you want the best quality out there - or that sweet extra cushioning - then it doesn't get better than LOWA Zephyr.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
6. Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX - Best Lightweight / Lightest Tactical Boots For Running
What's Special
Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX is another combat boot from Salomon. What makes it different from the Quest 4D above is the lighter 4" construction. Which also makes it better for running.
Construction
- Material: Leather/Synthetic
- Ankle Height: 4"
- Water Resistance: Gore-Tex
- Side Zip: No
- Colors: Black, Tan, Green
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Collar: Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
This is not your "normal" tactical boot. With the height of about 4" Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX boot is somewhere between a running shoe and a tactical boot.
Salomon XA is good for shorter distances, urban areas, and moving around fast - sprinting and running etc. But there is a tradeoff. This boot won't handle:
- Longer treks
- Rough terrain
- Rucking
The construction is mostly nylon with some leather bits here and there, wiht moisture wicking lining. Salomon's thick ContraGrip outsole keeps everything together.
The Gore-Tex fabric in this boot makes it waterproof. But as we mentioned in the buying guide, gore-tex will wear out with time. You'll need to treat the boot to keep its water resistance.
Comfort
Salomon XA feels like a tennis shoe on your feet. A tennis shoe with the durability of a combat boot. The ankle protection is decent considering the low height. Great tactical boot for hot weather.
Bottom Line
Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX are the best lightweight tactical boots you can get. Get them for speed, or for surviving the hot southern weather. They're a good pick if you're looking for a tactical boot for extreme heat.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
7. Danner Tachyon 8” GTX - Best Lightweight Full Tactical Boots, Water-Resistant
What's Special
Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX is right up your alley if you're looking for a full tactical boot that's:
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Durable
It retails for about the same as the Thorogood above, but with slightly better build quality.
Construction
- Material: Leather/Synthetic
- Ankle Height: 8"
- Water Resistance: Gore-Tex
- Side Zip: No
- Sole: Good Traction, Oil & Slip-Resistant
- Colors: Black, Tan
- Collar: Slightly Padded
- Tongue: Gusseted
- Wide-Feet Models Available: Yes
Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX is made from full-grain leather and 500 Denier nylon upper, and comes with a sturdy rubber outsole. Moisture-wicking Gore-tex fabric keeps this boot 100% waterproof and breathable. It makes Danner Tachyon a perfect jungle & hot weather boot that will keep your feet relatively sweat-free. With the added benefit of an ultra-fast dry time.
The boots come with a rubber sole and a protected polishable toecap. The sole is soft and bends - like on a sneaker - but it's strong enough to hike with.
With that being said, here are the downsides:
- Danner Tachyon are lightweight tactical boots that are not made for the cold. That nylon is not enough to keep your feet warm.
- The boot performs, but you can't deny that it looks like a sneaker. It's not something that you want to be wearing if you work in the law enforcement. Not for law enforcement or security personnel.
- Finally, there is a lack of arch support compared to normal boots despite the hard soles. This boot is not made for hiking or crossing difficult terrain.
Similar Models: Danner Tachyon 8" Coyote is the tan color version of Tachyon.
Comfort
The boots are comfortable and lightweight - especially the soles. But they take about a month to break in, longer than usual. There is a lack of ankle support and they are noisy when walking.
Bottom Line
Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX is a decent jungle boot with limitations. It's best suited for warm, urban areas. Because of the lightweight nylon construction, Danner Tachyon is going to be less durable than other tactical boots in the same price range.
Click "play" below for a live demo:
Honorable Mentions (Also Good)
Out of the 36 pairs we reviewed, we also shortlisted the tactical boots below for our list.
They didn't make it to the list for one reason or another. Mostly because we had already included a similar pair of boots from another brand.
Still, these models are solid and you should take a look if you didn't find a boot you liked from the list above:
- Bates Ultra-Lites 8"
- Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 8"
- Rocky Alphaforce Duty Boot
- Rocky Duty Modern Paraboot
- Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot.
- Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot
- Bates GX-8 Comp
- Reebok Work Duty Rapid Response RB RB8894 8" Tactical Boot
- Rocky C4 Trainer Sage Military Tactical Boot
- Tactical Research TR550 Khyber II Mountain Hybrid Boot
Competition
WWOODTOMLINSON Combat Boots. WWOODTOMLINSON is a cheap, Chinese-made tactical boot of poor quality. If you can't pronounce the name of the brand - it's the reddest flag out there. You get what you pay for. These boots won't last you longer than 3 months. Even a pair of chucks blows these out of the water. Avoid.
IODSON Ultra-Light Tactical Boots. The same model of Chinese boots. Being sold under a different brand name. They'll fall apart all the same - avoid.
CQR Mid-Ankle Tactical Boots. CQR "tactical boots" are more a sneaker than a boot. Don't expect durability. And even if you want a "Tactical sneaker", we'd recommend a budget model from Bates or 5.11 any time over this one.
Belleville Tactical Research Mens TR105 Mini-Mil Combat Boot. A lightweight tactical boot from Belleville Tactical Research. The company is well-known and has a good track record. But this particular model is less durable than others and more prone to damages. Probably because of the light design. If you want a full lightweight boot, look into Danner. Or Rocky CR-4 if you're on a budget.
Original S.W.A.T. Metro Air 9". There is nothing S.W.A.T. about these boots. According to reviews, you will get 6-12 months of daily wear before they fall apart. We suspect that many of the Amazon reviews are fake. If you like the design of these, check out Bates - you'll get better quality & bang for your buck.
Maelstrom LANDSHIP 8". Another cheap boot model from China. You get what you pay for. No slip resistant outsole. Quality problems are common - soles separating after a few months etc. Verdict: Don't waste your money.
Maelstrom TAC ATHLON. Another Chinese tactical boot from Maelstrom. Built slightly better than the Landship above. No ventilation, very heavy, the sole doesn't flex. Cheap duty boot that will have quality issues. Will last you 6 months tops, and the outsole is not slip resistant.
Maelstrom Tac Force. Another budget tactical boot from Maelstrom. The same story - it's good-looking but unreliable. You don't know whether it's going to last one year. Or whether it'll break down on you in a couple of weeks. Not slip resistant.
Under Armour Stellar. Not slip resistant, uncomfortable, lightweight, bad rubber, quality issues. These boots retail around $80. And for that money, you can find a better deal elsewhere. With Rocky, Reebok, 5.11 etc.
Under Armour Valsetz RTS. This is one of the most popular tactical boots on the market. The problem with Valsetz is material & construction quality. This boot won't handle anything serious. Valsetz is more of a fortified sneaker. It's a "mailman's boot" - not a "soldier's boot".
WIDEWAY 8" Military Tactical Boots. Wideway is another white-labeled tactical boot brand from China. They have poor quality and unpredictable durability. You can find a better deal for the money with one of 5.11's models.
WIDEWAY Military Tactical Boots. Another mass-produced Chinese model from Wideway. Same as above.
Magnum Elite Spider 8.0. Magnum's combat boots are built better than the cheap Chinese models. But they're not built to last. You're better off investing your money elsewhere.
Magnum Viper Pro 5 Tactical Boot. Same as above. Magnum used to make decent boots. But their quality has slipped in recent years. These boots have a narrow sizing that most people struggle with, as well as occasional quality issues. All in all the hassle is not worth it and we recommend Bates boots over these.
How To Choose Tactical Boots - Buyer's Guide
The Price
The sweet spot for quality tactical boots is $150-$180. That's the minimum you'll be paying if you want a good pair that'll:
- Last you a few years
- And handle everything you throw at it
Now, what if you can't afford that?
There are budget tactical boots selling for less. Still, expect to pay at least $100 if you want quality. We included one of these pairs as our budget pick - the 5.11 A.T.A.C. They may not be full-feature military boots, but they'll get the job done for most people and most situations.
You can find also find budget pairs for $50-$70. We don't recommend those. Because you get what you pay for. These cheap boots don't last long. In many cases - for less than a year.
Leather vs. Synthetic Boots
Synthetic boots are made from a combination of nylon and leather. They're best for hot and dry weather - because of their breathability. They usually come with gore-tex fabric built into them.
Gore-Tex should be making these boots waterproof. But Gore-Tex is not flawless. It has problems with waterproofing. Especially after long use with exposure to humidity, UV-rays and heat - it starts letting the water through.
Leather boots are better for wet and cold weather. They're easier to treat against wet weather. Good leather boots are expensive, but they're also more durable. They'll last you years if you take good care of them.
If you need waterproof tactical boots, go for full-leather boots.Here's why:
With time, leather is going to wear. As it wears, it loses its water resistance. And that's when you treat it with wax. The leather sucks the wax and becomes waterproof again.
You can also treat Gore-Tex boots for water resistance. But they don't absorb the treatment quite as well as leather.
Boot Height - 6" vs. 8"
Full-size 6"/8" high ankle tactical boots protect your feet better than low ankle boots. They are better for long hikes with a lot of gear on your back. Especially if we're talking about rough terrain. If you slip or hit your foot, a higher ankle will protect it from injury.
Lightweight 4"/5" low-ankletactical boots are better for shorter missions and treks. With lighter loads. They'll give you less ankle support, so only use them in situations where you won't need it. They're excellent for urban areas where you don't have a lot of weight on your back.
Breaking In Your Tactical Boots
A.K.A. How to not destroy your feet when you get a new pair of boots.
All new boots need breaking in. It's necessary for:
- The boots to adjust to your feet. No matter what you do with your boots. Their stitching is going to flex and the material is going to compress. Changing the shape of the boot.
- Your feet to adjust to the boots. Your feet are going to build up more skin on certain areas - according to where the boots are rubbing them.
Breaking in your boots will take you a week or two. Give them some light wear for a week before wearing them properly. Around the house or in the backyard will do the trick.
Be patient.The worst thing you could do with a new pair of boots is wearing them for a full day straight away. That will destroy your foot - believe us, as we have experienced it first hand.
Socks for tactical boots
"Socks in a buyer's guide for boots? Huh?"
Hear me out.
Many people who say their boots are "uncomfortable" wear them with the wrong socks. Having thick socks is especially important during the break-in period. Don't break in your boots with thin cotton socks.
Make sure you buy a few pairs of proper socks to go with your new tactical boots. Two simple rules to follow here:
- Get Long Socks. Short socks will give you chafing on the sides of your ankles.
- Avoid cotton. For material, we recommend anything with a wool/nylon blend. If you have the budget, you can't go wrong with the legendary Darn Tough socks.
Wool is great for socks because it keeps your feet dry. It warms them up when you're cold and keeps them dry when you're hot. If you haven't tried wool socks yet - you're in for a real surprise. Read more about socks.
Cold & Hot Weather Conditions
This guide focuses on "normal" tactical hiking boots. They will handle most anything you throw at them. Including a couple of days of snow, here and there.
If you need to operate in winter conditions, you'll want to have insulated, high-ankle leather boots. Think like winter hunting boots. We have a separate article coming up on these shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “What Are The Best Tactical boot brands”
Some tactical boot brands stand above others. The 6 brands below are all solid picks and have been field-tested for years:
- Salomon
- Asolo
- Rocky
- LOWA
- Meindl
- Hanwag
Q: “Where to buy Tactical Boots Online”
We recommend buying tactical boots on Amazon. That's because of their generous returns policy. You can always return a pair if you don't get the fit right. Or order a few different ones if you're in doubt - and return the ones that don't fit.
Q: “What are the best tactical boots for women?”
A: The same as for men. All tactical boot brands offer men's and women's sizes. Also, the shape of the foot is the same between women and men.
The only thing I can think of is that women are lighter than men on average. This means that a woman will put less stress on her boots while wearing them. If anything - a woman's boots will last longer
Q: What Are The Most “Comfortable” Tactical Boots?
A: It depends. There is no single right answer here. There are too many variables in play:
- The shape of your foot
- The weight you're carrying
- Whether you're running or hiking
You shouldn't worry about comfort too much. The truth is - most boots will be comfortable after you break them in. Your foot adjusts to the boot, the boot adjusts to your foot.
For tips on how to get that perfect fit for your new pair of tactical boots, check out our tutorial on How Boots Should Fit - The Ultimate Boot Sizing Guide.
Side note: There are exceptions. Jungle boots of the U.S. Army, for example, were notoriously uncomfortable.
The best thing you can do here is:
- Assess what your needs are
- Get the right boots for your needs
When assessing your needs, start from:
- The type of terrain you're going to be crossing
- How much weight you need to carry
- Weather conditions - how cold will it get? Do you need to stay out in the cold for long? Is there snow?
Types Of Tactical Military Boots
Once you've answered the above questions, here are the three general types of tactical boots that you can choose from:
Lightweight 6" tactical boots are comfortable on shorter distances & light loads. They give you less ankle support, but you don't need it either. Excellent for urban areas, for example.
Full-size 8" tactical boots are better for long hikes with a lot of gear on your back. Especially if we're talking about rough terrain. For that, high ankle boots are a must.
Finally, if you need to spend hours in cold & wet conditions, look into getting full-leather tactical boots. They're more expensive but will pay off if you need to operate in snowy conditions.
