Best Military Boots of 2024 – Tactical Boots

Whether you’re a soldier, law enforcement officer, or a hunter, reliable tactical boots are essential for ensuring comfort and protecting your feet from potential injuries. The demands of various activities, such as weight-carrying, breathability, ankle support, and traction, require a careful consideration when selecting the right pair of boots. In this article, we’ve made a selection of top-tier military boots, catering to a range of needs and preferences. From heavy-load-bearing boots to lightweight options ideal for daily tasks. While these boots vary in specialization, they all share common qualities like robustness, durability, and excellent value for the money. Let’s explore the best tactical boots and find the perfect fit for your activities.

1. Our Picks of Military Boots

1. Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid
2. Adidas GSG 9.2 Boots
3. 5.11 A.T.A.C. 2.0 Boots
4. Under Armour Valsetz RTS
5. Magnum Response III 8.0 Side-Zip

2. Comparison of Military Boots

Feature/Product	Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid	Adidas GSG 9.2	5.11 TacLite A.T.A.C. 2.0 6''	Under Armour Valsetz RTS	Magnum Response III 8.0 Side-Zip
Weight (pair)	2 lbs. 7 oz. (1100 g)	2 lbs. 10 oz. (1200 g)	2 lbs. 9 oz. (1156 g)	2 lbs. 7 oz. (1120 g)	3 lbs. (1400 g)
Upper Material	Split Grain Leather & Cordura	Full Grain Leather & Textile	Split Grain Leather & 840D Nylon	Synthetic Leather & Textile	Split Grain Leather & Textile
Lining	Gore-Tex	Climaproof	Ortholite	Polyester	Polyester
Midsole	PU	EVA	EVA & PU stabilizer	EVA & PU stabilizer	EVA
Outsole	Lowa Cross II	Traxion	5.11	UA	Magnum
Height	Over-the-ankle	Full-height	Over-the-ankle (6 in.)	Over-the-ankle (7 in.)	Full-height (8 in.)
Waterproof	Yes	Yes	No	No	No

3. The Selection

1. Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid

The Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid boots are very popular among soldiers for their exceptional support and cushioning. By being lightweight and highly breathable, they ensure optimal comfort even during extended wear. Featuring split-grain leather/Cordura uppers, they offer excellent abrasion resistance, enhancing durability in rugged environments. Setting them apart from other products in this review are the polyurethane midsoles, which contribute to superior comfort and support, particularly when carrying heavy loads such as tactical vests and backpacks. However, what we like less is that PU midsoles increase the price making these boots quite expensive. The boots are also equipped with Gore-Tex lining and thus excel in keeping your feet dry on rainy days. We find the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid boots ideal for individuals frequently tasked with carrying heavy equipment in the field. For those seeking a variation without Gore-Tex lining, Lowa also offers the Zephyr TF model, providing flexibility to accommodate different preferences. Available in a range of colors, the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid boots cater to both style and functionality preferences, ensuring you’re prepared for any mission or outdoor adventure.

 

2. Adidas GSG 9.2 Boots

The Adidas GSG 9.2 tactical boots offer a slightly higher profile compared to the Lowa Zephyr boots, making them a great option for urban combat scenarios. Trusted by SWAT teams in the US and the esteemed GSG 9 unit in Germany, these boots feature robust full-grain uppers that deliver exceptional protection and durability in demanding environments. Engineered with Climaproof lining, the Adidas boots ensure your feet remain dry even in wet conditions, while also combating odor buildup for long-lasting freshness. The midsole is made from EVA foam and provides lightweight cushioning, supplemented by an ADIPRENE insert under the heel for enhanced shock absorption and comfort. What we like about these boots is their durability, functionality and low weight. The boots are available exclusively in black.

 

3. 5.11 A.T.A.C. Boots

The 5.11 A.T.A.C. 2.0 6” military boots are very light and breathable. They are designed for various tactical tasks in hot and arid climates. The 5.11 boots feature split-grain leather/nylon uppers which provide good durability and breathability. Unlike, the products mentioned above, they do not have waterproof lining. Nevertheless, that makes them dry much faster and increase the breathability. We found the EVA midsole to be relatively soft but since the boots also have polyurethane stabilizers, they provide relatively good stability. The outsole has multi-directional lugs for good traction and is oil- and slip-resistant. The 5.11 A.T.A.C. boots are also available in black color, in full-height version and with a side zipper. We recommend them to those who need top-tier footwear for hot and dry weather.

 

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4. Under Armour Valsetz RTS

The Under Armour Valsetz RTS is a lightweight yet resilient tactical boot. These boots are engineered to tackle any tactical task with ease. We really liked the synthetic leather/textile upper adorned with a welded, abrasion-resistant film because it provides great  durability without compromising on breathability. While synthetic leather may lack air permeability, the predominant textile composition ensures ample airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable throughout your endeavors. Support is paramount, and the Valsetz RTS delivers on all fronts. With an EVA foam midsole complemented by a polyurethane shank, these boots strike the perfect balance between cushioning and stability, providing reliable mid-foot support when you need it most. Coupled with an odor-resistant lining, your feet stay fresh and comfortable, even during extended wear. While not waterproof, the Valsetz RTS thrives in moderate weather conditions, thanks to its lightweight construction and exceptional support. Available in a range of colors including black, coyote, and desert, as well as a wide version for a tailored fit, there’s a Valsetz RTS to suit every style and preference. In essence, the Under Armour Valsetz RTS epitomizes versatility and performance, offering a blend of lightweight design and unwavering support. Whether navigating urban landscapes or traversing rugged terrain, these boots stand ready to accompany you on your next adventure. So lace up, gear up, and embrace the journey ahead with confidence.

5. Magnum Response III 8.0 Side-Zip

The Magnum Response III 8.0 Side-Zip boot is a rugged yet budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on durability. While these boots may weigh a bit more than their counterparts, they are built to withstand the toughest challenges without breaking the bank. They feature split-grain leather/textile uppers for a good combination of breathability and abrasion resistance thus ensuring your feet stay comfortable and protected in any environment. We were also very happy with the support which is provided by an EVA foam midsole and a fiberglass shank. And let’s not forget the aggressive slip- and oil-resistant carbon rubber outsole, offering exceptional traction on various surfaces.

 

4. Military Boots Buying Guide – What is important?

Weight:

The lighter the boots, the more comfortable they are to wear. In this selection we only included lightweight military boots which utilize sophisticated materials to withstand extreme field use (such as the Cordura fabric which is very sturdy but lightweight). The heaviest pair of boots in this selection weighs around 3 pounds.

Height:

Low-cut boots are best for lightweight day tasks while mid- and high-cut boots are best for tasks that require carrying more equipment (tactical backpack, tactical vest etc.). The higher the boot, the better ankle support and protection it provides. However, keep in mind that high-cut boots don’t provide as good breathability as low-cut boots as they cover more of your calves.

Upper Material:

Military boots typically have uppers made of leather and synthetic materials because such uppers provide good durability, abrasion resistance and breathability.

Different types of leather are used for uppers; full-grain leather, split-grain leather and synthetic leather. Full-grain leather is very durable but not as breathable as split-grain leather. Split-grain leather provides superb breathability but on the other hand it does not match full-grain leather when it comes to abrasion resistance. Synthetic leather (artificial leather) provides good durability but is not air-permeable and thus boots that are equipped with such uppers often make your feet warm and sweaty.

Lining:

The lining is the fabric on the inside of the boot and is typically made of a breathable, moisture-wicking and odor-resistant material. Some boots have waterproof lining (for example Gore-Tex lining). Waterproof boots are slightly less breathable than non-waterproof boots and dry longer. In this selection we listed two pairs of waterproof military boots and three pairs of non-waterproof military boots.

Sole:

The sole consists of an insole (footbed), midsole and an outsole.

The midsole provides cushioning and is made either of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam or PU (polyurethane). PU midsoles are more durable than EVA midsoles (they don’t get “flat” as fast as EVA midsoles) but on the other hand they are also more expensive.

The outsole provides traction and is equipped with lugs. The deeper and thicker the lugs, the better traction it provides.