Best Tactical Boots for Men and Women (2023)

Professionals in the military, firefighting, law enforcement, construction industries and even outdoor enthusiasts swears by a pair of tactical boots. These boots have a robust design to withstand some of the harshest conditions. They offer optimum protection from extremities like hard, concrete floors and stressful situations like combat environments.

The best tactical boots have excellent traction, are water resistant, absorb shock, and are breathable. We are here to address some of the best tactical boots on the market. We’ve figured it’s not that easy walking into a store and picking just any boots that claim to be tactical.

On this article, you’ll find out about the top-rated boots in this category.

Best Tactical Boots Reviews

10. Original S.W.A.T 9-Inch Women’s Classic Tactical Boot

The Original S.W.A.T 9-Inch Women’s Classic Tactical Boot combines comfort and performance. It comes in a women’s fit with a slimmer edge so it won’t require any breaking in. It is tailor-made to a woman’s frame such that you will stay effective in all operations. This boot boasts full grain leather and 1000 denier nylon upper. It is perhaps the most durable boot you’ll get at its price range.

It has a molded-phylon midsole that provides the cushioning. It helps to support the arch such that your feet are footed firmly in the shoe at all times. The custom EVA insole is removable. You’ll get lots of support from the shock absorbing nylon shank. Not to mention, it has a non-marking rubber outsole which is great if you’ll be working in environments that require non-marking outsoles as a regulation.

Pros

  • Exceeds ASTM standards on non-slippery qualities
  • It is foam padded on the collar, and the tongue is ventilated


Cons

  • It is only available in one color

9. HQ ISSUE Men's Waterproof Side Zip Tactical Boots

Are you going to be hitting the rugged countryside anytime soon? Then you need to be in this pair of the HQ ISSUE. It is an interesting brand with a tough exterior and a soft inside. It goes from being waterproof and extremely rugged to being well-cushioned thanks to the removable liner. It explores some pretty uppers with a blend of suede and nylon. It also has a gusseted tongue to keep debris and dirt outside.

Don’t worry about locking in moisture since the mesh lining will wick away any sweat. It gets you sure-footed on all surfaces being water and oil resistant. Now you can beat the path riddled with rocks and swamps in the HQ ISSUE.

Pros

  • The pair has a side zipper for easy putting on.
  • It has a comfortable padded tongue and collar


Cons

  • They can run a little bit bigger to size

8. adidas Performance Men's GSG-9.7 Tactical Boot

Adidas is probably known for their sports sneakers, and when they make a tactical boot, we are keen to see what it brings to the table. The GSG-9.7 features a full grain leather upper that guarantees you years of good use. It is complemented by CORDURA nylon on the quarter to improve its overall longevity. The toe area features Adidas’ ADITUFF. It is an abrasion-resistant material that adorns the toe area and prevents excessive wear.

For the cushion and impact support, it boasts a padded interior plus a large radius medial arch area. You’ll appreciate that it carries the famous Ortholite liner that is synonymous with moisture wicking and odor resistance. You can be out in the wilderness for a couple of days and feel fresh in these boots.

Pros

  • It has adiprene for cushioning under the heel
  • It carries TRAXION outsole to offer maximum grip


Cons

  • It does not have a steel toe

7. Polar Products Women’s Mid-Calf Walking Tactical Boots

Frigid weather in tactical boots can be a pain in the foot if they are not warm enough. That’s where the Polar Products model comes in. It is built with the ruggedness of a tactical boot, but it maintains the warmth to get you through snow paths. The upper is waterproofed with a quilted nylon construction. It protects from the weather and even helps to keep your feet toasty.

What’s more, it has a fully lined interior which adds to the safety and cushioning. You’ll love the stylish look as it features a simple hook and loop closure system. This pair is available in fashionable accents for every woman that is keen on detail even in winter months.

Pros

  • It carries deep treads on the thick outsole
  • It is entirely waterproofed and well-cushioned


Cons

  • Some sizes can run small primarily because they have a design for a narrow lady’s foot

6. Bates Women's Ultra-Lites Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot

If you’ve ever ended up on the beaten paths of a desert-like environment, you know how it feels to feel hot without the option of removing your shoes. The Bates Tactical Boots are an excellent choice for such conditions. They feature a breathable lining and mesh upper alongside the leather construction. You can count it for tough expeditions thanks to the shock-absorbing pads and rubber outsole.

With the removable insoles, you’ll be able to clean them and stay fresh for another tough expedition. This pair is a match for slippery surfaces owing to the skid-resistance outsole. It lets you walk with confidence so that you can venture deeper into the woods, and perform better in combat situations.

Pros

  • The side zip saves you time wearing and removing this boot
  • Moisture-wicking liner keeps the foot dry at all times


Cons

  • It is a bit heavy so you may need to watch the load you take on the shoulders

5. Smith & Wesson Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Side Zip Boots

It’s no doubt that some activities take you through water trails and puddles. Getting out of such paths dry might not be foreseeable in just any type of boot. But the Smith & Wesson brand is here to give you some confidence and functionality. This is not your everyday tactical boot. It showcases an EVA midsole that is heavily padded for arch support. The nylon shank keeps your feet stabilized in that you’ll get all-day support.

It can face harsh extremities since the leather and nylon upper will get you out of the thickets with ease. It also has a gusseted tongue to keep out dirt and debris. The rubber outsole carries a unique set of tread. It is deep and can give sure grip on waxed surfaces as well as slippery and rugged floors.

Pros

  • It reduces foot fatigue by using an EVA midsole
  • The high-quality construction comes at a reasonable price


Cons

  • The uppers cannot be polished

4. 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C. 8" Storm Boot

The ATAC Storm Boot comes from a need for performance and functionality. This is especially a requirement in professional environments where shoes can determine how much you put in. This model features the harsh accents of a tactical boot. For those in the law enforcement industry, you’ll feel the full protection of the full grain and nylon upper. The leather supports the foot and provides it with high stability.

It comes with a semi-rigid heel. This gives you the additional flexibility to help with controlled movements. You’ll appreciate that it has injected molded phylon midsole. It helps in hugging the feet such that fatigue delays for a little longer. The breathable lining will also keep you dry which means it beats odors.

Pros

  • Comfortable for all-day support
  • Entirely waterproof and breathable


Cons

  • The boot does not carry a steel toe

3. Bates Men's GX-8 8 Inch Ultra-Lites GTX Waterproof Boot

With over a century of shoe manufacturing experience, the Bates brand has risen to the top of the ranks in the Tactical Boots category. This 8-inch boot starts with the popular side zip that is synonymous with all tactical boots. It follows up with a heavy-duty design built to overcome all obstacles in the field. It has full grain leather upper and EVA midsole. This combination gives you support, durability, and a soft footing.

It offers you an incredible feel since the forefoot pads provide shock-absorbing properties to the toe area. It is also lined with foam along the heel to even out the comfort over every inch of the foot. The collar and tongue are also padded. It carries a rubber outsole that is skid resistant to water and oil. It works best for officers on duty at a station where you need to stand for long.

Pros

  • It has breathable mesh lining
  • It can stay durable and in excellent condition owing to the full grain leather upper


Cons

  • Not entirely waterproofed

2. Daily Shoes Women’s Military Buckle Up Lace-Up Bootie

Women in the military also need to showcase a stylish side on the boots you wear. If you are not on call, a weekend can be spent in the Daily Shoes Bootie. It has decorative stitching on the sides to add a little detail to an everyday military boot. This boot explores a low profile at only six inches high. This aspect makes it lightweight such that you have more speed than you would in a more cumbersome tactical boot.

The uppers can resist wear as they are built of vegan leather. These boots will help you venture on all terrains as they feature slip-resistant outsoles. What you have is a versatile boot that has a hidden zipper pocket where you can store essential items that you can’t afford to lose. It gives you convenient utility in a pair that’s going to last in the best condition.

Pros

  • Crafted from premium materials
  • Comes with a small utility pocket


Cons

  • They may need extra cushioning around the ankle

1. Maelstrom Men’s TAC Force 8 Military Tactical Boot

Maelstrom is another top manufacturer or military and law enforcement goods. The TAC Force 8 is one of their most sought designs. It offers you the correct dose of comfort, performance, and durability. You have boots that explore modern technology to bring the most reliable design. First, you have the polishable leather upper that combines nylon to improve its strength. It remains lightweight so it won’t feel like a drag when you have to walk for long distances.

Looking at the interior, you have a shock-absorbent inlay to give all-day comfort. It gets you to actually enjoy being in these boots even in hostile environments. The lining helps to wick away sweat and keep out odors. This way, you won’t be caught up in fungi and smelly feet when working in hot environments. This is your everyday tactical boot. You can’t afford to pass it on.

Pros

  • It has conforming interior padding to ease off the pressure from the feet
  • It is lightweight even with the leather and nylon upper


Cons

  • They can run small for people with wide feet

Picking the right tactical boots goes a long way in ensuring you are always comfortable and well protected. The models on our list bring in some of the best aspects of tactical boots. You’ll find durable brands with comfort features for everyday support. Go on and choose the pair with those features that suit your working environment.  


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