Whether you work in the emergency services, such as law enforcement or paramedics, or in the military or security, you know the importance of reliable boots. Inappropriate footwear isn’t only uncomfortable put can risk injury especially in high-risk environments.
Furthermore, poor boots could lead to disorders including Plantar Fasciitis. In this guide, you’ll find the 10 Best Men’s Tactical Boots:
- ASTM Standard: Timberland PRO 8″ Valor™ Duty
- Made In The USA: Danner Acadia
- 6-Inch Boot: Magnum Stealth Force
- Under $100: Magnum Response III Side Zip Tactical Boot
- Versatile Boots: Danner Kinetic 8″ GTX
- Most Waterproof: Bates Footwear GX-8
- Desert Boots: Lowa Z-6S
- Hunting Boots: Wolverine King Caribou III
If you’ve already found a pair that you like, use the links above to jump right to its details. We’ll also cover the boot features to look out for an how they can benefit your day-to-day work life.
Quick Buyer’s Guide
In a rush and just want to grab the best boots for you? Use our quick buy guide below to jump straight to the retailers. Otherwise, you can scroll down and discover them each in detail.
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Overview
Although we’re more used to Magnum, Bates and Danner as household names for tactical boots, we were blown away by Timberland’s approach. Made with premium materials as well as a full range of safety features, these are easily the best on the market.
Key Features
Here you have all the ASTM safety standards including compression, impact and electrical resistance. The soles are non-slip and the full-grain leather and nylon uppers are waterproof and pathogen resistance. Finally, the composite safety toe is metal detector friendly and lightweight.
Best Colors
Even if you aren’t already aware, you’ll soon notice most tactical boots only come in black. However, there are exceptions and we’ll be sure to highlight them throughout this guide.
Also Featured In
- Type: Tactical Boots
- ASTM: None
- Pricing: $380 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Most tactical boots are made abroad and then imported. Therefore, we were thrilled to find that the Acadia range from Danner is made at their Portland factory in Oregon. Handcrafted from premium materials, they’re truly prestigious boots for patrol.
Key Features
One of the most astonishing features is that these boots can be recrafted in their Portland factory. Therefore, when the Vibram Kletterlift soles wear down, you can simply have them replaced, which is very rare. Furthermore, there’s a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing and the Vibram outsole offers excellent shock absorption.
Best Colors
Needless to say, these boots are only available in black. Then again, what else would you need for when in uniform or on duty?
Also Featured In
Overview
For those look for a lighter and more silent boot with extra flexibility, we believe that the best option is the Magnum Stealth Force. A renowned brand for tactical boots, these offer the same quality that you’d expect from their craftsmanship.
Key Features
These boots feature the ASTM safety standards such as impact, compression and electrical resistance. Furthermore, the safety toe is made from a composite just like the shank for a metal detector friendly construction.
Best Colors
Again, these tactical boots are only available in black. However, some magnum models can be found in brown or tan for a more rustic or desert style.
- Type: Tactical Boots
- ASTM: F2413-11
- Pricing: $105 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Most tactical boots can be quite costly so it’s always a hassle when they need replacing. However, the Response IIIs are very affordable at less than $100. Furthermore, you have all the features of many other boots including a handy side-zip for quick and easy removal.
Key Features
You can get these with a safety toe but even the cheaper, non-safety toe version offers minimum ASTM standards. The insole is made by OrthoLite for extra comfort whilst a fibreglass shank provides both stability and comfort. Finally, the slip and oil-resistant carbon rubber outsole gives extra traction.
Best Colors
Of course, being tactical boots, these are only available in black. Then again, would you need them in another colour?
Also Featured In
- Type: Tactical Boots
- ASTM: None
- Pricing: $170 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
A well-rounded boot for regular patrol is essential. This is especially the case when walking or standing can becoming a sprint within split-seconds. We find that the Danner Kinetic performs especially well under these conditions.
Key Features
Thanks to a multi-directional lugged outsole, these boots offer superior traction for quick acceleration. Furthermore, they’re great for sudden movements in different directions and the PU footbed provides the necessary comfort and support under running conditions. There’s also a side-zip for quick removal.
Best Colors
Also available in hot pink… Nope, they’re only made in black!
- Style: Tactical Boots
- ASTM: SATRA WTM 144
- Pricing: $180 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Whether you work in humid areas or your profession often has you up to your ankles in water, waterproofing is an essential feature. Whilst it exists in most tactical footwear, some perform better than others. Bates Footwear have mastered this into an art-form.
Key Features
Firstly, the soles are SATRA WTM-144, which means that they meet high standards for slip resistance. This is a bonus to the Gore-Tex waterproofing for when facing wet environments. You also have a cement welt construction and inside zipper for easy boot removal.
Best Colors
There’s actually a desert option available for the GX-8 boots. Therefore, if your needs require the sandy colour of desert boots, this one ticks the box. Otherwise, there’s black too!
- Style: Desert Boots
- ASTM: None
- Pricing: $285 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
As you may have noticed, most tactical boots only come in black save for the Bates GX-8 above. Therefore, if you work in hot desert environments, you may want something adapted to these conditions.
Key Features
Thanks to the Dri-Lex 3D nylon lining and ventilation perforations, you’ll experience drier and cooler walking as it acts as a climate control feature. Furthermore, the shoes remain lightweight due to the PU Monowrap, which doesn’t sacrifice stability.
Best Colors
As something a little different, these don’t actually come in black but only in a sandy desert shade. We particularly like the style of these are there are four tones of light beige for some visual interest.
Also Featured In
- Type: Hunting Boots
- ASTM: None
- Pricing: $140 [Buy From Wolverine]
Overview
Although technically tactical boots, these satisfy altogether different needs rather than emergency work. If hunting is a passion of yours, these are the ideal companions from Wolverine.
Key Features
Wolverine’s proprietary PC dry waterproof lining keeps your feet in good shape whilst 800 gram of 3M Thinsulate offers superior insulation. Furthermore, a nylon shank adds extra stability. Finally, a full-cushion footbed and compression-moulded EVA midsole ensures all-day comfort.
Best Colors
Made from RealTree Xtra printed camouflage, these boots aren’t black but blend you into your environment for the ultimate hunting experience.
Why Wear Tactical Boots?
If you’re in a profession, which requires tactical boots, then you’ll need the best ones that you can afford. Whether you’re in the emergency services, private security or the military, your boots will likely be worn at least 10 hours a day.
Wearing poor boots will can cause injury over the long run and you could experience disorders such as bunions or even Plantar Fasciitis.
Furthermore, the professions that require tactical boots are often hazardous. You may frequently find yourself in harm’s way and could benefit from the extra protection that they usually offer.
Best Tactical Boot Features
Depending on their cost or quality, tactical boots can offer a number of different feature. Let’s quickly cove