The gear you wear everyday often determines how well equipped you are for whatever gets thrown at you.
As far as what’s on your feet, having the right boots on could be the difference between a painful walk home and returning back with safe and dry feet.
To help you pick the best boot for your needs, we have found 11 of the best military boots that are sure to satisfy your needs.
Let’s fist start by looking at some essential considerations to make when shopping for military boots.
Jump to our Top 3 choices below:
#1 – 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C 2.0 8″ Side-Zip
#2 – Bates Men’s Tactical Sport 8″ Waterproof
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Shopping For Military Boots
Ruggedness / Durability
When someone buys a pair of military boots, the first thing on their minds is most likely questioning how durable and rugged the boot is.
Since military boots need to be ready for miles of walking over some of the harshest terrains, they need to be designed with durability being a top priority.
You may care about the comfort of a boot for the first few miles, but a boot that is durable and rugged is what will get you though the home stretch.
Ruggedness and durability are hard to actually quantify, but you can tell by a variety of other factors like materials and design that indicate how tough a boot will really be.
AR 670-1 Compliance
**Special Note**: AR 670-1 Compliance is only necessary for those looking for a military boot that they can wear with their military uniform.
Since 99.999% of you reading this are probably not in the military, this won’t apply to you!
As you assemble an army uniform, everything from head to toes needs to fit into a certain criteria that makes the soldier look their best.
For boot, the AR 670-1 code is what established a boot as being compliant with the requirements for a boot fit for military uniform.
These requirements are not too strict, but they do revolve around the shape, size, and overall design of the boot so that it can fit into the uniform of a soldier.
Looking at boots without this designation means that you will not be allowed to wear them with a military uniform without breaking the code.
Material
In a similar sense to the durability of a boot, the materials it is made out of can be a massive determining factor in how the boot fits, feels, and functions.
With nearly every modern military boot, there has been an emphasis in combining many materials to get the benefits of having them all.
Most boots use a combination of leather, nylon, and other composites to achieve desired water resistance and to provide protection from the constant shock these boots are likely to face in the field.
Branch Specific
Something many consider when buying military boots for their service is the branch specific requirements that come with the boots.
While we have the AR670-1 baseline to go off of, certain branches like to make special requirements when officers need to be in a certain uniform.
For example, the navy has a tendency to lean towards black boots as a requirement for certain uniforms where the Army often requires a coyote coloration for most of their uniforms.
Luckily for those buying combat boots, most brands will produce their boots in both black and coyote so that soldiers can always have uniform compliant boots ready to go.
11 Best Military Boots
#1 – 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C. 2.0 8” Side-Zip
- Color(s): Black, Coyote
- Weight: Not Mentioned
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $165
5.11 is a company that oozes tactical gear and their combat style boots are no exception.
These boots are crafted with a specially chosen leather and extra-durable 840-denier nylon so these boots last you a lifetime.
Side zippers and a special Achilles flex zone means these boots will keep you locked in and allow you to slide out in seconds.
The mid-sole of this boot is designed with dense foam and shock mitigation systems so that you can run and jump in these boots without feeling a thing.
Where to buy: 5.11 Tactical sells these boots for $165 and you can buy them here.
It’s also available in coyote, and is actually a bit cheaper at $110 a pair. Click Here to buy them.
#2 – Bates Men’s Tactical Sport 8” Waterproof
- Color(s): Coyote, Black
- Weight: 22 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $124.99
Unlike those other boots that are only water resistant and become unwearable after a drop of water falls, Bates makes a boot that they know is going to be waterproof.
DRYguard technology combined with durable leather and nylon keeps you dry and safe anytime you are wearing these boots.
Internal cushioning and a lightweight mid-sole helps you stay comfortable and supported with every step you take in these boots.
Get a grip easily with slip and oil resistant out-sole construction for confidence wherever these boots go.
Where to buy: Dick’s Sporting Goods sells these boots for $124.99 and you can buy them here.
#3 – Nike SFB Field Assault Boot
- Color(s): Coyote
- Weight: Not Mentioned
- AR670-1 Compliant: Yes
- Price: $170
With the motto “built as tough as you are,” you know these boots are up for some rough loving.
A Vibram out-sole that provides essential grip pairs with a suede upper to provide a blend of functionality and protection where you need it most.
The mid and insole inserts are designed to promote foot support in critical areas and comfort just about everywhere else.
All of these features come in a package that also looks better than most of the competition while still being compliant with the necessary uniform requirements.
Where to buy: Nike sells these boots for $170 and you can buy them here.
It’s also available in black, click here to get it.
#4 – 5.11 Tactical Men’s Apex 8” Waterproof
- Color(s): Dark Coyote, Black
- Weight: Not mentioned
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $249.99
Our last entry today is a classical design with modern features that help make this boot the perfect fit for many needs.
eVent membranes on the outside of the boot makes them water and blood borne pathogen proof to keep the water and just about everything else out.
A full-grain leather literally and figuratively helps this boot shine as the entire surface is ready to take whatever you can throw at it.
For some added confidence, the Kevlar and 1690-Denier nylon heel means you can walk across any surface and the boots won’t realize when they left pavement.
For when comfort and safety need to exist together, these boots are the way to go.
Where to buy: Dick’s Sporting Goods sells these boots for $249.99 and you can buy them here.
#5 – Nike SFB Gen 2 8”
- Color(s): Sage, British Khaki, Black
- Weight: 4 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $165
Nike is arguably the biggest name in the shoe industry, so it was only a matter of time before they offered their take on the combat boot.
The Nike SFB GEn 2 is arguably one of the best military boots on the market, and is used by soldiers in the US Army, and Airmen in the Air Force.
You can see a review of the Nike SFB Gen 2 below:
This boot utilizes specially designed synthetic leather and nylon canvas to offer excellent protection and lightweight qualities in one package that is designed to complement your movements.
The traction pattern and multi-surface grip on the bottom of the shoe helps you move with agility when needed and stay locked to the terrain when you need some added grip.
Where to buy: Nike offers these boots on their official site for $165 and you can buy them here.
#6 – Danner Stalwart 8” GORE-TEX Duty Boots
- Color(s): Black
- Weight: 26 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $219.99
If you have heard of GORE-TEX before, then you should be very excited that Danner was able to get it into a capable and rugged boot.
GORE-TEX allows these boots to be waterproof while also having excellent breathability at the same time, making it one of the best military boots on the market.
The premium full grain leather and 1000-denier nylon make this one of the strongest bots out there that is ready for anything.
This boot is designed to get you to hell and back and then lets you take advantage of its re-craftable sole to do it all over again.
Where to buy: Bass Pro sells these boots for $219.99 and you can buy them here.
Click Here to see additional sizes.
#7 – Nike SFB Field 2 8” GORE-TEX
- Color(s): Black
- Weight: 20 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: No, but DA PAM 670-1 Compliant
- Price: $190
Nike offers another look at the combat boot with the GORE-TEX model that offers a look at what the future of combat boots could look like.
It’s combination of leather and a lightweight design means you get the traditional protection offered by leather with the lightweight design of any Nike shoe.
The aggressive thread pattern of this boot helps you get the traction you need in any environment and gives you the confidence you need on unknown terrain.
You even get a rock protection shield for extra puncture protection, as well as waterproof fabric and durable leather.
Where to buy: Nike sells these boots on their official website, here’s a link to buy: Nike SFB Field – BLACK
#8 – 5.11 Tactical Men’s Speed 3.0 RapidDry
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- Color(s): Black
- Weight: Not Mentioned
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $94.99
Just as the name suggests, this boot is of those who need to get a tough job done where speed and movement are of the utmost importance.
The speed cupsole and nylon shank on this shoe gives you the support you need and the stability necessary to move at speed with safety.
A semi-rigid heel and toe reinforcement gives you what you need from a combat boot with plenty of creature comforts for longer wear.
Stability and speed are what this shoe promises to every wearer.
Where to buy: Dick’s Sporting Goods sells these boots for $94.99 and you can buy them here.
#9 – Rocky Men’s Sage Green S2V Tactical 8” Steel Toe
- Color(s): Sage
- Weight: Not Mentioned
- AR670-1 Compliant: No, but DA PAM 670-1 Complaint
- Price: $257.99
For something that looks and performs a little different, these boots offer more technology than a smartphone with features you didn’t even know you needed.
Rocky and Air-Port footbed cushions, a Dri-Lex lining, and Roll-Stop ankle Stability are just a few of the features that this boot offers to keep you safe.
The incredible durability, breathability, and functionality of this boot all adds up and makes you realize why it has such a steep price tag.
When protection is essential, so are these boots.
Where to buy: Dick’s Sporting Goods Sells these boots for $257.99 and you can buy them here.
#10 – Danner Tachyon 8″ Duty Boots
- Color(s): Black & Coyote
- Weight: 21 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: No
- Price: $149.99
Danner says this boots has the structure of a boot with sneaker-like performance.
This means that you are getting a more breathable, lightweight, and extra durable boot that feels lighter on your feet than other boots.
The Tachyon slip-resistant sole gives you enough grip to remind you you’re wearing a boot and the shock-absorbing mid-sole feels like it was ripped from running shoes.
The speed lacing system is also a nice feature to help you feel connected with these boots all day long.
Where to buy: Dicks Sporting Goods sells these boots for $149.99 and you can buy them here.
#11 – Oakley Light Assault Boot 2
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- Color(s): Sage, Blackout, Coyote, Desert
- Weight: 14 oz
- AR670-1 Compliant: Yes
- Price: $150
This boot was designed to offer the wearer as much mobility and freedom to move around as possible.
This shoe offers advanced shock protection and absorption by utilizing EVA in the mid-sole and out-sole that give you plenty of shock absorption.
Lightweight and specially designed Cordura in the upper section allows the boots to breath well with excellent ventilation properties.
Rugged nylon laces on the boot ensure you are locked in and feeling secured every time you slip these boots on your feet.
Where to buy: You can find these boots at LA Police Gear for $150 and buy them here.
Conclusion
Every worker, service member, and mechanic knows that a good pair of boots is going to be your best friend on the job.
Each boot we looked at today offers a unique experience that is truly unlike any other boot on the list.
It will take some time to find the perfect boot for your needs, but we are confident you can find it on this list.
Make sure you are also aware of what to look for in a boot so you aren’t buying a pair that you love and need to return the next day because they aren’t what you really need.
References
https://www.backpacker.com/gear/boot-buying-guide
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html
See Also
10 Best Military Tactical Sunglasses
11 Best Military Grade Binoculars
11 Best Military Grade Flashlights
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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