Military boots have several names, with army boots or combat boots being the most popular. It’s not surprising that people love tactical boots for the armed forces, whether they’re currently in the military or retired. They’re tough, comfortable to wear for many hours at a time and durable.

There’s a reason the military picks such well-constructed boots that can withstand the roughest conditions, so here’s a guide to choosing the best army boots for you.

What Are the Different Types of Army Boots?

You’ll find a variety of styles and types of army boots on the market because of the different climates and jobs military service members work in. Here are some of the different types:

• Steel-toed boots
• Jungle boots
• Hot weather military boots
• Lightweight boots
• Waterproof military boots
• Insulated boots
• Side-zip military boots

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Compliance Considerations for Army Boots

Several compliances exist to protect interruptions to the supply chain that occur during military conflicts. Here are some that may cause purchasing restrictions for military members.

GSA Compliance

In the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA), Congress tried to create a fair and open international trading system. TAA goods are manufactured either by an international ally or the United States. The General Services Administration (GSA), which supplies equipment to American government agencies, defers to the Trade Agreements Act when buying goods. So, GSA compliance ensures that footwear is either made in America or by a trading ally.

Berry Compliant

The Department of Defense explains in the Berry Amendment the importance of choosing goods produced in the U.S. This compliance ensures that all American-made products are created on U.S. soil and therefore less likely to be affected by supply chain interruptions in times of conflict.

Made in the USA

Many U.S. customers look for products made in the USA because this label supports American workers and the U.S. economy. Boots with this label are made in American factories, but the materials needed to create them may come from another country. While buying materials from abroad could still cause supply chain interruptions, they will be less affected than if they were manufactured outside of the states.

Military Branch Compliance

Each U.S. military branch provides comprehensive documentation on footwear requirements so all military members know the guidelines.

Benefits of Military Boots

There are many benefits to a good pair of tactical boots. Let’s look at some of them.

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Waterproof Boots

Waterproof boots are necessary for almost any environment except the desert. They’re great in swampy and marshy terrain like jungles or working in heavy rains and floods. The best waterproof boots have a special lining that keeps your feet dry, even when they’re submerged underwater, while still remaining comfortable and breathable.

They’re Manufactured with High-Quality Materials

Boots made from superior materials make the military’s shortlist because they last longer and come with many great features, depending on what they’re made from. Materials like nylon and leather provide a higher level of support and comfort, which is critical when military members may wear them for many hours or days at a time.

Boot manufacturers design these boots for maximum levels of comfort and durability. They can take a beating and last a long time because they can be resoled.

Enhanced Traction

Military service members work in the roughest conditions, so good traction is critical to mission success and the safety of soldiers. One of the reasons that army boots last so long is that the materials used to make the soles ensure they last longer. They can grip the most slippery surfaces, even oily ones.

The best military boots can also withstand extremely high temperatures (think hot sand), and because they’re made so well, they last longer. A good sole ensures that even when they finally wear down, you can simply resole your boots–and they’re better than new shoes because they’ve already been broken in.

Safety Standards

Military boots must meet certain safety standards, making them one of the safest footwear options out there. These boots are designed to be puncture- and tear-resistant so soldiers are safe traversing jungles, rocks and other harsh environments and terrains.

How to Choose the Best Army Boots

So, how do you choose the best army boots? If you’re in the military or looking to enlist, each U.S. military branch and even units have their own requirements for military boots. If you’re on active duty, you’ll go by their regulations or wear what they issue.

But if you’re not restricted to the boots your unit wears, you want to choose your boot based on the types of duties and activities you’ll be doing. For example, police officers often wear tactical or military boots on duty. They need boots for everyday duty, special assignments like security duties and range days.

Match your activities with the various features in the boot you want to wear and you’ll find the perfect boots. Tactical boots, in general, make the perfect shoes for many activities, even hiking and other outdoor activities.

Finding the best boot isn’t always easy. But you’re in luck! Below is a list of some of the most popular, top-quality military boots to help you choose the best tactical boot for you.

Danner Acadia Tactical Boot

One of the best Danner boots on the market is the Acadia. It’s popular with police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, soldiers and more. When you wear the Acadia in wet conditions, the rest of you may be soaking wet, but your feet remain dry.

The Danner Acadia comes in varying heights, such as six and eight inches. Danner boot manufacturers make these boots with full-grain polishable leather and Gore-Tex, a breathable, waterproof material.

Here are some other features:

• An excellent fit – With a sleek profile, the Acadia is narrower which ensures a snug fit for better stability and support on rough terrain and during tough activities. For this reason, the Acadia isn’t the best boot for people with wide feet.
• Recraftable – The Acadia lasts a long time because they can be restitched, resoled and certain parts are replaceable.
• Vibram Kletterlift Outsole – This sole was designed for durability and comfort. The heel absorbs shock and the rubber compound ensures great stability and traction on dry and wet surfaces.
• Stitchdown Construction – The Acadia boot’s legendary stitchdown construction is crafted with a wider platform for more stability.
• Gore-Tex – Mentioned above, this material is 100 percent breathable and waterproof. No water gets in, but moisture and sweat get out.

They come in women’s sizes, too. If you need a durable tactical boot that can tackle any task, the Danner Acadia is the one for you.

Merrell MQC Tactical Boot

The Merrell MQC boot is known to be one of the most comfortable military boots. Merrell is also known for its hiking boots. Merrell joined the army-approved list of combat boots after the Iraq invasion when there weren’t enough army boots for every soldier.

The Kinetic Fit Advanced Footbed provides targeted support and incredible comfort. The M Select Grip Outsole has traction for climbing on any surface or terrain. The heel has the Merrell Air Cushion Viz that has a high rebound EVA foam pod that offers more stability and absorbs shock.

These tactical boots have an incredible design because Merrell combined a mesh upper and waterproof suede leather for enhanced durability and comfort.

Merrell boots are dependable and durable for just about any activity because they can handle the toughest jobs.

Pros

• The Kinetic Fit Advanced Footbed provides support and comfort
• Ankle support
• Comes in a variety of sizes, including standard and wide sizes

Cons

• These boots can be heavy

Belleville 775 Cold Weather Insulated Boots

The military works in every possible environment all over the world, and some areas are much colder than most of the United States. The Belleville 775 Cold Weather Insulated boots are the perfect footwear for the coldest locations.

These boots are heavily insulated with 600g of Thinsulate insulation and made from full-grain leather for comfort and the ultimate protection from cold weather. The leather provides waterproof protection, and the Vibram 360-degree Fire & Ice outsole is slip-resistant in even the iciest conditions.

These boots come in an 8-inch height and have a polyurethane removable insole. The fabric bootie is Gore-Tex, and this pair of boots is made in the USA and Berry Compliant.

Pros

• Gore-Tex waterproof bootie
• 600g Thinsulate insulation
• Vanguard sole construction combining Vibram 360-degree Fire & Ice outsole and cushioned polyurethane midsole for maximum slip resistance and comfort

Cons

• These boots would be too warm for moderate weather

The Oakley Elite Assault Boot

The Oakley Elite Assault Boot is known for its all-day comfort, and many soldiers say it is the best boot for flat feet. While they are best known for their sunglasses, Oakley makes a variety of products.

Too much midsole support can hurt people with flat feet, and these boots offer minimal support while still making every step stable. The outsole helps you navigate hard and soft terrain with ease and has excellent shock absorption.

The Oakley Light Assault boot is also great for hot weather and very comfortable. They also look good. This military boot is made from suede/cordura, and combined with the midsole and outsole construction, they are also lightweight, comfortable and flexible.

Pros

• Minimal midsole for flat feet
• Vibram Litebase rubber sole
• Light and flexible for comfort and hot climates

Cons

• They are more expensive than some options

Danner Stalwart 8" Tactical Boot

Danner is back on this list with another lightweight boot, the Stalwart. If you need a comfortable boot that will last, then this is the one for you.

The weight on this boot has been reduced to 52oz while still maintaining the durability that you've come to expect from a Danner boot. The Stalwart relies on hand-crafted, stitchdown construction to uphold its strength and stability while a full-length, removable footbed provides the comfort needed for long hours in service.

Pros:

• Goretex (100% waterproof & breathable)
• Vibram Kletterlift Light Outsole
• Recraftable

Cons

• The fit through the heel allows more support and side-to-side movement, which may cause uneven wear of tread

Under Armour Men's Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot

Under Armour is well-known for their clothing, but they make great boots, too. The Micro G Valsetz boots are the latest addition to the Micro G boot line, which features the new Micro G full-length midsole that provides the ultimate in long lasting, responsive cushioning.

These are incredibly lightweight at 16oz, and the synthetic leather & textile upper is durable and breathable.

They are oil and slip resistant with a high traction rubber lug outsole for enhanced grip while out in the field, and has pull loops on the heel and tongue for easy on/off.

Pros

• Anti-fatigue & anti-microbial molded Insite Contoura Support footbeds
• Welded forefoot overlay & molded TPU toe cap for added protection
• Oil & slip resistant high traction rubber lug outsole

Cons

• Not a great option for high heat/temperatures

Now you know about some of the best army boots on the market. Military tactical boots have many benefits over traditional boots. They have better traction, durability and are made from high-quality materials.

Army boots also have safety standards and most are waterproof. You never know what type of terrain or weather you’ll face in the military, so you must be prepared for anything. That’s why these boots are popular with law enforcement officers, fire and EMS workers and more.

Check out these great military tactical boots. There’s likely one on this list that’s perfect for you.

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