Most of us would like to have a taste of adventure now and then. However, some of us are prefer more extreme adventures. Take hiking, for instance; it is in no way a walk in the park, and it’s not something you can do without proper training and preparation. Regular and professional climbers understand the importance of using the right gear, especially the right footwear.
There is an ongoing debate among hikers and climbers about choosing between tactical and traditional hiking boots. Some prefer the former over the other and vice versa. If you are one of those people who can’t decide between tactical boots vs. hiking boots, then check out this simple comparison guide.
Tactical Boots
These are also called military boots or combat boots. Don’t worry, you don’t actually need to be a tough cookie or in the army to use these. They are called military boots because they are mostly associated with military personnel because tactical boots are incredibly durable, comfortable, and specially designed to survive extreme conditions. This means that you can use tactical boots for activities like backpacking, hiking, or even working at a construction site.
Reasons for Choosing Tactical Boots
The human foot is literally supporting your entire body, so any footwear must be less obtrusive. Here are why tactical boots can be a good choice for hiking:
Surviving the Extreme
They are called tactical or military boots for a reason. Their durable and versatile design makes it possible to support your feet in harsh outside conditions such as trailing on difficult terrain, extreme heat or cold, rural flatlands, rain, and even desert.
Proper Foot Support
If you aren’t steady on your feet, then a tactical boot will provide good stability, especially if you are prone to injuries. They provide good flexibility and support.
Protection
Their hard and tough exterior will keep those pesky crawlers away from you if you encounter one out there. Tactical boots have high resistance to penetration and are also waterproof.
Multipurpose Footwear
Tactical boots are designed to pay extra attention to specific purposes. These include a heel brake — part of the outsole that slows you down while descending rapidly from a steep location. They consist of hard composite or steel toe protection, while a lug pattern will come in handy when you need traction against debris or a swampy floor.
Hiking Boots
Climbing challenging terrain to reach the top has perks of its own. Those who love hiking know how important it is to have consistency, persistence, and sturdiness while making a climb. These are the exact same characteristics a hiker looks for in their hiking boots. Traditional hiking boots are rugged-looking and meet all footwear needs. Here are the reasons why you can go for traditional hiking boots:
Reasons for Choosing Hiking Boots
Traditional hiking boots can be your go-to option because of the following reasons:
More Flexible
Compared to tactical boots, hiking boots are more flexible and lend more support to the ankle. They are designed in such a way that they provide extra stability to your foot on uneven terrain.
Weather Resistance
Hiking boots are made with a material that provides good resistance against harsh weather. Whether there is mud, snow, or water, your hiking boot will protect your feet. Moreover, hiking boots feel warmer, so they are a great choice for cold-weather hikes.
Lightweight
Hikers are aware of the legwork it takes for a climb, so, you can’t choose footwear that’s made from thick material just so it has good penetration resistance. In the case of traditional hiking boots, you’ll always see that they are comparatively more lightweight than tactical boots. This means that you can conserve more energy.
Using Nubuck Leather
This is a full-grain leather used for making hiking boots that resembles suede. It provides great abrasion resistant properties along with extreme durability. The material also provides flexibility without compromising on hardness.
Final Verdict
It is extremely important to choose the right footwear when you are out in the wilderness. You must have all the extra support, protection, and stability. However, the choice between a tactical boot and a hiking boot is heavily dependent on the type and location of activity you are engaging in.
Tactical boots work great in harsh environments, but they might not be suitable for someone going for a light hike. Similarly, a traditional hiking boot may not excel on challenging terrain, and that is where a tactical boot can come in handy. Your choice should be compatible with the surroundings.