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Guide to choosing tactical boots

Choosing tactical boots is always difficult. Read our guide on how to make the right decision to find something you’ll love straight away!

COMFORT, PROTECTION, AND PERFORMANCE ARE IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING TACTICAL BOOTS. THESE BOOTS SHOULD SUPPORT AND PROTECT YOUR FEET IN ANY SORT OF TERRAIN AND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. THIS MAKES TACTICAL BOOTS IDEAL FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, WHILE ALSO MEETING THE DEMANDS PUT ON THEM BY PROFESSIONALS LIKE FIRST RESPONDERS, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Finding the right tactical boots is more than just finding a pair of cool and fashionable boots – it’s about the way they make your feet feel after a long day of use. Once broken in, a pair of tactical boots should feel so natural that you don’t even think about them even in the toughest circumstances.

Based on your mission, setting, activity, or personal preferences, different features might appeal to you when choosing tactical boots. Do you require extra warmth to resist the cold, extra toe protection, or increased flexibility to move swiftly under pressure? To ensure that the tactical boots you choose will satisfy all your needs, consider how you intend to use them.

Man in brown tactical boots working in a workshop.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TACTICAL BOOTS

Regardless of the reason for new boots, there are some important factors such as weight, flexibility, and support, amongst others, that you should take into account when choosing a new pair.

WEIGHT

Depending on your mission, the weight of the boots is just as important as any other factor. A lightweight boot doesn’t hold you back when you need to cover long distances. It can enhance your speed and agility and allows you to wear the boots longer without causing too much fatigue to your feet. A heavier boot can be troublesome when moving and manoeuvring and become tiresome for your feet if used for longer periods of time.

WATERPROOF

A waterproof boot is always a good thing when trekking through wet environments. These boots will keep your feet warm and dry, however they might leave your feet feeling a bit too hot when worn in warmer conditions due to the fact they do not breathe as well. Waterproof tactical boots can also be a bit heavier than other boots that might not have the same level of water-protection.

Waterproof tactical leather boots stepping in water.

BREATHABILITY

Breathable boots promote airflow to keep you cool and comfortable, which is great when you’re partaking in activities that will make your feet sweat. A breathable shoe will let your feet dry quicker when sweaty.

FLEXIBILITY

A good tactical boot has a firm but flexible sole that can handle rough terrain‚ and has flexible ankle support, allowing you the maximum range of movement. Every boot has a point where it naturally wants to bend. which is at the toe line. For maximum comfort, a boot should bend and flex in the right areas for your foot.

SLIP RESISTANCE

Slip–resistant tactical boots give you the grip you need to maintain sure footing on ice‚ grease‚ or slick liquids so you can continue your mission safely.

STABILITY & SUPPORT

A tactical boot with sturdy uppers provides extra stability around your ankles and helps protect you from sharp objects and protrusions. If your boots are too tight, they will surely give you blisters, and you’ll bear too much stress on joints and tendons – which will increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

In general, people tend to buy footwear that is too small. When choosing tactical boots, go for a pair that fits well but still has margin of space in front of the big toe. You should be able to move your toes comfortably. Keep in mind that feet tend to swell and that space should be allowed for potential swelling and double socks for warmth and comfort. However, you should also be able to walk long distances downhill without sliding towards the front of the boot with the toes.

Man wearing tactical leather boots lying on his back on a snow mobile.

TRACTION AND SOLE DESIGN

Whatever terrain you are in, you will want a boot that keeps you stable and able to grip the ground firmly. The soles of the boot should not only provide you with stability and support but also with the comfort that’s needed to be on your feet for long hours.

OUTSOLE

The outsole is the sole that will be in contact with the ground, it plays a major role in the boot’s performance. It’s the sole that provides grip and stability. On the outsole, you should find lugs – indentations and grooves that provide traction and stability. The design of the outsole pattern and selection of materials determines the amount of traction.
A good thing to look for in an outsole is slip-resistance. While all outsoles will be waterproof not all will be slip-resistant. You’ll never know when you encounter slippery terrain, and choosing tactical boots with high slip-resistance will significantly help you keep up your speed and help minimize the risk of injury.

The outsole of a tactical boot that is stepping into a muddy car.

MIDSOLE

This is the part of the boot that is found between the outsole and the insole. It provides cushioning and is designed to act as a shock-absorber. It also determines a boot’s stiffness. Stiff boots might not sound like a good thing, but one advantage is that for long hikes on rocky and uneven terrain a good, firm midsole can mean greater comfort and stability. A firm midsole won’t allow your foot to strain by wrapping around every rock or tree root you step on. Without a midsole even an easy walk would result in heavy discomfort quite quickly.

INSOLE

The insole provides you with additional cushioning so that you’re not standing directly on the midsole (though that often provides cushioning as well). The insoles help you balance the arch of your feet, improve your posture, and stabilize your overall stride. This in return will help reduce leg, knee, and back strain. Insoles can also help you to prevent straining tendons in your feet.
The insole is typically replaceable and many people who, for example, may have problems with certain foot-related injuries or conditions such as, flat feet, Plantar Fasciitis or arch problems opt to replace it with a more specialized footbed. Even if you don’t have a medical condition that requires a specialized insole, you can still use one for extra comfort.

So, what about OrthoLite® insoles?

Well OrthoLite® insoles create a thermal barrier that significantly improves the ability of footwear to regulate its internal temperature. Meaning that the insoles repel moisture and have high breathability, which provides your feet with a feeling of being dry and cool. OrthoLite® foam, in contrast to standard foam, decompresses less than 5% throughout the course of the product’s life, maintaining its cushioning, fit, comfort, and performance.

Exploded view graphic of tactical boot that shows the outsole, midsole and insole.

CONCIDER TOE PROTECTION WHEN CHOOSING TACTICAL BOOTS

Depending on what purpose your boots will be used for, it may be good to choose tactical boots with some form of toe protection, also referred to as a toe cap.

Wet suede boots lying on the ground.

SOFT TOE BOOTS

Soft toe boots provide your feet with some protection – but they’re not going to prevent forceful impact or crushing injuries. However, you can find soft toe tactical boots that help keep you safe from chemicals, microbes and bloodborne pathogens, as well as slip-and-fall hazards in wet environments or on slick floors.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SOFT TOE BOOTS

Soft toe boots will keep you ready for anything while providing your feet with basic protection. Here’s a list of good features to look for in soft toe boots.

  • Nylon uppers for flexibility
  • OrthoLite® insoles
  • Rubber outsoles
  • Slip- and oil-resistant soles
  • Waterproof construction
  • Waterproof lining that protects against bloodborne pathogens or chemicals

COMPOSITE TOE BOOTS

Composite toe tactical boots don’t contain any metal – that’s one of the features that distinguishes them from steel-toe boots. Instead, they’re made from a blend of materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass, which makes them approximately 30% lighter than steel toe boots. They provide good protection against some impact, crushing and puncture accidents as well but not to the extent that steel toe boots do.

STEEL TOE BOOTS

Steel toe boots, as you can tell by the name, have a toe cap made from steel. Making them the boots with the highest level of protection against punctures, heavy impact and crushing injuries. This material also makes them cheaper, widely available, and longer lasting. However, the steel cap also makes these boots quite heavy, something that should be taken into consideration when buying a pair.

Man tying his black, tactical leather boots, standing on a snowy floor.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN COMPOSITE AND STEEL TOE BOOTS

  • Here’s what you should look for in composite and steel toe boots when you need protection against harsh environments and rough working conditions:
  • Climbing lugs
  • Leather construction
  • Moisture-wicking lining
  • Nylon shanks
  • Oil- and slip-resistant outsoles
  • OrthoLite® insoles
  • Padded neoprene collars
  • Puncture-resistant frames
  • Vented waterproof membranes

Below, we have compiled a table of pros and cons of different toe caps to help you make your choice. Of course, all of them have different advantages and disadvantages.

STYLEPROSCONS
Soft toe bootsLightweight
Flexible
Some provide bloodborne pathogen and chemical resistance
Won’t set off metal detectors
Minimal protection from impact, crushing and/or punctures
Composite toe bootsLighter than steel cap toes
Very little to no thermal expansion (will not feel extreme heat or cold)
Electrical hazard protection
Won’t set off metal detectors
More expensive than steel toe cap boots
Less protection from impact, crushing and/or punctures than steel toe cap
Steel toe bootsVery high protection from impact, crushing and/or punctures
Less expensive
Long-lasting
Heavy
Less breathable than soft cap and composite cap boots
Can set off metal detectors
Conduct electricity

MATERIAL OF THE BOOT

So, what material should you look for in tactical boots? Well, it all depends on your mission. The conditions of your mission will determine which material you select. The portion of the boot around your shin is called the upper. It can significantly alter the functionality of your tactical boot and is typically constructed of fabric, leather, or even a combination of the two. Synthetic materials we previously considered to be lighter, cheaper, and easier to break in. Whereas leather was thought to be more durable, warmer, and more waterproof, especially if you take care of them correctly. However, nowadays there is little to no difference between the two materials. It’s up to you do decide which material best suits your mission.

Want to know mor about tactical leather boots? Take a look here!

Women on motorcycles, wearing tactical gear and clothes

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