It’s been a big year for military boots. Aside from the new releases, we’ve seen a lot of our favorites rise in popularity. If you are looking for something new for your feet, we’ve chosen the best tactical boots. Lace ‘em up and let’s go!
Under Armour Loadout
One of the lightest military boots out there, the Under Armour Loadout Boot is designed specifically to meet the needs of Army and Air Force members. The military boot is AR 670-1 compliant and is available in coyote for authorized wear with OCP uniforms. Our favorite feature is the Vibram Outsole. Under Armour developed this MegaGrip rubber to ensure superior traction on any terrain, and with the 1000D Cordura construction, you’re safe to log plenty of miles in these.
Belleville AMRAP
Belleville makes some of the toughest boots around. No matter what type of terrain you find yourself on, the Belleville AMRAP Training Boot will stand up to the job. For more than 100 years, Belleville has been perfecting their craft and we feel like they’ve put so much of their knowledge into constructing this boundary pushing boot. The AMRAP Training Boot is a standard 8-inch boot, wrapped in 100% cattlehide leather and nylon fabric. To keep you comfortable on your feet, Belleville created a patented Athletic Strobel on a 100% rubber PT outsole and expanded TPU midsole. You’ll get the performance of an athletic shoe along with comfort when you need it the most.
Oakley Elite Assault Boots
Another one of our favorites is the Oakley Elite Assault Boot. These tactical boots are perfect for active duty or outdoor adventuring. The Assault Boot is constructed to provide maximum durability while maintaining a lighter weight. Oakley achieved this through their Vibram Litebase technology—a sole designed to reduce thickness without compromising on durability. Along with new Vibram technology, the tactical boots also feature Vibram SPE Midsoles. This also helps to cut down on the shoe’s weight, but not at the expense of durability. These assault boots were meant to keep you light on your feet.
Tactical Research by Belleville Khyber 2 Boots
Another AR670-1 compliant Army boot, the Tactical Research Khyber 2 Boots were designed for hot weather use and built for rocky terrain. To keep the boots breathable, they feature 100% cattlehide leather and nylon fabric as well as Belleville’s Breathe Right combat lunar lining. To maximize performance in less-than-ideal environments, the military boots feature a Vibram IBEX outsole, angled lugs for traction, serrated toe bumper aids for climbing and rappelling bars on the outsole to ensure these boots last a long time. Believe us; these boots can take a pounding and then some.
LOWA GTX Patrol Boots
With a long history of constructing hiking and ski boots, it’s no wonder that LOWA extended their offering to military combat boots. With the LOWA R-8S GTX Patrol Boots, you get a versatile shoe that can go from hiking trails to tactical field work. The boots are a standard 8 inches and meet both AR 670-1 and AF136-2903 requirements. In our mind, what makes these boots special is the PU Monowrap frame that provides 360-degree support. While the outsole and lining provide the durability you’ve come to expect, the all-around support makes these ideal tactical boots for any environment.
Nike SFB Gen 2 Boots
For tactical personnel, law enforcement or any avid outdoors person, the Nike SFB Gen 2 Boots are a durable, lightweight option. Nike has gained a massive following in the tactical space recently and the brand’s effort to innovate at each new release shows with the Gen 2 boots. Equipped with a flexible sole – inspired by Nike Free technology – these tactical boots are built to give you superior grip across all types of surfaces.
Blackhawk Desert Ops Boot
Another popular boot for those who need a rugged option, the Blackhawk Desert Ops Boots are ideal for extreme elements. The Desert Ops boots have an extra layer of suede throughout each boot as well as layering on specific wear points. A steel shank has been added for support between the insole and outsole and a Vibram outsole to make boots oil resistant. These are veritable tanks for your toes.
Garmont T8 BIFIDA Boots
When you think of Garmont, more often than not, durability comes to mind. The Garmont T8 BIFIDA Boots are made from 600D nylon, an extremely thick Denier fabric. Aside from composition being incredibly strong, Garmont has added multiple features to ensure your feet are well supported. From the Vibram Bifida sole to the footbed cup system, your feet will ‘thank you’ as you rack up the miles. The best part? They are AR670-1 Army and AFI 36-2039 Air Force compliant.
Danner Tachyon Coyote Boot
Danner is all about performance. In fact, they make sure to state that they make boots that act like shoes, not the other way around. Danner has embedded that philosophy into their Danner Tachyon Boots. No matter if you’re planning to put them through hundreds of miles or steep taxing terrain, the open cell polyurethane footbed, EVA midsole and Danner’s specialized Tachyon Outsole provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning. You can’t go wrong with this best seller from Danner.
Rocky S2V Flight Bot
If you need an Army boot that can withstand extreme weather conditions, look no further than the Rocky S2V Flight Boot. To create a comfortable barrier to the elements, the Flight Boot consists of Gore-Tex leather, Dri-Lex lining and 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation. Along with the perforated Air-Port cushion footbed, your feet will be well protected. And to ensure the boots will withstand the elements, Rocky Boots used 1000D Cordura and triple stitched construction to create a seemingly indestructible exterior. Oh, and they are also flash- and water-resistant.