Navy SEALs require high-performance tactical boots to keep them mobile and versatile.
Tactical boots are more than just a tool used during missions and training.
They are a part of an operator’s everyday life.
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What Boots Are Navy SEALs / Special Forces Authorized to Wear?
All United States military forces, including Navy SEALs and Special Forces, have orders and directives that dictate what uniform items may be worn and how to wear them.
The U.S. Navy released NAVADMIN 214/17 and Article 3603.8 specifically addressing what tactical boots are allowed in uniform.
Like the Navy, the Army has AR 670-1, which provides what tactical boots are authorized, and the Air Force has AFI 36-2903.
Marines follow MCO P1020.34H and MARADMIN 105/16 on what combat boots are permitted.
Regardless of whether the military authorizes them, you can train like a Navy SEAL with the 12 boots listed below.
#1. Bates Men’s 9″ U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel Toe Boot
- Brand: Bates
- Certified: Navy Certified
- Steel Toe: Yes
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $254.95
Bates’ Men’s 9″ U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel Toe Boot meets all standards and requirements for an officially certified Navy tactical boot.
These boots are excellent for everyday use in garrison and met all safety requirements, such as a slip-resistant sole and a steel-reinforced toe box.
However, these are more than your standard-issue Naval boots.
It includes a Vibram Extreme rubber lug outsole to keep you on your feet on slick surfaces.
An outstanding feature of these boots is the Bates DuraShock system, which helps absorb and distribute impacts through compression pads when running or landing on your feet.
Because of the steel toe box, these boots weigh more than their non-safety boot counterparts.
The extra weight will be noticeable during long hikes or high-intensity workouts.
If you are looking for an excellent everyday boot that all U.S. Navy personnel, including Navy SEALs can use, the Bates Men’s 9″ U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel Toe Boot is your go-to boot.
They are available from Bates Footwear. Here’s where to buy them: www.BatesFootwear.com
#2. Men’s 8″ Tropical SEALS DuraShocks Boot
- Brand: Bates
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $219.95
The Men’s 8″ Tropical SEALS DuraShocks Boot by Bates Footwear is like the 9″ U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel Toe Boot but with a few key differences.
It does not have a steel toe box, which means it is lighter but will not protect your feet in an accident.
If you submerge the boots in water, it has side weep holes to allow water to escape easily.
Another feature is that it comes with a removable cushioned insert for added comfort.
The soles are slip-resistant but are not by Vibram.
However, the boots have the Bates DuraShocks system for added impact resistance.
The Navy did not identify this boot as an allowed boot in NAVADMIN 214/17, which means you can not wear it in uniform.
These boots are perfect for warm climates, physical training, and in any environment where you know you will get wet.
They are available from Bates Footwear. Here’s where to buy them: www.BatesFootwear.com
Women’s Version: www.BatesFootwear.com
#3. Urban Jungle Ultra
- Brand: Salomon
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $190.00
Salomon’s Urban Jungle Ultra tactical boot is the lightest boot on this list, weighing in at only 1.12 lbs.
The lightweight combined with an EVA midsole and a strobe makes this an extremely comfortable boot.
This boot is perfect for physical fitness, hiking, and everyday use.
Contagrip soles and an advanced chassis provide superior traction and stability that first responders will love.
SEALs look for mobility, comfort, and traction in their tactical boots.
If you want to train like a SEAL, the Urban Jungle Ultra tactical boot by Salomon will be perfect for you.
Also, it comes with a 2-year quality warranty.
They are available at Salomon. Here’s where to buy them: www.Salomon.com
#4. Guardian
- Brand: Salomon
- Certified: Army Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown
- Price: $160.00
The Guardian by Salomon is an affordable tactical boot perfect for hitting the trails, running, or physical fitness with its lightweight yet durable design.
One of the many benefits of the Guardian is Salomon’s focus on comfort.
It has a molded OrthoLite sock liner that matches the shape of your foot for superior cushioning and fit.
The boot is also breathable with an integrated single-layer mesh that prevents debris from entering the boot.
Those who want to train like a SEAL will enjoy the high-performance EnergyCell EVA foam midsole that absorbs shock and protects your foot in uneven terrain.
At 1.5 lbs., this boot is ultra-lightweight and is perfect for comfortable all-day wear.
Tackle any obstacle with ease with the Guardian tactical boot from Salomon.
They are available at Salomon. Here’s where to buy them: www.Salomon.com
#5. Men’s Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Boot
- Brand: Bates
- Certified: Army Certified
- Steel Toe: Yes
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown
- Price: $154.95
The Men’s Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Boot by Bates Footwear is a long-lasting boot that will provide support and protection.
Bates crafted each boot with abrasive-resistant cattle hide leather and nylon to last in the harshest of environments.
To keep your feet safe, it includes a non-metallic composite toe box to prevent crush damage.
You will stay on your feet on slick surfaces with a slip-resistant sole, which has passed the SATRA WTM 144 test.
Your feet will stay comfortable and cool with the moisture-wicking lining, padded collar, medial side vents, EVA midsole, and a removable cushioned insert.
It is not officially approved for SEALs, but the Army approved the boot for use.
If you are looking for a lightweight tactical boot that offers protection and comfort, the Men’s Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Boot by Bates Footwear is an excellent choice.
They are available from Bates Footwear. Here’s where to buy them: www.BatesFootwear.com
#6. Men’s Cobra 8″ Hot Weather Boot
- Brand: Bates
- Certified: Army Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown
- Price: $144.95
The Men’s Cobra 8″ Hot Weather Boot by Bates Footwear is excellent for hikes, physical fitness, or the field with its added durability and performance.
The boot is Army compliant and is lightweight, breathable, and has a moisture-wicking lining.
Bates equipped this boot with the endurance performance system, which provides a dual density footbed and EVA midsole that absorbs shock and redistributes pressure for comfortable all-day wear.
The sole provides added stability, and with a nylon shank, it includes a slip-resistant outsole for better traction.
They created the boot out of abrasive-resistant nylon and cattle hide for added durability.
If you are looking for a high-performance tactical boot with a standard toe box, the Men’s Cobra 8″ Hot Weather Boot by Bates Footwear is an excellent choice.
They are available from Bates Footwear. Here’s where to buy them: www.BatesFootwear.com
#7. Guardian ClimaSalomon Waterproof
- Brand: Salomon
- Certified: Army Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown
- Price: $180.00
The Guardian ClimaSalomon Waterproof by Salomon is an ultra-lightweight boot that weighs only 1.56 lbs.
If you enjoy hiking, running trails, or need a comfortable boot for everyday on-base use, this boot will provide you with a high-performance solution built for comfort and durability.
Your feet will stay dry with the included all-weather protection that the ClimaSalomon waterproof membrane delivers.
Salomon crafted the boot with high-quality leather and fabric for a long-lasting boot.
The boot has a dual-compound Contagrip outsole providing superior traction while marching on uneven terrain or climbing a ladder.
The Guardian ClimaSalomon Waterproof by Salomon comes with a 2-year quality warranty and is Army certified.
You can train like a SEAL with this high-performance tactical boot in any environment.
They are available at Salomon. Here’s where to buy them: www.Salomon.com
#8. X.A. Forces 8 GORE-TEX EN
- Brand: Salomon
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $240.00
The X.A. Forces 8 GORE-TEX EN by Salomon is a non-certified tactical boot specifically designed to be an ultra-durable special forces boot.
Salomon based this boot off their popular XA PRO 3D trail running shoe.
The 3D sole will provide maximum traction and stability on uneven or wet terrain.
Each boot weighs only 1.49 lbs. for superior comfortability and mobility.
It has a GORE-TEX membrane that provides a waterproof barrier, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Salomon’s X.A. Forces 8 GORE-TEX EN is perfect for those who want an ultra-lightweight tactical boot for improved mobility compared to other tactical boots.
They are available at Salomon. Here’s where to buy them: www.Salomon.com
#9. Zephyr GTX Hi T.F.
- Brand: Lowa Boots
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: No
- Color(s): Desert, Coyote Brown, Sage, Black
- Price: $240.00
The Zephyr GTX Hi T.F. by Lowa Boots has the most color options compared to the other boots on this list.
Each boot weighs 1.37 lbs. and is ideal for quickly moving over the harshest terrains.
Lowa crafted this boot with durable leather and a GORE-TEX lining for a boot that is both breathable and waterproof.
The tall shaft offers superior ankle support with a monowrap P.U. frame for improved stability.
The midsole has double injection for enhanced comfort and endurance.
If you want a lightweight boot that comes in various colors, the Zephyr GTX Hi T.F. may be the boot for you.
They are available from Lowa Boots. Here’s where to buy them: www.LowaBoots.com
#10. R-8 GTX Thermo
- Brand: Lowa Boots
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black, Dark Brown
- Price: $325.00
The R-8 GTX Thermo by Lowa Boots will quickly become your go-to cold weather tactical boot.
With a 400g PrimaLoft insulation, your feet will stay warm in arctic temperatures.
The GORE-TEX waterproof lining will keep your feet dry in deep snow or poor weather.
Lowa Boots crafted the boot out of full grain leather and it comes with a heavy-duty sole.
The Vibram Arctic Grip sole will provide superior traction on slick surfaces or ice.
The sole offers a hard stabilizer providing excellent joint support for intense outdoor activities.
A downside to the R-8 GTX Thermo is the price.
At $325.00, it is the most expensive boot on the list, but it offers features that the others can not compete against.
If you are looking for an extreme boot for arctic weather, the R-8 GTX Thermo by Lowa Boots is your best bet.
They are available from Lowa Boots. Here’s where to buy them: www.LowaBoots.com
#11. R-8S GTX Patrol
- Brand: Lowa Boots
- Certified: Army Certified, Air Force Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown, Dark Brown
- Price: $275.00
The R-8S GTX Patrol boot by Lowa Boots is packed full of features that make it an exceptional tactical boot that any special operator would love to have.
With an all-weather design, it can handle anything from extreme heat to sub-freezing temperatures.
They made the midsole with durable DuraPU and the outsole with LOWA rubber for a blend of shock absorption, comfort, and traction.
You will stay on your feet no matter the surface with the anti-slip and anti-slide treads.
Lowa constructed the boot out of waterproof GORE-TEX and cowhide.
Also, the material is oil and benzine resistant.
These boots offer superior support for comfortable all-day wear with a monowrap frame and nylon joint stabilizing elements.
They are authorized for Air Force and Army personnel, but make an excellent boot for anyone who wants to train like a SEAL.
They are available from Lowa Boots. Here’s where to buy them: www.LowaBoots.com
#12. Z-8S C
- Brand: Lowa Boots
- Certified: Not Certified
- Steel Toe: No
- Slip Resistance: Yes
- Color(s): Coyote Brown
- Price: $320.00
Last up on our list of the 12 best Navy SEAL boots is Z-8S C, by Lowa Boots.
These boots provide the comfort of a hiking boot with the durability and protection of a hardcore tactical boot.
Lowa takes comfort and support seriously with the split leather/fabric with a monowrap frame and a moisture-wicking lining.
Also, it has a moderately stiff rubber sole that provides superior muscular support and a slip-resistant blended rubber tread.
The Z-8S C weighs only 1.52 lbs. and is perfect for all-day wear.
A unique feature of this boot is the instep protection, which provides extra durability for fast roping.
A downside to the Z-8S C is that it is one of the more expensive boots on the list.
If you are looking for a premium tactical boot that takes on whatever you throw at it, the Z-8S C by Lowa Boots is an excellent choice.
They are available from Lowa Boots. Here’s where to buy them: www.LowaBoots.com
Women’s Version: www.LowaBoots.com
See Also
References / Resources
Article 3603.8 Boot, Safety, Black – MyNavyHR
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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