How to Determine the Best Tactical Boots for Your Needs

A good boot is like a good vehicle; it is reliable, comfortable, and dependable. Choosing the best tactical boot for the job will make a difference in your day. When your feet hurt, everything else hurts, choosing the best boot for the day ahead is important.

Whether you are selecting a tactical boot for work, hiking, or target practice, there is a boot for you. For on-duty, there are plenty of options as far as color and type. LAPG has a wide variety to choose from depending on your needs and your uniform requirements. How do you determine what your needs are other than particular department requirements? There are certain aspects to keep in mind when selecting a boot for on and off-duty.

High-Top Boots vs. Low-Boots

High-top or low-top boots are usually a preference, however, depending on your vocation, there may be a uniform requirement for a particular type. A high-top boot can be a great choice for tactical squads or law enforcement who spend much of their work time outdoors or in the wilderness with high grass areas. Any tactical boot will do the job for rough terrain, but a high-top boot offers slightly more support for those extra-rugged days. A high-top boot also helps keep debris from getting inside your boot and making you uncomfortable.

High-top boots offer more stability and ankle support for those long days at work. For outdoor activities, the extra support is good for covering challenging terrain. With every step in a high-top boot comes confidence and surety. One of the best features of a high-top boot is the side zipper. It is much easier to slip on your boots when you're in a hurry when there is a side zipper.

The LA Police Gear Sector duty boot has a 6-inch or 8-inch option. This is another aspect to consider when considering high-top boots. The height you choose may depend on where you wear the boot. For instance, if you are wearing the boot in an area with a tall brush, you may want to choose a high-top boot. The higher the top the less likely grass or debris will enter your footwear. I like to wear mine for support and to keep grass out of my sock. 

Low Top Boots

Low-top boots are great for everyday wear or especially for outdoor activities. I prefer to wear low-top boots during the warmer weather because they are a little more breathable. Low-top boots are an excellent choice for easy hiking trails as they offer support but are a more relaxed fit, which is ideal for a casual trail. Merrell Tactical Boots like the Merrell Moab 2 Tactical shoe is one good low-top boot option. With an aggressive sole and solid arch support, this boot is another great option for recreational activities.

The LAPG Terrain Low Hiking Boot is another excellent choice for a hiking boot. I have had this particular boot for a few years, have worn them often, and they still look like they came out of the box. The first time I tried them out, they were immediately comfortable, no need to break them in. The gusseted tongue offers protection from debris and the outer sole is supportive and has a grip for any of your activities. These have held up well on many hiking adventures in rugged mountain terrain. I have worn them in both inclement and fair weather and the boots were exactly what I needed for the trail I was on.

Tread

The tread on your boot is another important feature to consider when selecting tactical boots as well. For instance, if you are choosing a tactical boot for work purposes, consider the type of tread that would be most appropriate or effective for your job. No boot tread is too thin, there are patterns of tread which are better for certain conditions. Like a tire, a tread on a boot is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Each boot tread is made for a particular type of landscape. The more rough the terrain is, the better the grip needed on a boot. Choosing your boot should include considering what type of tread would be best for your activities. For instance, a boot with a rugged tread would be ideal for hiking, climbing, or bad weather. The more aggressive the tread, the more dependable the grip is. If you are selecting a boot for a more leisurely hike, you may not need the same type of tread as you would for a rough trail.

Most tactical boots are made to withstand all forms of weather and were designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Some tactical boots do have a more aggressive grip than others. An aggressive grip is ideal for bad weather or extra treacherous terrain. The LAPG Sector boot and the 5.11 Tactical boots the A.T.A.C. 2.0 have tread for ultra-rugged ground.

Additional Considerations

The toe is another important part of the shoe to consider. Depending on what you need the boot for, the toe material may be another aspect to think about when choosing a tactical boot. While on duty you may prefer a more solid toe that offers more protection in the event something falls on your foot. However, if you are shopping for boots for recreational and off-duty wear, then you may not necessarily need a boot with a hard toe. All tactical boots will protect your feet; certain pairs of tactical boots have more toe protection than others.

A waterproof boot is a top choice since it covers all weather. Waterproof tactical boots are ideal for both on and off-duty. In particular, a waterproof boot is good for long hours on shift. The protection given by the waterproof material offers longevity in the boot itself. These types of boots usually require less maintenance as well. However, it is still suggested you take care of your boots and clean them often so they continue to last and help you look your best.

The Rocky AlphaForce Waterproof boot is high on top and is even oil and slip-resistant. That feature is particularly good for on-duty wear since you never know what you may encounter while on shift. When I was an investigator, I preferred tactical boots with extra protection and grip since I spent long hours on my feet, processing crime scenes.

Multi-Purpose Boot

A good tactical boot may be used for just about any situation. I have often used my insulated tactical boots as snow boots. Likewise, a versatile boot can be used on and off-duty. The majority of tactical boots also come in a variety of colors so you can find the color you need for your uniform. LA Police Gear has a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing a tactical boot whether it is for on or off-duty.

I have a variety of high-top and low-top boots because each pair of tactical footwear fits different situations. The best tactical boot will meet all of your needs. Once you consider every aspect and feature of the boot you desire and need, you can choose the best boot possible. It may turn out that more than one boot will suit each of your needs.