Among the many different styles of footwear offered on the market, tactical boots are becoming increasingly popular. The reason for this? Tactical boots are not exclusive for combat groups, military, and patrols anymore, and people are starting to understand the perks of wearing a high-quality pair. The fact is, these boots will provide you with ideal foot protection for the upcoming autumn and winter months.
Additionally, if you are someone who enjoys going out for hikes or on a hunting trip, a pair of tactical boots is something that can provide you with several benefits. Apart from the footbed comfort that they are commonly known for, you will enjoy optimal arch and ankle support, as well as a slip-resistant outsole that reduces the chance of injury.
Still, looking on the market in search of the perfect model is not that easy. The thing is, while you can find a good offer for an affordable price, a lot of pairs, even those that are at a higher price, don’t provide the best quality.
Bearing this in mind, if you don’t want to get scammed or pay much more than you should, we suggest you continue this article and learn about what to look for. We have provided a buyer’s guide and answered common questions related to the best tactical boots. Also, we created a list of the models that we consider worthy. Thus, with all that said, let’s get right to it.
Best Tactical Boots Reviews
Comparison Chart
1. Maelstrom Men’s Tac Force Tactical Boots
As one of the bestselling tactical boots on the market, this Maelstrom Tac Force model is a good choice for anyone who is part of a combat, military, or patrol group. Coming in a variety of sizes, as well as in a black or tan color, you can ensure optimal comfort and support for your feet. Given the price, build, and overall reputation of the Maelstrom brand, it is safe to say that getting a pair of these is something that you will not regret.
Product Highlights
First and foremost, we want to talk about the great support that the Maelstrom company offers. Once the product arrives, you have a 1-year warranty, as well as a 30-day refund window to send the boots in for a hctactical-20nt should there be a physical defect or you are not satisfied with the comfort.
Additionally, their customer service is always open for questions, and, if you have any issues related to the boot, you will have no problem reaching their team. The main highlight of this pair has to be the rugged design that is suitable for going camping, on military operations, and even for construction work.
Made of full-grain polished leather, these boots are quite elegant and are accompanied by waterproof nylon on the top and sides. Among the most important details related to the design are the rigid toe and heel supports, which are important for two reasons. First, the chances of injury are greatly lowered with reinforced protection in the critical areas. Also, the boot itself has better durability, as a toe cap that wears out quickly is a common trait for a lot of tactical boots.
These boots are well-insulated, and the ZKK zipper works quite smoothly. Apart from that, we noticed that the gusseted tongue and padded collar contribute both to the fit and protection from dirt and debris, as well as overall durability of this pair. Our personal favorite is the fact that the inner sole is shock-proof and cushioned, which means you will get to walk for an hour’s time without feeling fatigued and stopping every 30 minutes to rest your feet.
Thus, much like a true tactical boot should offer, the optimal comfort and sturdy construction are the two things that make this product a superb choice. Still, there is a couple of things that we would change. The boots are quite squeaky, especially if you are walking on flat terrain.
Additionally, we have to say that for full-grain leather shoes, these are not very breathable. Apart from these design details, there is not much to say against the product. Good price, reliable build, and the suitable fit is what you will enjoy while wearing the Maelstrom Tac Force boots.
The Good
As we have suggested above, the main feature of this pair is the optimal comfort and a sturdy build that will endure through the roughest of terrain and weather conditions. By getting these boots, you will give yourself at least a few years of great footwear that can be used for camping and hiking, as well as on an everyday basis during the autumn and winter seasons.
The Bad
Still, we have to notice that, while the build is quite sturdy and elegant, it does lack breathable mesh. Yes, your feet are well insulated and protected from water, but, for the purpose of walking for hours at a time, the boots should be more breathable than this. Also, the squeaking can be quite annoying.
PROS
- Sturdy and strong
- Comfortable
- Shock absorbent
CONS
- Not very breathable
- Squeaky when walking
2. Danner Men’s Acadia 8†Boot
If all you are looking for is to get a pair of high-quality tactical boots, and you don’t mind the somewhat higher price, this Danner product is a suitable choice that will cover your needs. Made out of exquisite material, including genuine leather and Cordura, this is one of the sturdiest pairs on the market. Manufactured, and designed in the US, you can’t go wrong buying from the Danner company.
Product Highlights
Much like the aforementioned product, this one is supported by a 1-year limited warranty; in case there is anything wrong with the outer build or the inner comfort, you can send it in for a hctactical-20nt. One of the most reputable boot brands on the market, Danner is well-known for its high-quality stitching and 8″ boots that provide optimal ankle and heel support.
Providing a stable foot platform for added support, this pair is ideal for marching or going on long hiking trips. Yes, there are the plastic inserts that are not that common for tactical boots, but these shouldn’t affect the overall comfort that you are getting. While narrow, the slender profile still allows people with wider feet to wear these boots — just be sure to get the right size. With a fiberglass shank, you can’t really doubt the sturdiness of this product.
The most important part is certainly the provided comfort, which is highlighted by an Airthotic footbed — cushioned and made according to the latest orthopedic standards, it will both absorb the shock and give your feet ultimate support for walking on rough terrain.
Talking about the featured design details, the Kletterlift outer sole will allow you to confidently overcome rough and rugged terrains. Unlike the aforementioned product, this one comes with a GoreTex membrane that will keep your feet dry, while allowing optimal breathability at the same time. Frankly, Danner’s 8-inch boots are a phenomenal choice, as long as you don’t mind the higher price.
The Good
We love the overall build of this pair, not only because of the optimal support and comfort that is provided, but for the look as well. Coming in an elegant black color, these boots will suit most winter outfits.
The Bad
Given the fact that there are good-quality tactical boots for a fragment of this price, it is a bit expensive. While we agree that there is nothing to say against the build itself, it is a shame that not everybody will be able to afford this boot.
PROS
- Incredibly rugged
- Comfortable and breathable
- Customer service is excellent
CONS
- Plastic inserts
- Pricey for some
3. Rocky Men’s C4T Tactical Boots
Getting on with our list of the top tactical boots on the market, this Rocky model will serve you well if you are on a tight budget, but you don’t want to miss out on the potential benefits of such footwear. Being the lightest military boots that were ever made, these will give you the needed mobility during an operation or a high-intensity hike.
Product Highlights
The first thing that we want to suggest before getting into the perks of this pair is that it is nowhere as sturdy as the previous models. What this means is that you will not want to wear these during the autumn or winter season.
While water-resistant, chances are your feet will not stay dry. On the other hand, the overall comfort and design of these boots is ideal for spring and summer, providing good protection and support for your feet.
First, these are made out of fabric and some suede leather that is on the upper areas. The fabric is breathable and easy-to-clean.
As for the dimensions, the shaft is around 7 inches from the arch, while the heel is around 1.5 inches from the platform, thus providing good ankle support and reducing the chance of injury when walking on rough terrain. Additionally, the provided EVA outsole, which is made out of rubber, should give you the right traction to overcome rocky and slippery surfaces.
One of the coolest features that comes with these tactical boots is the 550 cord laces, NATO hooks, and speed eyelets that ensure you can tightly lace these up. While certainly not ideal for heavy use, these boots are perfect for the time when mobility and proper comfort/support is everything that you need. Thus, getting a pair of the Rocky C4T is a great alternative to its high-end competitor.
The Good
The good thing about these boots is that, while not ideal for cold and wet conditions, they still provide great comfort, given the cushioned inner sole. Additionally, walking on a rough terrain shouldn’t be an issue with the aforementioned rubber grip that is featured in the outsole.
The Bad
On the other hand, while these are made to dry fast, your feet will still get wet if it rains or you are walking through the snow. Thus, you can use this pair for only half of the year (spring and summer)
PROS
- Affordable for most
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
CONS
- Not as sturdy as hoped
- Not waterproof
4. Under Armour Men’s Vasetz Tactical Boots
When talking about tactical and military boots that are not made out of genuine leather, but instead use high-quality fabric as the primary material, this Under Armour product is a great example. Manufactured to the latest standards by a reliable brand, these boots are going to support you throughout strenuous hikes and operations.
Product Highlights
The main highlight of these boots is that they are well-insulated and imported, which means that, while the whole build is made out of synthetic and textile, the Under Armour boots still provide good protection and comfort. Now, we want to let you know that these are in no way the sturdiest boots on the market, and that you should think twice before wearing these in harsh conditions.
Still, this doesn’t mean that they don’t serve the purpose — if we are talking about long hikes on rocky terrains, you will be more than happy wearing these. The ClutchFit technology ensures optimal ankle protection, as it wraps around your foot. Additionally, the featured Storm design is there to ensure proper breathability, while also keeping your feet dry and repelling any water.
Bearing in mind the price and overall construction of these boots, we consider it a worthy investment. The shaft is around 6.5 inches from the arch and provides good support, while ensuring comfort and flexibility at the same time.
Much like the aforementioned boot, it comes with a cushioned inner sole, as well as a rubber grip to provide optimal traction for rough terrains. Overall, this is an affordable and reliable choice for any hiking enthusiast.
The Good
We love the fact that, while it does come with a somewhat lower-quality build than the aforementioned models, it still provides good comfort and support.
The Bad
As we suggested above, this boot is not sturdy enough, which is a shame given the other features that it comes with.
PROS
- Reasonably priced
- Great ankle support
- Comfortable
CONS
- Not for harsh conditions
- Not too strong
5. Bates Men’s 8†Tactical Boot
At the end of our list of the best tactical boots on the market, we present you with a great choice for people on a tight budget that don’t mind buying from a brand that is not as well-known. Still, this doesn’t mean that Bates is a company that you shouldn’t trust, as the feedback for their products is almost always very good. So, here is a good value pair of boots for an affordable price.
Product Highlight
First and foremost, we want to say that, while these boots are a worthy investment, the customer service that comes with them is not the most reliable. So, should you have any kind of issue with the fit or build, you might have to contact them more than once.
Now, the main highlight of this product is the build that features genuine leather, textile, rubber, and breathable mesh. Frankly, compared to the aforementioned pair, this one is better for winter and autumn seasons and comes with proper insulation. Additionally, given the EVA midsole, you should enjoy provided comfort and support while walking on rough terrain.
The 30-centimeter opening will allow you to quickly hop into these boots and get to the action. Honestly, for the price that you are paying, finding a product of this quality will not be easy.
Yes, these are kind of squeaky, which can be annoying, but, other than that, there is not much that we can complain about. If you want to enjoy comfortable calf-high boots for hiking, camping, and military operations, this is a good choice.
The Good
The main thing that we love about this product is the optimal traction that these boots ensure. Unlike the Under Armour ones, these can be used in harsh conditions and for walking on the roughest terrains.
The Bad
However, while the design is sturdy, if anything goes wrong or you are not satisfied with the fit, asking for a hctactical-20nt is not a 1-step process. Apart from the fact that customer service is not the most reliable, these boots don’t feature any kind of warranty either.
PROS
- Affordable
- Great traction and support
- Comfortable
CONS
- Customer service is poor
- Squeaky
Tactical Boots Buyer’s Guide
Buying high-quality footwear can get quite tricky, as there are many different factors that you need to consider in order to not get scammed.
While the brand that stands behind a product matters, we have shown a couple of times above that there are models coming from not lesser-known companies that are still worth our money. Given this fact, we have prepared a list of the most important features you need to consider when buying tactical boots. Let’s take a look.
Material
The first important feature is what the boots are made out of. While genuine leather is always welcome, as it contributes to the durability and sturdiness of a tactical boot, breathable mesh lining should also be present. Additionally, high-density nylon is quite common in tactical boots of mid-price.
Design
The design is everything — it determines how well the tactical boot suits your feet, and it provides the necessary ankle/arc support. We suggest you look for rugged tactical boots that have a shaft 6-7 inches above the arch and come with a narrow fit.
Anti-Slip Sole
Among the most important points to consider is whether the pair features an anti-slip sole. If it does, you will be able to walk on rough terrain without the risk of slipping and injuring your ankle/arch. Most common are the ones featuring a rubber grip, such as the EVA outer sole.
Inner Lining
The inner lining of a tactical boot determines how comfortable it will be. Look for the models that have a cushioned footbed, which will provide the needed comfort and support for walking hours at a time.
Waterproof/Water-Resistant
At the end of the day, tactical boots that aren’t waterproof are not suitable for operations and hikes during the winter and autumn seasons. While it may be hard to find an affordable pair that is 100% waterproof, you should at least search for a model that is water-resistant and repels moisture by providing optimal breathability.
Tactical Boots FAQ
What are tactical boots?
Tactical boots are footwear that is usually highlighted by sturdy rugged design (genuine leather, fabric) and offers optimal support and comfort for your feet. While previously worn just by people who were in the military or patrol, now these are widely popular.
How do you clean tactical boots?
Depending on the material, a regular cloth with some soap and water should do the trick. Also, be sure to use adequate conditioner in order to prolong the durability of the tactical boots.
How do you lace tactical boots?
Depending on the model, the lacing system is similar to any other boots. Just be sure that you lace tightly before jumping into an adventure.
How do you break in tactical boots?
There is nothing wildly complicated about breaking in these boots — a few hours of continuous walking should be enough to do it.
Can you hike in tactical boots?
Absolutely. Given the great arch/ankle support, as well as the provided cushion that the high-quality tactical boots feature, it will be a pleasure hiking in such footwear.
Conclusion
Due to their incredible design and optimal comfort that will keep your feet happy, you satisfied, and your entire body injury-free, our personal favorite is the Danner 8†Tactical Boots.
Still, we do understand that the price is somewhat higher, so, our second best would be the Maelstrom Tac Force Boots, as these are affordable and reliable for any true footwear enthusiast. However, if these are not quite what you are looking for, then any of the others on our list would be a great option too.