The Best Tactical Boots For Men
Tactical boots are championed by military personnel across the globe, but you don't have to be following the call of duty to use them. The combat-inspired design finds wide application in workplaces that demand a little more protection and performance than the average, and they're an equally dependable choice for challenging outdoor pursuits. With so many great options available on the market today, we've put together this list of some of the best in class to help you in your search.
What to Look For
You won’t need to get your laces in a tangle if you keep three crucial features in mind during your search: waterproofing, sole protection, and foot support. These criteria helped lead us to a few of our own favorite tactical boots while we researched the best of the best. Our overwhelming favorites are the Merrell Moab 2s. These venerable tactical boots tick all the boxes when it comes to resilient waterproofing and underfoot protection, and you’re sure to feel a spring in your step thanks to high-performance Vibram TC5+ traction. If you’re searching for supreme comfort, you’re sure to be tempted by the foam insoles on the option from Nike. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Merrell Moab 2
Old faithful
There’s a reason that Moab stands for “mother of all boots.” Merrel has been leading the charge in the production of formidable workboots for decades, and the Moab 2 tactical boots are a notable offering. Thanks to the rugged waterproof PU-coated leather and ripstop uppers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable shoe. With their solid construction, these boots are built to serve dependably in the most demanding working environments.
Pros:
- Slippy surfaces, beware: These Vibram TC5+ outsoles deliver unparalleled traction across almost any surface.
- The durable zippers at the openings make these easy to put on and take off.
- Despite the solid construction of these shoes, the breathable mesh lining will keep your feet feeling fresh.
Cons:
- The waterproof membrane might not hold up to repeated submersions in snow or deep puddles.
Salomon Forces Quest 2D GTX 2
Material prowess
The endurant Forces Quest boots aren’t your run-of-the-mill tactical shoe. With a carefully engineered design intended to serve explorers and military personnel during mountainous treks, these boots push the limit of performance to impressive heights. A cursory glance at the premium materials used in their construction makes it clear that compromise was not on the agenda during the design process of these boots. As a result, they can be relied on like few others to carry you securely through the most extreme weather and environmental obstacles.
Pros:
- The Gore-Tex waterproofing offers fantastic protection from moisture without restricting ventilation too much.
- If you’re traversing hazardous or unknown environments, the protective layer concealed in the outsole will protect you from punctures underfoot.
Cons:
- With so many top-of-the-range materials, it’s not surprising that these boots are a little pricier than most. If you’re looking for the best of the best, we think they’re worth every penny.
Nike SFB Gen 2
Snug protection
Considering the running and sports footwear sold by this sporting giant, it might come as a surprise that Nike makes excellent tactical boots. But the second-generation Special Field Boots certainly prove this to be the case. That’s primarily thanks to a carefully considered ergonomic design and durable build that ranks them amongst the top tactical boots on our list. What’s more, with a versatile updated lacing system and delicious foam midsoles, these boots are one of the comfiest pairs on the market.
Pros:
- The angled grooves across the sole provide grounding stability while allowing full foot flexion as you navigate tricky terrain.
- An extra-thick rubber layering at the heel provides powerful cushioning against impacts from footfalls.
- Thanks to the quick-drying properties of these materials, they’re sure to dry up overnight if you’re exposed to wet conditions.
Cons:
- These lightweight boots provide a little less arch support than heftier alternatives.
5.11 ATAC 2.0
Cheap and cheerful
While the demands made of most tactical boots can merit an equivalent investment, we’re never shy about our love of a good bargain. This dependable pair from 5.11 may not stand up to the extreme punishment of some of the premium options on our list. However, their solid construction and versatile footbed offer an eminently wearable design that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- You’ll sink into supreme comfort with full-length Ortholite footbeds and an Achilles flex zone for added freedom of movement.
- The 840D nylon upper weighs less than leather alternatives and provides exceptional abrasion resistance.
Cons:
- Despite their glossy appearance, these boots may not offer the same glossy shine as pure leather boots.
Danner Acadia
When faced with the toughest conditions, you’re not going to want to compromise on quality. The top-of-the-range Danner Acadias pull out all of the stops to provide dependable and lasting protection underfoot. Gore-Tex waterproofing will shield your feet from the harshest downpour or workplace spill, and the full-grain leather and 1000 Denier nylon upper is a formidable first line of defense against the most extreme conditions. In short, these flagship boots are certainly some of the toughest.
Pros:
- The fiberglass shank offers lightweight and flexible support underfoot.
- Thanks to their stitchdown construction, these boots can be sent for refabrication at the Danner factory in Portland if they wear down or break. That means these boots can last many years.
Cons:
- These boots are designed with a narrow toebox for improved stability on some terrains, but as a result, they may be uncomfortable for those with wider feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boot shank?
Tactical boots deploy a whole host of unique design features to provide improved comfort and support on the toughest terrains. A boot shank is a load-bearing support concealed between the insole and outsole that serves to provide additional protection from punctures as well as to improve foot posture on uneven terrain. Though traditionally made from metal, some contemporary boot designs fabricate shanks from fiberglass or other lightweight materials.
What are eight-inch boots?
The figure here refers to the height of the ankle fitting on the boot. Taller, eight-inch ankles are often preferred on tactical boots for increased protection and support during longer wear periods. If flexibility and mobility are your priority, you might consider trying a slightly shorter six-inch design.
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